JP7828628B2 - Gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to gaming machines, such as pachinko machines.

For example, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 below, various prize entry points (start entry point, major prize entry point, general prize entry point) are provided in the game area through which the game balls can flow. When a game ball enters one of these prize entry points, the player is awarded a prize ball.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-209170

However, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, it is possible for a player to acquire an excessive number of prize balls through continuous gameplay. In this case, the gaming machine did not have any mechanism to prevent the player from receiving an excessive number of prize balls.

This invention was made in view of the above circumstances. Specifically, its objective is to provide a gaming machine that does not award excessive prize balls to players.

The gaming machine of the present invention is
A main board capable of executing control related to gameplay,
In a gaming machine equipped with a performance board capable of controlling the performance,
The main board is,
Based on the determination in a predetermined hit detection process, the game can be controlled to enter a jackpot state.
It is possible to measure a specific number based on the number of prize balls awarded to the player.
The display means can perform display control processing to display the normal base, which is the ratio of the total number of normal prize balls obtained by the player during normal gameplay to the number of normal balls fired by the player during normal gameplay.
When the game is controlled to the aforementioned jackpot state, if the specified measurement number exceeds a predetermined standard number and the jackpot state ends, the system will disable the win determination process and will not execute the display control process.
If, after disabling the aforementioned hit detection process, the game-related information is not erased upon power-up, the control to disable the hit detection process is maintained. However, if, after disabling the aforementioned hit detection process, the game-related information is erased upon power-up, the control to disable the hit detection process is released.
The aforementioned performance board is
When the aforementioned specific measurement number becomes equal to or greater than a prior standard number that is smaller than the aforementioned standard number, a pre-game disabling notification effect can be executed to indicate that the specific measurement number is approaching the aforementioned standard number.
When the game is controlled to the aforementioned jackpot state, if the specified measurement count exceeds the aforementioned pre-standard number, thereby initiating the pre-gameplay disabling notification sequence, it is possible to continue executing the pre-gameplay disabling notification sequence even if the game transitions to a disadvantageous game state that is less favorable than the jackpot state.
When the game is controlled to the aforementioned jackpot state, if the specified measurement number exceeds the aforementioned reference number, a game-stopping notification can be executed, which notifies that the game will become unplayable as the jackpot state ends.
If the specified number of jackpots is less than the standard number, a favorable performance can be executed. However, if the specified number of jackpots is equal to or greater than the standard number, an alternative performance can be executed instead of the favorable performance .
If the specified number of measurements is equal to or greater than the standard number and the jackpot game state ends, thereby disabling the execution of the win determination process, a game execution failure image indicating that the win determination process has been disabling will be displayed, and this game execution failure image will remain displayed until the power is cut off.
The gaming machine is characterized in that, after the hit detection process is controlled to be unexecutable based on the fact that the specified number of measurements is equal to or greater than the standard number, if the information related to the game is not erased when the power is turned on, the game execution unexecutable image can be displayed .

According to this invention, it is possible to avoid awarding excessive prize balls to players.

This is a front view of the gaming machine. This is a front view of the game board unit. This is a front view showing the second major prize winning device in detail. This is a front view of the display units. (A) is a front view of the performance unit when the on-board movable device and the on-board movable device are in standby mode, and (B) is a front view of the performance unit when the on-board movable device and the on-board movable device are in operation. This block diagram shows the electrical configuration of the main control board. This block diagram shows the electrical configuration of the performance control board. This is a perspective view showing the back of a gaming machine. This is a front view showing a 7-segment display. (A) is a table showing random numbers related to the general diagram, and (B) is a table showing random numbers related to the special diagram. (A) is the hit detection table, (B) is the normal pattern variation detection table, and (C) is the auxiliary game control table. (A) is the jackpot determination table, (B) is the jackpot symbol type determination table, and (C) is the reach determination table. Special Figure 1 is a table for determining the variation pattern. This is the variable pattern determination table for special figure 2. This is a look-ahead determination table. This is a control table for jackpot games. This is a diagram illustrating the game state. This is an explanatory diagram showing specific examples of performance modes. This is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a normal variation in the special feature variation effect. This is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the N-reach in the special feature variation animation. This is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a special reach in the special feature variation effect. This is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a hold animation. This is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a movable object effect. This is an explanatory diagram showing specific examples of operation and presentation. This diagram shows the function to prevent over-prize balls. This diagram shows the reset of the number of balls/coins. (A) is a diagram showing the presentation when there is an over-prize ball abnormality, and (B) is a diagram showing the presentation when there is a magnetic detection abnormality. (A) is a diagram showing an image indicating an over-prize ball, and (B) is a diagram showing an image indicating a game stop. (A) is a diagram showing a purple-bordered image when the state is high probability and high base, and (B) is a diagram showing a red-bordered image when the state is high probability and high base. (A) is a diagram showing the situation when the special reset switch is pressed, and (B) is a diagram showing the situation when the customer waiting state continues for one hour. This is a flowchart of the main control process. This is a flowchart of the main timer interrupt processing. This is a flowchart of the input processing. This is a flowchart for the process of measuring the difference in the number of balls played. This is a flowchart for special operation processing. This is a flowchart for the special symbol waiting process. This is a flowchart for the customer waiting time measurement process. This is a flowchart for the process of determining a jackpot. This is a flowchart for the variation pattern determination process. This is a flowchart of the variation pattern determination process. This is a flowchart of the processing during special symbol changes. This is a flowchart for the process of determining special symbols. This is a flowchart for managing the game state. This is a flowchart for the special electric mechanism processing. This is a flowchart for the game state setting process. This is a flowchart of the output processing. This is a flowchart of the external signal output processing. This is a flowchart of the sub-control main processing. This is a flowchart for handling a 1m timer interrupt. This is a flowchart for handling 10m timer interrupts. This diagram shows the case where an operation warning animation is performed after the over-prize prevention function has been activated. This diagram shows the case where an operation warning is executed after unauthorized magnetic interference is detected. This diagram shows the over-prize ball prevention function in the first modified example. This diagram shows the special performance for remaining reserved balls in the first modified example. This figure shows the round alternative presentation and the time-saving mode alternative presentation in the second modified example. This diagram shows a special performance to replace remaining reserved balls in the second variation. This diagram shows the function to prevent over-prize balls in the third modified example. This diagram shows a special animation sequence for the transition to normal mode in the third modified example. This diagram shows the alternative presentation after the normal transition in the fourth modified example. This flowchart shows the main-side timer interrupt processing in the fifth modified example. This figure shows the case in the fifth modified example where a contact warning display is executed after the over-prize prevention function is activated. This diagram shows a case in which a contact warning is displayed after an unauthorized magnetic field is detected in the fifth modified example. This diagram shows a case in the sixth variant where the game is canceled after a probability change mode substitution sequence. This diagram shows the case in the seventh variation where the game is canceled after a round substitution sequence. This diagram shows the reset of the number of balls in a modified example. This diagram shows a modified example where the number of balls is displayed on a 7-segment display. This is a front view showing a modified example of a sealed-type pachinko machine with a six-digit seven-segment display.

The embodiments of the gaming machine of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In each of the referenced figures, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions of the same parts are generally omitted. In this specification, for the sake of simplification, symbols or numerals referring to information, signals, physical quantities, or components may be indicated, and the names of the information, signals, physical quantities, or components corresponding to those symbols or numerals may be omitted or abbreviated. Furthermore, in any flowchart described later, the execution order of multiple processes in any multiple steps can be arbitrarily changed or executed in parallel, provided that no inconsistencies occur in the processing content.

