JP7464267B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

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

Conventionally, there are gaming machines that can notify the player to launch a gaming ball toward the left gaming area (first gaming area) instead of the right gaming area (second gaming area) using a gate sensor located in the second gaming area (Patent Document 1).

JP 2018-143655 A

However, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, many of the gaming balls fired toward the second gaming area are guided to the gate sensor. Therefore, if a player accidentally fires a gaming ball into the second gaming area, even if the player realizes this and stops firing the gaming balls, the gaming balls that have already been fired may enter the gate sensor and an alert may be issued. In such a case, the player who has already realized this and stopped firing may find the alert annoying, which is undesirable.

The gaming machine of the present invention is
a play area having a first play area and a second play area;
A designated entrance and
A plurality of ball entrances different from the predetermined ball entrance;
With a specific outlet,
A launching device capable of launching a game ball toward the game area,
the predetermined ball entrance and the plurality of ball entrances are disposed in the second game area;
The game area includes a first flow path capable of guiding game balls to the predetermined ball inlet and the plurality of ball inlets , a second flow path that does not guide game balls to the predetermined ball inlet, and a branching portion between the first flow path and the second flow path,
The branch portion is
Located upstream of the first flow path,
The predetermined entrance is:
In the first flow path, the inlet port is disposed downstream of the inlet port,
The first flow path is characterized in that game balls that do not enter the multiple ball entry ports are more likely to enter the specified ball entry port than the specific out port .

This invention makes it possible to reduce the annoyance felt by players who have shot a game ball into the second game area but have already stopped shooting when a notification effect is executed.

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. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the sub-control board. (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. 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 a sub-control main process. 13 is a flowchart of a sub-side timer interrupt process. FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board unit of the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view of the game board unit of the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view of the game board unit of the first embodiment and a modified example. FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view of the game board unit of the first embodiment. 1 is a jackpot game control table according to the first embodiment. An explanatory diagram of the left-hit notification display in the first embodiment. A front view of a modified example of a game board unit. FIG. 13 is an enlarged front view of a modified example of a game board unit. An explanatory diagram of a modified example of the left-hit notification display.

The first embodiment of the gaming machine of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. In each of the drawings referred to, the same parts are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions 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 A pachinko gaming machine PY1, which is a first embodiment of the gaming machine of the present invention, will be described. First, the structure of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 will be described with reference to Figs. 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, 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 consists of a left speaker 52L located on the left side and a right speaker 52R located 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 consists of a left frame movable device 58L located on the left side and a right frame movable device 58R located 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. 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 opens," and the electric chute 12D being in the "closed state" is also called "the electric chute 12D closes."

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. 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, 14 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 winning hole 15, a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 14 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., 16R), 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 equipped with a display unit 50a that is configured, for example, with a 20-inch 3D liquid crystal display, a dot display, a 7-segment display, or the like, and is capable of displaying patterns, etc.

The above-board movable device 55 is disposed forward of the display unit 50a, is movable along the display unit 50a, and includes a decorated above-board movable body 55k. The below-board movable device 56 is disposed forward of the display unit 50a, is movable along the display unit 50a, and includes 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 in which they are 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) (see Figure 5 (B)). 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 7. As shown in Figures 6 to 7, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 is equipped with a game control board (hereinafter 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, regular drawing lottery, variable display of regular drawing, and auxiliary game, a performance control board (hereinafter referred to as the "sub-control board") 120 that controls performances such as game performances (special drawing variable performance, reserved performance, big win game performance) 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. The main control board 100 can be regarded as a game control unit that controls the game. The sub-control board 120 can be regarded 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 sub-control board 120 and to be able to control the game performance, the customer waiting performance, and the operation promotion performance using the performance means (the image display device 50, the speaker 52, the frame lamp 53, the board lamp 54, the 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 sub-control board 120, and the payout control board 170, and also supplies the necessary power to other devices via these boards. The power supply board 190 is provided with a backup power circuit 192. When power is not being supplied to the pachinko game machine PY1, the backup power circuit 192 supplies power to the game RAM 104 of the main control board 100 and the performance RAM 124 of the sub-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 sub-control board 120 is retained even when the power to the pachinko game machine PY1 is cut off. In addition, a power switch 191 is connected to the power supply board 190. The power supply is switched on and off by turning the power switch 191 on or off. In addition, a backup power 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 circuit for the performance RAM 124 of the sub-control board 120 may be provided on the sub-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 gaming ROM 103 stores programs for performing the main control main processing and main timer interrupt processing, which will be described later. The gaming 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 gaming ROM 103 may be external. The gaming RAM 104 also includes the special symbol reservation memory unit 105 and the regular symbol reservation memory unit 106, which have been described above.

The main control board 100 also includes a gaming I/O (Input/Output) port section 118 for inputting and outputting data and signals, and a RAM clear switch 119 for causing the gaming CPU 102 to clear information stored in the gaming RAM 104.

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 gate sensor that detects a game ball that has entered the first start gate 11, a second start gate sensor that detects a game ball that has entered the second start gate 12, a general prize gate sensor that detects a game ball that has entered the general prize gate 10, a gate sensor 13a that detects a game ball that has passed through the gate 13, a first large prize gate sensor that detects a game ball that has entered the first large prize gate 14, a second large prize gate sensor 15a that detects a game ball that has entered the second large prize gate 15, a specific area sensor 16a that detects a game ball that has passed through the specific area 16 (entered the specific area 16), and a non-specific area sensor 17a that detects a game ball that has passed through the non-specific area 17 (entered the non-specific area 17). When each sensor detects a game ball, it outputs a signal to the main control board 100 according to the detection content. 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 main control board 100 also transmits various commands containing information related to the game to the sub-control board 120 as the game progresses. The sub-control board 120 can grasp the progress of the game (control contents of the game) by the main control board 100 based on the various commands sent from the main control board 100. The connection between the main control board 100 and the sub-control board 120 is a one-way communication connection that only allows signals to be sent from the main control board 100 to the sub-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 sub-control board 120 as a means for restricting the direction of communication.

As shown in FIG. 7, the sub-control board 120 is equipped with a one-chip microcomputer for controlling presentations (hereinafter referred to as the "microcomputer for controlling presentations") 121, which controls the presentations of the pachinko game machine PY1 according to a program. The microcomputer for controlling presentations 121 includes a ROM for presentations 123 that stores programs for controlling presentations as the game progresses using the main control board 100, a RAM for presentations 124 used as a work memory, and a CPU for presentations 122 that executes the programs stored in the ROM for presentations 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 sub-control board 120 also includes an 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. The RTC 139 operates on power when the pachinko game machine PY1 is supplied with power from a specified island power supply device (not shown), and operates on power supplied from a backup power circuit 192 provided on the power supply board 190 when power is not supplied from the island power supply device. 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 on the sub-control board 120. The backup power circuit may include a circuit including a capacitor and an internal battery (such as a button battery).

The image control board 140 is connected to the sub-control board 120. The performance control microcomputer 121 of the sub-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 sub-control board 120 and the image control board 140 is a two-way communication connection that allows both the transmission of signals from the sub-control board 120 to the image control board 140 and the transmission of signals from the image control board 140 to the sub-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 synthesizes 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 unit 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 sub-control board 120. The audio control circuit 161 may be a board with a CPU mounted on it. In this case, the CPU may be made to execute the audio control. In this case, a ROM may be mounted on the board and audio 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 audio control. In this case, the audio data may also be stored in the image ROM 142 of the image control board 140.

The sub-control board 120 is also connected to various switches that serve as input units, 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 sub-control board 120. The sub-control board 120 also outputs signals to the various actuators SA. The sub-control board 120 also controls the lighting of the various lamps SL via a lamp control circuit 151 based on commands received from the main control board 100.

The various switches connected to the sub-control board 120 include a normal button detection switch 40a and a special button detection switch 41a. The normal button detection switch 40a detects when the normal button 40 is pressed. The special button detection switch 41a detects when the special button 41 is pressed. Each detection switch 40a, 41a outputs a signal to the sub-control board 120 according to the detection content. The type and number of switches connected to the sub-control board 120 can be changed as appropriate as long as it does not interfere with gameplay.

The various actuators SA connected to the sub-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 sub-control board 120 can be changed as appropriate as long as it does not interfere with gameplay.

The various lamps SL connected to the sub-control board 120 include a frame lamp 53, a board lamp 54, etc., and cause each lamp to emit light. In detail, the performance control microcomputer 121 creates light emission pattern data (data that determines the on/off state, 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 emission pattern data. Note that data stored in the performance ROM 123 of the sub-control board 120 is used to create the light emission 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 relating to the light emission patterns and operation patterns may be stored in the ROM. The type and number of lamps connected to the sub-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 stop display after performing a variable display). Here, the normal figures that are displayed in a stopped state include winning figures and losing figures. The losing figures of the normal figures are also called "losing normal figures" to distinguish them from the losing figures of the special figures described later. When a winning figure is displayed in a stopped state, 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 in a stopped state, 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 conditions are met. The acquired regular game-related random numbers include regular game pattern random numbers, as shown in FIG. 8 (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. 9(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 as a stop 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 Figure 9 (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. 9 (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 pattern and a loss pattern. 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. 8 (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. 10(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 compares the acquired special symbol random number with the jackpot determination table to determine whether it is a jackpot or a miss. As shown in FIG. 10 (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. 10(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. 10(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. 10(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 random number value) is assigned to the reach judgment result of "reach (reach occurs)" and "no 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 a reach will occur). As shown in FIG. 10(C), it is possible to make the number of reach random numbers 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 a "miss" is referred to as "reach with miss" and "no 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 11 to 12, 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 11) 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 12) as the special pattern variation pattern judgment table.

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 in Figures 11 and 12.

As shown in the rightmost column of the table in Fig. 11-Fig. 12, 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 a reach and miss is called an "SP miss variation," a special chart variation pattern in which an L reach, which is a type of reach, occurs among a reach and miss 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 a reach and miss is called an "N miss variation," and a special chart variation pattern related to a miss without a reach 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. 13 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 the jackpot symbol type random number is determined to be in the jackpot symbol type judgment, judgment of which special symbol variation pattern the special symbol variation pattern random number is determined to be 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) in the case of winning in the first start hole 11 and a pre-reading judgment table (second pre-reading judgment table) in the case of winning in the second start hole 12.

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 multiple round games involving 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. 14. 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. 14, from the 1st round to the 15th 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 16th 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.

Here, the specific area 16 will 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 called 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 called "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. 15, 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 states include 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 determined 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 11 to 12). 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 pachinko gaming machine PY1 is first powered on is a "low probability, low base gaming state" in which a normal probability state and a non-time-saving state are set. This gaming state is also called the "normal gaming state." In the "jackpot gaming state," a hit determination is made but a jackpot determination is not made, so a non-time-saving state is set with the start of a jackpot game. In addition, it is possible to use all or some of the gaming states described above as the gaming state.

