JP7540682B2 - Ball game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a pinball game machine, and in particular to a pinball game machine that executes a pre-reading preview performance based on the ball entering the starting hole.

In conventional pinball gaming machines, numerical data (random numbers) is extracted when a ball enters a starting hole located in the playing area of the gaming board, and the extracted random numbers are stored as reserved memory up to a specified number. A judgment is then made as to whether the stored random number is a value that will result in a predetermined jackpot, and a special pattern is displayed in a fluctuating manner and then confirmed. If the result of the judgment is a jackpot, the mainstream type of machine moves to a jackpot game (special game) that is advantageous to the player and allows the player to expect an increase in the number of prize balls won. The reserved random numbers are made easy for the player to understand by displaying the same number of reserved displays as the number stored.

In addition, in conventional pinball gaming machines, numerical data (random number values) extracted as a result of the ball entering the starting hole are checked at a stage prior to the hit/miss determination, and a pre-reading preview effect is executed that suggests that the random number may be a hit, giving the player a sense of anticipation of a hit before the hit/miss determination result is displayed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2010-099203 A

However, in the pinball gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, the pre-reading preview performance to be selected is selected solely based on whether or not there is a jackpot in the reserve, which makes the pre-reading preview performance monotonous.
Therefore, the present invention has been made with the objective of realizing an exciting pinball game machine by performing a plurality of different pre-reading preview performances.

The invention described in claim 1 is
A numerical data extraction means for extracting numerical data resulting from the entry of a gaming ball into a starting hole;
a reserve storage means capable of storing a plurality of the numerical data extracted by the numerical data extraction means as reserve storage;
A winning/losing determination means for determining whether or not a transition to a state advantageous to a player will occur based on the numerical data stored in the reserved storage means;
A winning/losing notification means for displaying a pattern indicating the result of the winning/losing judgment in a variable manner and then displaying the pattern in a definitive manner to notify the result;
a hold display means for displaying a hold display corresponding to the number of holds stored in the hold storage means;
a numerical data confirmation means for confirming the numerical data extracted by the numerical data extraction means prior to the judgment of correctness;
and a hold notice performance means for performing a hold notice performance by displaying the hold display with a look-ahead pattern based on the confirmation result of the numerical data confirmation means,
The hold notice production means includes:
The execution start timing of the reserved notice performance includes at least a first execution timing that starts when the reserved display is displayed by a ball entering the starting hole, and a second execution timing that starts when the pattern starts to change,
As the above-mentioned hold notice performance,
A first reservation notice performance in which a performance is displayed with the pre-reading pattern during a first performance time when the reservation display is displayed due to a game ball entering the starting hole ;
A second reservation notice performance is provided in which a performance of displaying the pre-reading pattern after a pre-reading pattern change performance for performing whether or not to change the reservation display to the pre-reading pattern is performed for a second performance time longer than the first performance time ,
When the hold notice performance is to be started at the first execution timing, the first hold notice performance is selected, and when the hold notice performance is to be started at the second execution timing, the second hold notice performance is selected .
The hold notice performance means is characterized in that when the hold display is displayed as a result of a game ball entering the starting hole, if the hold notice performance is already being performed in another hold display, the first hold notice performance is not performed .

In the present invention, when the numerical data extracted due to the ball entering the starting hole is stored in the holding storage means, it is preferable to carry out the following procedure. For example, when the numerical data is extracted due to the ball entering the starting hole, it is confirmed whether or not the number of numerical data stored in the holding storage means has reached an upper limit. If the upper limit has not been reached, the extracted numerical data is stored in a predetermined storage area. Then, the numerical data stored in the predetermined storage area is stored in the holding storage means.
Furthermore, if the number of pieces of numerical data stored in the reserved storage means has not reached the upper limit, the extracted numerical data may be stored in both a predetermined storage area and the reserved storage means.
Furthermore, when numerical data is extracted due to a ball entering the starting hole, the extracted numerical data is stored in a predetermined storage area. Then, it is confirmed whether the number of numerical data stored in the reserved storage means has reached an upper limit, and if the upper limit has not been reached, the numerical data stored in the predetermined storage area may be stored in the reserved storage means. In this case, if the numerical data stored in the reserved storage means has reached the upper limit, the numerical data stored in the predetermined storage area is erased.

The numerical data confirmation means is preferably configured to confirm the numerical data stored in a specified storage area. However, it is not limited to this, and may be configured to confirm the numerical data stored in the reserved storage means. It is also possible to configure the numerical data to be confirmed as it is when extracted, without going through the means for storing the numerical data, and to store the confirmation result.
The numerical data confirmation means, for example, confirms whether the contents of the numerical data are contents that will result in a special game (jackpot game) that is advantageous to the player. In this case, it is desirable to confirm the game contents (number of rounds) of the special game and whether an advantageous game will be given for transition to the next special game after the special game. In addition, it confirms whether the contents result in the execution of a normal reach effect, the execution of a super reach effect, or the execution of a reach effect resulting in a miss. A configuration for confirming the contents of the effect is also conceivable. In this case, the numerical data confirmation means is configured to specify the contents of the effect in advance.

The reserved notice performance means can execute the reserved notice performance according to a predetermined confirmation result by the numerical data extraction means, such as whether the numerical data has the possibility of becoming a special game (including super reach and reach). It is also conceivable to display a changing pattern indicating that the pattern is changing so that the reserved notice performance can be continued even during the change. In this case, by displaying the pattern in a display mode similar to the display mode indicating the expectation level of the reserved pattern or a display mode indicating a relationship, a series of pre-reading performances can be performed for the player from the reserved memory to the changing period. Of course, it is also conceivable that the expectation level increases at the changing pattern and the display mode changes.
In the control flow, the hold notice performance means preferably performs a judgment as to whether a specific judgment content is determined by a look-ahead judgment when the ball enters the starting hole and hold memory is possible, and if the hold notice performance is possible and the special chart is changing, determines whether the look-ahead notice performance is possible at the first execution timing, and if it is not possible, selects to perform it at the second execution timing. Of course, it may be configured to first determine whether the performance can be performed at the second execution timing. However, it is not limited to this, and for example, a configuration may be considered in which the special chart's change status (remaining change time) is first referred to, and it is determined whether to perform it at the first execution timing or the second execution timing, and then the look-ahead judgment is referred to.
At the first execution timing, when the ball enters the starting hole and the hold display is performed, the hold notice performance is performed. At that time, the first hold notice performance is selected and performed.
At the second execution timing, after the reserved ball that is the target of the reserved notice performance is stored, the reserved notice performance is executed when the special symbol starts to vary anew. At that time, the second reserved notice performance is selected and executed.
In addition, the first and second reserved notice effects may have different contents or different expectations for winning. In addition, not only the contents of the effects may be different, but the duration of the effects may also be different. In that case, it is preferable that the first reserved notice effect has a shorter duration.
The first execution timing is a timing when the special symbol is changing, and there are cases where the start of the change does not allow for a longer presentation time than the second execution timing.
This is because the reserved notice performance is performed with the reserved display, and when the variation of the special pattern ends during the performance, if there is only one reserved memory, the reserved display ends when a new variation starts, and if there is no target reserved display, the subsequent performance is impossible. For these reasons, it is preferable to set the first reserved notice performance to a relatively short time so that it can respond to various timings during the variation.
On the other hand, the second pending notice performance starts when the special pattern begins to change, so a certain amount of time is secured, making it possible to take more time with the performance.

According to the present invention, by performing a preview performance with suitable performance content in accordance with the execution timing of the pre-reading preview performance, it is possible to provide an exciting pinball game machine.

In the pinball game machine according to claim 1,
The hold notice performance means may be configured to be capable of executing a special notice performance when the confirmation result of the numerical data confirmation means is a specific confirmation result and the hold notice performance cannot be executed at the first execution timing and the second execution timing.

The situation where the reserved notice performance cannot be executed at either the first execution timing or the second execution timing is a situation where the special symbol fluctuation starts based on the reserved and stored numerical data immediately after the ball enters the starting hole. Therefore, as the special notice performance, a notice performance showing the expectation level is executed by the fluctuation performance, instead of the reserved notice performance.
The preview of the variable performance may be selected by referring to the results of the numerical data confirmation means.

According to this invention, even if the pending preview performance cannot be executed, the performance of the preview performance can be improved by performing a special preview performance.

1 is a front view of a pinball game machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board of the pinball game machine. FIG. FIG. 2 is an electrical block diagram of the pinball game machine. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing game specifications of the pinball game machine. 4 is a flowchart showing the control contents of a main routine executed by a main control device of the pinball game machine. A flowchart showing the control contents of the special chart start winning confirmation processing executed by the main control unit. This is a first flowchart showing the control contents of the special drawing match determination processing executed by the main control device. This is a second flowchart showing the control contents of the special drawing correctness determination process. This is a third flowchart showing the control contents of the special drawing correctness determination process. This is a fourth flowchart showing the control contents of the special drawing correctness determination process. 11 is a first flowchart showing the control contents of the special game processing executed by the main control device. 11 is a second flowchart showing the control contents of the special game processing. 13 is a third flowchart showing the control contents of the special game processing. 4 is a fourth flowchart showing the control contents of the special game processing. A diagram showing the presentation time of the pre-reading preview presentation executed in the pinball gaming machine. 13 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the hold notice first execution timing process A executed by the sub-control device of the pinball game machine. A flowchart showing the control contents of the second execution timing process A of the hold notice executed by the sub-control device. A diagram showing the execution timing of the first hold preview performance executed in the pinball gaming machine. A diagram showing the execution timing of the second pending notice performance executed in the pinball gaming machine. A figure showing a first display mode of the pre-reading preview performance executed on the pinball gaming machine. A figure showing a second display mode of the pre-reading preview performance. A flowchart showing the control contents of the hold notice second execution timing process B executed by the sub-control device of the pinball game machine of the second embodiment to which the present invention is applied. 13 is a flowchart showing the control contents of a special pre-reading advance notice performance execution process executed by a sub-control device of a pinball game machine of a second embodiment to which the present invention is applied. A figure showing a third display mode of the pre-reading preview performance. A flowchart showing the control contents of the hold notice first execution timing process B executed by the sub-control device of the pinball game machine of the third embodiment to which the present invention is applied. 13 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the hold notice second execution timing process C executed by the sub-control device of the pinball game machine. A flowchart showing the control contents of the second execution timing process D of the reservation notice executed by the sub-control device of the pinball game machine of the fourth embodiment to which the present invention is applied.

A pachinko machine 1, which is a pinball game machine to which the present invention is applied, will be described. As shown in Fig. 1, the pachinko machine 1 has a structure in which each component is held by an outer frame 10, which is a vertically long fixed outer shell holding frame. A front frame (glass frame) 11 in which a glass plate 110 is fitted and an inner frame (not shown) are provided so as to be openable and closable via hinges 101 provided at upper and lower positions on the left side of the outer frame 10. The front frame 11 and the inner frame are locked to the outer frame 10 by a cylinder lock 18, and the inner frame is opened by inserting a key into the cylinder lock 18 and turning the key clockwise, and the front frame 11 is opened by turning it counterclockwise.
Behind the glass plate 110 of the front frame 11 is a game board 2 (FIG. 2) held by the inner frame.

Speakers 112 are located on both the left and right sides of the upper part of the front frame 11, which output game sounds to enhance the entertainment value of the game. The front frame 11 is also equipped with frame-side decorative lamps 113 that emit light according to the game status, as well as LEDs that notify of abnormalities in the game.