1. Structure of the Gaming Machine The structure of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of this form will be described below. First, the structure of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 will be explained using Figures 1 to 5. In the following explanation, the left, right, up, and down directions of each part of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 refer to the left, right, up, and down directions (from the perspective of a player facing the pachinko gaming machine PY1). Also, "front" refers to the direction from the pachinko gaming machine PY1 towards the player facing the pachinko gaming machine PY1, and "rear" refers to the direction from the player facing the pachinko gaming machine PY1 towards the pachinko gaming machine PY1.

As shown in Figure 1, the pachinko game machine PY1 is equipped with a game machine frame 2. The game machine frame 2 is equipped with an outer frame 22 and a front door 23 that can be opened and closed relative to the outer frame 22. Furthermore, the front door 23 is equipped with a game board mounting frame 2A to which a game board unit YU (described later) is attached, and a front frame 23m that is rotatably supported by the game board mounting frame 2A via a hinge 2B. The front frame 23m can be opened and closed relative to the game board mounting frame 2A. A transparent plate 23t is attached to the front frame 23m. When the front frame 23m is closed, the game board 1 attached to the game board mounting frame 2A and the transparent plate 23t face each other. Therefore, when the pachinko game machine PY1 is installed in a game hall (game shop), players in front of the pachinko game machine PY1 can see the game area 6 formed on the game board 1 through the transparent plate 23t. The transparent plate 23t can be made of transparent glass, transparent synthetic resin, etc. It is sufficient that the game area 6 is visible from the front of the pachinko game machine PY1.

A handle 72k is provided on the lower right front of the front frame 23m, allowing for rotational operation to launch the game balls. The amount of rotation of the handle 72k corresponds to the magnitude of the force (launching intensity) applied to the game balls (the amount that the launching device 72, described later, drives the launching solenoid). Therefore, the game balls are launched with a launching intensity corresponding to the rotation of the handle 72k. Furthermore, a lower decorative body 36, which protrudes significantly forward, is provided at the lower center of the front of the front frame 23m. An upper tray 34 for storing game balls supplied to the handle 72k is formed on the upper surface of the lower decorative body 36. Additionally, a lower tray 35 for storing excess game balls that cannot be accommodated in the upper tray 34 is provided at the lower center of the front of the lower decorative body 36.

On the upper surface of the lower decorative body 36, in front of the upper tray 34, is provided an operable first input device (hereinafter referred to as "normal button") 40. The normal button 40 is composed of, for example, a button with a pressing surface, a lever with a gripping portion, etc. Furthermore, on the right decorative body 32, which protrudes forward from the right edge of the surface of the front frame 23m, is provided an operable second input device (hereinafter referred to as "special button") 41. The special button 41 is composed of, for example, a button with a pressing surface, a lever with a gripping portion, etc.

Furthermore, a speaker 52 capable of outputting sound is provided on the bottom surface of the upper decorative body 31, which is formed to protrude forward from the upper part of the surface of the front frame 23m. The speaker 52 (sound output means) consists of a left speaker 52L located on the left side and a right speaker 52R located on the right side. Additionally, a frame lamp 53 capable of emitting light is provided on the right edge of the front frame 23m and on the left and right sides of the lower tray 35 on the front of the lower decorative body 36. Moreover, a movable frame movable device 58, intended as a performance device to enhance the enjoyment of the game, is attached to the upper sides of the left and right edges of the front frame 23m. The frame movable device 58 consists of a left frame movable device 58L located on the left side and a right frame movable device 58R located on the right side.

Furthermore, the position and number of components and devices installed on the gaming machine frame 2 can be changed as appropriate, as long as it does not interfere with gameplay.

Next, the game board unit YU will be explained, mainly using Figures 2 to 5. The game board unit YU comprises a game board 1 and a performance unit 1U attached to the rear side of the game board 1. First, the game board 1 will be described. The game board 1 is made of a transparent synthetic resin plate. A roughly circular opening 1A is formed approximately in the center of the game board 1 when viewed from the front. Along the opening 1A, a roughly ring-shaped inner wall portion 1B is formed, projecting forward to demarcate the game area 6 through which the game balls can flow. Furthermore, a roughly ring-shaped outer wall portion 1C is also formed, projecting forward outside the inner wall portion 1B, to demarcate the game area 6.

The front surface of the game board 1 is formed with a game area 6 enclosed by an inner wall 1B, an outer wall 1C, and other elements. In other words, the front surface of the game board 1 is divided into the game area 6 and the surrounding area by the inner wall 1B and the outer wall 1C.

The game area 6 is the area through which game balls launched by the operation of the handle 72k can flow, and is provided for playing the game on the pachinko game machine PY1. Numerous game pins (not shown) are protruding from the game area 6. These game pins form paths that appropriately guide the game balls entering and flowing through the game area 6 to the first starting opening 11, second starting opening 12, general prize opening 10, gate 13, first major prize opening 14, and second major prize opening 15, which will be described later.

The game area 6 is provided with a first start-up prize device 11D, which has a first start-up opening 11 into which game balls can enter, and a second start-up prize device (so-called "electric chute") 12D that allows or prevents game balls from entering the second start-up opening 12.

The first starting prize-winning device 11D is stationary. Therefore, the ease with which game balls enter the first starting opening 11 remains constant (unchangeable). The entry of a game ball into the first starting opening 11 triggers the lottery for the first special symbol (hereinafter referred to as "Special Symbol 1") (the acquisition and determination of the Special Symbol 1-related random number described later: hereinafter referred to as "Special Symbol 1 lottery") and the variable display of Special Symbol 1 (identification symbol). Furthermore, when a game ball enters the first starting opening 11, a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 4) are dispensed as prize balls.

The electric chute 12D is equipped with an operable electric chute opening/closing member 12k. Normally (in the normal state), the electric chute opening/closing member 12k is in a closed position, making it impossible or extremely difficult for game balls to enter the second start port 12. In a special state, it moves to an open position, allowing game balls to enter the second start port 12. This movement of the electric chute opening/closing member 12k to the open position is also referred to as the "open state" of the second start port 12 or electric chute 12D, and game balls can only enter the second start port 12 when it is in the open state. Conversely, the position of the electric chute opening/closing member 12k in the closed position is also referred to as the "closed state" of the second start port 12 or electric chute 12D. Furthermore, the second start port 12 or electric chute 12D becoming the "open state" is also referred to as "the electric chute 12D opening," and the electric chute 12D becoming the "closed state" is also referred to as "the electric chute 12D closing."

The entry of a game ball into the second starting slot 12 triggers the lottery for the second special symbol (hereinafter referred to as "Special Symbol 2") (the acquisition and determination of the random number related to Special Symbol 2, as described later; hereinafter referred to as "Special Symbol 2 lottery") and the variable display of Special Symbol 2 (identification symbol). Furthermore, when a game ball enters the second starting slot 12, a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 4) are dispensed as prize balls.

Furthermore, the game area 6 is provided with a general prize slot 10 into which game balls can be entered. When a game ball enters the general prize slot 10, a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 3 balls) are dispensed as prize balls.

Furthermore, the game area 6 is provided with a gate 13 through which the game ball can pass. The passage of the game ball through the gate 13 triggers the lottery for the normal symbols (hereinafter referred to as "normal symbols") (i.e., the acquisition and determination of normal symbol random numbers: hereinafter referred to as "normal symbol lottery") and the variable display of the normal symbols. The execution of an auxiliary game opens the electric tuner 12D. In other words, the auxiliary game is a game that involves the opening of the electric tuner 12D.

Furthermore, the game area 6 is provided with a first large prize entry device 14D (hereinafter also referred to as "normal AT 14D"), which has a first large prize entry opening 14 into which game balls can be entered.