4. Main Effects of the Gaming Machine Next, the main effects performed by 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. 16 (A-1), a customer waiting demo video G100 introducing the pachinko game machine PY1 is displayed on the display unit 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. 16 (A-2). The performance settings include the volume setting of the sound output from the speaker 52, the brightness setting of the display unit 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" or the "high 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 unit 50a as shown in FIG. 16 (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 unit 50a as shown in FIG. 16 (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 unit 50a as shown in FIG. 16 (B-3), and can be 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 has a normal early presentation mode before the reach is established in the special chart variation presentation, and a normal late presentation mode after the reach is established. In the normal early presentation mode, one of the daytime normal background image G102, the evening normal background image G103, and the nighttime normal background image G104 is displayed on the display unit 50a, while in the normal late presentation mode, a dedicated background image according to the type of reach is displayed. In addition, a special presentation mode that is set only in the "high probability low base game state" may be provided.

The special probability mode is a presentation mode that can be set when the special chart change presentation is being performed in a "high probability high base game state", and is a presentation mode that indicates a high probability state and a time-saving state. In the special probability mode, for example, as shown in FIG. 16 (B-4), a background image representing space (special probability background image G105) is displayed on the display unit 50a. Furthermore, the special probability mode includes a special probability pre-stage presentation mode before a reach is achieved in the special chart change presentation, and a special probability post-stage presentation mode after a reach is achieved. In the special probability pre-stage presentation mode, the special probability background image G105 is displayed on the display unit 50a, while in the special probability post-stage presentation mode, a dedicated background image according to the type of reach is displayed.

The time-saving presentation mode is a presentation mode that can be set when the special chart change presentation is being performed in the "low probability high base game state", and is a presentation mode that indicates that the state is in the normal probability state and the time-saving state. In the time-saving presentation mode, for example, as shown in FIG. 16 (B-5), a background image representing the sky (time-saving background image G106) is displayed on the display unit 50a. Furthermore, the time-saving presentation mode includes a first stage of time-saving presentation mode before a reach is established in the special chart change presentation, and a second stage of time-saving presentation mode after a reach is established. In the first stage of time-saving presentation mode, the time-saving background image G106 is displayed on the display unit 50a, while in the second stage of time-saving presentation mode, a dedicated background image according to the type of reach is displayed.

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 the jackpot game, as shown in FIG. 16 (C-1), a jackpot opening presentation is performed in which an opening image G107 suggesting the start of the jackpot game and a right-hit image G108 encouraging "right hit" are displayed on the display unit 50a. During the round of the jackpot game, as shown in FIG. 16 (C-2), a round presentation is performed in which a round image G109 indicating the number of rounds and a prize ball number image G110 suggesting the number of prize balls paid out are displayed on the display unit 50a. During the ending of the jackpot game, as shown in FIG. 16 (C-3), a jackpot ending presentation is performed in which an ending image G111 suggesting the presentation mode to be set after the jackpot game and a total prize ball number image G112 suggesting the total prize ball number paid out are displayed on the display unit 50a.

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 jackpot judgment result, the jackpot pattern type judgment result, the reach judgment result, and the special chart change pattern judgment result). In the special chart change performance, the display unit 50a performs a change display 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 (main stop display) is performed. Then, the result of the special chart lottery is notified by the stop display of the performance pattern.

In addition, in the special chart change performance, in addition to the changing display of the performance pattern, it is possible to perform other performances using various performance 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, it is possible to continue other performances even after the display of the performance pattern has stopped.

4-2-1. Performance pattern display area As shown in FIG. 17(A), the display unit 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 unit 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. 17(A), a small pattern area 50c can be provided in one section at the left end (upper left corner) of the upper end of the display unit 50a. The small pattern area 50c is an area that variably displays the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 when the special pattern is being variably displayed. The small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are composed of, for example, number patterns 1 to 9.

In addition, in Figure 17 (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 pattern starts, for example, as shown in Fig. 17(A), the left performance pattern EZ1, the middle performance pattern EZ2, and the right performance pattern EZ3 are displayed frozen on the display unit 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 pattern is not being performed, and the variable display of the special pattern is waiting, as shown in Fig. 17(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. 17 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. 17 (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. 17 (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. 17 (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. 18(A), the reach-established state is maintained for a predetermined time (e.g., 10 seconds), and as shown in FIG. 18(B), the rate 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. 18(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. 18 (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. 19(A), a background image dedicated to the SP reach (background image for the SP reach G113) is displayed on the display unit 50a, and an image indicating that the SP reach has started (title image for the start of the SP reach) G1 is displayed in the center of the display unit 50a. After that, as shown in FIG. 19(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", as shown in FIG. 19(C-1), 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 unit 50a, 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 (jackpot expectation) of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 for each reach stopping in a manner indicating a jackpot. 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 unit 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. 20 (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. 20(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.

4-3-1. Hold performance 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. 20 (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. 20 (C), and the player is notified that the number of reserved special chart 1 is "2". After that, when the special chart change presentation ends and a new special chart change presentation starts, as shown in FIG. 20(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 input devices 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. 21(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 unit 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 unit 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. 21(B), the movable body on the board 55k and the movable body below the board 56k return to the normal standby state 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 of the special button 41 is valid, and with the occurrence of this button operation valid period, as shown in FIG. 22 (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 unit 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. 22(B), and as seen by the player, the on-board movable body 55k moves to overlap the display unit 50a, indicating 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" in the reserve icon display area 50d, may be displayed as a "☆" as shown in FIG. 20(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 is possible to change or add 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. Game control by the game control microcomputer 101 Next, the game control by the game control microcomputer 101 will be described with reference to Figures 23 to 24. Note that counters, timers, buffers, etc. that appear in the game control by the game control microcomputer 101 described below are provided in the game RAM 104.

[1. Main control main processing]
When the power of the pachinko game machine PY1 is turned on, the game control microcomputer 101 provided on the main control board 100 reads out the main control main processing program shown in Fig. 23 from the game ROM 103 and executes it. As shown in the figure, the main control main processing first performs power-on processing (S001). In the power-on processing, permission settings for access to the game RAM 104, settings for the game CPU 102, settings for the SIO, PIO, and CTC (circuit for managing interrupt time), etc. are performed.

Following the power-on process, interrupts are prohibited (S002), and the normal and special symbol main random number update process (S003) is executed. In this normal and special symbol main random number update process (S003), the counter values of the various random numbers shown in Figures 8 (A) and 8 (B) are updated by incrementing them by 1. When the counter value of each random number reaches its upper limit, it returns to "0" and is incremented again. Note that the initial value of each random number counter may be a value other than "0", and may be changed randomly. Also, at least a portion of each random number may be so-called hardware random numbers that are generated using a known random number generation circuit consisting of a counter IC or the like.

When the normal and special symbols 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 repeatedly input to the gaming CPU 102, for example, at a 4 msec cycle. That is, the main timer interrupt process (S005) is executed at a 4 msec cycle. Then, from the end of the main timer interrupt process (S005) to the start of the next main timer interrupt process (S005), the update process of the counter values of various random numbers by the normal and special symbols main random number update process (S003) is repeatedly executed. Note that, if an interrupt pulse is input to the gaming CPU 102 when the interrupt is prohibited, the main timer interrupt process (S005) is not started immediately, but is started after the interrupt is permitted (S004).

[2. Main side timer interrupt processing]
Next, the main timer interrupt process (S005) will be described. As shown in FIG. 24, in the main timer interrupt process (S005), first, the output process (S101) is executed. In the output process (S101), commands and the like set in the output buffer provided in the gaming RAM 104 of the main control board 100 in each process described below are output to the sub-control board 120, the payout control board 170, and the like.

In the input process (S102) that follows the output process (S101), the game 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 game RAM 104 as lower tray full data.

The normal and special symbol main random number update process (S103) that is performed next is the same as the normal and special symbol main random number update process (S003) that is performed in the main control main process of FIG. 23. In other words, the update process of the counter values of the various random numbers shown in FIG. 8 (A) and FIG. 8 (B) is performed both during the execution period of the main side timer interrupt process (S005) and during other periods (the period from the end of the main side timer interrupt process (S005) to the start of the next main side timer interrupt process (S005)).

Following the normal and special symbol main random number update process (S103), the game control microcomputer 101 performs a sensor detection process (S104), then a normal action process (S105), and then a special action process (S106). The sensor detection process, normal action process, and special action process will be described later.

Following the special operation process (S106), a sorting device control process is performed to control the sorting device 16D (S107).

Next, the game control microcomputer 101 executes other processing (S108) and ends the main timer interrupt processing (S005). Other processing (S108) includes power off monitoring processing when the power is turned off, and updating of the timer provided in the game RAM 104. Another other processing (S108) is a payout control processing for paying out prize balls to the player. In the payout control processing, a prize ball request signal is sent to the payout control board 170 in response to the entry of game balls into each winning slot. In other words, the payout control board 170 pays out prize balls based on the prize ball request signal.

The gaming control microcomputer 101 then repeatedly executes steps S002 to S004 of the main control main process (see FIG. 23) until the next interrupt pulse is input to the gaming CPU 102, and when the interrupt pulse is input (approximately 4 msec later), it again executes the main timer interrupt process (S005). In the output process (S101) of the main timer interrupt process (S005) that has been executed again, the gaming control microcomputer 101 outputs the commands, etc. that were set in the output buffer of the gaming RAM 104 in the previous main timer interrupt process (S005).

[2-1. Sensor detection process]
In the sensor detection process (S104), the general winning hole sensor process, the gate sensor process, the second starting hole sensor process, the first starting hole sensor process, the first large winning hole sensor process, the second large winning hole sensor process, and the specific area sensor process are sequentially performed. Then, the commands generated in each process are set in the output buffer of the game 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 look-ahead 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.

[2-2. Normal Operation Processing]
In the normal operation process (S105), a normal symbol waiting process, a normal symbol variation process, a normal symbol determination process, and an auxiliary game control process are sequentially performed. Then, the commands generated in each process 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 the variable display of the normal pattern and auxiliary play are not 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 hit determination result as the normal map change time elapses from the start of the variable display of the normal map 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.

[2-3. Special Action Processing]
In the special operation process (S106), a special symbol waiting process, a special symbol variation process, a special symbol determination process, a big win game control process, and a game state setting process are sequentially performed. Then, the commands generated in each process are set in the output buffer of the gaming RAM 104.

[2-3-1. Special symbol waiting process]
The special symbol standby process is a process that is performed during standby when the special symbol is not being displayed variably, not in a jackpot game state. In the special symbol standby process, a special symbol 2 determination process and a special symbol 2 change pattern determination process are performed based on the special symbol 2 related random number stored in the special symbol 2 reserved memory unit 105b, and a special symbol 2 reserved memory unit shift process is performed. In addition, a special symbol 1 determination process and a special symbol 1 change pattern determination process are performed based on the special symbol 1 related random number stored in the special symbol 1 reserved memory unit 105a, and a special symbol 1 reserved memory unit shift process is performed.

In the special chart 2 determination process, a jackpot determination is performed to determine whether the result is a jackpot or a miss, using the special pattern random number among the special chart 2 related random numbers stored in the first area of the special chart 2 reserved memory unit 105b and a jackpot determination table corresponding to the current game state. If the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot, a jackpot pattern type determination is performed to determine the type of jackpot pattern, using the jackpot pattern type random number among the special chart 2 related random numbers and the special chart 2 jackpot pattern type determination table. Then, a pattern designation command is generated to indicate the determined jackpot pattern type. Also, if the result of the jackpot determination is a miss, a pattern designation command indicating a miss is generated.