An upper tray 12 and a lower tray 13 are integrally formed in the lower half of the front frame 11. A launching handle 14 is provided on the right side of the lower tray 13, and when the launching handle 14 is operated clockwise, the launching device is activated and game balls supplied from the upper tray 12 are launched toward the game board 2. Prize balls are also paid out onto the upper tray 12.
The lower tray 13 is configured to receive prize balls that have spilled over from the upper tray 12, and by operating a ball removal lever, the game balls accumulated in the lower tray 13 can be transferred to a separate box (dollar box) provided in the game arcade.

The pachinko machine 1 is a so-called CR machine, and is adjacent to a prepaid card unit (CR unit) CR that reads and writes prepaid cards. The pachinko machine 1 is provided with a loan button 171, a settlement button 172, and a settlement display device 173 on the right side of the upper tray 12. In addition, in the center of the upper tray 12, there is a performance button 15, which is an operating means that can be operated by the player, and a jog dial 16, which is also an operating means, is provided around the outer periphery of the performance button 15.

The game board 2 will now be described. As shown in Fig. 2, the game board 2 has a substantially circular game area 20 surrounded by an outer rail 201 and an inner rail 202. A large number of game nails are planted in the game area 20.
A center case 200 is attached to the center of the game area 20. An LCD panel of a performance symbol display device 21 (not shown in its entirety) is arranged in the center of the center case 200. The center case 200 is also provided with a warp entrance, warp gutter, stage, etc., in the same manner as known in the art.

A normal symbol operation gate 22 is provided to the left of the center case 200 of the game area 20, through which game balls can pass and which, when the game balls pass through, executes a lottery for a normal symbol (hereinafter simply referred to as a normal symbol).
Directly below the center of the center case 200 is a first special symbol start hole 23, which is always capable of receiving a game ball and in which a first special symbol (hereinafter referred to as the first special symbol) is judged to be a winning symbol when the ball enters the hole. Directly below the first special symbol start hole 23 is a second special symbol start hole 24, which is made up of a tulip-type ordinary electric device (hereinafter referred to simply as the ordinary electric device) and in which a second special symbol (hereinafter referred to as the second special symbol) is judged to be a winning symbol when the ball enters the hole. The second special symbol start hole 24 can only be used for receiving a ball (winning) when the ordinary electric device is opened. The ordinary electric device is configured to open in a predetermined manner for a predetermined time when a winning symbol is selected by lottery.

Directly below the second special chart start hole 24 is a large prize hole 25 that can be opened and closed by a special electric device opening and closing plate and is open for big win games.

Multiple (four) general prize openings 27 are arranged diagonally below the left side of the center case 200, to the left of the first special prize starting opening 23 and the large prize opening 25. In addition, an outlet 203 is provided at the bottom of the board directly below the large prize opening 25.

At the lower right end of the game board 2, outside the outer rail 201, a first special chart display device 28A, a second special chart display device 28B, a first special chart reserved number display device 281, a second special chart reserved number display device 282, a regular chart display device 29, and a regular chart reserved number display device 291 are provided.

Figure 3 shows the back of the pachinko machine 1, and the back side of the pachinko machine 1 houses an inner frame 30 to which the game board 2 is detachably attached. The inner frame 30 is hinged to the outer frame 10 at the top and bottom positions of one side edge (right side of Figure 3) like the front frame 11, and is installed so that it can be opened and closed. A game ball flow passage is formed in the inner frame 30, and a ball tank 31, a tank rail 32, and a payout unit 33 are provided from the top (upstream), and a payout mechanism is provided inside the payout unit 33. With this configuration, when a game ball enters the winning hole of the game board 2, a predetermined number of game balls (prize balls) are paid out from the ball tank 31 through the tank rail 32 by the payout unit 33 through the payout ball flow passage to the upper tray 12. In addition, the payout unit 33 that pays out the prize balls also pays out the loan balls that are paid out by operating the loan button 171.

On the back side of the pachinko machine 1, a main control device 40, a payout control device 41, a sub-integrated control device 42, a performance pattern control device 43, a launch control device 44, and a power supply board 45 are provided.
The main control device 40, the sub integrated control device 42, and the performance symbol control device 43 are provided on the game board 2, and the payout control device 41, the launch control device 44, and the power supply board 45 are provided on the inner frame 30. The launch control device 44 is not shown in FIG. 3, but is provided below the payout control device 41.

An external connection terminal board 38 is also provided on the right side of the ball tank 31, and signals indicating the game status and game results are sent to a hall computer (not shown) via the external connection terminal board 38. Conventionally, two types of external connection terminal boards have been used to send signals to the hall computer: one for the board (terminals for outputting signals output from the game board side to the hall computer) and one for the frame side (terminals for outputting signals output from the outer frame 10, front frame 11, and inner frame 30 to the hall computer). In this embodiment, signals indicating the game status and game results are sent to the hall computer via a single external connection terminal board 38.

4 shows the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 1, which is centered around the main control device 40, which controls the game progress, etc., and is equipped with a payout control device 41, a sub-integrated control device 42, and a performance symbol control device 43 as sub-control devices. The main control device 40, the payout control device 41, the sub-integrated control device 42, and the performance symbol control device 43 are all equipped with a CPU, ROM, RAM, input ports, output ports, etc., and in each of these control devices, the CPU starts a program consisting of a main routine and a subroutine loaded in the ROM in response to an interrupt signal with a 2 ms or 4 ms cycle, and various controls are executed. The main control device 40 also has a random number counter that extracts various random numbers, etc.
The launch control device 44 is not provided with a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc. However, this is not limited thereto, and the launch control device 44 may be provided with a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc.

The main control device 40 is electrically connected to the hall computer 500 of the gaming facility via the rear wiring relay terminal board 530 and the external connection terminal board 38. In addition, the detection signals of the glass frame open SW (switch) 501 and the inner frame open SW 502, which detect whether the front frame (glass frame) and the inner frame are closed or not, are input to the main control device 40 via the rear wiring relay terminal board 530 and the game board relay terminal board 531. In addition, the detection signals of the first special pattern start SW 503, which detects balls entering the first special pattern start gate 23, the second special pattern start gate SW 504, which detects balls entering the second special pattern start gate 24, and the normal pattern operation SW 505, which detects balls entering the normal pattern operation gate 22, are input to the main control device 40. In addition, the detection signals of the general prize gate SW 506, which detects balls entering the multiple general prize gates 27, the count SW 507, which detects balls entering the large prize gate 25, etc. are input to the main control device 40.

The main control device 40 also operates according to the installed program and generates various commands related to the progress of the game based on the above-mentioned detection signals, etc. The main control device 40 then outputs commands to the payout control device 41 and, via the performance relay terminal board 532, to the sub-integrated control device 42 and performance symbol control device 43. The main control device 40 also controls the display of the first special symbol display device 28A, the second special symbol display device 28B, the first special symbol reserved number display device 281, the second special symbol reserved number display device 282, the regular symbol display device 29, and the regular symbol reserved number display device 291, etc., via the symbol display device relay terminal board 533.

Furthermore, the main control device 40 is connected to a special prize opening solenoid 508 and a normal electric device solenoid 509 via a game board relay terminal board 531. The main control device 40 controls the special prize opening solenoid 508 to operate the opening and closing plate of the special electric device to open the special prize opening 25. The main control device 40 also controls the normal electric device solenoid 509 to operate the normal electric device to open and close the second special chart start opening 24.
The output signal from the main control device 40 is also output to the test signal terminal, and signals for managing pattern changes, special jackpots, etc. are sent to the hall computer 500 via the external connection terminal board 38.

The main control unit 40 and the dispensing control unit 41 are capable of two-way communication.
The payout control device 41 receives a detection signal from the ball out SW 520, which detects that the ball tank is empty, via the back wiring relay terminal board 530 and the payout relay terminal board 534. The payout control device 41 also receives detection signals from the payout SW 522, which detects that game balls have been paid out, and the full SW 523, which detects that the game ball storage tray is full. The payout control device 41 also operates the payout motor 521 in response to a command sent from the main control device 40 to pay out game balls. The payout control device 41 is also electrically connected to the CR unit CR via the CR unit terminal board 535, and operates the payout motor 521 in response to a loan request signal to pay out loaned balls. The operation signals of the loan request and the settlement request by the ball loan SW 171 and the settlement SW 172 are input to the CR unit CR via the settlement display device 173, and the balance display of the prepaid card is controlled by the CR unit CR.

The launch control device 44 receives detection signals such as a launch stop SW 524 that stops the launch, and a touch SW 525 that detects when the player is touching (operating) the launch handle 14. The launch control device controls the launch motor 526 to launch and stop game balls in response to commands (reflecting the touch SW 525 signal and game status) sent from the main control device 40 via the payout control device 41, a rotation signal of the launch handle 14, and a launch stop SW 524 signal.

The sub integrated control device 42 includes a volume control switch 43. The sub integrated control device 42 receives operation signals from the performance buttons 15 and the jog dial 16.
The sub-integrated control device 42 drives the speaker 112 to output sound, and controls the turning on and off of various LEDs and lamps 113. Furthermore, it transmits commands to the effect pattern control device 43 for effects that display characters, etc., and display modes of pseudo effect patterns of special patterns.

The performance pattern control device 43, together with the LCD panel unit and auxiliary units, constitutes the performance pattern display device 21. The performance pattern control device 43 controls the display of the LCD panel of the performance pattern display device 21 in response to commands sent from the sub-integrated control device 42.

In the pachinko machine 1 configured in this way, when a game ball enters the normal map activation gate 22, the normal map display device 29 starts to display a varying normal map, and depending on the state of the normal map that stops after a specified time, if a win has been reached, the normal power device solenoid 509 is activated, allowing the ball to enter the second special map start hole 24. In addition, in the pachinko machine 1, the opening time of the normal power device is 0.2 seconds (once) under normal circumstances, and 1.8 seconds (twice) in the time-saving state (extended opening state) that is advantageous to the player. Also, the second special map start hole 24 is configured such that the game ball cannot enter unless the normal power device is activated.

When a game ball enters the first special chart start hole 23, multiple types of random numbers (numerical data) related to the hit/miss judgment of the first special chart are extracted, and a predetermined number of them are stored as reserved memory for the first special chart. A hit/miss judgment is then made based on the random numbers in the reserved memory, and the first special chart starts to change in response to this in the first special chart display device 28A, and stops after a predetermined time. Also, when a game ball enters the second special chart start hole 24, multiple types of random numbers (numerical data) related to the hit/miss judgment of the second special chart are extracted, and a predetermined number of them are stored as reserved memory for the second special chart. A hit/miss judgment is then made based on the random numbers in the reserved memory, and the second special chart starts to change in response to this in the second special chart display device 28B, and stops after a predetermined time.

The judgment of the first and second special patterns is carried out with priority given to the judgment of the second special pattern, regardless of the order of the balls entering the first special pattern start hole 23 and the second special pattern start hole 24. Specifically, if there is a reserved memory of the first special pattern, the judgment of the reserved memory of the first special pattern is carried out after the fluctuation of the second special pattern has stopped and there is no reserved memory of the second special pattern.

Since the first and second special symbols are only displayed small in the corners of the play area 20, a pseudo performance display is performed using pseudo performance symbols corresponding to the first or second special symbol on the performance symbol display device 21 provided in the center of the play area 20. The result of the win/loss judgment is then notified to the player through the pseudo performance display. For example, the pseudo performance display is configured to cause three pseudo performance symbols to fluctuate, and a jackpot will be reached if all three symbols stop at the same symbol. The pseudo performance display involves a reach performance in which two symbols stop at the same symbol, and the player's sense of anticipation is heightened depending on whether the remaining fluctuating symbols stop at the same symbol or not.