The first large prize winning device 14D is equipped with a normal AT opening/closing member 14k that can be operated to an open state and a closed state. The operation of the normal AT opening/closing member 14k opens and closes the first large prize winning opening 14. Normally, the normal AT opening/closing member 14k is in the closed state, blocking the first large prize winning opening 14, making it impossible or extremely difficult for game balls to enter the first large prize winning opening 14. When the normal AT opening/closing member 14k is operated to the open state, game balls can enter the first large prize winning opening 14. Thus, game balls can only enter the first large prize winning opening 14 when the normal AT opening/closing member 14k is in the open state. When a game ball enters the first large prize winning opening 14, a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 15) are dispensed as prize balls.

Furthermore, the game area 6 is provided with a guidance stage 12g that guides the game balls to the second starting opening 12. The game balls rolling on the upper surface of the guidance stage 12g can flow downwards towards the second starting opening 12.

Furthermore, the game area 6 is provided with a second large prize entry device 15D (hereinafter also referred to as "VAT 15D"), which has a second large prize entry opening 15 into which game balls can be entered. The second large prize entry device 15D is equipped with an operable VAT opening/closing member 15k. Normally, the VAT opening/closing member 15k blocks the second large prize entry opening 15, making it impossible or extremely difficult for game balls to enter the second large prize entry opening 15. The VAT opening/closing member 15k can be in an open state. When the VAT opening/closing member 15k is in an open state, it becomes easy for game balls to enter the second large prize entry opening 15. On the other hand, the state in which the VAT opening/closing member 15k blocks the second large prize entry opening 15 is also called the "closed state". In this way, the second large prize entry opening 15 opens and closes by the operation of the VAT opening/closing member 15k. When a game ball enters the second large prize slot 15, a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 15 balls) are dispensed as prize balls.

Here, we will explain the second large prize device 15D in detail using Figure 3. Inside the second large prize device 15D, there is a gate-shaped second large prize opening sensor 15a that detects game balls that have entered the second large prize opening 15 and allows the game balls to pass downwards.

Downstream of the second large prize-winning opening sensor 15a, there are designated areas 16 and non-designated areas 17 through which game balls can pass (enter). Game balls that pass through the second large prize-winning opening sensor 15a are sorted by a sorting device 16D into either the designated area 16 or the non-designated area 17. The sorting device 16D comprises a sorting member 16k, which is a roughly rectangular flat plate, and a sorting solenoid 16s that drives the sorting member 16k. The sorting member 16k is configured to slide left and right when driven by the sorting solenoid 16s.

When the distribution solenoid 16s is not energized, the distribution member 16k is in a first state (passage blocking state: in the front view in Figure 3(A), the left end of the distribution member 16k is slightly to the right of the left end of the specific area 16, and the distribution member 16k covers the specific area 16 directly above it). When the distribution member 16k is in the first state, a game ball that enters the second large prize opening 15 cannot or will find it extremely difficult to pass through the specific area 16 after passing through the second large prize opening sensor 15a, and instead passes through the non-specific area 17. This route of the game ball flowing down from the second large prize opening 15 to the non-specific area 17 is called the first route.

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

Furthermore, the distribution member 16k is basically held in the first state. That is, the first state can be considered the normal state of the distribution member 16k. Only during a predetermined round of gameplay (for example, 10 rounds), the distribution solenoid 16s can be energized, allowing it to change to the second state.

The specific area 16 and the non-specific area 17 are equipped with a specific area sensor 16a and a non-specific area sensor 17a, respectively, which detect game balls passing through (entering) each area 16 and 17 and direct the game balls downwards.

Furthermore, it is possible to install only one of the first and second large prize devices 14D and 15D, provided that it does not interfere with gameplay.

Furthermore, at approximately the bottom of the game area 6, there are two outlets 19 for discharging game balls that were played into the game area 6 but did not enter any of the winning slots. Additionally, the game board 1 is equipped with a luminous panel lamp 54.

Incidentally, the game area 6 through which the game balls can flow can be divided into a left game area (first game area) to the left of the center in the left-right direction, and a right game area (second game area) to the right. The operation of the handle 72k to launch the game balls so that they flow down the left game area is called "left-handed shooting." Conversely, the operation of the handle 72k to launch the game balls so that they flow down the right game area is called "right-handed shooting." In the pachinko game machine PY1, the path through which the game balls can flow when launched with left-handed shooting is called the first path R1, and the path through which the game balls can flow when launched with right-handed shooting is called the second path R2. The first path R1 and the second path R2 are also composed of numerous game pins, etc.

The first flow path R1 is provided with a first starting opening 11 and two general prize winning openings 10. Therefore, players can aim to enter the first starting opening 11 or the general prize winning openings 10 by shooting the ball with their left hand to direct it down the first flow path R1. Meanwhile, the second flow path R2 is provided with a second starting opening 12, a gate 13, a first major prize winning opening 14, and a second major prize winning opening 15. Therefore, players can aim to pass through the gate 13 or enter the second starting opening 12, the first major prize winning opening 14, or the second major prize winning opening 15 by shooting the ball with their right hand to direct it down the second flow path R2.

Furthermore, any game balls that do not enter any of the prize slots (first starting slot 11, second starting slot 12, general prize slot 10, first major prize slot 14, and second major prize slot 15) are guided to the out slot 19 and discharged. The number of prize balls awarded for entering each prize slot can be set as appropriate.

Furthermore, the display units 8 are located to the left of the lower part of the game area 6 formed on the front of the game board 1 (in the area other than the game area 6). As shown in Figure 4, the display units 8 include a special figure 1 display unit 81a that variably displays special figure 1, a special figure 2 display unit 81b that variably displays special figure 2, and a general figure display unit 82 that variably displays general figures. The display units 8 also include a special figure 1 hold display unit 83a that displays the number of special figure 1 hold units (U1: the number of special figure 1 variable displays held by the special figure 1 display unit 81a), and a special figure 2 hold display unit 83b that displays the number of special figure 2 hold units (U2: the number of special figure 2 variable displays held by the special figure 2 display unit 81b), which will be described later.

The variable display of Special Feature 1 is executed when a game ball enters the first starting opening 11, triggering the Special Feature 1 lottery. Similarly, the variable display of Special Feature 2 is executed when a game ball enters the second starting opening 12, triggering the Special Feature 2 lottery. In the following explanation, Special Feature 1 and Special Feature 2 are collectively referred to as "Special Feature," and the Special Feature 1 lottery and Special Feature 2 lottery are collectively referred to as "Special Feature lottery." Furthermore, the Special Feature 1 indicator 81a and the Special Feature 2 indicator 81b are collectively referred to as "Special Feature indicator 81." Finally, the Special Feature 1 reserve indicator 83a and the Special Feature 2 reserve indicator 83b are collectively referred to as "Special Feature reserve indicator 83."

The variable display of the special symbol announces the result of the special symbol lottery. In the variable display of the special symbol, the special symbol is displayed in a variable state and then stopped. The special symbol that is stopped (the special symbol displayed as a result of the variable display) is one special symbol selected from multiple types of special symbols by the special symbol lottery. If the stopped special symbol is a predetermined specific special symbol (a special symbol with a specific stopping pattern, i.e., a jackpot symbol), a jackpot game (an example of a special game) is performed, opening the large prize slots (the first large prize slot 14 and the second large prize slot 15).