The special chart 2 variation pattern determination process is a process performed after the special chart 2 determination process. In the special chart 2 variation pattern determination process, the special chart 2 variation pattern is determined using the special chart variation pattern random number among the special chart 2 related random numbers stored in the first area of the special chart 2 reservation memory unit 105b and the special chart 2 variation pattern table corresponding to the current game state. The determination of the special chart 2 variation pattern is also associated with the number of special chart 2 related random numbers (special chart 2 reservation number) stored in the special chart 2 reservation memory unit 105b. Then, a special chart 2 variation start command representing the determined special chart 2 variation pattern is generated. The special chart 2 variation start command includes information that it is a special chart 2, information about the result of the jackpot determination, information about the result of the reach determination, information about the special chart variation time associated with the special chart 2 variation pattern, and the like. Then, the special chart 2 display unit 81b is caused to start variable display of the special chart 2 based on the special chart variation time associated with the determined special chart 2 variation pattern.

The special chart 2 reserved memory unit shift process is a process that is performed when the special chart 2 determination process and the special chart 2 variation pattern determination process are performed. In the special chart 2 reserved memory unit shift process, the special chart 2 related random numbers stored in the special chart 2 reserved memory unit 105b are shifted by one to the first area side, and the special chart 2 related random numbers in the first area are cleared from the special chart 2 reserved memory unit 105b. In this way, the special chart 2 related random numbers are consumed in the order in which they were obtained. Then, a special chart 2 reserved number command is generated that represents the special chart 2 reserved number after the process.

In the special chart 1 determination process, a jackpot determination is performed to determine whether the result is a jackpot or a miss, using the special pattern random number among the special chart 1 related random numbers stored in the first area of the special chart 1 reserved memory unit 105a and a jackpot determination table corresponding to the current game state. If the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot, a jackpot pattern type determination is performed to determine the type of jackpot pattern, using the jackpot pattern type random number among the special chart 1 related random numbers and the special chart 1 jackpot pattern type determination table. Then, a pattern designation command is generated to indicate the determined jackpot pattern type. Also, if the result of the jackpot determination is a miss, a pattern designation command indicating a miss is generated.

The special chart 1 variation pattern determination process is a process performed after the special chart 1 determination process. In the special chart 1 variation pattern determination process, the special chart 1 variation pattern is determined using the special chart variation pattern random numbers among the special chart 1 related random numbers stored in the first area of the special chart 1 reservation storage unit 105a and the special chart 1 variation pattern table corresponding to the current game state. The determination of the special chart 1 variation pattern is also associated with the number of special chart 1 related random numbers (special chart 1 reservation number) stored in the special chart 1 reservation storage unit 105a. Then, a special chart 1 variation start command representing the determined special chart 1 variation pattern is generated. The special chart 1 variation start command includes information that it is a special chart 1, information on the result of the jackpot determination, information on the result of the reach determination, information on the result of the jackpot type determination, information on the special chart variation time associated with the special chart 1 variation pattern, and the like. Then, the special chart 1 display 81a is caused to start variable display of the special chart 1 based on the special chart variation time associated with the determined special chart 1 variation pattern.

The special chart 1 reserved memory unit shift process is a process that is performed when the special chart 1 determination process and the special chart 1 variation pattern determination process are performed. In the special chart 1 reserved memory unit shift process, the special chart 1 related random numbers stored in the special chart 1 reserved memory unit 105a are shifted by one to the first area side, and the special chart 1 related random numbers in the first area are cleared from the special chart 1 reserved memory unit 105a. In this way, the special chart 1 related random numbers are consumed in the order in which they were obtained. Then, a special chart 1 reserved number command is generated that represents the special chart 1 reserved number after the process.

In this embodiment, if both the special chart 2 reserved number and the special chart 1 reserved number exist, the special chart 2 determination process is performed with priority, and the variable display of special chart 2 and the variable display of special chart 1 are not performed in parallel.

[2-3-2. Special symbol variation processing]
The special symbol variation process is a process performed during the variable display of the special symbol. In the special symbol variation process, as the special symbol variation time elapses, the special symbol display device 81 ends the variable display of the special symbol and stops displaying the special symbol according to the result of the jackpot determination. If the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot, the jackpot symbol indicating the jackpot is stopped and displayed, and if the result of the jackpot determination is a miss, the miss symbol indicating a miss is stopped and displayed. Then, a special symbol variation stop command indicating the end of the variable display of the special symbol is generated.

[2-3-3. Special symbol determination process]
The special pattern determination process is a process performed when the special pattern is stopped. In the special pattern determination process, if the currently stopped special pattern is a jackpot pattern, the game is transitioned to a jackpot game state. Then, an opening command indicating the start of a jackpot game is generated. The opening command includes information regarding the result of the jackpot type determination. Also, if the currently stopped special pattern is a losing pattern and the high probability state is to be terminated, a normal probability state is set. Then, a high probability end command indicating a transition to a normal probability state is generated. Also, if the currently stopped special pattern is a losing pattern and the time-saving state is to be terminated, a non-time-saving state is set. Then, a time-saving end command indicating a transition to a non-time-saving state is generated. Note that if the currently stopped special pattern is a losing pattern and the number of reserved special patterns 2 and the number of reserved special patterns 1 are "0", a customer waiting command indicating that the pachinko game machine PY1 is in a standby state is generated.

[2-3-4. Jackpot game control process]
The jackpot game control process is a process performed in the jackpot game state. In the jackpot game control process, a jackpot game is played using a jackpot game control table. After transition to the jackpot game state, each round of play is started according to the passage of the opening time or closing time. Then, a round game command indicating the start of the round game is generated. Also, an ending is started according to the end of the final round game. Then, an ending command indicating the end of the jackpot game is generated. The ending command includes information regarding the result of the jackpot type determination.

[2-3-5. Game status setting process]
The game state setting process is a process performed when the jackpot game state ends. In the game state setting process, when changing from a normal probability state to a high probability state, the high probability state is set when the jackpot game state ends. When limiting the duration of the high probability state, the duration of the high probability state (for example, the number of times the special chart can be displayed in a variable manner in which the high probability state can continue without winning a jackpot) is also set. Then, a high probability setting command is generated that indicates the setting of the high probability state. Also, when changing from a non-time-saving state to a time-saving state, the time-saving state is set when the jackpot game state ends. When limiting the duration of the time-saving state, the duration of the time-saving state (for example, the number of times the special chart can be displayed in a variable manner in which the time-saving state can continue without winning a jackpot) is also set. Then, a time-saving setting command is generated that indicates the setting of the time-saving state.

The commands generated by the game control microcomputer 101 in each process can be added or modified as appropriate.

6. Control of performance by the performance control microcomputer 121 Next, the control of performance by the performance control microcomputer 121 will be described with reference to Fig. 25 and Fig. 26. Note that counters, timers, flags, buffers, etc. that appear in the following description of the control of performance by the performance control microcomputer 121 are provided in the performance RAM 124.

[1. Sub-control main processing]
When the power of the pachinko game machine PY1 is turned on, the performance control microcomputer 121 provided on the sub-control board 120 reads out the program of the sub-control main process shown in Fig. 25 from the performance ROM 123 and executes it. As shown in the figure, the sub-control main process first performs power-on processing in response to power-on (S4001). In the power-on processing, for example, the settings of the performance CPU 122, the SIO, PIO, CTC (circuit for managing interrupt time), etc. are performed.

Next, interrupts are prohibited (S4002), and random number seed update processing is executed (S4003). In the random number seed update processing (S4003), the values of various random number counters for determining various effects are updated to make judgments regarding various effects. As an example, the method of updating the random number counters for determining various effects can be the same as the normal and special symbol main random number update processing 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 normal and special symbol main random number update processing performed by the main control board 100 described above.

When the random number seed update process is completed, the command transmission process is executed (S4004). In the command transmission process, various commands stored in the output buffer in the performance RAM 124 of the sub-control board 120 are transmitted to the image control board 140. The image control board 140 that receives the command displays an image on the display unit 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 sub-control board 120 also 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).

The performance control microcomputer 121 then permits interrupts (S4005). Thereafter, steps S4002 to S4005 are looped. While interrupts are permitted, reception interrupt processing (S4010) and sub-side timer interrupt processing (S4011) can be executed.

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 (S101) 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).

[2. Sub-side timer interrupt processing]
The sub-side timer interrupt process (S4011) is executed each time an interrupt pulse with a predetermined period (for example, 1 msec period) is input to the sub-control board 120. As shown in Fig. 26, the sub-side timer interrupt process (S4011) sequentially performs input process (S4101), light emission data output process (S4102), movable device control process (S4103), watchdog timer process (S4104), received command analysis process (S4105), performance timer update process (S4106), sound control process (S4107), and performance data creation process (S4108).

In the input process, the operation of the normal button detection switch 40a and the special button detection switch 41a that can be operated by the player is detected. In the light emission data output process, light emission data is output to the lamp control circuit 151 to light up lamps such as the frame lamp 53 and the board lamp 54 at a timing that matches the image-based performance, etc., based on the performance data created in the performance data creation process described later. In other words, the performance control microcomputer 121 causes the frame lamp 53 and the board lamp 54 to light up in a predetermined light emission mode according to the light emission data. In the movable device control process, drive data is output to perform a movable body performance that operates movable devices such as the movable devices 55, 56, and 58 at a predetermined timing based on the performance data created in the performance data creation process. In other words, the performance control microcomputer 121 performs a movable body performance that operates the movable devices 55, 56, and 58 in a predetermined operating mode according to the drive data. In the watchdog timer process, the watchdog timer is reset.

In the received command analysis process, the command stored in the receive buffer of the performance RAM 124 by the receive interrupt process (S4010) is analyzed, and processing according to the command (for example, selecting a performance, setting a performance mode, setting a command, etc.) is carried out. In the performance timer update process, the timer for measuring the time related to each performance is updated. In the audio control process, audio data (data that controls the audio output from the speaker 52) is created and output to the audio control circuit 161 based on the results of the received command analysis process. In the performance data creation process, performance data is created based on the results of the received command analysis process.

7. Description of Features of First Embodiment A further detailed description of the features of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the first embodiment will be given below.

7-1. Game Board Unit First, the game board unit YU of the pachinko game machine PY1 of the first embodiment will be further described using Fig. 2 and Fig. 27 to Fig. 30. The game board unit YU has a game board 1 as shown in Fig. 27. An approximately circular opening 1A is formed in the approximate center of the game board 1. Along the opening 1A, an approximately ring-shaped inner wall portion 1B for partitioning a game area 6 in which game balls can flow down is formed protruding forward. Also, on the outside of the inner wall portion 1B, an approximately ring-shaped outer wall portion 1C for partitioning the game area 6 is formed protruding forward. Thus, a game area 6 surrounded by the inner wall portion 1B, the outer wall portion 1C, etc. is formed on the front surface of the game board 1.

The play area 6 is an area where game balls launched by operating the handle 72k can flow down. In this play area 6, a large number of game nails and windmill nails are protruding as shown in FIG. 27. The large number of game nails form a path that appropriately guides game balls that enter the play area 6 and flow down the left play area 6L or the right play area 6R to the first start opening 11, the second start opening 12, the first general winning opening 10A, the second general winning opening 10B, the third general winning opening 10C, and the large winning opening 15, which will be described later. In addition, the windmill nails form a path that appropriately guides game balls that enter the play area 6 and flow down the left play area 6L to the first start opening 11, the first general winning opening 10A, and the second general winning opening 10B (see FIG. 27).