In the pachinko machine 1, if a jackpot (win) is reached according to the confirmed display state of the first special chart and the second special chart, a jackpot game (special game) that is advantageous to the player and is expected to increase the number of prize balls won is executed. In the jackpot game, the large prize entry port 25 is opened in a predetermined opening state, and game balls can enter the large prize entry port 25. As the jackpot game, for example, one of the following games is selected: a 5R normal jackpot game in which the round game in which the large prize entry port 25 is opened in a predetermined opening state is played for 5 rounds, an 8R special jackpot game in which the round game is played for 8 rounds, and a 10R special jackpot game in which the round game is played for 10 rounds.

The pachinko machine 1 is configured as a probability variation machine. Specifically, the game with the pachinko machine 1 is roughly divided into a game state in which the large prize opening 25 is closed, and a jackpot game state in which the large prize opening 25 is open. Furthermore, the game state in which the large prize opening 25 is closed can be roughly divided into a normal probability state (normal game state) and a high probability game state (hereinafter also referred to as a probability variable game state) which is more advantageous for the player (high probability of winning a jackpot, easier to win a jackpot) than the normal game state. For example, after a 5R normal jackpot game ends, the game transitions to the normal probability game state, and after an 8R probability variable jackpot game or a 10R probability variable jackpot game ends, the game transitions to the high probability game state.

The first and second special designs consist of a probability-varying pattern and a non-probability-varying pattern, and the probability-varying game state is set to be transitionable after the end of a jackpot game with the probability-varying pattern, and if a jackpot occurs with a probability-varying pattern in either the normal game state or the probability-varying game state, the game will transition to the probability-varying game state after the jackpot game ends. Similarly, the normal game state is set to be transitionable after the end of a jackpot game with a non-probability-varying pattern, and if a jackpot occurs with a non-probability-varying pattern in either the normal game state or the probability-varying game state, the game will transition to the normal game state after the jackpot game ends.

After transitioning to the normal game state, the time it takes for the first special chart, second special chart, and normal chart to change is shortened a set number of times (e.g., 100 times), and the time-saving state is entered in which the opening extension function of the normal electric device is activated. When the time it takes for the first special chart, second special chart, and normal chart to change (the time from the start of the change to when the result is displayed) is shortened, the number of times the change display is performed within a certain period of time is increased.

Specifically, in the time-saving state, the time for the first and second special symbols to change is shortened, and the time for the normal symbol to be displayed on the normal symbol display device 29 is also shortened. By shortening the change display of the normal symbol, the normal symbol is confirmed and displayed many times within a certain period of time. Therefore, the number of times that the normal symbol is a winning symbol within a certain period of time increases, and this also increases the number of times that the second special symbol start port 24 opens. In addition, since the opening time of the second special symbol start port 24 (normal electric device) is set to be longer (opening extension function), it becomes easier for many game balls to win. By making it easier for many game balls to win in this way, the number of times that the second special symbol is displayed and changed is further increased, and the balls obtained by winning the second special symbol start port 24 make it harder for the player's balls to be reduced, allowing for advantageous play.

In addition, in the probability variation state, the time for the first special chart, second special chart, and normal chart to change is shortened, just like in the time-saving state, and the opening extension function of the normal electric device is activated. The settings related to the shortening of the various symbols and the opening extension function of the normal electric device are the same as in the time-saving state, but in the probability variation state, in addition to the time-saving state, the probability of a jackpot on the special chart is higher (a state in which it is easier to win a jackpot), making it an even more advantageous state for the player.

The pachinko machine 1 performs a look-ahead judgment to check whether or not a random number (numerical data) extracted due to a ball entering the first special chart start hole 23 or due to a ball entering the second special chart start hole 24 is likely to result in a jackpot before a hit/miss judgment is made based on the random number.

The pachinko machine 1 can also execute a look-ahead preview performance that suggests the likelihood of a jackpot depending on the result of the look-ahead judgment before the first or second special chart, which indicates the result of the hit/miss judgment, is definitively displayed. For example, the look-ahead preview performance indicates the likelihood of a jackpot by displaying a pattern different from the normal reserved pattern in the reserved display displayed in accordance with the reserved memory of the first special chart and the reserved memory of the second special chart on the performance pattern display device 21. Once the look-ahead preview performance starts (when a pattern different from the normal reserved pattern is displayed), it continues across multiple changes in the special chart until the special chart starts changing in accordance with the hit/miss judgment targeting the random number for which the look-ahead preview performance was executed.

Figure 5 shows the game specifications of the pachinko machine 1. In the pachinko machine 1, the probability of a jackpot occurring is set to, for example, 1 in 300 in the low probability game state (normal game state) and 1 in 30 in the high probability game state (high probability game state), regardless of whether the first or second special design is used.

Regardless of whether it is the first special chart or the second special chart, the probability of entering the special chance state after the end of the big win game is set to "65%."
The number of times the special probability game state continues is until the number of pattern changes accompanying the judgment of whether the first special chart and the second special chart are correct or not reaches "100 times."
The number of times the time-saving state continues is until the number of pattern changes accompanying the judgment of the first special chart and the second special chart reaches "100 times."
Next, the prize balls will be explained. The number of prize balls in the first special prize starting hole 23 is set to "3 balls" per ball that enters. The number of prize balls in the second special prize starting hole 24 is set to "1 ball" per ball that enters. The number of prize balls in the other prize holes (for example, the general prize hole 27) is set to "10 balls" per ball that enters. The number of prize balls in the large prize hole 25 is set to "15 balls" per ball that enters.
The specified number of balls that can enter the big prize opening 25 during a big win game is set to "10 balls."

The probability of winning a normal drawing is set to "1 in 5" in the normal game mode, and is set to "4 in 5" in the time-saving mode.
The opening time of a normal electric device is set to "0.1 seconds x 1 time" in the normal game mode, and is set to "2.2 seconds x 1 time" in the time-saving mode.

Below, the details of the operation of the pachinko machine 1 will be explained based on the program processing executed by the main control device 40, the sub integrated control device 42, etc.
6 shows a flowchart of the "main routine" executed by the main control device 40. The "main routine" is composed of the main process (S100-S110, S115) and the remaining process (S111). It is started due to an interrupt signal with a period of 2 ms or 4 ms, and first judges whether or not it is a normal interrupt (S100). This judgment process is performed by judging whether or not the value in a predetermined area of the RAM as a memory is a predetermined value, and is for judging whether or not it is OK to execute normal processing when the processing executed by the CPU shifts to the main process. Examples of cases where the interrupt is not normal include CPU runaway caused by power-on or noise, but CPU runaway is considered to be almost nonexistent due to recent technological improvements, so it is usually when the power is turned on. When the power is turned on, the value in the predetermined area of the RAM is different from the predetermined value.
If the determination is negative (S100: no) that the interrupt is not normal, the initial settings are executed in the process of S115 (for example, writing a predetermined value to a predetermined area of the memory, writing each initial value to the working area of the memory such as setting the normal and special patterns as the initial patterns, etc.). The numerical value for determining whether the interrupt is normal or not is written to the RAM as part of this initial setting.

When a positive judgment is made in the process of S100 that the interrupt is normal (S100: yes), the initial value random number update process of S101 is executed. This process is an increment process that adds "1" to the value of the initial value random number each time this process is executed. "1" is added to the value of the initial value random number before this process is executed, but if the random number before this process is executed is the maximum value, for example "299", it will return to the initial value "0" in the next process, and 300 integers from "0" to "299" are repeatedly created in ascending order.

The following random number update process for determining a jackpot (S102) is an increment process that adds "1" each time the process is executed, similar to the initial value random number update process. When the maximum value is, for example, "299", the next process returns to the initial value "0", and 300 integers from "0" to "299" are repeatedly created in ascending order. The initial value of the random number for determining a jackpot is the value set (created) in the initial value random number update process (S101). If this value is 150, the random number for determining a jackpot will be updated to "150", "151", "152", ... "299", "0", "1", ...

When the random number for determining a jackpot goes through one cycle (updated 300 times), the value of the initial random number at that time becomes the initial value of the random number for determining a jackpot. The random number for determining a jackpot adds "1" to its initial value. Then, when the random number for determining a jackpot goes through another cycle, the value of the initial random number at that time is set as the initial value of the random number for determining a jackpot. In other words, this series of operations continues to be repeated. In the above example, when the random number for determining a jackpot becomes "149", it has gone through one cycle, so the value after "149" becomes the value of the initial random number. If the value of the initial random number was "87", it would change to "149", "87", "88", ... "299", "0", "1", ... "86", and after "86" it would become the new value of the initial random number.

The subsequent random number update process for determining the jackpot symbol (S103) is configured as a counter that repeatedly creates 10 integers from "0" to "9," adding "1" to the counter each time the process is performed, and when the counter exceeds the maximum value, it returns to the initial value of "0."
The following random number update process for determining a win (S104) is configured as a counter that repeatedly creates 10 integers from "0" to "9", adding "1" for each process and returning to the initial value of "0" when the maximum value is exceeded. The value that results in a win is always "7". This random number for determining a win is used to draw the regular figures, while the initial value random number, the random number for determining a jackpot, the random number for reaching the target, the random number for determining a jackpot pattern, and the random number for determining a variation pattern are used to draw the special figures.

The reach determination random number update process (S105) is configured as a counter that repeatedly creates 229 integers from "0" to "228", and adds "1" to it each time the process is performed. When the maximum value is exceeded, the counter returns to the initial value of "0".
The random number update process for determining the fluctuation pattern (S106) is configured as a counter that repeatedly creates 120 integers from "0" to "119", adding "1" to it each time the process is performed, and when the maximum value is exceeded, the counter returns to the initial value of "0".

Then, in the winning confirmation process (S107), the ball entry (winning) confirmation at the first special chart start gate 23 and the second special chart start gate 24, the passing of the game ball through the regular chart operation gate 22, the ball entry (winning) confirmation at the regular winning gate 27, and input processing of each switch connected to the main control device 40 are performed.

In the next win/loss determination process (S108), a win/loss determination corresponding to each of the regular and special symbols, and processing such as pattern changes and special game processing associated with the win/loss determination are performed.
In the following output processes (S109), the main control device 40 executes output processes for the payout control device 41, the sub-integrated control device 42, the performance symbol control device 43, the launch control device 44, the large prize opening solenoid 508, etc., depending on the progress of the game. That is, when the winning confirmation process (S107) detects that a game ball has entered each winning opening on the game board, the main control device 40 executes a process of sending a prize ball signal to the payout control device 41 to pay out a game ball as a prize ball. In addition, the main control device 40 executes a process of outputting sound data corresponding to the game state to the sub-integrated control device 42. Furthermore, when there is an abnormality in the pachinko machine, the main control device 40 executes a process of outputting an error signal to the performance symbol control device 43 to notify that an error is occurring.

The following fraud monitoring process (S110) is a process for monitoring whether any fraud has been committed against the general winning opening 27. It is a process for determining whether the number of game balls entering the winning opening within a specified time is greater than a predetermined number, and if so, it is determined that fraud has occurred and a notification to that effect is issued.

The residual process following this process is composed of the initial value random number update process of S111, but is exactly the same process as S101. This process forms an infinite loop and is executed repeatedly as long as time allows until the next interrupt is executed. The time required to execute this process from S100 to S111 differs for each interrupt depending on whether or not the jackpot process is executed, the display mode of the special chart, etc. As a result, the number of times the residual process is executed also differs for each interrupt, and the value updated to the initial value random number by executing the interrupt process once is not uniform. This makes it extremely unlikely that the initial value random number will be synchronized with the random number for determining a jackpot. If the values of the initial value random number (300 combinations from 0 to 299) are generated at the same rate when the random number for determining a jackpot has gone through one cycle, the probability of synchronization is only 1 in 300. In addition, the random number update process for determining a jackpot (S104) may also be configured to be executed within the residual process.