The special symbol indicator 81 is composed of eight LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) arranged horizontally, and displays the special symbol corresponding to the result of the special symbol lottery based on the way they are lit. For example, if the result of the special symbol lottery is a jackpot (one of the multiple types of jackpots described later), the special symbol indicator 81 displays the jackpot symbol consisting of the lit LEDs in the 1st, 2nd, 5th, and 6th positions from the left, such as "□□■■□□■■" (□: lit, ■: off). If the result of the special symbol lottery is a loss, the special symbol indicator 81 displays the losing symbol consisting of the lit LED in the rightmost position, such as "■■■■■■■□". The way the LEDs light up to correspond to the result of the special symbol lottery is not limited and can be set as appropriate. Therefore, for example, all LEDs may be turned off to represent a losing symbol.

Furthermore, in the variable display of the special symbol, the variable display of the special symbol is performed for a predetermined variation time before the special symbol is displayed as stopped. The mode of the variable display of the special symbol is, for example, a mode in which each LED lights up so that the light repeatedly flows from left to right. However, the mode of the variable display of the special symbol is not particularly limited; if each LED is not displayed as stopped (lighted in a specific mode), it may be set as appropriate, such as all LEDs flashing simultaneously.

By the way, in the pachinko game machine PY1, when a game ball enters the first start port 11 or the second start port 12, various random numbers (examples of numerical information and judgment information) for performing special symbol lotteries, etc., may be acquired. These various random numbers are temporarily stored as special symbol reserves in the special symbol reserve storage unit 105, which will be described later. In the following, the various random numbers acquired when a game ball enters the first start port 11 will be called "special symbol 1 related random numbers," and the various random numbers acquired when a game ball enters the second start port 12 will be called "special symbol 2 related random numbers." Here, the special symbol 1 related random numbers are stored as special symbol 1 reserves in the special symbol 1 reserve storage unit 105a within the special symbol reserve storage unit 105. On the other hand, the special symbol 2 related random numbers are stored as special symbol 2 reserves in the special symbol 2 reserve storage unit 105b within the special symbol reserve storage unit 105. It is possible to set an upper limit (for example, 4) on the number of special figure 1 reserves that can be stored in the special figure 1 reserve storage unit 105a (special figure 1 reserve count) and the number of special figure 2 reserves that can be stored in the special figure 2 reserve storage unit 105b (special figure 2 reserve count). In the following, special figure 1 reserves and special figure 2 reserves will be collectively referred to as "special figure reserves," and the number of special figure 1 reserves and the number of special figure 2 reserves will be collectively referred to as "special figure reserve count." Furthermore, special figure 1 related random numbers and special figure 2 related random numbers will be collectively referred to as "special figure related random numbers."

In the Pachinko game machine PY1, if the variable display of the special symbol does not occur immediately after a game ball enters the first start slot 11 or the second start slot 12, specifically if an entry occurs while the variable display of the special symbol is being performed or during a jackpot game, the variable display of the special symbol (or the right to draw a special symbol) for that entry can be reserved. The special symbol reserves stored in the special symbol reserve storage unit 105 are consumed when the variable display of the special symbol based on that special symbol reserve becomes possible. That is, consuming a special symbol reserve means determining the special symbol-related random numbers, etc., corresponding to that special symbol reserve, and then performing the variable display of the special symbol to show the result of that determination.

The number of reserved special symbols is then displayed on the reserved special symbol indicator 83. Each of the reserved special symbol 1 indicator 83a and the reserved special symbol 2 indicator 83b is, for example, composed of four LEDs. The number of reserved special symbols can be displayed by lighting up the corresponding number of LEDs.

Furthermore, the variable display of the regular symbol indicates the result of the regular symbol lottery. In the variable display of the regular symbol, the regular symbol is displayed in a variable state and then stopped. The regular symbol that is stopped (the regular symbol that is displayed as a result of the variable display) is one regular symbol selected from among several types of regular symbols by the regular symbol lottery. If the stopped regular symbol is a specific regular symbol predetermined (a regular symbol with a predetermined stopping pattern, i.e., a winning symbol), an auxiliary game is performed to open the second start opening 12 (electric tuner 12D).

The general diagram indicator 82 is composed of, for example, two LEDs, and displays a general diagram corresponding to the result of the general diagram lottery depending on the lighting pattern of the LEDs. If the result of the general diagram lottery is a win, the general diagram indicator 82 displays a winning pattern consisting of both LEDs lit, such as "□□" (□: lit, ■: off). If the result of the general diagram lottery is a loss, it displays a losing pattern consisting of only the right LED lit, such as "■□". A pattern where all LEDs are off may also be used for the losing pattern. Note that the LED lighting patterns corresponding to the result of the general diagram lottery are not limited and can be set as appropriate.

Furthermore, before the normal display is shown as stopped, a variable display of the normal display is performed for a predetermined variation time. The mode of the variable display of the normal display is, for example, that both LEDs light up alternately. However, the mode of the variable display of the normal display is not particularly limited; if each LED is not shown as stopped (lighted in a specific mode), it may be set as appropriate, such as all LEDs flashing simultaneously.

In the Pachinko game machine PY1, when a game ball passes through gate 13, a random number for a normal symbol (an example of numerical information or judgment information) for conducting a normal symbol lottery may be acquired. This random number is stored in the normal symbol reserve storage unit 106 (described later), provided that variable normal symbol display or auxiliary gameplay is not being performed. An upper limit (for example, 4) can be set for the number of normal symbol reserves that can be stored in the normal symbol reserve storage unit 106. In the following, the normal symbol random number acquired when a game ball passes through gate 13 will also be referred to as the "normal symbol-related random number."

Next, using Figure 5, we will explain the performance unit 1U attached to the back of the game board 1. The performance unit 1U is a unitized system primarily composed of multiple devices for performing performance effects. The performance unit 1U includes an image display device 50, a first board movable device (hereinafter referred to as the "on-board movable device") 55, and a second board movable device (hereinafter referred to as the "below-board movable device") 56.

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

The on-board movable device 55 is positioned in front of the display screen 50a, is movable along the display screen 50a, and comprises a decorative on-board movable body 55k. The under-board movable device 56 is positioned in front of the display screen 50a, is movable along the display screen 50a, and comprises a decorative under-board movable body 56k.

Figure 5(A) schematically shows the state in which the upper and lower movable bodies 55k and 56k are held in their normal standby state (initial position) when not in operation. When the drive source for the upper movable device 55 is activated, the upper movable body 55k moves downward (descends), and when the drive source for the lower movable device 56 is activated, the lower movable body 56k moves upward (rises). At this time, the image display device 50 is covered by the descended upper movable body 55k or the raised lower movable body 56k, making the image display device 50 difficult to see.

Furthermore, the position and number of components and devices installed in the YU game board unit can be changed as appropriate, as long as it does not interfere with gameplay.

2. Electrical Configuration of the Gaming Machine Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 will be explained based on Figures 6 to 9. As shown in Figures 6 to 7, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 is equipped with a game control board (hereinafter also called the "main control board") 100 that controls game benefits (progress of the game) such as special symbol lottery, variable display of special symbols, jackpot game, setting of game state (described later), normal symbol lottery, variable display of normal symbols, and auxiliary game; an effect control board (hereinafter also called the "sub-control board") 120 that controls game effects (special symbol variation effect, hold effect, jackpot game effect), customer waiting effect, and operation promotion effect that prompts operation during the period when the operation of the normal button 40 or special button 41 is effective (operation valid period) in accordance with the progress of the game by the main control board 100; and a payout control board 170 that controls game ball payout, etc., further back from the image display device 50 of the game board 1 (see Figure 8). The main control board 100 can be positioned as a game control unit that controls the game. The performance control board 120 can also be positioned as a performance control unit that controls the performances, together with the image control board 140, lamp control circuit 151, and sound control circuit 161, which will be described later. The performance control unit only needs to include at least the performance control board 120 and be capable of controlling game performances, customer waiting performances, and operation promotion performances using performance means (image display device 50, speaker 52, frame lamp 53, board lamp 54, and movable devices 55, 56, etc.).