The game area 6 is provided with the above-mentioned first start winning device 11D including the first start opening 11 (see FIG. 27). The first start opening 11 of the first start winning device 11D is located in the center below the display unit 50a in the game area 6, and can be entered by a game ball flowing down the first flow path R1. In this embodiment, when a game ball enters the first start opening 11, three game balls are paid out as prize balls.

The game area 6 is also provided with the above-mentioned electric chute 12D including the second starting port 12 (see FIG. 27). This electric chute 12D is located at the lower right end of the game area 6, and game balls flowing down the above-mentioned second flow path R2 can enter the electric chute 12D. In this embodiment, when a game ball enters the second starting port 12 of the electric chute 12D, one game ball is paid out as a prize ball.

In addition, three general winning openings 10 (first general winning opening 10A, second general winning opening 10B, and third general winning opening 10C) are provided in the game area 6 (see FIG. 27). The first general winning opening 10A is located to the lower left of the display unit 50a in the game area 6, and game balls flowing down the first flow path R1 can enter. The second general winning opening 10B is located between the first general winning opening 10A and the first starting opening 11 in the game area 6 when viewed from the left to right, and game balls flowing down the first flow path R1 that did not enter the first general winning opening 10A can enter. Furthermore, the third general winning opening 10C is located between the first starting opening 11 and the second starting opening 12 in the game area 6 when viewed from the left to right, and game balls flowing down the second flow path R2 can enter. In this embodiment, when a game ball enters the first general winning opening 10A or the second general winning opening 10B, three game balls are paid out as prize balls, and when a game ball enters the third general winning opening 10C, one game ball is paid out as prize ball.

In this embodiment, the entry of a game ball into the third general winning hole 10C during normal game play triggers the left-hand hit notification effect described below.

Furthermore, the game area 6 is provided with a normal map start port 13 (see FIG. 27). In this embodiment, the normal map start port 13 is a start port that can trigger the above-mentioned normal map lottery and the variable display of the normal map. This normal map start port 13 is located below and to the right of the display unit 50a in the game area 6, and game balls flowing down the second flow path R2 can enter it. In this embodiment, when a game ball enters the normal map start port 13, one game ball is paid out as a prize ball.

The game area 6 is also provided with a large prize device 15D ("VAT15D") including a large prize opening 15 (see FIG. 27). This large prize device 15D is the same as the second large prize device 15D described above. The large prize opening 15 of the large prize device 15D is located above the electric chute 12D in the game area 6, and can be entered by game balls flowing down the second flow path R2. In this embodiment, when a game ball enters the large prize opening 15, 15 game balls are paid out as prize balls.

The game area 6 is also provided with three outlets 19 (first outlet 19A, second outlet 19B, and third outlet 19C) that discharge game balls that have been shot into the game area 6 but have not won any of the winning holes to the outside of the game area 6 (see FIG. 27). The first outlet 19A is located at the lower center end of the game area 6, and game balls that have flowed down the first flow path R1 and game balls that have flowed down the second flow path R2 can enter. The second outlet 19B is located at the right center end of the game area 6, and game balls that have flowed down the second flow path R2 can enter. Furthermore, the third outlet 19C is located near the third general winning hole 10C in the game area 6, and game balls that have flowed down the second flow path R2 can enter.

In this embodiment, the first flow path R1 is provided with a first starting hole 11, a first general winning hole 10A, and a second general winning hole 10B. Therefore, a player can aim to enter (win) the first starting hole 11, the first general winning hole 10A, or the second general winning hole 10B by shooting the game ball down the first flow path R1 with a left hit. Of the game balls that flow down the first flow path R1, those that do not enter the first starting hole 11, the first general winning hole 10A, the second general winning hole 10B, or the second general winning hole 10B will reach the first outlet 19A. Then, the game ball is discharged to the outside of the game area 6 through the first outlet 19A.

On the other hand, in this embodiment, the large prize opening 15 of the large prize device 15D, the second start opening 12 of the electric chute 12D, the normal start opening 13, and the third normal prize opening 10C are provided on the second flow path R2. Therefore, the player can aim to enter (win) the large prize opening 15, the second start opening 12, the normal start opening 13, or the third normal prize opening 10C by hitting the right side of the ball to make it flow down the second flow path R2. In addition, among the game balls that flow down the second flow path R2, those that do not enter the large prize opening 15, the second start opening 12, the normal start opening 13, or the third normal prize opening 10C will reach the first outlet 19A, the second outlet 19B, or the third outlet 19C. Then, the game ball is discharged outside the game area 6.

The second flow path R2 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 27 to 30. Figure 28 is an enlarged view of the first region PA1 shown in Figure 27, Figure 29 is an enlarged view of the second region PA2 shown in Figure 27, and Figure 30 is an enlarged view of the third region PA3 shown in Figure 27. The second flow path R2 in this embodiment is composed of a first partial flow path R2A (see FIG. 28), a second partial flow path R2B (see FIG. 28), a third partial flow path R2C (see FIG. 28), a fourth partial flow path R2D (see FIG. 29(A)), a fifth partial flow path R2E (see FIG. 29(A)), a sixth partial flow path R2F (see FIG. 29(B)), a seventh partial flow path R2G (see FIG. 29(B)), an eighth partial flow path R2H (see FIG. 29(C)), a ninth partial flow path R2I (see FIG. 29(C)), a tenth partial flow path R2J (see FIG. 29(D)), an eleventh partial flow path R2K (see FIG. 30), a twelfth partial flow path R2L (see FIG. 30), and a thirteenth partial flow path R2M (see FIG. 30). The second flow path R2 has a first branch J1 (see FIG. 28), a second branch J2 (see FIG. 29(A)), a third branch J3 (see FIG. 29(B)), a fourth branch J4 (see FIG. 29(C)), a fifth branch J5 (see FIG. 29(D)), and a sixth branch J6 (see FIG. 30).

When a game ball flowing down the first partial flow path R2A shown in FIG. 28 reaches the first branch J1 located at the most upstream position of the second flow path R2, it flows down to the second partial flow path R2B or the third partial flow path R2C. In other words, the game ball that flows down the first partial flow path R2A is distributed to the second partial flow path R2B or the third partial flow path R2C at the first branch J1.

A game ball that enters the second partial flow path R2B can enter the large prize opening 15, the second start opening 12, the normal start opening 13, or the third general prize opening 10C. On the other hand, a game ball that enters the third partial flow path R2C will reach the second outlet 19B. In other words, a game ball that enters the third partial flow path R2C cannot enter the various prize openings (large prize opening 15, the second start opening 12, the normal start opening 13, and the third general prize opening 10C) arranged in the second flow path R2, and will be discharged outside the game area 6.

In this embodiment, the game nails around the first branch J1 are arranged so that the game balls that flow down the first partial flow path R2A are equally allocated to both the second partial flow path R2B and the third partial flow path R2C (see FIG. 28). Therefore, the game balls that flow down the first partial flow path R2A can enter both the second partial flow path R2B and the third partial flow path R2C equally through the first branch J1.

Next, when the game ball flowing down the second partial flow path R2B reaches the second branch J2 of the second flow path R2, it flows down to the fourth partial flow path R2D or the fifth partial flow path R2E (see FIG. 29(A)). In other words, the game ball that has flowed down the second partial flow path R2B is distributed to the fourth partial flow path R2D or the fifth partial flow path R2E at the second branch J2.

A game ball that enters the fourth partial flow path R2D can enter the second starting hole 12 or the third general winning hole 10C. On the other hand, a game ball that enters the fifth partial flow path R2E can enter the general starting hole 13, the second starting hole 12, or the third general winning hole 10C. In other words, a game ball that enters the fourth partial flow path R2D cannot enter the general starting hole 13.

In this embodiment, the game nails around the second branch J2 are arranged so that the game balls that flow down the second partial flow path R2B are equally allocated to both the fourth partial flow path R2D and the fifth partial flow path R2E (see FIG. 29(A)). Therefore, the game balls that flow down the second partial flow path R2B can enter both the fourth partial flow path R2D and the fifth partial flow path R2E equally through the second branch J2.

Next, when the game ball flowing down the fourth partial flow path R2D reaches the third branch J3 of the second flow path R2, it flows down to the sixth partial flow path R2F or the seventh partial flow path R2G (see FIG. 29(B)). In other words, the game ball that has flowed down the fourth partial flow path R2D is distributed to the sixth partial flow path R2F or the seventh partial flow path R2G at the third branch J3.

A game ball that enters the sixth partial flow path R2F can enter the second starting hole 12 or the third general winning hole 10C. A game ball that enters the seventh partial flow path R2G can then flow down the ninth partial flow path R2I described below and enter the second starting hole 12 or the third general winning hole 10C. In other words, both a game ball that enters the sixth partial flow path R2F and a game ball that enters the seventh partial flow path R2G can enter the second starting hole 12 or the third general winning hole 10C. However, as shown in FIG. 29(B), the sixth partial flow path R2F is located to the right of the seventh partial flow path R2G (ninth partial flow path R2I) in the game area 6, and is closer to the electric chute 12D located downstream to the right of the game area 6. Therefore, when the electric chute opening/closing member 12k of the electric chute 12D is in the open state and the second starting port 12 is opened, a game ball flowing down the sixth partial flow path R2F is more likely to roll on the open electric chute opening/closing member 12k and enter (win) the open second starting port 12 than a game ball flowing down the seventh partial flow path R2G.

In this embodiment, the nails around the third branch J3 are arranged so that more of the game balls that flow down the fourth partial flow path R2D are allocated to the sixth partial flow path R2F than to the seventh partial flow path R2G (see FIG. 29B). Therefore, the game balls that flow down the fourth partial flow path R2D pass through the third branch J3 and are more likely to enter the sixth partial flow path R2F than the seventh partial flow path R2G. In addition, game balls that enter the sixth partial flow path R2F and do not enter the second starting port 12, or game balls that enter the seventh partial flow path R2G and do not enter the second starting port 12, will enter the tenth partial flow path R2J, which is downstream of the sixth partial flow path R2F and the seventh partial flow path R2G.

Next, when the game ball flowing down the fifth partial flow path R2E reaches the fourth branch J4 of the second flow path R2, it flows down to the seventh partial flow path R2G or the eighth partial flow path R2H (see FIG. 29(C)). In other words, the game ball that has flowed down the fifth partial flow path R2E is distributed to the seventh partial flow path R2G or the eighth partial flow path R2H at the fourth branch J4.

A game ball that enters the eighth partial flow path R2H will enter the regular winning hole 13. On the other hand, a game ball that enters the seventh partial flow path R2G can enter the second starting hole 12 or the third regular winning hole 10C. In other words, a game ball that enters the seventh partial flow path R2G cannot enter the regular starting hole 13.

In this embodiment, the game nails around the fourth branch J4 are arranged so that the game balls that flow down the fifth partial flow path R2E are equally allocated to both the seventh partial flow path R2G and the eighth partial flow path R2H (see FIG. 29(C)). Therefore, the game balls that flow down the fifth partial flow path R2E can enter both the seventh partial flow path R2G and the eighth partial flow path R2H equally through the fourth branch J4.