Next, some subroutines of the winning confirmation process (S107), the win/loss determination process (S108) and each output process (S109), which are closely related to the present invention, will be described.
7, various random numbers such as random numbers for determining a jackpot, which are extracted when a game ball enters the first special pattern start hole 23 and the second special pattern start hole 24, are stored in the main control device 40 as reserved memories. Then, various commands resulting from balls entering the first special pattern start hole 23 and the second special pattern start hole 24 are transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 42. In this embodiment, the number of reserved memories that can be stored due to balls entering the first special pattern start hole 23 and the number of reserved memories that can be stored due to balls entering the second special pattern start hole 24 are each four.

The "start ball entry confirmation process" first determines whether or not a ball has been detected in the first special pattern start hole 23 by the first special pattern start hole SW 503 (S200). If there is no ball entry (S200: no), the process proceeds to S205. The process ends and the process returns to the main routine of the main control unit 40. If there is a ball entry in the first special pattern start hole 23 (S200: yes), the process proceeds to S201 to check whether the number of reserved memories for the first special pattern stored in the main control unit 40 is full (check whether the upper limit has been reached). If it is full (S201: yes), the process proceeds to S205.

If the reserved memory for the first special symbol is not full (S201: no), in the process of S202, the random numbers for determining the jackpot for the first special symbol, the random numbers for determining the jackpot pattern, the random numbers for judging the reach, the random numbers for determining the variation pattern, etc. are extracted. The various extracted random numbers are stored in a predetermined memory area of the main control device 40. Furthermore, the random numbers stored in the predetermined memory area are stored in the reserved memory area of the main control device 40 as reserved memory. Note that even if the reserved memory number for the first special symbol is 0, various random numbers such as the win/lose random number extracted when the game ball enters the first special symbol start hole 23 are stored in the same way as when there is a memory number less than the maximum value. Note that the process of S202 corresponds to the "numerical data extraction means" and "reserved memory means" described in the claims.

Next, a pre-reading judgment process for the first special chart is executed (S203). In this pre-reading judgment process, before the judgment of whether or not it will be a jackpot is made, it is confirmed whether the random numbers for determining a jackpot or for determining a jackpot pattern stored in the predetermined memory area are specific numbers. For example, whether or not the specific numbers are numbers determined to be a jackpot, numbers determined to be a super reach or reach, and further, in the case of a jackpot, whether or not it is a guaranteed jackpot, whether or not it is a jackpot with a large number of rounds, etc. are confirmed. In this process, a pre-reading command indicating the judgment result of the pre-reading judgment of the first special chart is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 42. This process corresponds to the "numerical data confirmation means" described in the claims. After that, the reserved memory counter indicating the reserved memory number is incremented, and a reserved number instruction command indicating the value of the reserved memory counter of the first special chart that has been incremented is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 42 (S204).
It is preferable that the read-ahead command is sent to the sub-integrated control device 42 when there is a possibility of a jackpot, a reach, etc. Of course, a read-ahead command may be sent to the sub-integrated control device 42 every time, regardless of the judgment content.

In the next process of S205, the second special chart start port SW504 determines whether or not a ball has entered the second special chart start port 24. If no ball has entered (S205: no), this process ends and the process returns to the main routine of the main control unit 40. If a ball has entered the second special chart start port 24 (S205: yes), the process of S206 checks whether the number of reserved memories for second special charts stored in the main control unit 40 is full (checks whether the upper limit has been reached). If it is full (S206: yes), the process returns.

If the reserved memory for the second special chart is not full (S206: no), in the process of S207, the random numbers for determining the jackpot for the second special chart, the random numbers for determining the jackpot pattern, the random numbers for judging the reach, the random numbers for determining the variation pattern, etc. are extracted. The various extracted random numbers are stored in a predetermined memory area of the main control unit 40. Furthermore, the random numbers stored in the predetermined memory area are stored in the reserved memory area of the main control unit 40 as reserved memory. Note that even if the reserved memory number for the second special chart is 0, various random numbers such as the win/lose random number extracted when the game ball enters the second special chart start hole 24 are stored in the same way as when there is a memory number less than the maximum value. Note that the process of S207 corresponds to the "numerical data extraction means" and "reserved memory means" described in the claims.

Next, the second special chart is read ahead and a judgment process is executed (S208). In this reading ahead and judgment process, before the judgment of whether or not it will be a jackpot, the random numbers for determining the jackpot and the random numbers for determining the jackpot pattern stored in the predetermined memory area are confirmed to be specific numbers. For example, as specific numbers, whether or not it is a number determined to be a jackpot, a number determined to be a super reach or a reach, and further, in the case of a jackpot, whether or not it is a guaranteed jackpot, whether or not it is a jackpot with a large number of rounds, etc. are confirmed. In this process, a reading ahead command indicating the judgment result of the reading ahead and judgment of the second special chart is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 42. This process corresponds to the "numerical data confirmation means" described in the claims. After that, the reserved memory counter indicating the reserved memory number is incremented, and a reserved number instruction command indicating the value of the reserved memory counter of the first special chart that has been incremented is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 42 (S209).
In addition, it is desirable to send a look-ahead command to the sub-integrated control device 42 when there is a possibility of a jackpot, a reach, or the like.

In this "start ball entry confirmation process", if the number of reserved memories is not full, the extracted random number is stored in a predetermined memory area set in advance, and then the random number stored in the predetermined memory area is stored in the reserved memory area. Not limited to this, if the number of reserved memories is not full, the extracted random number may be stored in the predetermined memory area and the reserved memory area, respectively. Furthermore, when a random number is extracted due to a ball entering the first special chart start hole 23 or the second special chart start hole 24, the extracted random number is stored in the predetermined memory area. Then, it is confirmed whether the number of reserved memories is full, and if it is not full, the random number stored in the predetermined memory area may be stored in the reserved memory area. In this case, if the number of reserved memories is full, the random number stored in the predetermined memory area is erased.
In this "starting goal confirmation process," the look-ahead judgment process looks ahead and judges a random number stored in a designated memory area, but is not limited to this, and it may also be arranged to look ahead and judge a random number stored in a pending memory area.

Figures 8 to 11 show a flowchart of the "special chart hit/miss judgment process." In this process, the hit/miss judgment for the first special chart and the hit/miss judgment for the second special chart are performed separately, and when there is a reserved memory for the second special chart, the hit/miss judgment for the second special chart is performed with priority. Note that the hit/miss judgment for the first special chart and the second special chart is performed by almost the same process, and in the following explanation, the two will be distinguished when necessary, but otherwise the first special chart and the second special chart will not be distinguished and will simply be referred to as "special chart."

As shown in FIG. 8, the "special chart hit/miss determination process" first checks whether the special electric device is not in operation and determines whether a jackpot game is in progress (S300). If the special electric device is in operation (S300: no), the process moves to the "special game process" (see FIG. 9). If the special electric device is not in operation and a jackpot game is not in progress (S300: yes), it determines whether the first or second special chart is stopped from changing (S301). If the change is stopped (S301: yes), it determines whether the fixed pattern of the first or second special chart is not yet displayed (S302).

If the confirmed pattern of the first or second special symbol is not yet displayed in the process of S302 (S302: yes), it is determined whether or not there is a reserved memory of the second special symbol (S303). If there is a reserved memory of the second special symbol (S303: yes), the number of reserved memories of the second special symbol is subtracted, and a shift process of the reserved memories is performed (S304). As a result of the shift process, the oldest reserved memory among the reserved memories of the second special symbol is subject to the judgment of whether it is correct or not.

If there is no reserved memory of the second special drawing in the process of S303 (S303: no), it is determined whether there is a reserved memory of the first special drawing (S305). If there is a reserved memory of the first special drawing (S305: yes), the number of reserved memories of the first special drawing is subtracted, and a shift process of the reserved memories is performed (S306). By the shift process, the oldest reserved memory among the reserved memories of the first special drawing is the subject of the judgment of correctness.
If there is no reserved memory of the first special chart (S305: no), the process proceeds to "special game processing."

Following the process of S304 or S306, in the process of S310 shown in Fig. 9, the probability variation flag is checked to determine whether the current game state is a probability variation game state of the special chart. If it is in a probability variation state (S310: yes), a judgment is made by comparing the probability variation judgment table with the jackpot determination random number that is the subject of the judgment (S311).
If the winning probability is not reached in the process of S310 (S310: no), a judgment is made by comparing the table for determining whether or not the winning probability is normal with the random number for determining the winning probability that is the subject of the judgment (S312).

Next, in the process of S313, it is determined whether the result of the process of S311 or S312 is a big win or not. This corresponds to the "win/loss determining means" described in the claims.
If it is a jackpot (S313: yes), in the process of S314, the jackpot symbol is determined based on the random number for determining the jackpot symbol, which is the subject of the hit/miss determination.
Next, a fluctuation pattern, such as the fluctuation time of the jackpot pattern of the special chart, is determined based on the random number for determining the fluctuation pattern that is the subject of the hit/miss judgment (S315).

After the variation pattern is determined, the jackpot setting process is performed (S316). In this process, based on the determined jackpot pattern, the content of the jackpot game, such as whether to play the 10R jackpot game, the 8R jackpot game, or the 5R normal jackpot game, the transition to a jackpot game or a time-saving game after the jackpot game ends, the time of the jackpot start effect of the jackpot game executed by the effect pattern display device 21, the time of the jackpot end effect, etc. are set.

If the result of the process in S313 is a miss and not a jackpot (S313: no), the process in S317 determines the variation pattern, such as the variation time of the losing symbol in the special symbol. Next, a loss setting process is performed (S318).

After the processing of S316 or S318, a process is performed to transmit information on the reserved memory after the correct/incorrect judgment (for example, information indicating a decrease in the reserved memory after the correct/incorrect judgment is performed) to the sub-integrated control device 42 (S319).
In the next process of S320, the first special symbol display device 28A or the second special symbol display device 28B performs symbol variation start control, transmits a symbol variation start command and a symbol designation command to the sub-integrated control device 42, and transitions to "special game processing". The variation start command and symbol designation command include the variation pattern of the special symbol, the result of the judgment of whether the special symbol is a hit or a miss, etc. Depending on the configuration, a symbol determination command may be sent to indicate the end of the variation time. However, this is not essential since the variation time is specified in advance by the variation pattern, etc.

When the special symbol is changing in the process of S301 in FIG. 8 (S301: no), as shown in FIG. 10, when the symbol change time has elapsed (S330: yes), control is performed to end the display of the changing special symbol on the first special symbol display device 28A or the second special symbol display device 28B in the determined symbol display process of S331. After that, the process proceeds to "special game process".

If the fixed symbol of the special symbol is being displayed in the process of S302 in Fig. 8 (S302: no), the process proceeds to S340 in Fig. 11 to determine whether the fixed symbol display time has ended. If the fixed symbol display time has not ended (S340: no), the process proceeds to "special game process".
On the other hand, if the confirmed pattern display time has ended (S340: yes), the confirmed pattern display end processing of S341 controls the first special pattern display device 28A or the second special pattern display device 28B to end the confirmed pattern display of the special pattern, and sends a command to the sub-integrated control device 42 to end the confirmed display of the pseudo performance pattern corresponding to the special pattern.