Furthermore, the pachinko game machine PY1 is equipped with a power supply board 190. The power supply board 190 supplies power to the main control board 100, the performance control board 120, and the payout control board 170, and also supplies necessary power to other devices via these boards. The power supply board 190 is provided with a pressable RAM clear switch 191. The RAM clear switch 191 (specific operating means) is used to clear (hereinafter referred to as "RAM clear") the game information (for example, information on game states such as high probability states, the number of special symbol reserves, and the results of jackpot determinations) stored in the game RAM 104 of the game control microcomputer 101, which will be described later, to the game CPU 102 when the power is turned on. As shown in Figure 8, the RAM clear switch 191 is provided on the power supply board 190 located on the back side of the pachinko game machine PY1. Therefore, only employees of the game hall who can open and close the front door 23 can operate the RAM clear switch 191. In other words, the RAM clear switch 191 is an operating mechanism that is practically impossible for the player to operate. When the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed, a detection signal indicating that the RAM clear switch 191 is ON is input to the game control microcontroller 101. In this embodiment, the RAM clear switch 191 is provided on the power supply board 190, but the location of the RAM clear switch 191 can be changed as appropriate; for example, it may be provided on the main control board 100 or on a dedicated board.

Furthermore, the power supply board 190 is equipped with a backup power supply circuit 192. The backup power supply circuit 192 supplies power to the game RAM 104 of the main control board 100 and the performance RAM 124 of the performance control board 120 when power is not supplied to the pachinko game machine PY1. Therefore, the information stored in the game RAM 104 of the main control board 100 and the performance RAM 124 of the performance control board 120 is retained even when the power to the pachinko game machine PY1 is lost. A power switch 193 is also connected to the power supply board 190. The power supply is switched on and off by operating the power switch 193 ON or OFF. Note that a backup power supply circuit for the game RAM 104 of the main control board 100 may be provided on the main control board 100, and a backup power supply circuit for the performance RAM 124 of the performance control board 120 may be provided on the performance control board 120.

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

The game ROM 103 stores programs for performing the main control processing and main timer interrupt processing, which will be described later. The game ROM 103 also stores the following: a jackpot determination table, a jackpot symbol type determination table, a reach determination table, a special symbol variation pattern determination table, a pre-read determination table, a jackpot game control table, a win determination table, a normal symbol variation pattern determination table, and an auxiliary game control table, which will be described later. Note that the game ROM 103 may be an external component.

The game RAM 104 includes the aforementioned special symbol hold memory unit 105 and the regular symbol hold memory unit 106. The game RAM 104 also includes a non-erasable memory unit 107, which contains a total prize ball count memory unit 107a, a total ball launch count memory unit 107b, and a net ball count memory unit 107c. The non-erasable memory unit 107 is designed so that even when a RAM clear is performed, the game CPU 102 does not erase the stored contents. The non-erasable memory unit 107 (total prize ball count memory unit 107a, total ball launch count memory unit 107b, net ball count memory unit 107c) will be described in detail later.

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

The setting key cylinder 180 functions as an operating mechanism for setting the setting value corresponding to the jackpot probability. The inside of this setting key cylinder 180 rotates between an initial position and a rotation position when a setting key (not shown) is inserted. Therefore, in this pachinko game machine PY1, by rotating the setting key cylinder 180 to the rotation position and turning on the power while pressing the RAM clear switch 191, the machine can enter a setting mode where the setting value can be set. In this setting mode, the setting value can be set to "1". However, this pachinko game machine PY1 only has one setting value, "1". Therefore, the setting value cannot be changed from "1". Note that when in setting mode, rotating the setting key cylinder 180 from the rotation position to the standby position ends the setting mode and a RAM clear is performed.

Furthermore, the main control board 100 is equipped with a special reset switch 181 that can be pressed. As shown in Figure 8, the special reset switch 181 is located on the main control board 100, which is situated on the back side of the pachinko game machine PY1. Therefore, only employees of the game hall who can open and close the front door 23 can operate the special reset switch 181. In other words, the special reset switch 181 is an operating means that is practically impossible for players to operate. The function of the special reset switch 181 will be described in detail later. The main control board also has a game I/O (Input/Output) port section 118 for inputting and outputting data and signals.

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

The various sensors MS connected to the main control board 100 include a first start-up sensor for detecting game balls that enter the first start-up opening 11, a second start-up sensor for detecting game balls that enter the second start-up opening 12, a general prize-winning opening sensor for detecting game balls that enter the general prize-winning opening 10, a gate sensor for detecting game balls that pass through the gate 13, a first large prize-winning opening sensor for detecting game balls that enter the first large prize-winning opening 14, a second large prize-winning opening sensor 15a for detecting game balls that enter the second large prize-winning opening 15, a specific area sensor 16a for detecting game balls that pass through (enter) a specific area 16, and a non-specific area sensor 17a for detecting game balls that pass through (enter) a non-specific area 17.

Furthermore, the various sensors MS include an outlet sensor that detects all game balls (total number of balls launched) flowing down the game area 6. Here, game balls that flow out of the game area 6 are discharged to the outside of the pachinko game machine PY1 through an outlet path (not shown) located at the bottom of the game board mounting frame 2. Therefore, the outlet sensor is located within the outlet path. The various sensors MS also include a magnetic sensor that detects unauthorized magnetism. The magnetic sensor detects the magnetism generated when a player uses a magnet or the like to illegally enter the various prize slots 10, 11, 12, and 14 into the game ball slots. When each of the above sensors detects a game ball, it outputs a signal corresponding to the detected information to the main control board 100.

Furthermore, the various sensors MS include a front door opening sensor that detects the opening of the front door 23 relative to the outer frame 22, and a front frame sensor that detects the opening of the front frame 23m relative to the game board mounting frame 2A. When the front door opening sensor detects the opening of the front door 23, it outputs a signal to the main control board 100 corresponding to the detected information. When the front frame sensor detects the opening of the front frame 23m, it outputs a signal to the main control board 100 corresponding to the detected information. The types and number of sensors connected to the main control board 100 can be changed as appropriate, within a range that does not interfere with gameplay.

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

Furthermore, the main control board 100 is connected to display units 8 (special symbol display unit 81, general symbol display unit 82, and special symbol hold display unit 83). The display control of these display units 8 is performed by the game control microcomputer 101.

The main control board 100 also transmits various commands to the payout control board 170 and receives signals from the payout control board 170 for payout monitoring. The payout control board 170 is connected to a card unit CU (installed adjacent to the pachinko machine PY1, enabling ball dispensing based on information from inserted prepaid cards, etc.) and a prize ball payout device 73, as well as a launch device 72 via a launch control circuit 175. The launch device 72 includes a handle 72k (see Figure 1).

The payout control board 170, based on signals from the game control microcomputer 101 and the connected card unit CU, uses the prize ball payout device 73 and the rental ball payout device 74 to dispense prize balls and rental balls. The number of game balls to be dispensed is output to the payout control board 170.

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

Furthermore, the payout control board 170 is connected to the external terminal board 160. In other words, the external terminal board 160 is connected to the main control board 100 via the payout control board 170. The external terminal board 160 transmits external signals sent from the main control board 100 to an external unit GU (data counter, hall computer, etc.) located outside the pachinko game machine PY1. The information included in the external signals includes, for example, information indicating whether a jackpot has been won, information on the game status, and information indicating errors or irregularities (abnormalities). Note that the external terminal board 160 transmits external signals to the external unit GU via parallel communication, but the external signals may also be transmitted via asynchronous serial communication (a common asynchronous serial communication port). Furthermore, although the main control board 100 is connected to the external terminal board 160 via the dispensing control board 170, the main control board 100 may also be connected to the external terminal board 160 via a board other than the dispensing control board 170 (for example, an intermediate board), or the main control board 100 and the external terminal board 160 may be directly connected.