Next, when the game ball flowing down the seventh partial flow path R2G reaches the fifth branch J5 of the second flow path R2, it flows down to the sixth partial flow path R2F or the ninth partial flow path R2I (see FIG. 29(D)). In other words, the game ball that has flowed down the seventh partial flow path R2G is distributed to the sixth partial flow path R2F or the ninth partial flow path R2I at the fifth branch J5.

Both game balls that enter the sixth partial flow path R2F and the ninth partial flow path R2I can enter the second starting port 12 or the third general winning port 10C. However, as shown in FIG. 29(D), since the sixth partial flow path R2F is closer to the electric chute 12D than the ninth partial flow path R2I, game balls flowing down the sixth partial flow path R2F are more likely to enter (win) the open second starting port 12 than game balls flowing down the ninth partial flow path R2I.

In this embodiment, the nails around the fifth branch J5 are arranged so that more of the game balls that flow down the seventh partial flow path R2G are allocated to the ninth partial flow path R2I than to the sixth partial flow path R2F (see FIG. 29(D)). Therefore, the game balls that flow down the seventh partial flow path R2G pass through the fifth branch J5 and are more likely to enter the ninth partial flow path R2I than the sixth partial flow path R2F. In addition, game balls that enter the sixth partial flow path R2F and do not enter the second starting port 12, or game balls that enter the ninth partial flow path R2I and do not enter the second starting port 12, will enter the tenth partial flow path R2J, which is downstream of the sixth partial flow path R2F and the ninth partial flow path R2I.

Next, when the game ball flowing down the 10th partial flow path R2J reaches the sixth branch J6 of the second flow path R2, it flows down to the 11th partial flow path R2K, the 12th partial flow path R2L, or the 13th partial flow path R2M (see FIG. 30). In other words, the game ball that has flowed down the 10th partial flow path R2J is distributed at the sixth branch J6 to the 11th partial flow path R2K, the 12th partial flow path R2L, or the 13th partial flow path R2M.

A gaming ball that enters the 11th partial flow path R2K will reach the third general winning opening 10C. On the other hand, a gaming ball that enters the 12th partial flow path R2L will reach the third outlet 19C, and a gaming ball that enters the 13th partial flow path R2M will reach the first outlet 19A. In other words, a gaming ball that enters the 12th partial flow path R2L and the 13th partial flow path R2M cannot enter the third general winning opening 10C.

In this embodiment, the game nails around the sixth branch J6 are arranged so that game balls that flow down the tenth partial flow path R2J are allocated more to the eleventh partial flow path R2K than to the twelfth partial flow path R2L and the thirteenth partial flow path R2M (see FIG. 30). Therefore, game balls that flow down the tenth partial flow path R2J pass through the sixth branch J6 and are more likely to enter the eleventh partial flow path R2K than to the twelfth partial flow path R2L and the thirteenth partial flow path R2M.

In addition, in this embodiment, since it is easier for game balls to enter the 11th partial flow path R2K after passing through the sixth branch J6 than the 12th partial flow path R2L or the 13th partial flow path R2M, game balls that have not entered the winning holes located upstream of the third general winning hole 10C can flow down the second flow path R2 and enter the winning holes, allowing the game balls to be paid out to the player.

7-2. Big Win Game Next, the big win game will be described with reference to Fig. 31. There are three types of big win games in this embodiment, a big win game X, a big win game Y, and a big win game Z shown in Fig. 31.

Jackpot game X and jackpot game Y are jackpot games that can be played when the result of the special chart 1 lottery is a jackpot. In both cases, six rounds of play from 1R to 6R are played. However, jackpot game X and jackpot game Y differ in whether or not a specific area 16 is opened in the round play.

Specifically, in the jackpot game X, six rounds from 1R to 6R are played, in which the large prize winning hole 15 is open for a maximum of 29.5 seconds. In the five rounds from 1R to 5R, the specific area 16 is not opened (specifically, there is no transition from the first state (FIG. 3(A)) to the second state (FIG. 3(B))), and in the 6R round, the allocation device 16D is controlled in an operation pattern in which the specific area 16 is opened. Therefore, in the 6R round of the jackpot game X, unlike the other rounds (1R to 5R rounds), the game ball that enters the large prize winning hole 15 can enter the specific area 16. Therefore, if a game ball passes through the specific area 16 in the jackpot game X, the game state thereafter is set to a high probability high base game state. However, if the game ball does not pass through the specific area 16 during the 6R round of big win game X, the game state thereafter is set to a low-probability, high-base game state rather than a high-probability, high-base game state.

On the other hand, in the jackpot game Y, like the jackpot game X, six rounds from 1R to 6R are played, with the jackpot winning hole 15 open for a maximum of 29.5 seconds. However, unlike the jackpot game X, the allocation device 16D is controlled in an operation pattern in which the specific area 16 is not opened in any of the six rounds from 1R to 6R. Therefore, in the jackpot game Y, the game ball that enters the jackpot winning hole 15 does not enter the specific area 16. Therefore, the game state thereafter is set to a low-probability high-base game state, rather than a high-probability high-base game state.

Next, we will explain the jackpot game Z. This jackpot game Z can be played if the result of the special chart 2 lottery is a jackpot. In this jackpot game Z, 10 rounds of play from 1R to 10R are played.

In the jackpot game Z, 10 rounds from 1R to 10R are played, with the jackpot opening 15 open for a maximum of 29.5 seconds. Note that the allocation device 16D is controlled in an operation pattern in which the specific area 16 is opened in the 1R round, but is not opened in the 9 rounds from 2R to 10R. Therefore, in the 1R round of the jackpot game Z, unlike the other rounds (2R to 10R), the game ball that enters the jackpot opening 15 can enter the specific area 16.

If the game ball passes through the specific area 16 during the jackpot game Z, the game state thereafter is set to a high probability high base game state. However, if the game ball does not pass through the specific area 16 during the first round of the jackpot game Z, the game state thereafter is set to a low probability high base game state, not a high probability high base game state.

7-3. Game state Next, the game state will be further explained. The pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment can be set to any one of the game states shown in FIG. 15, namely, "normal game state (low probability low base game state)", "low probability high base game state", "high probability high base game state" and "jackpot game state".

In this embodiment, the normal probability state is set in both the normal game state (low probability, low base game state) and the low probability, high base game state. However, while the time-saving state is not set in the normal game state, the time-saving state is set in the low probability, high base game state. As described above, in the time-saving state, the player can aim for a jackpot with smooth game progress, so the low probability, high base game state is a game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state.

In addition, in the high probability high base game state of this embodiment, a time-saving state is set, just like in the low probability high base game state. Furthermore, it is easier to win a jackpot than in the normal probability state. Therefore, the high probability high base game state is a game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state.

Furthermore, the jackpot game state is a game state in which the above-mentioned jackpot game X, jackpot game Y, or jackpot game Z is executed. Since the jackpot winning hole 15 opens to allow ball entry during the round play of each jackpot game, the jackpot game state is an advantageous game state for the player. In particular, the jackpot winning hole 15 is not open while the game state is set to the normal game state. Therefore, it can be said that the jackpot game state is more advantageous to the player in terms of winning balls resulting from game balls entering the jackpot winning hole 15 than the normal game state.

When the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment is powered on for the first time, the normal game state is set. Then, if the result of the special chart lottery when the normal game state is set is a jackpot, the game state transitions from the normal game state to the jackpot game state, and a jackpot game is played. Specifically, if the result of the special chart 1 lottery is jackpot pattern X, jackpot game X is played while the jackpot game state is set, and if the result is jackpot pattern Y, jackpot game Y is played. Also, if the result of the special chart 2 lottery is jackpot pattern Z, jackpot game Z is played.

After a jackpot game is played, the game state transitions from the jackpot game state to a high probability high base game state or a low probability high base game state. In this embodiment, as described above, if a game ball enters the specific area 16 in the jackpot winning port 15 during the execution of a jackpot game, the game state after the execution of the jackpot game is changed to a high probability high base game state, and if a game ball does not enter the specific area 16, the game state after the execution of the jackpot game is changed to a low probability high base game state.

When the game state is set to a high probability high base game state, the setting of the high probability high base game state can be continued until the number of special drawing (special drawing 1, special drawing 2) reaches a first specific number ("130 times" in this embodiment). In other words, this pachinko game machine PY1 is a game machine ("ST machine") equipped with a maximum first specific number of "ST (Special Time)". Specifically, after the game state is set to a high probability high base game state, if the number of special drawing (special drawing 1, special drawing 2) in the high probability high base game state reaches a first specific number, the game state transitions from the high probability high base game state to the low probability low base game state (normal game state) before the start of the variable display of the special drawing associated with the next special drawing. However, after the game state is set to the high probability high base game state, if the result of the special drawing is a jackpot before the number of special drawing in the high probability high base game state reaches a first specific number, the setting of the high probability high base game state ends midway (i.e., before the number of special drawing reaches a first predetermined number). Then, the game state transitions from the high probability high base game state to the jackpot game state, and the jackpot game is played.

On the other hand, when the low probability high base game state is set, the low probability high base game state setting can be continued until the number of special drawing (special drawing 1, special drawing 2) reaches a second specific number ("100 times" in this embodiment). Specifically, after the game state is set to the low probability high base game state, if the number of special drawing in the low probability high base game state reaches a second specific number, the game state transitions from the low probability high base game state to the low probability low base game state before the start of the next special drawing change. However, after the game state is set to the low probability high base game state, if the result of the special drawing is a jackpot before the number of special drawing in the low probability high base game state reaches the second specific number, the setting of the low probability high base game state ends midway (i.e., before the number of special drawing reaches the second specified number). Then, the game state transitions from the low probability high base game state to the jackpot game state, and the jackpot game is played.

Next, various effects in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 32. The effect control microcomputer 121 in this embodiment can execute a left-handed hit notification effect that prompts the player to hit the ball from the left and launch the ball toward the first starting hole 11.

The left-hand hit notification effect is an image effect using an image G120 showing the text "Please return to left-hand hit" within a rectangular frame on the display unit 50a, as shown in FIG. 32.

The left hit notification effect can be executed when the game transitions to the normal game mode and the normal presentation mode is set. The execution flow of the left hit notification effect in this embodiment is explained below.

Specifically, for example, when a command indicating the entry (entry) of a game ball into the third general winning port 10C is output from the main control board 100, the performance control microcomputer 121 receives the command and determines whether the currently set game state is a normal game state. If it is determined that the currently set game state is a game state other than the normal game state (low probability high base game state, high probability high base game state, or jackpot game state), the performance control microcomputer 121 decides not to execute the left hit notification performance. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is a normal game state, the performance control microcomputer 121 decides to execute the left hit notification performance. Specifically, the performance control microcomputer 121 sets a left hit notification performance start command, which indicates that a left hit notification performance will be performed, in the output buffer of the performance RAM 124. Each left hit notification performance start command set in the output buffer is output to the image control board 140 by the command transmission process of step S4004. When the image control board 140 receives the left hit notification display start command, it displays the above image G120 at the top of the display unit 50a. This starts the execution of the left hit notification display. Then, after a predetermined period of time (three seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed since the start of the display of the image G120, the display of the image G120 ends, and the execution of the left hit notification display ends.