Next, it is determined whether the symbols on the special chart are a combination that will result in a jackpot (S342), and if they are a combination that will result in a jackpot (S342: yes), and if the special chance flag indicating the special chance game state is "1" (S343: yes), the special chance flag is reset to "0" (S344). Next, if the time-saving flag indicating the time-saving state is "1" (S345: yes), the time-saving flag is reset to "0" (S346). Through these processes, the game state regarding the special chance game state and the time-saving state during the jackpot game (special game) is reset to the normal state.

Then, the operation of the condition device is started (S347). The condition device is operated when the special symbol is judged to be a jackpot and the jackpot symbol is displayed as a confirmed jackpot, thereby establishing the conditions for starting the jackpot game, and is a device necessary for the operation of the consecutive operation device of the special device in the jackpot game. Furthermore, the operation of the consecutive operation device of the special device is started (S348), and the jackpot start performance processing is performed (S349), and the process moves to "special game processing". Furthermore, this processing causes a jackpot game start command to be sent to the sub integrated control device 42.

If the combination is not a jackpot in the process of S342 (S342: no), it is determined whether the probability variable flag is "1" (S350), and if the probability variable flag is "1" (S350: yes), the probability variable counter that counts the duration of the probability variable state is decremented in the process of S351, and it is determined whether the probability variable counter after decrement is "0". If the probability variable counter is "0" (S351: yes), the probability variable flag is reset to "0" (S352).
Next, it is determined whether the time-saving flag is "1" (S353), and if the time-saving flag is "1" (S353: yes), a time-saving counter that counts the duration of the time-saving is decremented in the process of S354, and it is determined whether the time-saving counter after the decrement is "0". If the time-saving counter is "0" (S354: yes), the time-saving flag is reset to "0" (S355).
In the subsequent state designation command transmission process of S356, a state designation command including information on the probability change flag and time-saving flag indicating the game state is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 42. Then, the process proceeds to "special game process".

12, the "special game process" first checks whether the consecutive operation device of the accessory is in operation (S400), and if it is in operation (S400: yes), checks in the process of S401 whether the big prize opening 25 is open. If the consecutive operation device of the accessory is not in operation (S400: no), the process returns.
If the large prize opening 25 is not open in the processing of S401 (S401: no), then in processing S402 it is checked whether or not there is an interval between large prize games, and if there is no interval (S402: no), then in processing S403 it is checked whether or not the special jackpot end presentation is in progress, and if the jackpot end presentation is not in progress (S403: no), then in processing S404 it is checked whether or not the jackpot start presentation time has elapsed, and if it is confirmed that the jackpot start presentation time has elapsed (S404: yes), then the large prize opening opening processing opens the large prize opening 25 for the first round and returns (S405).

If the process of S401 shows that the large prize opening is open (S401: yes), as shown in FIG. 13, it checks whether 10 prizes have been won in the large prize opening 25 (the required number of prizes) (S410) or whether the opening time of the large prize opening 25 has ended (S411). If either of these is confirmed, the large prize opening 25 is closed (S412), the large prize interval process is executed (S413), and the process returns.

If the process of S402 shows that the jackpot interval is in progress (S402: yes), then as shown in FIG. 14, it is checked whether the jackpot interval time has elapsed (S420), and if it has elapsed (S420: yes), it is checked in the process of S421 whether it is the final round (for example, the 5th round if the jackpot game is a 5-round jackpot game, the 8th round if the 8-round jackpot game, and the 10th round if the 10-round jackpot game), and if it is the final round (S421: yes), the process of S422 for the jackpot end presentation is executed, and in this process a jackpot end command is sent to the sub-integrated control device 42 and the presentation pattern control device 43, the jackpot game is ended, and the process returns.
On the other hand, if it is not the final round (S421: no), the large prize opening 25 for the next round is opened by the large prize opening 25 opening process of S423, and the process returns.

If the process of S403 shows that the jackpot end presentation is in progress (S403: yes), as shown in FIG. 15, it is checked whether the jackpot end presentation time has elapsed (S430), and if it is confirmed that the time has elapsed (S430: yes), the process of S431 is executed to stop the operation of the continuous operation device of the reels, and then the process of stopping the operation of the condition device is executed (S432).

In the next process of S433, it is confirmed whether or not there is a setting for a probability change after the end of the jackpot game according to the jackpot pattern, and if there is a probability change setting (S433: yes), the number of times the probability change game state will be repeated (100 times) is set in the process of S434, and the probability change flag is set to "1" in the process of S435. As a result, the probability change game state is granted after the end of the jackpot game.
Next, in the process of S436, it is confirmed whether or not there is a time-saving setting according to the jackpot pattern, and if there is a time-saving setting (S436: yes), the number of times to repeat the time-saving state (100 times) is set (S437), and the time-saving flag is set to "1" (S438). This allows the time-saving state to be granted after the jackpot game ends. After that, the process of sending a jackpot end command for the special pattern (S439) is executed, and in this process, a jackpot end command is sent to the sub-integrated control device 42 and the performance pattern control device 43, and the jackpot game ends and returns.

Next, the present invention will be described with respect to the foreseeing preview effect. As the foreseeing preview effect, the present invention has a reserve preview effect that indicates the expected probability of winning on the reserve display, and as shown in FIG. 16, the reserve preview effect has a first reserve preview effect and a second reserve preview effect.
The first hold notice performance and the second hold notice performance have different durations as shown in FIG.

Next, based on Figures 17 and 18, we will explain the "Hold Notice First Execution Timing Process A" and the "Hold Notice Second Execution Timing Process A" which control whether or not to execute the pre-reading notice performance. The "Hold Notice First Execution Timing Process A" and the "Hold Notice Second Execution Timing Process A" are subroutines executed by the sub-integrated control device 42.

17, the "Hold Notice First Execution Timing Process A" first checks whether or not a look-ahead determination signal (look-ahead command) has been received from the main control device 40 (S500). If no look-ahead command has been received (S500: no), the process returns to the main routine (not shown) executed by the sub-integrated control device 42 and ends.
If a look-ahead command is received (S500: yes), in the process of S501, it is determined whether the special chart is changing. At this time, the number of reserved memories is also updated, so a command indicating the number of reserved memories is also sent.
If it is not changing (S501: no), return. Note that, although the reserved notice performance of this embodiment is implemented under the condition that the special chart is changing, this is not a required condition for other pre-reading performances.
If it is changing (S501: yes), in the process of S502, it is determined whether the judgment content of the look-ahead command is a predetermined judgment content such as winning, super reach, reach, etc. The look-ahead judgment may be a configuration that judges only whether it is a win or not, or a configuration that judges only the change content. It is preferable that the judgment content of the look-ahead command is stored in a predetermined memory area of the sub-integrated control device 42 until the change of the reserved memory is completed.
If the determination is negative (S502: no), the process returns.
If the judgment is positive (S502: yes), the change contents of the special chart that is currently changing are referenced in the processing of S503.

Next, if the variation is a "normal miss variation" that does not involve a reach, it is checked whether or not the period during which the hold notice performance can be performed is in progress (S504). If it is in a period during which it can be performed (S504: yes), the first hold notice performance is selected as the hold notice performance (S505), and the first hold notice performance is performed (S506). Then, it returns. In this process, the sub-integrated control device 42 transmits a command regarding the execution of the first hold notice performance to the performance pattern control device 43, and the performance is performed by the performance pattern display device 21. Note that, although this embodiment is limited to normal miss variations, the variation may also be a reach miss or a super reach miss.
As shown in Figure 19, the period during which the hold preview performance can be performed and the period during which it cannot be performed may be changed depending on the change in the performance pattern, or (in the case of a configuration that is not limited to normal miss changes) may be constant regardless of the change.
For example, the possible period may be specified as the period during which all the performance symbols are rapidly changing. In this case, by performing a hold notice performance before it is shown whether or not the performance symbol change performance will result in a reach, the degree of expectation in the hold memory can be notified without interfering with the change performance performance.
Also, if the possible period and the impossible period are simply divided by the elapsed time of the variable time, it becomes possible to know whether the hold notice performance will be performed or not depending on the elapsed time of the variable time. Also, if the period is divided by the remaining time of the variable time, it becomes possible to know that the fluctuation will continue for more than a predetermined time by the hold notice performance being performed during the fluctuation. Also, it is possible to consider that if the fluctuation content is a normal miss, all the fluctuation time is the possible period, and if the fluctuation content is a reach performance, it is the impossible period. In that case, if the reach performance is performed, the hold notice performance is not performed so as not to interfere with the fluctuation performance, and it can be performed at the time of the next fluctuation. In this way, the fluctuation performance and the hold notice performance do not interfere with each other's performance, and the player can be entertained.
In addition, a configuration in which the possible period and the impossible period change depending on the contents of the look-ahead judgment is also conceivable. In the case of a reserved memory that is determined to be a winning item by the look-ahead judgment, the reserved notice performance is performed as a possible period regardless of the variation content, but in the case of a look-ahead judgment content of a reach miss, the possible period is set only when the variation content is a normal miss. In addition, if the possible period for one variation is short in the case of a winning item and long in the case of a miss, the possibility of it being performed at the start of the next variation in the case of a winning item increases, and the reserved notice performance performed at the second execution timing can be made to have a higher expectation.
In addition, in a configuration in which a variable table with a different average fluctuation time is changed depending on the number of reserved memories, it is also possible to make the possible period and the impossible period different depending on the difference in the variable table. Generally, the more reserved memories there are, the shorter the average fluctuation time is switched to a variable table, and it is also possible to set the possible period to be shorter accordingly. In this case, the proportion of execution at the first execution timing and the proportion of execution at the second execution timing change depending on the number of reserved memories, so that the reserved notice performance can be performed at various timings.
It is also possible to make the possible and impossible periods different depending on the game state. For example, if the possible period is set longer in the normal game state than in the special game state (probability fluctuation function operating state, fluctuation shortening function operating state, etc.), it is possible to make the game such that the reserved notice performance is more likely to be performed at the first execution timing in the normal game state, but is more likely to be performed at the second execution timing in the special game state.
In this way, various gameplay features can be achieved by setting possible and impossible periods.

If it is not an executable period in the process of S504 (S504: no), the second hold notice performance of the hold memory corresponding to the read-ahead command received in the process of S507 is selected, and the second hold notice start flag is set to "1" (S508). After that, a hold display according to the updated number of hold memories is performed in the process of S509, and the process returns. In this process, the sub-integrated control device 42 sends a command to execute the second hold notice performance to the performance pattern control device 43, and the performance is performed on the performance pattern display device 21.

The "Hold Notice First Execution Timing Process A" executes the first hold notice performance at the first execution timing if a ball enters the first special chart start port 23 or the second special chart start port 24 during a normal miss variation of the first or second special chart, and the contents (results) of the read-ahead judgment of the hold memory due to the ball entering are predetermined judgment contents. The first execution timing is when the hold display is displayed due to the ball entering the start port of the first special chart start port 23 or the second special chart start port 24.

In the process of S503, if the change content is a winning change in this embodiment, the hold notice performance is not executed. Of course, the hold notice performance may be executed if the change is a winning change. Then, return is made.

The "Pending Notice First Execution Timing Process A" executes the processes in the order of determining the look-ahead determination signal, determining whether the special chart is changing, determining the determination content, and determining the change content, but this is not limited to the above and the determination order may be changed. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which a determination is made first as to whether the special chart is changing and the change content, and then a determination is made as to the look-ahead determination signal and the determination content. In this way, it is only necessary to determine the look-ahead command when the change allows for a look-ahead notice performance. The appropriate selection can be made based on what kind of look-ahead notice performance is provided and what kind of change content is provided.