Furthermore, the main control board 100 transmits various commands containing information about the game to the performance control board 120 in accordance with the progress of the game. Based on the various commands sent from the main control board 100, the performance control board 120 can understand the progress of the game (the game control content) by the main control board 100. The connection between the main control board 100 and the performance control board 120 is a unidirectional communication connection, allowing only signal transmission from the main control board 100 to the performance control board 120. In other words, a unidirectional circuit (e.g., a circuit using diodes) (not shown) is interposed between the main control board 100 and the performance control board 120 as a means of restricting the direction of communication.

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

Furthermore, the ROM 123 for performance contains programs for the sub-control main processing, receive interrupt processing, and sub-side timer interrupt processing, which will be described later. Note that the ROM 123 for performance may be external.

Furthermore, the performance control board 120 is equipped with a performance I/O port section 138 for inputting and outputting data and signals, and an RTC (Real Time Clock) 139. The RTC 139 measures the current date and time. When power is supplied to the pachinko game machine PY1 from a predetermined island power supply device (not shown), the RTC 139 operates using that power. When power is not supplied from the island power supply device, it operates using power supplied from the backup power supply circuit 192 on the power supply board 190. Therefore, the RTC 139 can measure the current date and time even when the pachinko game machine PY1 is not powered on. A backup power supply circuit for the RTC 139 may also be provided on the performance control board 120. The backup power supply circuit can include a capacitor or a built-in battery (such as a button battery).

The image control board 140 is connected to the performance control board 120. The performance control microcontroller 121 of the performance control board 120 controls the display of the image display device 50 by instructing the image CPU 141 of the image control board 140 to perform display control based on commands received from the main control board 100, that is, in accordance with the progress of the game by the main control board 100. The connection between the performance control board 120 and the image control board 140 is a bidirectional communication connection that allows for both signal transmission from the performance control board 120 to the image control board 140 and signal transmission from the image control board 140 to the performance control board 120.

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

The VDP 144 reads image data from the CGROM 145 and expands it into the expansion area in the VRAM 146, according to the display list created by the image CPU 141 based on commands from the performance control microcontroller 121. Then, it appropriately combines the expanded image data and draws the image to the frame buffer in the VRAM 146. Finally, it outputs the image drawn to the frame buffer as an RGB signal to the image display device 50. As a result, various performance images are displayed on the display screen 50a.

The display list consists of a set of commands for instructing the execution of drawing on a frame-by-frame basis. The display list contains information on various parameters, such as the type of image to be drawn, the position where the image is drawn, the display priority, the display magnification, and the image's transparency.

The microcontroller 121 for performance control outputs voice, music, sound effects, etc., from the speaker 52 via the audio control circuit 161, based on commands received from the main control board 100, that is, in accordance with the progress of the game as controlled by the main control board 100.

The audio data, such as the sound output from speaker 52, is stored in the ROM 123 of the performance control board 120. Alternatively, the audio control circuit 161 may be mounted on a separate board with a CPU. In this case, the CPU may be used to perform the audio control. Furthermore, in this case, a ROM may be mounted on the board, and the audio data may be stored in that ROM. Alternatively, speaker 52 may be connected to the image control board 140, and the image CPU 141 of the image control board 140 may be used to perform the audio control. In this case, the audio data may be stored in the image ROM 142 of the image control board 140.

Furthermore, the performance control board 120 is connected to various switches (which serve as inputs), various actuators SA (which serve as drive sources), and various lamps SL (which serve as drive sources) via a predetermined relay board (not shown). The performance control board 120 receives signals output from the various switches. The performance control board 120 also outputs signals to the various actuators SA. Based on commands received from the main control board 100, the performance control board 120 controls the lighting of the various lamps SL via the lamp control circuit 151.

The various switches connected to the performance control board 120 include a normal button detection switch 40a and a special button detection switch 41a. Each detection switch 40a and 41a outputs a signal to the performance control board 120 according to the detected content. The various switches connected to the performance control board 120 also include a handle rotation detection sensor 42a. The handle rotation detection sensor 42a detects (detects) rotational operation of the handle 72k (see Figure 1) by a player or other person, and is installed inside the handle 72k. Therefore, when the handle 72k is rotated, the handle rotation detection sensor 42a detects the rotational operation and outputs a detection signal to the performance control board 120. The types and number of switches connected to the performance control board 120 can be changed as appropriate, within a range that does not interfere with gameplay.

The various actuators SA connected to the performance control board 120 include motors that drive the on-board movable device 55, the under-board movable device 56, the frame movable device 58, etc. These motors can be driven to cause each movable device to perform a predetermined operation. Specifically, the performance control microcomputer 121 creates operation pattern data that determines the operation mode of each movable device, and controls the operation of each movable device via the lamp control circuit 151. The type and number of actuators connected to the performance control board 120 can be changed as appropriate, within a range that does not interfere with gameplay.

The various lamps SL connected to the performance control board 120 include frame lamps 53, panel lamps 54, etc., and each lamp is illuminated. Specifically, the performance control microcontroller 121 creates light emission pattern data (data determining on/off status, light color, etc., also called lamp data) that determines the illumination pattern of each lamp, and controls the illumination of each lamp according to the light emission pattern data. The data stored in the performance ROM 123 of the performance control board 120 is used to create the light emission pattern data.

Furthermore, the lamp control circuit 151 may be mounted on a circuit board with a CPU. In this case, the CPU may be used to control the illumination of each lamp and the operation of each movable device. In this case, a ROM may also be mounted on the circuit board, and data related to the light emission patterns and operation patterns may be stored in the ROM. Also, the types and number of lamps connected to the performance control board 120 can be changed as appropriate, within a range that does not interfere with gameplay.

3. Main Games Played on Gaming Machines Next, the main games played on the pachinko gaming machine PY1 will be explained using Figures 10 to 15.

3-1. Games Related to Normal Diagrams First, we will explain games related to normal diagrams. When a launched game ball passes through gate 13 in the pachinko game machine PY1, a normal diagram lottery is performed. When a normal diagram lottery is performed, the normal diagram display unit 82 displays a variable normal diagram (displays a variable diagram followed by a stop diagram). Here, the normal diagrams that are displayed as stops include winning symbols and losing symbols. Note that the losing normal diagrams are also called "losing normal diagrams" to distinguish them from the losing special diagrams which will be described later. When a winning symbol is displayed as a stop, an auxiliary game is performed and the game related to passing through gate 13 ends. On the other hand, when a losing normal diagram is displayed as a stop, no auxiliary game is performed and the game related to passing through gate 13 ends. Furthermore, in the following, when a game ball passes through gate 13 when no variable normal diagram display or auxiliary game is performed, this is referred to as "fulfillment of the normal diagram variation start condition."

The Pachinko game machine PY1, in performing this series of gameplay (normal symbol lottery, variable normal symbol display, auxiliary gameplay), acquires normal symbol-related random numbers when the normal symbol variation start condition is met. The acquired normal symbol-related random numbers include normal symbol random numbers, as shown in Figure 10(A). These normal symbol random numbers are random numbers (judgment information) used for determining a win. Each random number has an appropriate range.