In this embodiment, for example, even when the normal game state is set, when a player is firing a game ball toward the right game area 6R, a left-hit notification effect can be executed that encourages the player to fire the game ball toward the left game area 6L when the game ball enters the third general winning port 10C located in the right game area 6R. Therefore, when the left-hit notification effect is executed, a player who has been firing game balls toward the right game area 6R can switch from the right game area 6R to the left game area 6L and fire game balls, and after the execution of the left-hit notification effect, the player can proceed with the game advantageously.

However, in this embodiment, if a game ball enters the third general winning opening 10C during the normal game state, the left-hit notification effect is executed. Therefore, even if a player who has already stopped shooting a game ball into the right game area 6R realizes this immediately and stops shooting the game ball, the game ball that has already been shot will flow down the right game area 6R and enter the third general winning opening 10C, and the left-hit notification effect will be executed. In that case, the player who has already stopped shooting may feel that the execution of the notification effect is annoying. Moreover, in this embodiment, since the third general winning opening 10C is located at the most downstream of the right game area 6R, the ball may enter the third general winning opening 10C some time after the game ball has stopped being shot into the right game area 6R. Therefore, the left-hit notification effect may be executed when the player has forgotten about it, which may cause the player to feel uncomfortable.

In contrast, in this embodiment, the first branch J1, which is located upstream of the third general winning opening 10C, can distribute the game ball to the third partial flow path R2C, which does not lead to the third general winning opening 10C. Since the game ball is distributed to the third partial flow path R2C by the first branch J1, it is possible to prevent the game ball from entering the second partial flow path R2B, and it is possible to reduce the execution of the left-hit notification performance compared to when such a first branch J1 is not provided.

In addition, since the third general winning opening 10C is located downstream of the second starting opening 12, the large winning opening 15, and the regular winning opening 13 in the second partial flow path R2B, there is a possibility that a game ball that enters the second partial flow path R2B via the first branch J1 will enter the second starting opening 12, the large winning opening 15, and the regular winning opening 13 before reaching the third general winning opening 10C. This makes it possible to further reduce the chance of a game ball that enters the second partial flow path R2B reaching the third general winning opening 10C, and more reliably reduces the execution of the left-hit notification effect.

8. Effects of the First Embodiment As described above in detail, in the pachinko game machine PY1 of the first embodiment, it is more advantageous for the player to shoot the game ball toward the left game area 6L than the right game area 6R during the normal game state, and it is more advantageous for the player to shoot the game ball toward the right game area 6R than the left game area 6L during the jackpot game state, high probability high base game state, or low probability high base game state. When the game ball enters the third general winning port 10C during the normal game state, a left-hit notification effect can be executed. In the game area 6, there is a second partial flow path R2B that can guide the game ball to the third general winning port 10C, a third partial flow path R2C that does not guide the game ball to the third general winning port 10C, and a first branch J1 upstream of the second partial flow path R2B and the third partial flow path R2C. Furthermore, the third general winning port 10C is located downstream of the first branching portion J1 in the game area 6.

Therefore, with this pachinko game machine PY1, it is possible to distribute game balls that reach the first branch J1 to the third partial flow path R2C, which does not lead to the third general winning port 10C. Since the game balls are distributed to the third partial flow path R2C at the first branch J1, it is possible to prevent the game balls from entering the second partial flow path R2B, making it possible to reduce the execution of the left-hit notification effect. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the annoyance felt by players who have fired game balls into the right game area 6R but have already stopped firing when the left-hit notification effect is executed.

In addition, the third partial flow path R2C, which does not guide the game ball to the third general winning opening 10C, guides the game ball to the second outlet 19B (see Figure 28), making it possible to reliably prevent game balls that enter the third partial flow path R2C from being guided to the third general winning opening 10C.

In addition, even when the normal game state is set, when a player is firing a game ball toward the right game area 6R, a left-hit notification effect can be executed that encourages the player to fire the game ball toward the left game area 6L when the game ball enters the third general winning port 10C located in the right game area 6R. Therefore, when the left-hit notification effect is executed, a player who was firing a game ball toward the right game area 6R can fire the game ball toward the left game area 6L instead of the right game area 6R.

In addition, it is possible to prevent game balls that have reached the first branch J1 from entering the second partial flow path R2B by the amount that can be diverted to the third partial flow path R2C, making it possible to reduce the number of left-hit notification effects. This makes it possible to reduce the number of times that a player who has shot a game ball into the right game area 6R but has already stopped shooting feels that the execution of the left-hit notification effect is annoying.

As a result, it is possible to create a pachinko game machine PY1 that is considerate of players who continue to fire game balls toward the right game area 6R while the normal game mode is set, as well as players who accidentally fire game balls into the right game area 6R but immediately stop firing.

The right game area 6R also has the second start port 12, the large prize port 15, and the regular prize port 13 in addition to the third regular prize port 10C, and the second partial flow path R2B can guide game balls to the second start port 12, the large prize port 15, and the regular prize port 13. The third regular prize port 10C is located downstream of the second start port 12, the large prize port 15, and the regular prize port 13 in the second partial flow path R2B.

Therefore, a gaming ball that has passed through the first branch J1 and entered the second partial flow path R2B may enter the second start opening 12, the large winning opening 15, or the regular winning opening 13 before reaching the third general winning opening 10C. This makes it possible to further reduce the possibility of the gaming ball reaching the third general winning opening 10C, and more reliably reduces the execution of the left-hit notification effect.

In addition, the right game area has a third outlet 19C, and in the second partial flow path R2B, a game ball that does not enter the second starting hole 12, the large prize hole 15, or the regular prize hole 13 is more likely to enter the third general prize hole 10C than the third outlet 19C. Therefore, if a game ball in the second partial flow path R2B does not enter the second starting hole 12, the large prize hole 15, or the regular prize hole 13, the game ball is more likely to enter the third general prize hole 10C than the third outlet 19C, and the left hit notification performance is more likely to be executed.

Therefore, it is possible to distribute the game ball that reaches the first branch J1 to the third partial flow path R2C, and it is also possible for the game ball that enters the second partial flow path R2B to enter multiple ball entry ports before reaching the third general winning port 10C. In this way, it is possible to reliably reduce the execution of the left-hand hit notification effect.

9. Modifications Next, modifications of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the first embodiment will be described. In the description of the modifications, the same components as those of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described. Of course, the components of the modifications may be appropriately combined. Furthermore, technical features of the first embodiment and the following modifications may be appropriately deleted unless they are described as essential in this specification.

In the first embodiment described above, the trigger for the left-hand hit notification effect (notification effect) was the entry of a game ball into the third general winning port 10C (a designated ball entry port). However, the trigger for the notification effect may be the passage of a game ball through a gate, instead of the entry of a game ball into a designated ball entry port.

As an example of the game area of this modified example, there is the game area 6 of the game board unit YU as shown in Figs. 33 and 34 in addition to Figs. 28 and 29. Fig. 34 is an enlarged view of the fourth area PA4 shown in Fig. 33. In addition to the first general winning opening 10A and the second general winning opening 10B similar to those in the first embodiment, this game area 6 is provided with a fourth general winning opening 10D (see Fig. 33). The fourth general winning opening 10D is located at the position of the general winning opening 13 in the first embodiment, but unlike the general winning opening 13, only one game ball is paid out as a prize ball when a game ball enters the game board unit YU.

In addition, the game area 6 does not have a third general winning port 10C or a third exit port 19C, but has a gate 13D for starting the normal map (see FIG. 33). The gate 13D for starting the normal map in this embodiment is a gate through which the game ball can pass, which can trigger the above-mentioned general map lottery and the variable display of the normal map. This gate 13D for starting the normal map is located at the most downstream of the second flow path R2, as shown in FIG. 33 and FIG. 34.

Now, the second flow path R2 of this modified example will be described. When a game ball flowing down the first partial flow path R2A shown in FIG. 28 reaches the first branch J1 located at the most upstream of the second flow path R2, it flows down the second partial flow path R2B or the third partial flow path R2C. A game ball that enters the second partial flow path R2B can enter the big prize opening 15, the second start opening 12, or the fourth general prize opening 10D, or pass through the general start gate 13D, and a game ball that enters the third partial flow path R2C will reach the second outlet 19B, as in the first embodiment.

When a game ball distributed to the second partial flow path R2B reaches the second branch J2 of the second flow path R2, it flows down to the fourth partial flow path R2D or the fifth partial flow path R2E (see FIG. 29 (A)). A game ball that enters the fourth partial flow path R2D can enter the second starting port 12 or pass through the normal starting gate 13D. On the other hand, a game ball that enters the fifth partial flow path R2E can enter the fourth general winning port 10D or the second starting port 12, or pass through the normal starting gate 13D.

When a game ball distributed to the fourth partial flow path R2D reaches the third branch J3 of the second flow path R2, it flows down to the sixth partial flow path R2F or the seventh partial flow path R2G (see FIG. 29 (B)). A game ball that enters the sixth partial flow path R2F can enter the second starting port 12 as it is, or pass through the normal starting gate 13D. A game ball that enters the seventh partial flow path R2G can then flow down the ninth partial flow path R2I and enter the second starting port 12, or pass through the normal starting gate 13D.

When a game ball distributed to the fifth partial flow path R2E reaches the fourth branch J4 of the second flow path R2, it flows down to the seventh partial flow path R2G or the eighth partial flow path R2H (see FIG. 29(C)). A game ball that enters the eighth partial flow path R2H enters the fourth general winning port 10D. On the other hand, a game ball that enters the seventh partial flow path R2G can enter the second starting port 12 or pass through the general starting gate 13D.

When the game ball distributed to the seventh partial flow path R2G reaches the fifth branch J5 of the second flow path R2, it flows down to the sixth partial flow path R2F or the ninth partial flow path R2I (see FIG. 29 (D)). Both the game ball that entered the sixth partial flow path R2F and the game ball that entered the ninth partial flow path R2I can enter the second start port 12 or pass through the normal start gate 13D.

The game balls flowing down the tenth partial flow path R2J pass through the normal start gate 13D, as shown in FIG. 34. That is, game balls that flow down the second partial flow path R2B of the second flow path R2 and do not enter the large prize opening 15, the second start opening 12, or the fourth general prize opening 10D pass through the normal start gate 13D. Game balls that pass through the normal start gate 13D reach the first outlet 19A.

The left-hand hit notification effect of this modified example can be executed when the game transitions to the normal game state and the normal presentation mode is set, as in the first embodiment. However, the left-hand hit notification effect can be executed when the game ball passes through the normal game start gate 13D.

Specifically, for example, when a command indicating passing through the normal game start gate 13D is output from the main control board 100, the presentation control microcomputer 121 receives it and determines whether the currently set game state is the normal game state. If it is determined that it is the normal game state, the presentation control microcomputer 121 decides to execute the left hit notification presentation.

Even in this modified example, for example, when the player is firing a game ball toward the right game area 6R, even if the normal game state is set, the game ball passes through the normal game start gate 13D located in the right game area 6R, and a left-hit notification effect can be executed to encourage the player to fire the game ball toward the left game area 6L. Therefore, when the left-hit notification effect is executed, the player who has been firing the game ball toward the right game area 6R can switch from the right game area 6R to the left game area 6L and fire the game ball, and after the left-hit notification effect is executed, the player can proceed with the game advantageously.