Following the "Hold Notice First Execution Timing Process A", the "Hold Notice Second Execution Timing Process A" is executed. As shown in FIG. 18, the "Hold Notice Second Execution Timing Process A" first judges whether or not a special chart change start command (change start signal) for the first or second special chart has been received from the main control device 40 (S600). In other words, it judges whether or not there is an instruction from the main control device 40 to change the pseudo performance pattern for the first or second special chart. If the judgment is negative (S600: no), the process returns to the main routine executed by the sub-integrated control device 42 and ends.

If the determination in the process of S600 is affirmative (S600: yes), the process in S601 determines whether the second hold notice start flag is 1. If the determination is negative (S601: no), the process returns.
If the judgment is positive (S601: yes), in the process of S602, it is judged whether the reserved memory number of the first special chart and the second special chart is "2" or more. In this embodiment, the predetermined memory number is preferably "2" or more. For example, if the reserved memory is "2" or more, it becomes possible to perform a pre-reading notice performance using the reserved display continuously across multiple variations.
The number of predetermined memories may be "1" or more. In this case, the pre-reading notice performance can be a performance using the reserved display before the hit/miss judgment, and a performance (without the reserved display) at the time of the change accompanying the hit/miss judgment of the reserved memory, so it can be a continuous performance. Also, if the configuration is such that the changing pattern is displayed in a display mode related to the display mode of the reserved display to indicate the change, as shown in FIG. 22, it is possible to perform the second reserved notice performance for the changing pattern even if there is no reserved memory.
In that case, it becomes more of an expectation display of the fluctuation rather than a look-ahead preview display, but by making the display content the same (or similar), the player can enjoy it as a look-ahead preview display.
If the determination in the process of S602 is negative (S602: no), the process returns.

If the determination is affirmative in the process of S602 (S602: yes), the second hold notice start flag is reset to "0" in the process of S603. Next, the second hold notice performance is executed (S604). In this process, the sub-integrated control device 42 transmits a command for executing the second hold notice performance to the performance pattern control device 43, and the performance is executed by the performance pattern display device 21. Then, the process returns.

"Hold notice second execution timing process A" executes the second hold notice performance at the second execution timing when the content (result) of the pre-read judgment of the hold memory caused by the ball entering the first special chart start port 23 or the second special chart start port 24 is a predetermined judgment content, but the first hold notice performance is not executed at the first execution timing, at the start of the new first or second special chart change. The second execution timing is started at the start of the change of the first or second special chart.

Note that the "Hold Notice Second Execution Timing Process A" executes the process in the order of determining the fluctuation start signal, determining the second hold notice start flag, and determining the number of held items, but this is not limiting and the order of determination may be changed. For example, following the determination of the fluctuation start signal, the number of held items may be determined, and then the second hold notice start flag may be determined.

Next, using Figures 21 and 22, we will explain representative examples of the display mode of pseudo performance and hold notice performance using pseudo performance patterns executed by the performance pattern display device 21.
21(a) shows a typical display mode of a normal pseudo performance in which the reserved notice performance is not executed. In the pseudo performance, a pseudo performance pattern 701 consisting of a three-digit number pattern is displayed variably on the display screen of the performance pattern display device 21. In addition, "Tatsuyoshi the Bear" 730, a character of the pachinko machine 1, is displayed.

Furthermore, on the display screen of the performance pattern display device 21, a first reserved display 710 showing the number of reserved memories of the first special pattern is displayed on the left side of the bottom edge, and a second reserved display 720 showing the number of reserved memories of the second special pattern is displayed on the right side of the bottom edge. For example, the first reserved display 710 displays a reserved pattern consisting of the same number of circles (white circles in the illustrated example) as the number of reserved memories of the first special pattern. For example, the second reserved display 720 displays a reserved pattern consisting of the same number of squares (white squares in the illustrated example) as the number of reserved memories of the second special pattern. Note that the illustrated example shows that there are three unprocessed reserved memories of the first special pattern during the change of the special pattern. Also, the reserved memories of the second special pattern are not stored, and the second reserved display 720 is shown by a dashed line.
In addition, the changing pattern is displayed at the bottom center of the display screen. This indicates that the pattern is changing, and by displaying it large in a manner similar to the circular pattern indicating the reservation of the first special pattern, it indicates that the performance pattern being displayed shows the lottery result of the first special pattern. When the second special pattern changes, a large square that imitates the reserved pattern of the second special pattern is displayed.

Figure 21 (b) shows an example of the first hold notice presentation at the first execution timing.
During the variation of FIG. 21(a), when a game ball enters the first special chart start hole 23, as shown in FIG. 21(b), a reserved pattern 713 indicating the fourth reserved memory is additionally displayed on the first reserved display 710. Furthermore, if the fourth reserved memory is a predetermined judgment content that there is a possibility of winning, super reach, or reach by the pre-reading judgment, the fourth reserved pattern 713 corresponding to the fourth reserved memory is displayed as a reserved pattern consisting of a circle (a pattern corresponding to the expectation level 2 described in FIG. 21(c) is contained in the circle) different from the normal reserved pattern as a first reserved notice performance pattern that has the possibility of a jackpot, super reach, or reach. In this way, the first reserved notice performance pattern at the first execution timing is displayed at the timing (when the ball enters the start hole) when the reserved pattern corresponding to the reserved memory caused by the ball is displayed after the ball enters the first special chart start hole 23 or the second special chart start hole 24.

Although not shown, if a game ball enters the second special chart start hole 24 during the fluctuation in FIG. 21(a) and a further look-ahead judgment determines that there is a possibility of a jackpot, super reach, or reach, a reserved pattern indicating the first reserved memory is displayed on the second reserved display 720. In this case, the reserved pattern is a square reserved pattern different from the normal reserved pattern, and is displayed as a first reserved notice performance pattern that has the possibility of a jackpot, super reach, or reach.

Figure 21 (c) shows an explanatory diagram of a look-ahead pattern used as the first reserved notice performance pattern corresponding to the degree of expectation. As shown in the figure, in the case of the first reserved notice performance, it is possible to provide multiple degrees of expectation. This allows a player to have hope that the degree of expectation will increase even if a look-ahead pattern with a low degree of expectation is displayed, by changing it to a look-ahead pattern with a high degree of expectation at the time of the reserved shift (when the change ends and the reserved memory is read out and the change begins, the reserved pattern corresponding to the memory to be read out is erased and the remaining reserved patterns are moved to the position of the missing reserved pattern, which is called a shift).

FIG. 22(a) shows an example of the second reserved notice performance at the second execution timing. The illustrated example shows a state in which the first reserved notice performance was not performed during the normal pseudo performance of FIG. 21(a) and the first special chart has started to change after the change has ended. In this case, the oldest reserved memory is consumed by the new change. As a result, there are two reserved memories, so two reserved patterns are displayed on the first reserved display 710, which has moved to the top right. Then, since a predetermined pre-reading judgment has been made that the reserved memory to be changed next has the possibility of a jackpot, super reach, or reach when the ball enters the first special chart starting hole 23 during the previous change, the "bear Tatsukichi" 731 is displayed on the display screen of the performance pattern display device 21 according to the execution decision of the second reserved notice performance at the second execution timing.
Next, as shown in the example of Fig. 22(b), the displayed "Tatsuyoshi the Bear" 731 jumps toward the reserved symbol. Then, as shown in the example of Fig. 22(c), if the second reserved notice performance is successful, the reserved symbol changes to a look-ahead symbol (the face design of "Tatsuyoshi the Bear") exclusively for the second reserved notice performance. If it fails, the "Tatsuyoshi the Bear" 731 is bounced back to the reserved symbol.
In this way, it is possible to change the presentation contents at the first execution timing, which is when the ball enters the starting hole (when the ball is held), and the second execution timing, which is when the next fluctuation starts, as the reserved notice presentation. Also, by using different patterns to vary the expectation of a big win depending on the execution timing, the interest in the notice presentation can be felt more effectively.

In this embodiment, the pre-reading pattern used as the second reserved notice performance pattern is one type, and is configured not to change even if the reserved is shifted, but there is no problem if it changes to a pre-reading pattern with a higher expectation. For example, it is possible to express the difference in expectation by the difference in the expression of "Tatsuyoshi the Bear" 731, by the difference in color, or by the difference in sound effect.
However, in that case, it is considered to perform it at the time of the reserved shift. In addition, in that case, it is desirable to configure the second reserved notice performance pattern with multiple types. For example, it is desirable to distinguish between a pre-reading pattern with a high expectation of a jackpot, a pre-reading pattern with a high expectation of a super reach, and a pre-reading pattern with a high expectation of a normal reach. Furthermore, a pre-reading pattern with a high expectation of a sure-variation jackpot and a pre-reading pattern with a high expectation of a jackpot with the longest number of rounds may be provided.

In the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment, when determining whether or not to execute the first hold notice performance at the first execution timing, it may be configured to determine whether or not the hold notice performance has already been executed, and if it has been executed, not execute the first hold notice performance. In this case, the failure flag for the execution of the first hold notice performance is set to "1". This allows the second hold notice performance to be executed at the second execution timing.

In addition, in the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment, if the execution of the first hold notice performance is not established, the second hold notice performance can be executed at the start of the fluctuation, which is the second execution timing, but the configuration may be such that the second hold notice performance can be executed regardless of whether the execution of the first hold notice performance is established or not. In this case, when determining whether the execution of the second hold notice performance is established, if there are a predetermined number of hold memories or more and the look-ahead judgment content is a predetermined judgment content, the second hold notice performance may be executed.

The pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment comprises: a numerical data extraction means (Fig. 7: S202, S207) for extracting numerical data resulting from a game ball entering the starting hole (Fig. 2: 23, 24); a reserve memory means (Fig. 7: S202, S207) capable of storing a plurality of numerical data extracted by the numerical data extraction means as reserve memory; a win/lose determination means (Fig. 9: S313) for determining whether or not the player will transition to a state advantageous to the player based on the numerical data stored in the reserve memory means; a win/lose notification means (Fig. 9: S320, Fig. 10: S331) for displaying a variable pattern showing the result of the win/lose determination and later displaying the pattern as a fixed pattern to notify the result; a reserve display means (Fig. 4: 281, 282) for displaying a reserve display corresponding to the number of reserved items stored in the reserve memory means; and the numerical data extraction means. The system includes a numerical data confirmation means (FIG. 7: S203, S208) that confirms the numerical data extracted by the above before the hit/miss judgment, and a hold notice performance means (FIG. 16: S506, FIG. 17: S604) that executes a notice performance in the hold display based on the confirmation result of the numerical data confirmation means, and the hold notice performance means includes, as the execution start timing of the notice performance, at least a first execution timing that starts when the hold display is displayed due to the ball entering the starting hole, and a second execution timing that starts when the pattern starts to change, and includes, as the notice performance, at least a first hold notice performance and a second hold notice performance that have different performance modes, and when the notice performance is to be started at the first execution timing, the first hold notice performance is selected, and when it is to be started at the second execution timing, the second hold notice performance is selected.

According to the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment, if a ball enters the first special chart start port 23 or the second special chart start port 24 during the special chart change, and the extracted random number indicates a possibility of winning or reaching a target based on the look-ahead judgment, and if the hold notice performance can be executed during the period, the first hold notice performance is executed when the hold display is displayed, which is the first execution timing. On the other hand, even if the first hold notice performance is not executed at the first execution timing, when a new pattern change starts, the second hold notice performance is executed at the start of the pattern change, which is the second execution timing. Therefore, a notice performance with suitable performance content can be performed in accordance with the execution timing of the look-ahead notice performance. This results in an interesting configuration that can heighten the player's expectations.