3-1-1. Hit Determination Hit determination is a determination to determine whether or not it is a hit (whether or not to execute an auxiliary game) using one or more hit determination tables as shown in Figure 11(A). The hit determination table can be associated with the game state, which will be described later. That is, the game state includes a non-time-saving state and a time-saving state, and it is possible to distinguish between a hit determination table used in the non-time-saving state (non-time-saving hit determination table) and a hit determination table used in the time-saving state (time-saving hit determination table). In each hit determination table, a determination value (normal symbol random value) is assigned to the hit or miss result of the hit determination. Therefore, the pachinko game machine PY1 compares the acquired normal symbol random number with the hit determination table to determine whether it is a hit or a miss. Then, based on the result of the hit determination, it performs a normal symbol variation pattern determination for the variable display of the normal symbol. If the result of the hit determination is a hit, the winning symbol is basically stopped and displayed in the variable display of the normal symbol. On the other hand, if the result of the hit detection is a miss, the losing regular diagram will basically be displayed in the variable display of the regular diagram. Also, the probability of winning can be changed as appropriate.

3-1-2. General Diagram Fluctuation The general diagram fluctuation pattern determination is a determination to determine the general diagram fluctuation pattern using one or more general diagram fluctuation pattern determination tables as shown in Figure 11(B). The general diagram fluctuation pattern is identification information relating to predetermined items concerning the variable display of the general diagram, such as the general diagram fluctuation time.

The regular symbol variation pattern determination table can be associated with the game state. That is, it is possible to distinguish between a regular symbol variation pattern determination table used in non-time-saving states (non-time-saving regular symbol variation pattern determination table) and a regular symbol variation pattern determination table used in time-saving states (time-saving regular symbol variation pattern determination table).

Each regular figure variation pattern determination table stores one regular figure variation pattern for each regular figure that is stopped, which is the result of the regular figure variation pattern determination. In other words, the pachinko game machine PY1 can make the regular figure variation time different in the non-time-saving state and the time-saving state. For example, in the non-time-saving state, when a losing regular figure (losing regular figure) is stopped and displayed, the variable display of the regular figure is determined to have a regular figure variation pattern with a regular figure variation time of, for example, 30 seconds, and when a winning symbol is stopped and displayed, the variable display of the regular figure is determined to have a regular figure variation pattern with a regular figure variation time of, for example, 30 seconds. Also, in the time-saving state, when a losing regular figure is stopped and displayed, the variable display of the regular figure is determined to have a regular figure variation pattern with a regular figure variation time of, for example, 5 seconds, and when a winning symbol is stopped and displayed, the variable display of the regular figure is determined to have a regular figure variation pattern with a regular figure variation time of, for example, 5 seconds. The variable display of the regular figure corresponding to the regular figure variation pattern determined by this determination is performed by the regular figure display 82. Furthermore, these normal display variation times can be changed as appropriate. In this way, the normal display is displayed variably on the normal display display unit 82 through collision detection and normal display variation pattern determination.

3-1-3. Auxiliary Game The auxiliary game is executed when a winning symbol is displayed (derived) as the result of the display result (result of the regular drawing) in the variable display of the regular drawing.

The auxiliary game includes various elements that constitute the auxiliary game (auxiliary game components), namely, the number of times the electric tuner 12D opens, and the opening time for each opening. Each of these elements is associated with the game state. The pachinko machine PY1 controls the auxiliary game based on the game state using one or more auxiliary game control tables, as shown in Figure 11(C). Each auxiliary game control table is associated with the game state. Each auxiliary game control table stores the auxiliary game components. Furthermore, the number of openings and opening times for each of these elements can be changed as appropriate.

The Pachinko game machine PY1 allows for different opening times of the electric tuner 12D depending on whether the auxiliary game is played in a non-time-saving state or a time-saving state. For example, in a non-time-saving state, the electric tuner 12D is opened for a first opening time (a time when it is difficult to get the game ball into the electric tuner 12D (e.g., 0.08 seconds)). Hereafter, the auxiliary game in a non-time-saving state will also be referred to as the "short-opening auxiliary game." In a time-saving state, the electric tuner 12D is opened for a second opening time, which is longer than the first opening time (a time when it is easy to get the game ball into the electric tuner 12D (e.g., 3.00 seconds)). Hereafter, the auxiliary game in a time-saving state will also be referred to as the "long-opening auxiliary game."

3-2. Games Related to Special Symbols Next, we will explain games related to special symbols. When a launched game ball enters the first start opening 11 of the pachinko game machine PY1, a special symbol 1 lottery is performed. When the special symbol 1 lottery is performed, the special symbol 1 display 81a displays a variable special symbol 1 (displays a variable display followed by a stop display) to notify the result of the special symbol 1 lottery. Here, the special symbol 1 that is stopped to display includes a jackpot symbol and a losing symbol. In other words, the result of the special symbol 1 lottery is either a jackpot or a loss. If a jackpot symbol is stopped to display, a jackpot game is performed, a new game state is set, and the game based on that entry ends. On the other hand, if a losing symbol is stopped to display, a jackpot game is not performed, and the game based on that entry ends.

Similarly, when a launched game ball enters the second starting gate 12, the pachinko game machine PY1 performs a special symbol 2 lottery. After the special symbol 2 lottery is performed, the special symbol 2 display 81b displays a variable representation of special symbol 2 (a variable representation followed by a stop representation) to announce the result of the special symbol 2 lottery. Here, the stopped special symbol 2 can be a jackpot symbol or a losing symbol. In other words, the result of the special symbol 2 lottery can be a jackpot or a loss. If a jackpot symbol is displayed, a jackpot game is executed, a new game state is set, and the game based on that entry ends. On the other hand, if a losing symbol is displayed, a jackpot game is not performed, and the game based on that entry ends.

In the following, the entry of a game ball into the first starting opening 11 is referred to as "fulfillment of the first starting condition," and the entry of a game ball into the second starting opening 12 is referred to as "fulfillment of the second starting condition." Furthermore, "fulfillment of the first starting condition" and "fulfillment of the second starting condition" are collectively referred to as "fulfillment of the starting condition." Also, the losing special symbols are sometimes referred to as "losing special symbols" to distinguish them from the losing regular symbols mentioned above.

The Pachinko game machine PY1, in performing a series of gameplay actions (special symbol lottery, variable display of special symbols, jackpot gameplay, and setting of game state), acquires special symbol-related random numbers upon fulfillment of the starting conditions and performs various judgments based on these random numbers. The acquired special symbol-related random numbers, as shown in Figure 10(B), include special symbol random numbers (jackpot random numbers), jackpot symbol type random numbers, reach random numbers, and special symbol variation pattern random numbers. The special symbol random numbers are used for jackpot determination. The jackpot symbol type random numbers are used for jackpot symbol type determination. The reach random numbers are used for reach determination. The special symbol variation pattern random numbers are used for special symbol variation pattern determination. Each random number has an appropriate range. Note that random numbers are sometimes referred to as judgment information.

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

In each jackpot determination table, special symbol random number judgment values (special symbol random number values) are assigned to the jackpot determination results, namely jackpots and misses. The pachinko machine PY1 compares the acquired special symbol random numbers with the jackpot determination table to determine whether it is a jackpot or a miss. As shown in Figure 12(A), the high-probability jackpot determination table has a higher number of special symbol random number judgment values that result in a jackpot than the normal-probability jackpot determination table. Furthermore, the jackpot winning probability can be changed as needed.

3-2-2. Jackpot Symbol Type Determination Jackpot symbol type determination is a determination made when the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot, using one or more jackpot symbol type determination tables as shown in Figure 12(B) to determine the type of jackpot symbol (jackpot symbol type). For each type of jackpot symbol, it is possible to associate it with the contents of the jackpot, in other words, the components of the jackpot which consist of the game benefits granted to the player.