However, if a game ball passes through the normal map start gate 13D while the normal game state is set, a left-hit notification effect is executed. Therefore, even if a player who has already stopped shooting a game ball into the right game area 6R realizes this immediately and stops shooting the game ball, the game ball that has already been shot will flow down the right game area 6R and pass through the normal map start gate 13D, and a left-hit notification effect will be executed. In that case, the player who has already stopped shooting may feel that the execution of the notification effect is annoying. Moreover, since the normal map start gate 13D is located at the most downstream of the right game area 6R, there are times when a game ball passes through the normal map start gate 13D some time after the game ball has stopped being shot into the right game area 6R. Therefore, the left-hit notification effect may be executed when the player has forgotten about it, which may cause the player to feel uncomfortable.

In contrast, in this modified example, the first branch J1, which is located upstream of the normal map start gate 13D, can distribute the game ball to the third partial flow path R2C, which does not lead to the normal map start gate 13D. It is possible to prevent game balls from entering the second partial flow path R2B by the amount of game balls distributed to the third partial flow path R2C by the first branch J1, and it is possible to reduce the execution of the left-hit notification performance compared to a configuration that does not have such a first branch J1.

In addition, since the regular start gate 13D is located downstream of the second start port 12, the large prize port 15, and the fourth regular prize port 10D in the second partial flow path R2B, there is a possibility that a game ball that enters the second partial flow path R2B via the first branch J1 may enter the second start port 12, the large prize port 15, and the fourth regular prize port 10D before reaching the regular start gate 13D. Therefore, it is possible to further reduce the chance of a game ball that enters the second partial flow path R2B reaching the regular start gate 13D, and it is possible to more reliably reduce the execution of the left-hand hit notification effect.

In addition, in the first embodiment, one ball entry port (third general winning port 10C) is considered to be the "predetermined ball entry port" according to the present invention, but multiple ball entry ports may be considered to be the "predetermined ball entry port."

In the first embodiment, the left game area 6L of the game area 6 is the "first game area" according to the present invention, and the right game area 6R is the "second game area" according to the present invention. However, the right game area 6R may be the "first game area" and the left game area 6L may be the "second game area". In addition, in a game area 6 consisting of two game areas (left game area 6L and right game area 6R), one game area is the "first game area" and the other is the "second game area". However, one of the three or more game areas may be the "first game area" and one of the remaining game areas other than the first game area may be the "second game area".

In the first embodiment, the normal gaming state (low probability low base gaming state) is the "first gaming state" according to the present invention, but a gaming state other than the normal gaming state may be the "first gaming state". In addition, the high probability high base gaming state, the jackpot gaming state, and the low probability high base gaming state are the "second gaming state" according to the present invention, but a gaming state other than these may be the "second gaming state". In addition, one type of gaming state is the "first gaming state", but multiple types of gaming states may be the "first gaming state". In addition, three types of gaming states are the "second gaming state", but two or less types of gaming states, or four or more types of gaming states may be the "second gaming state".

In the first embodiment, the left hit notification effect (the "notification effect" according to the present invention) is an effect that urges the player to shoot the game ball toward the first game area. However, this is not limited to this, and it may be an effect that urges the player to stop shooting the game ball toward the second game area, for example. It may also be an effect that simply notifies the player that the game ball is being shot toward the second game area, for example. Although the "notification effect" is an effect that uses image G120, it may also be an effect that uses an image other than image G121 (for example, image G121 showing the string "left hit" within a left-facing arrow). It may also be an effect that uses an image without letters (or strings).

In addition, the left game area 6L is a game area other than the "second game area" of the present invention (i.e., the "first game area" of the present invention), and the left-hit notification effect is the "notification effect" of the present invention. However, it is more preferable that the "notification effect" is an effect that notifies the player to launch the game ball toward a game area other than the "second game area", and for example, the right game area 6R may be a game area other than the "second game area" (the "first game area"), and the right-hit notification effect may be the "notification effect".

In the first embodiment, the left-hit notification effect (the "notification effect" according to the present invention) is an image effect as shown in FIG. 32. However, the "notification effect" may be an effect other than an image effect, such as an audio effect using a speaker or a light-emitting effect using a lamp. Or, it may be an effect that combines these.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the left-hand hit notification effect (the "notification effect" of the present invention) is configured to end after three seconds have elapsed from the start. However, a period other than three seconds may be used. Also, the "notification effect" is configured to be executable when a command indicating the entry (entry) of a game ball into the third general winning port 10C (the "prescribed ball entry port" of the present invention) is output from the main control board 100. In other words, the "notification effect" is configured to be executable when one game ball enters the "prescribed ball entry port". However, the "notification effect" may also be configured to be executable when two or more game balls enter the "prescribed ball entry port" within a prescribed period of time.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the second partial flow path R2B of the second flow path R2 is the "first flow path" according to the present invention, but the "first flow path" may be any flow path capable of guiding the game ball to the third general winning port 10C (a specified ball entry port), and may be any of the fourth partial flow path R2D to the thirteenth partial flow path R2M of the second flow path R2.

In the first embodiment, the third partial flow path R2C of the second flow path R2 (the "second flow path" according to the present invention) is a flow path that always leads to the second outlet 19B (the "predetermined outlet" according to the present invention), but it may be a flow path that does not necessarily lead to the "predetermined outlet". In other words, the "second flow path" may be a flow path that can lead the game ball to the "predetermined outlet". Or, the "second flow path" may be a flow path that does not lead the game ball to the outlet. Furthermore, the "second flow path" may be a flow path that can lead the game ball to a general winning port other than the "predetermined ball entry port" according to the present invention. In addition, the second outlet 19B is the "predetermined outlet", but an outlet other than the second outlet 19B may be the "predetermined outlet".

In the first embodiment, three ball entry ports (second start port 12, big prize port 15, and regular prize port 13) are considered to be the "multiple ball entry ports" according to the present invention. However, two or four or more ball entry ports may be considered to be the "multiple ball entry ports". Alternatively, the right game area 6R (the "second game area" according to the present invention) may have one ball entry port in addition to the third general prize port 10C (the "prescribed ball entry port" according to the present invention). Alternatively, the second game area may have no ball entry ports other than the "prescribed ball entry port".

In the first embodiment, the second starting gate 12, the large prize gate 15, and the regular prize gate 13 are the "multiple ball entry gates" according to the present invention. However, other ball entry gates may be the "multiple ball entry gates". Specifically, for example, other ball entry gates may be added to the second starting gate 12, the large prize gate 15, and the regular prize gate 13 to form the "multiple ball entry gates". Also, for example, other ball entry gates may be added to a part of the second starting gate 12, the large prize gate 15, and the regular prize gate 13 to form the "multiple ball entry gates". Also, for example, multiple ball entry gates other than the second starting gate 12, the large prize gate 15, and the regular prize gate 13 may be the "multiple ball entry gates".

In the first embodiment described above, the second partial flow path R2B (the "first flow path" according to the present invention) is configured so that the third general winning port 10C (the "predetermined ball entry port" according to the present invention) is located downstream of the multiple ball entry ports. However, the "first flow path" may be configured so that the "predetermined ball entry port" is located downstream of some of the multiple ball entry ports. Alternatively, the "first flow path" may be configured so that the "predetermined ball entry port" is located upstream of the multiple ball entry ports.

In the first embodiment, the third outlet 19C is the "specific outlet" according to the present invention. However, an outlet other than the third outlet 19C may be the "specific outlet". In addition, the second partial flow path R2B (the "first flow path" according to the present invention) is configured so that game balls that have not entered the second starting port 12, the large prize port 15, and the regular prize port 13 (the "multiple entry ports" according to the present invention) can enter the third general entry port 10C (the "predetermined entry port" according to the present invention) more easily than the "specific outlet". However, the "first flow path" may be configured so that game balls that have not entered the "multiple entry ports" can enter the "predetermined entry port" more difficultly than the "specific out port". Alternatively, the "first flow path" may be configured so that game balls that have not entered the "multiple entry ports" can enter the "specific out port" and the "predetermined entry port" equally well.

In addition, in the first embodiment, a third outlet (the "specific outlet" according to the present invention) is provided, but the configuration may not include a "specific outlet."

In addition, in the first embodiment, the allocation rate (probability) of the jackpot pattern X being selected as the pattern was set to 50%, and the allocation rate (probability) of the jackpot pattern Y being selected was set to 50%. In other words, if the result of the special drawing 1 lottery is a jackpot, both the jackpot pattern X and the jackpot pattern Y can be selected as the jackpot pattern with equal probability. However, if the result of the special drawing 1 lottery is a jackpot, the allocation rate of the jackpot pattern X being selected as the jackpot pattern and the allocation rate of the jackpot pattern Y being selected as the jackpot pattern may be different.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the second outlet (the "predetermined outlet" according to the present invention) is an outlet through which a gaming ball that has flowed down the second flow path R2 can enter. However, the "predetermined outlet" may also be an outlet through which a gaming ball that has flowed down the first flow path R1 can enter.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the third outlet (the "specific outlet" according to the present invention) is an outlet through which a game ball that has flowed down the second flow path R2 can enter. However, the "specific outlet" may also be an outlet through which a game ball that has flowed down the first flow path R1 can enter.

In the first embodiment, the first outlet is an outlet through which both game balls that have flowed down the first flow path R1 and game balls that have flowed down the second flow path R2 can enter. However, the first outlet may be an outlet through which only game balls that have flowed down the first flow path R1 can enter. Also, the first outlet may be an outlet through which only game balls that have flowed down the second flow path R2 can enter.

In addition, in the first embodiment, a jackpot game is played using one jackpot device (15D), but a jackpot game may be played using two jackpot devices, with one of the two jackpot openings being openable.

In addition, in the first embodiment, there are five winning slots (three general winning slots, the first start slot, and the regular winning slot) through which game balls can enter without the activation of the device, but there may be six or more winning slots (and fifteen or less).

In the first embodiment, three game balls are paid out as prize balls when a game ball enters the first starting port 11, but other game balls may be paid out as prize balls. In addition, one game ball is paid out as a prize ball when a game ball enters the second starting port 12 of the electric chute 12D, but other game balls may be paid out as prize balls. In addition, three game balls are paid out as prize balls when a game ball enters the first general winning port 10A, but other game balls may be paid out as prize balls. In addition, three game balls are paid out as prize balls when a game ball enters the second general winning port 10B, but other game balls may be paid out as prize balls. In addition, when a game ball enters the third general winning port 10C, one game ball is paid out as a prize ball, but the game ball may be paid out more than one as a prize ball.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the number of prize balls at two of the three general winning ports (first general winning port 10A and second general winning port 10B) is the same, but the number of prize balls at the three general winning ports may be the same.

In addition, the first branch J1 in the first embodiment is configured to allocate game balls that flow down the first partial flow path R2A equally to both the second partial flow path R2B and the third partial flow path R2C. However, the configuration may be such that game balls that flow down the first partial flow path R2A tend to enter (roll) into either the second partial flow path R2B or the third partial flow path R2C.

In addition, the second branch J2 in the first embodiment is configured to allocate game balls that flow down the second partial flow path R2B equally to both the fourth partial flow path R2D and the fifth partial flow path R2E. However, the second branch J2 may be configured to allow game balls that flow down the second partial flow path R2B to easily enter (roll) either the fourth partial flow path R2D or the fifth partial flow path R2E.