Second Embodiment
A pachinko machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention will now be described.
In the second embodiment, when the reserved notice performance is being performed in advance, the reserved notice performance is not started again when the reserved display is displayed, which is the first execution timing, and when the pattern change starts, which is the second execution timing, but a pre-reading notice performance that does not use the reserved display can be executed, so that the pre-reading notice performance can be used in a more diverse way. The basic configuration of the pachinko machine of the second embodiment is almost the same as that of the first embodiment, and the differences will be mainly described.

In the pachinko machine, the sub-integrated control device 42 executes the "reserved notice first execution timing process A" (Fig. 16) in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Then, the "reserved notice second execution timing process B" shown in Fig. 23 is executed, and the pre-reading notice performance is controlled. This process first determines whether or not a special chart fluctuation start command (fluctuation start signal) for the first or second special chart has been received (S610). If the determination is negative (S610: no), the process returns to the main routine executed by the sub-integrated control device 42 and ends.

If the determination in the process of S610 is affirmative (S610: yes), the process in S611 determines whether or not the second hold notice start flag is 1. If the determination is negative (S611: no), the process returns.
If the result is positive (S611: yes), in the process of S612, it is determined whether the reserved memory number of the first special chart and the second special chart is "2" or more. If the result is positive (S612: yes), in the process of S613, the second reserved notice start flag is reset to "0". Then, it is confirmed whether the reserved notice performance is being executed (S614). If the result is negative (S614: no), the second reserved notice performance is executed (S615). Then, it returns. If the result is positive (S614: yes), in the process of S616, the special pre-reading notice start flag is set to "1". In this process, the sub-integrated control device 42 transmits a command regarding the execution of the second reserved notice performance to the performance pattern control device 43, and the performance is performed by the performance pattern display device 21. Then, it returns.

Next, the "special pre-reading notice performance execution process" shown in Fig. 24 is executed to control the pre-reading notice performance. This process first determines whether the special pre-reading notice performance start flag is "1" (S800). If the determination is negative (S800: no), the process returns to the main routine executed by the sub-integrated control device 42 and ends.
If the determination is affirmative in the processing of S800 (S800: yes), the process of S801 determines whether a predetermined change time has elapsed. If the determination is negative (S801: no), the process returns. If the determination is affirmative (S801: yes), the process of S802 resets the special pre-reading notice start flag to "0". Then, the special pre-reading pending notice performance is executed (S803). In this process, the sub-integrated control device 42 transmits a command for executing the special pre-reading notice performance to the performance pattern control device 43, and the performance is executed by the performance pattern display device 21. Then, the process returns.

In this way, the pachinko machine of the second embodiment executes a special pre-reading notice performance, which is a notice performance different from the hold notice, when the hold notice is executed prior to the first execution timing and the second execution timing.
As shown in FIG. 25(a), the special pre-reading notice performance is a short period of about 10 seconds in which the special pre-reading notice performance 740 (in the example, a boxing match scene) is displayed on the display screen of the performance pattern display device 21 during the variation of the special pattern. The special pre-reading notice performance 740 is preferably a continuous insertion of the same story across multiple variations during the period in which there is a reserved memory in which a predetermined pre-reading judgment has been made that there is a possibility of a jackpot (including a small jackpot depending on the game configuration), a super reach, or a reach in the reserved memory (continuous story notice). Note that this type of pre-reading notice performance is different from the configuration using reserved patterns, and does not indicate which reserved memory is expected to be a jackpot. Therefore, while the special pre-reading notice performance 740 is being implemented, there can be high expectations for each variation.
Furthermore, the special pre-reading notice performance may change the character "Tatsuyoshi the Bear" displayed during the change of the special chart to a different character, "Tatsuyoshi the Bear Smiling" 732 (see FIG. 25(b)). Note that this type of pre-reading notice performance, like the structure using a story, does not indicate which reserved memory is expected to be a jackpot.

The pachinko machine of the second embodiment is equipped with a look-ahead preview performance control means including a reserved preview performance [Fig. 17: S506, Fig. 23: S615, Fig. 24: S803]. The look-ahead preview performance control means including a reserved preview performance is configured to execute a special look-ahead preview performance if the numerical data confirmation result confirmed by the numerical data confirmation means [Fig. 7: S203, S208] is a specific confirmation result (jackpot), and if neither the look-ahead preview performance is executed at the first execution timing nor the second execution timing.

According to the pachinko machine of the second embodiment, even if neither the pre-reading preview performance is executed at the first execution timing nor the second execution timing, when the result of the pre-reading judgment is a jackpot, a special pre-reading preview performance is executed. This makes it possible to make use of the pre-reading judgment and increase the frequency of the execution of the preview performance.

In the pachinko machine of the second embodiment, the "reserved notice second execution timing process B" executes the process in the order of determining the fluctuation start signal, determining the second reserved notice start flag, and determining the number of reserved memories, but this is not limited to this, and the order of determination may be changed. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which a determination is made first as to whether the special chart is fluctuating and the fluctuation content, and then a determination is made as to the look-ahead determination signal and the determination content.

Third Embodiment
A pachinko machine of the third embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described. The pachinko machine of the third embodiment is configured such that, when the content of the pre-reading judgment is a jackpot (a specific confirmation result), the first reserved notice performance is not executed at the reserved display time, which is the first execution timing, and the second reserved notice performance is started at the start of the pattern change, which is the second execution timing. The basic configuration of the pachinko machine of the third embodiment is almost the same as that of the first embodiment, and the differences will be mainly described.

In the pachinko machine of the third embodiment, the sub-integrated control device 42 executes the "reserved notice first execution timing process B" shown in Fig. 26 to control the look-ahead notice performance. This process first checks whether a look-ahead judgment signal (look-ahead command) has been received from the main control device 40 (S510). If no look-ahead command has been received (S510: no), the process returns to the main routine executed by the sub-integrated control device 42 and ends.
If a look-ahead command is received (S510: yes), in the process of S511, it is determined whether the special chart is changing or not.
In the process of S511, if the judgment is negative (S511: no), return is performed. If the judgment is positive (S511: yes), in the process of S512, it is judged whether the judgment content of the look-ahead command is a predetermined judgment content such as a jackpot, a super reach, a reach, etc. It is desirable to store the judgment content of the look-ahead command in a predetermined memory area of the sub-integrated control device 42 until the change in the reserved memory is completed. If the judgment is positive (S512: yes), the change content of the special chart that is changing is referenced in the process of S513. If the judgment is negative (S512: yes), return is performed.

Next, if the variation content is a "normal miss variation" that does not involve a reach, it is confirmed whether the reserved notice performance is possible (S514). If the reserved notice performance is possible (S514: yes), it is determined whether the judgment content of the read-ahead command received in the processing of S515 is a specific judgment content that will result in a jackpot.
If the determination in the process of S515 is negative (S515: no), the process of S517 and S518 selects and executes the first hold notice performance corresponding to the predetermined determination content indicated by the received look-ahead command. Then, the process returns.

If the result of the process of S515 is positive (S515: yes), the process of S516 determines whether or not to execute the first reserved notice performance with a specific determination content. Also, if the result of S515 is positive, that is, if the result of the big win is positive, the second reserved notice performance may be executed. In this case, for example, it is desirable to have a configuration in which a random number is extracted and whether or not to execute the first reserved notice performance is determined by a lottery using the random number.
If the determination is affirmative in the process of S516 (S516: yes), the first hold notice performance corresponding to the specific determination content is selected and executed in the processes of S517 and S518. Then, the process returns.
On the other hand, if the judgment is negative in the processing of S516 (S516: no), in the processing of S519 and S520, the second hold notice performance in the hold memory corresponding to the received look-ahead command is selected, the second hold notice start flag is set to "1", and then the process returns.

If the hold notice performance cannot be performed in the process of S514 (S514: no), the second hold notice performance in the hold memory corresponding to the read-ahead command received in the processes of S519 and S520 is selected, and the second hold notice start flag is set to "1". Then, the process returns.

The "reserved notice first execution timing process B" executes the first reserved notice performance if a game ball enters the first special chart start hole 23 or the second special chart start hole 24 during a normal miss variation of the first special chart or the second special chart, and the contents (results) of the read-ahead judgment of the reserved memory caused by the ball entering are judgment contents of super reach or reach other than a jackpot. In this case, the first reserved notice performance is started immediately after the ball enters the first special chart start hole 23 or the second special chart start hole 24.
On the other hand, when the judgement result is a big win, the first hold notice performance or the second hold notice performance is executed according to the predetermined judgement result.

Note that the "Pending Notice First Execution Timing Process B" executes the process in the following order: determining the look-ahead determination signal, determining the determination content, determining whether the special chart is changing, and determining the change content; however, this is not limited to this, and the determination order may be changed.

Following the "Hold Notice First Execution Timing Process B", the "Hold Notice Second Execution Timing Process C" is executed. As shown in FIG. 27, the "Hold Notice Second Execution Timing Process C" first judges whether or not a special chart change start command (change start signal) for the first or second special chart has been received from the main control device 40 (S620). In other words, it judges whether or not there is an instruction from the main control device 40 to change the pseudo performance pattern for the first or second special chart. If the judgment is negative (S620: no), the process returns to the main routine executed by the sub-integrated control device 42, and this process ends.

If the result of the process of S620 is positive (S620: yes), the process of S621 determines whether the second reserved notice start flag is "1". If the result of the process of S621 is positive (S621: yes), the process of S623 determines whether the reserved memory number of the first special chart and the second special chart is "2" or more. If the result of the process of S623 is negative (S623: no), the process returns.
If the result is positive (S623: yes), the second reserved notice start flag is reset to "0" in the process of S624. Next, the specific judgment flag used when the judgment result of the pre-reading judgment is a big win (specific confirmation result) is reset to "0" (S625). Then, the second reserved notice performance is executed with the predetermined judgment content (S626). Then, the process returns.

If the determination in the process of S621 is negative (S621: no), the process of S622 determines whether or not the specific determination flag is 1. If the determination is negative (S622: no), the process returns.
If the result is positive (S622: yes), in the process of S623, it is determined whether the reserved memory number of the first special chart and the second special chart is "2" or more. If the result is positive (S623: yes), in the process of S624, the second reserved notice start flag is set to "1". Then, the specific judgment flag is set to "1" (S625). Then, the second reserved notice performance corresponding to the specific judgment content is executed (S626). Then, it returns.

In the "reserved notice second execution timing process C", when the contents (results) of the pre-reading judgment of the reserved memory caused by the ball entering the first special chart start port 23 or the second special chart start port 24 are predetermined judgment contents, if the first reserved notice performance is not executed at the first execution timing, if the number of reserved memories is equal to or greater than a predetermined number at the start of the new first or second special chart change, the second reserved notice performance is executed. In this case, the second reserved notice performance is started at the start of the change of the first or second special chart.
On the other hand, if the judgment content by the pre-read judgment of the reserved memory is a jackpot (specific judgment content) and the first reserved notice performance is not executed immediately after the ball enters the first special chart start hole 23 or the second special chart start hole 24, if the number of reserved memories is equal to or greater than a predetermined number at the start of the change of the new first special chart or second special chart, the second reserved notice performance of the reserved memory whose judgment content is a jackpot is executed. In this case, the second reserved notice performance is started at the start of the change of the first special chart or the second special chart.
Incidentally, the pachinko machine of the third embodiment may be configured to be capable of executing a special pre-reading preview performance, similar to the second embodiment.