In addition, the third branch J3 in the first embodiment is configured to allocate more game balls that flow down the fourth partial flow path R2D to the sixth partial flow path R2F than to the seventh partial flow path R2G. However, it may also be configured to allocate fewer game balls that flow down the fourth partial flow path R2D to the sixth partial flow path R2F than to the seventh partial flow path R2G. It may also be configured to allocate game balls that flow down the fourth partial flow path R2D equally to both the sixth partial flow path R2F and the seventh partial flow path R2G.

Furthermore, the fourth branch J4 in the first embodiment is configured to allocate game balls that flow down the fifth partial flow path R2E equally to both the seventh partial flow path R2G and the eighth partial flow path R2H. However, the fourth branch J4 may be configured to allow game balls that flow down the fifth partial flow path R2E to easily enter (roll) either the seventh partial flow path R2G or the eighth partial flow path R2H.

Furthermore, the fifth branch J5 in the first embodiment is configured to allocate more game balls that have flowed down the seventh partial flow path R2G to the ninth partial flow path R2I than to the sixth partial flow path R2F. However, it may also be configured to allocate fewer game balls that have flowed down the fifth partial flow path R2E to the ninth partial flow path R2I than to the sixth partial flow path R2F. It may also be configured to allocate game balls that have flowed down the fifth partial flow path R2E equally to both the sixth partial flow path R2F and the ninth partial flow path R2I.

Furthermore, in the sixth branch J6 of the first embodiment, more game balls that flow down the tenth partial flow path R2J are allocated to the eleventh partial flow path R2K than to the twelfth partial flow path R2L and the thirteenth partial flow path R2M. However, it is also possible to allocate fewer game balls that flow down the tenth partial flow path R2J to the eleventh partial flow path R2K than to the twelfth partial flow path R2L and the thirteenth partial flow path R2M. It is also possible to allocate game balls that flow down the tenth partial flow path R2J equally to the eleventh partial flow path R2K, the twelfth partial flow path R2L, and the thirteenth partial flow path R2M.

In the first embodiment, there are three types of jackpot games. However, there may be two or less types, or four or more types.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the display unit 50a is a 3D liquid crystal display. However, the display unit may be, for example, a 2D liquid crystal display, a dot display, or a 7-segment display.

In the first embodiment, the gaming machine is a pachinko gaming machine PY1, which is a so-called "first type" or "digital pachinko". However, the gaming machine may be a pachinko gaming machine, which is a so-called "third type" or "rights item", or a pachinko gaming machine, which is a so-called "one type two type mixed" that has both the characteristics of a "first type" pachinko gaming machine and the characteristics of a "second type" pachinko gaming machine. Also, the gaming machine may be a pachinko gaming machine, which is a so-called "loop machine", in which the winning probability can be controlled to a high probability state until the next jackpot is won.

10. Inventions shown in the above embodiments The above embodiments show the following inventions (Inventions A1 to A5). In the following description of the inventions, the corresponding component names and expressions in the above 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.

Invention A1 is
A game area (6) having a first game area (left game area 6L) and a second game area (right game area 6R);
A designated entry port (third general winning port 10C);
A launching device (72) capable of launching a game ball toward the game area;
A performance execution means (performance control board 120) capable of executing a predetermined performance;
The predetermined ball entrance is disposed in the second game area,
The performance execution means includes:
When the game ball enters the predetermined ball entry hole, a notification effect (left hit notification effect) can be executed.
The game area includes a first flow path (second partial flow path R2B) capable of guiding the game ball to the predetermined ball entrance, a second flow path (third partial flow path R2C) that does not guide the game ball to the predetermined ball entrance, and a branch portion (first branch portion J1) between the first flow path and the second flow path,
The predetermined entrance is:
The gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine PY1) is characterized in that it is located downstream of the branching portion in the gaming area.

Even if a player who has already shot a game ball toward the second game area of the game area immediately notices this and stops shooting the game ball, the game ball that has already been shot may enter a specified ball entrance in the second game area, causing a notification effect to be executed. In that case, the player who has already stopped shooting may find the execution of the notification effect annoying.

Therefore, with the gaming machine of the above configuration, it is possible to distribute gaming balls that reach the branching section to a second flow path that does not lead to a designated ball entrance. Since the gaming balls are distributed to the second flow path, it is possible to prevent the gaming balls from entering the first flow path, and it is possible to reduce the execution of the notification effect. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the annoyance felt by players who have shot a gaming ball into the second gaming area but have already stopped shooting the ball when the notification effect is executed.

Invention A2 is
The gaming machine according to the invention A1,
A predetermined outlet (second outlet 19B) is provided,
The second flow path is
This gaming machine is characterized by a flow path capable of guiding gaming balls to the specified outlet.

With a gaming machine of this configuration, it is possible to ensure that gaming balls that enter the second flow path are not guided to a designated ball entrance.

Invention A3 is
The gaming machine according to the invention A2,
A setting means (a game control microcomputer 101 for executing a game state setting process of the special action process S106) is provided for setting one of a plurality of game states including a first game state (e.g., a normal game state) and a second game state (e.g., a high probability high base game state),
During the setting of the first game state, it is more advantageous for the player to launch the game ball toward the first game area than toward the second game area, and during the setting of the second game state, it is more advantageous for the player to launch the game ball toward the second game area than toward the first game area;
The notification performance is
A performance that encourages a player to launch a game ball toward the first game area,
This is a gaming machine characterized in that it may be executed when a gaming ball enters the specified ball entrance while the first gaming state is set.

With this gaming machine, even when the first gaming state is being set, if a player is firing a gaming ball toward the second gaming area, a notification effect can be executed that prompts the player to fire the gaming ball toward the first gaming area when the gaming ball enters a predetermined ball entrance located in the second gaming area. Therefore, when the notification effect is executed, the player who was firing the gaming ball toward the second gaming area can fire the gaming ball toward the first gaming area instead of the second gaming area.

In addition, since the game balls that reach the branching section can be diverted to the second flow path, it is possible to prevent the game balls from entering the first flow path, and the frequency of the notification effects being reduced. This reduces the amount of annoyance felt by players who have already stopped shooting the game balls into the second game area when the notification effects are executed.

As a result, it is possible to create a gaming machine that takes into consideration both players who continue to shoot game balls toward the second game area while the first game state is set, and players who accidentally shoot a game ball into the second game area but immediately stop shooting.

Invention A4 is
A gaming machine according to any one of Invention A1, Invention A2, and Invention A3,
The second game area has a plurality of ball entry ports (a second start port 12, a big prize entry port 15, and a normal prize entry port 13) in addition to the predetermined ball entry port,
The first flow path is
A flow path capable of guiding game balls to the plurality of ball inlets in addition to the predetermined ball inlet,
The branch portion is
Located upstream of the first flow path,
The predetermined entrance is:
This is a gaming machine characterized in that the first flow path is located downstream of the multiple ball entrances.

In a gaming machine with this configuration, the specified ball entry port is located downstream of the multiple ball entry ports in the first flow path, so that a gaming ball that enters the first flow path via the branching section may enter multiple ball entry ports before reaching the specified ball entry port. This makes it possible to further reduce the possibility of the gaming ball reaching the specified ball entry port, and more reliably reduces the execution of the notification effect.

Invention A5 is
A gaming machine according to the invention A4,
Equipped with a specific outlet (third outlet 19C),
This is a gaming machine characterized in that, in the first flow path, gaming balls that do not enter the multiple ball entry ports are more likely to enter the specified ball entry port than the specific out port.

With this type of gaming machine, if a gaming ball in the first flow path does not enter multiple entry ports, the gaming ball is more likely to enter a designated entry port than a designated out port, making it easier for a notification effect to be executed. Therefore, it is possible to distribute gaming balls that reach the branching section to the second flow path as well, and it is possible for a gaming ball that has entered the first flow path to enter multiple entry ports before reaching the designated entry port. In this way, it is possible to reliably reduce the execution of notification effects.

Invention A6 is
A game area (6) having a first game area (left game area 6L) and a second game area (right game area 6R);
A gate (13D) through which the game ball can pass;
A launching device (72) capable of launching a game ball toward the game area;
A performance execution means (performance control board 120) capable of executing a predetermined performance;
The gate is disposed in the second play area,
The performance execution means includes:
When the game ball passes through the gate, a notification effect (left hit notification effect) can be executed.
The game area includes a first flow path (second partial flow path R2B) capable of guiding the game ball to the gate, a second flow path (third partial flow path R2C) not guiding the game ball to the gate, and a branch portion (first branch portion J1) between the first flow path and the second flow path,
The gate is
The gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine PY1) is characterized in that it is located downstream of the branching portion in the gaming area.

Even if a player who has already shot a game ball into the second game area of the game area immediately notices this and stops shooting the game ball, the game ball that has already been shot may pass through the gate of the second game area and a notification effect may be executed. In that case, the player who has already stopped shooting may find the execution of the notification effect annoying.

Therefore, with the gaming machine of the above configuration, it is possible to distribute the gaming ball that has reached the branching section to the second flow path that does not lead to the gate. The amount of gaming ball distributed to the second flow path can be prevented from entering the first flow path, making it possible to reduce the number of times that the notification effect is executed. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the number of times that a player who has shot a gaming ball into the second gaming area but has already stopped shooting feels that the execution of the notification effect is annoying.

6... Game area 6L... Left game area (first game area)
6R...Right game area (second game area)
10C…Third general entry gate (prescribed entry gate)
12...Second starting hole (multiple entry holes)
13…Regular entry gate (multiple entry gates)
13D…Gate 15…Big prize gate (multiple entrances)
19A: First outlet 19B: Second outlet (predetermined outlet)
19C…Third exit (specific exit)
72... Launching device 100... Game control board 101... Game control microcomputer 120... Performance control board (performance execution means)
121...Performance control microcomputer J1...First branching section (branching section)
PY1... Pachinko game machine (game machine)
R1: first flow path R2: second flow path R2A: first partial flow path R2B: second partial flow path (first flow path)
R2C: third partial flow path (second flow path)
R2D: Fourth partial flow path (first flow path)
R2E: Fifth partial flow path (first flow path)
R2F: sixth partial flow path (first flow path)
R2G: seventh partial flow path (first flow path)
R2H: Eighth partial flow path (first flow path)
R2I: 9th partial flow path (first flow path)
R2J: 10th partial flow path (first flow path)
R2K: 11th partial flow path (first flow path)
R2L: 12th partial flow path (first flow path)
R2M: 13th partial flow path (first flow path)

Claims (1)

a play area having a first play area and a second play area;
A designated entrance and
A plurality of ball entrances different from the predetermined ball entrance;
With a specific outlet,
A launching device capable of launching a game ball toward the game area,
the predetermined ball entrance and the plurality of ball entrances are disposed in the second game area;
The game area includes a first flow path capable of guiding game balls to the predetermined ball inlet and the plurality of ball inlets , a second flow path that does not guide game balls to the predetermined ball inlet, and a branching portion between the first flow path and the second flow path,
The branch portion is
Located upstream of the first flow path,
The predetermined entrance is:
In the first flow path, the inlet port is disposed downstream of the plurality of inlets,
A gaming machine characterized in that in the first flow path, gaming balls that do not enter the multiple ball entry ports are more likely to enter the specified ball entry port than the specific out port .

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