The pachinko machine of the third embodiment is equipped with a look-ahead preview performance control means including a hold preview performance [Fig. 26: S518, Fig. 27: S626, Fig. 23: S615]. The look-ahead preview performance control means including a hold preview performance is configured to not start the first hold preview performance at the first execution timing and to start the second hold preview performance at the second execution timing when the confirmation result of the numerical data confirmed by the numerical data confirmation means [Fig. 7: S203, S208] is a specific confirmation result.

The pachinko machine of the third embodiment can execute the reserved notice performance with a high expectation of a jackpot as the second reserved notice performance when the special chart starts to change, rather than as the first reserved notice performance immediately after the ball enters the starting hole. This allows the player to recognize that the second reserved notice performance executed when the special chart starts to change is the performance with a high expectation of a jackpot. Therefore, by making the player aware of the performance start timing, such as whether the pre-reading notice performance with a high expectation of a jackpot is executed when the reserved display is displayed, which is the first execution timing, or when the pattern starts to change, which is the second execution timing, it is possible to add interest by having the notice performance be highly reliable at one timing and less reliable at the other timing.

In addition, in the pachinko machine of the third embodiment, the ``Hold Notice Second Execution Timing Processing C'' executes the processing in the order of determining the fluctuation start signal and then determining the second hold notice start flag, but this is not limited to this and the determination order may be changed.
Furthermore, the pachinko machine of the third embodiment may be configured to be capable of executing a special pre-reading preview performance, similar to the second embodiment.

Fourth Embodiment
A pachinko machine of the fourth embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described. The pachinko machine of the fourth embodiment is configured to execute the first reserved notice performance at the first execution timing and not execute the second reserved notice performance at the second execution timing if the judgment result of the pre-reading judgment is a big hit (including a small hit depending on the game configuration) (specific confirmation result). The basic configuration of the pachinko machine of the fourth embodiment is almost the same as that of the first embodiment, and the differences will be mainly described.

In the pachinko machine, the sub-integrated control device 42 executes the "reserved notice first execution timing process A" (Fig. 17) in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Then, the "reserved notice second execution timing process D" shown in Fig. 28 is executed, and the pre-reading notice performance is controlled. This process first determines whether or not a special chart fluctuation start command (fluctuation start signal) for the first or second special chart has been received (S630). If the determination is negative (S630: no), the process returns to the main routine executed by the sub-integrated control device 42 and ends this process.

If the determination in the process of S630 is affirmative (S630: yes), the process in S631 determines whether the second hold notice start flag is 1. If the determination in S631 is negative (S631: no), the process returns.
If the determination in the process of S631 is affirmative (S631: yes), the process of S632 determines whether the reserved memory number of the first special design and the second special design is "2" or more. If the determination is negative (S632: no), the process returns.
If the result of the process of S632 is positive (S632: yes), the process of S633 determines whether the result of the read-ahead command received is a specific result of a big win. If the result of the process of S633 is negative (S633: yes), the process of S635 resets the second hold notice start flag to "0". Then, the second hold notice performance is performed with the predetermined result (S636). Then, the process returns.

If the result of the process of S633 is positive (S633: yes), the process of S634 determines whether or not to execute the second reserved notice performance corresponding to the specific determination content. In this case, for example, it is desirable to extract a random number and determine whether or not to execute the second reserved notice performance by lottery using the random number. Also, if the result of S633 is positive, that is, a jackpot determination, the process may return without going through the determination of S634.
If the determination is affirmative in the process of S634 (S634: yes), the process goes through S635, and the second hold notice performance corresponding to the specific determination content is executed in the process of S636. Then, the process returns.
On the other hand, if a negative judgment is made in the processing of S634 (S634: no), the second hold notice performance corresponding to the specific judgment content is not executed and the process returns.

In the "second execution timing process D of reserved notice", when the contents of the pre-reading judgment of reserved memory caused by the ball entering the first special chart start port 23 or the second special chart start port 24 are predetermined judgment contents, but the start of the first reserved notice performance execution is not established, if the number of reserved memories is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of memories at the start of the new first special chart or second special chart change, a second reserved notice performance corresponding to the predetermined judgment contents is executed. In this case, the second reserved notice performance is started at the start of the change of the first special chart or the second special chart.
On the other hand, when the result of the look-ahead judgment is a jackpot (specific judgment), the second hold notice performance can be prevented from being executed regardless of whether the start of execution of the first hold notice performance is established or not.

The pachinko machine of the fourth embodiment is equipped with a look-ahead preview performance control means (Fig. 26: S518, Fig. 27: S626, Fig. 23: S615) that includes a reserved preview performance. The look-ahead preview performance control means is configured to start a first reserved preview performance at a first execution timing when the result of the numerical data confirmation by the numerical data confirmation means (Fig. 7: S202, S207) is a specific confirmation result, but not to start a second reserved preview performance at a second execution timing.

The pachinko machine of the fourth embodiment executes a hold notice performance with a high expectation of a jackpot as the first hold notice performance immediately after the ball enters the starting hole, but does not execute the second hold notice performance when the special symbol starts to change. This allows the player to recognize that the first hold notice performance executed immediately after the ball enters the starting hole is the one with a high expectation of a jackpot. Therefore, by making the player aware of the performance start timing, such as whether the pre-reading notice performance with a high expectation of a jackpot is executed when the hold display is displayed, which is the first execution timing, or when the symbol change begins, which is the second execution timing, it is possible to add interest by having the notice performance be highly reliable at one timing and less reliable at the other timing.

In addition, in the pachinko machine of the fourth embodiment, the ``Hold Notice Second Execution Timing Processing D'' executes the processing in the order of determining the fluctuation start signal, determining the second hold notice start flag, and determining the number of hold memories, but this is not limited to this and the order of these determinations may be changed.
Furthermore, the pachinko machine of the fourth embodiment may be configured to be capable of executing a special pre-reading preview performance, similar to the second embodiment.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be implemented in various ways without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, when the judgment content of the pre-reading judgment described in the third embodiment is a specific judgment content, a configuration that can not execute the first reserved notice performance when the reserved display is displayed as the first execution timing, and can start the second reserved notice performance when the pattern change starts as the second execution timing, and a configuration that can execute the first reserved notice performance when the reserved display is displayed as the first execution timing, but not execute the second reserved notice performance when the pattern change starts as the second execution timing, may be combined with a configuration that can execute the first reserved notice performance when the reserved display is displayed as the first execution timing, and not execute the second reserved notice performance when the pattern change starts as the second execution timing, when the judgment content of the pre-reading judgment described in the fourth embodiment is a specific judgment content. In this case, it is desirable to provide multiple types of specific judgment content, and use the configuration of the third embodiment and the configuration of the fourth embodiment depending on the type of specific judgment content. For example, if the specific judgment content is a normal jackpot, the configuration of the third embodiment may be used, and if the specific judgment content is a normal variable jackpot, the configuration of the fourth embodiment may be used. In this way, the first reserved notice performance can be more anticipated when the reserved display is displayed, and the second reserved notice performance can be more anticipated when the pattern variation starts, and the anticipated points can be shifted even if the pre-reading notice performances are combined and performed at the same time.
However, it is difficult to perform the second reserved notice performance when the reserved display is displayed, which is the first execution timing. In the present invention, the second reserved notice performance is animated for a longer time (for example, 10 seconds) than the first reserved notice performance. Since the second reserved notice performance is long, if it is performed at the timing of the start of the pattern change, the reserved notice performance will end before the special pattern change ends, but if it is started during the special pattern change, the special pattern change will end during the reserved notice performance. Also, for example, if it is performed when there is only one reserved pattern, it may happen that the reserved pattern disappears during the reserved notice performance (during the jump of the bear Tatsukichi). Therefore, when a start-up win occurs during the special pattern change, the first reserved notice performance, which does not take much time, is performed.
The present invention may also be applied to a pachinko machine equipped with a small win in the judgment of whether or not the special symbol is a hit. In that case, as the pre-reading notice performance, it is possible to separately execute a reserved notice performance that mainly indicates the expectation of a big win and a reserved notice performance that mainly indicates the expectation of a small win, and each can be executed in any of the configurations of the first embodiment to the fourth embodiment. For example, if the reserved notice performance that indicates the expectation of a big win is executed in the fourth embodiment and the reserved notice performance that indicates the expectation of a small win is executed in the third embodiment, the reserved notice performance can be made to expect whether or not a big win will occur when the reserved display is displayed, and the reserved notice performance can be made to expect whether or not a small win will occur when the symbol fluctuation starts.
Furthermore, it may be applied to a pachinko machine with a so-called mixed machine configuration, in which a big win game starts when a game ball enters a specific area provided in the big win opening when a small win occurs. In that case, as a pre-reading judgment, in addition to a big win, a small win is also judged. Also, it is possible to change the execution possible period, change the execution timing, or change the selected reserved notice performance depending on whether the pre-reading judgment is a big win or a small win. In this way, it is possible to determine whether the expectation of a big win or a small win is high based on the content of the reserved notice performance and the execution timing.
Furthermore, the present invention may be applied to an enclosed type pachinko machine in which a predetermined number of game balls are enclosed within the pachinko machine base, the enclosed game balls are fired toward a game area of a game board, the fired game balls are collected, and the collected game balls are fired again, thereby cyclically using the predetermined number of game balls inside to play the game.

1. Pachinko machines (pinball machines)
21. Performance pattern display device 23. First special pattern start port (start port)
24 2nd Special Drawing Start Hole (Start Hole)
25 Large prize winning port 28A First special pattern display device (special pattern display device)
28B Second special pattern display device (special pattern display device)
40 Main control device (numerical data extraction means, reserved storage means, correct/incorrect determination means, numerical data confirmation means)
42 Sub-integrated control device (pre-reading advance notice control means)

Claims (1)

A numerical data extraction means for extracting numerical data resulting from the entry of a gaming ball into a starting hole;
a reserve storage means capable of storing a plurality of the numerical data extracted by the numerical data extraction means as reserve storage;
A winning/losing determination means for determining whether or not a transition to a state advantageous to a player will occur based on the numerical data stored in the reserved storage means;
A winning/losing notification means for displaying a pattern indicating the result of the winning/losing judgment in a variable manner and then displaying the pattern in a definitive manner to notify the result;
a hold display means for displaying a hold display corresponding to the number of holds stored in the hold storage means;
A variable performance means for performing a variable performance with a performance pattern in response to the variable display of the pattern;
a numerical data confirmation means for confirming the numerical data extracted by the numerical data extraction means prior to the judgment of correctness;
and a hold notice performance means for performing a hold notice performance by displaying the hold display with a look-ahead pattern based on the confirmation result of the numerical data confirmation means,
The hold notice production means includes:
The execution start timing of the reserved notice performance includes at least a first execution timing that starts when the reserved display is displayed by a ball entering the starting hole, and a second execution timing that starts when the pattern starts to change,
As the above-mentioned hold notice performance,
A first hold notice performance in which, when a game ball enters the starting hole during the change performance, only when the change situation of the change performance is a predetermined situation , a performance in which the hold display is displayed with the look-ahead pattern is performed in a first performance time;
A second reservation notice performance is provided in which a performance of displaying the pre-reading pattern after a pre-reading pattern change performance for performing whether or not to change the reservation display to the pre-reading pattern is performed for a second performance time longer than the first performance time,
When the hold notice performance is to be started at the first execution timing, the first hold notice performance is selected, and when the hold notice performance is to be started at the second execution timing, the second hold notice performance is selected.
The pinball game machine is characterized in that the hold notice performance means does not execute the first hold notice performance when the hold display is displayed due to a game ball entering the start hole and the hold notice performance is already being executed in another hold display.

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