The jackpot symbol type determination table can be associated with the type of the variable-display special symbol, or in other words, the type of starting gate from which the winning combination occurred (the one that triggered the jackpot symbol type determination). That is, it is possible to distinguish between two jackpot symbol type determination tables: the jackpot symbol type determination table used when performing the variable display of Special Symbol 1 (the first jackpot symbol type determination table) and the jackpot symbol type determination table used when performing the variable display of Special Symbol 2 (the second jackpot symbol type determination table).

There are multiple types of winning symbols, and in each winning symbol type determination table, the determination value (winning symbol type random value) is assigned to the winning symbol type determined by the winning symbol type determination. Therefore, the pachinko game machine PY1 determines the type of winning symbol by comparing the acquired winning symbol type random number with the winning symbol type determination table. Then, in the first and second winning symbol type determination tables, the winning symbol type random values are appropriately assigned to each type of winning symbol. Furthermore, the distribution rate of winning symbol types can be changed as needed. Also, the number of winning symbol types can be increased or decreased as needed.

For example, as shown in Figure 12(B), it is possible to set the distribution rate of jackpot symbol types for Special Figure 1 to 50% for jackpot symbol X and 50% for jackpot symbol Y, and the distribution rate of jackpot symbol types for Special Figure 2 to 100% for jackpot symbol Z. In this way, it is possible to have different distribution rates for jackpot symbol types in the Special Figure 1 lottery, which is conducted when a game ball enters the first starting opening 11, and in the Special Figure 2 lottery, which is conducted when a game ball enters the second starting opening 12.

3-2-3. Reach Determination Reach determination is a determination made when the result of the jackpot determination is a miss, using one or more reach determination tables as shown in Figure 12(C) to determine whether or not to generate a reach in the special symbol variation effect described later.

The reach determination table can be associated with the game state. That is, it is possible to distinguish between a reach determination table used in non-time-saving states (non-time-saving reach determination table) and a reach determination table used in time-saving states (time-saving reach determination table).

In each reach determination table, the reach random number determination value (reach establishment random number value) is assigned to either "reach present (a reach occurs)" or "reach absent (a reach does not occur)" as the result of the reach determination. Therefore, the pachinko game machine PY1 compares the acquired reach random number with the reach determination table to determine whether there is a reach present or a reach absent (whether a reach occurs or not). As shown in Figure 12(C), it is possible to make the number of reach establishment random numbers determined as "reach present (a reach occurs)" different between the non-time-saving reach determination table and the time-saving reach determination table. In the following, "reach present (a reach occurs)" performed under the premise that the jackpot determination result is "miss" may be referred to as "reach present miss," and "reach absent (a reach does not occur)" may be referred to as "reach absent miss."

3-2-4. Special Symbol Variation The special symbol variation pattern determination is a determination to determine the variation pattern of the variable display of the special symbol (special symbol variation pattern) using a variation pattern determination table (special symbol variation pattern determination table) for one or more special symbols as shown in Figures 13 to 14, and is performed in both cases where the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot or a miss. The special symbol variation pattern is identification information for identifying predetermined items related to the special symbol variation time and the performance flow (performance content) of the special symbol variation performance described later. In addition to the special symbol variation time and the performance flow (performance content) of the special symbol variation performance, the special symbol variation pattern can also include identification information related to the result of the jackpot determination and the result of the reach determination. It is possible to use multiple types of special symbol variation patterns, each with different identification information, and the number of such patterns can be changed as appropriate.

The special symbol variation pattern determination table can be associated with the type of special symbol that performs the variable display and is the subject of the determination; in other words, it can be associated with the type of starting gate from which the prize resulting from the special symbol variation pattern determination occurred. That is, it is possible to distinguish between the special symbol variation pattern determination table used when performing the variable display of Special Symbol 1 (Special Symbol 1 Variation Pattern Determination Table: Figure 13) and the special symbol variation pattern determination table used when performing the variable display of Special Symbol 2 (Special Symbol 2 Variation Pattern Determination Table: Figure 14).

Furthermore, each special symbol variation pattern determination table can also be associated with the game state. Specifically, it is possible to distinguish between the special symbol 1 variation pattern determination table used in non-time-saving states (the special symbol 1 variation pattern determination table for non-time-saving states) and the special symbol 1 variation pattern determination table used in time-saving states (the special symbol 1 variation pattern determination table for time-saving states). Similarly, for the special symbol 2 variation pattern determination table, it is possible to distinguish between the special symbol 2 variation pattern determination table used in non-time-saving states (the special symbol 2 variation pattern determination table for non-time-saving states) and the special symbol 2 variation pattern determination table used in time-saving states (the special symbol 2 variation pattern determination table for time-saving states).

Furthermore, each special symbol variation pattern determination table associated with the game state can also be associated with the jackpot determination result, the jackpot symbol type determination result, or the reach determination result. That is, the non-time-saving special symbol 1 variation pattern determination table and the non-time-saving special symbol 2 variation pattern determination table each have versions for jackpots (by jackpot symbol type), for reaches with misses, and for misses without reaches, respectively. Similarly, the time-saving special symbol 1 variation pattern determination table and the time-saving special symbol 2 variation pattern determination table each have versions for jackpots (by jackpot symbol type), for reaches with misses, and for misses without reaches, respectively.

Furthermore, the special symbol 1 variation pattern determination table for each non-reach miss can also be associated with the number of special symbol reserves. For example, it is possible to distinguish between the special symbol 1 variation pattern determination table used when the number of special symbol 1 reserves (U1) is 0-2 and the special symbol 1 variation pattern determination table used when the number of special symbol 1 reserves (U1) is 3-4. Similarly, the special symbol 2 variation pattern determination table for each non-reach miss can also be associated with the number of special symbol reserves. For example, it is possible to distinguish between the special symbol 2 variation pattern determination table used when the number of special symbol 2 reserves (U2) is 0-2 and the special symbol 2 variation pattern determination table used when the number of special symbol 2 reserves (U2) is 3-4.

Then, the variable display of the special symbols for the special symbol variation time corresponding to the special symbol variation pattern determined by each special symbol variation pattern judgment is performed on the special symbol display unit 81. When the variable display of the special symbols shows a jackpot symbol as the display result (result of the special symbol lottery), the next variable display of the special symbols does not immediately occur, and the jackpot game continues.

Furthermore, each special symbol variation pattern can be associated with the special symbol variation effect flow shown in the second column from the right in the table in Figures 13 and 14.

Furthermore, as shown in the rightmost column of the table in Figures 13 and 14, special symbol variation patterns may be named in relation to the special symbol (jackpot determination result) and the content of the special symbol variation performance. For example, a special symbol variation pattern related to a jackpot is called a "jackpot variation." On the other hand, among the misses with a reach, a special symbol variation pattern in which an SP reach (a type of reach) occurs is called an "SP miss variation," a special symbol variation pattern in which an L reach (a type of reach) occurs among the misses with a reach is called an "L miss variation," a special symbol variation pattern in which the special symbol variation performance ends with an N reach (a type of reach) among the misses with a reach is called an "N miss variation," and a special symbol variation pattern related to a miss without a reach is called a "normal miss variation."

3-2-5. Prediction Judgment The pachinko game machine PY1 performs a prediction judgment based on the acquired special symbol-related random numbers, using one or more prediction judgment tables as shown in Figure 15. Prediction judgments include, for example, determining whether a special symbol random number will result in a jackpot in the jackpot judgment, determining which type of jackpot symbol a jackpot symbol random number will be determined to be in the jackpot symbol type judgment, and determining which special symbol variation pattern a jackpot variation pattern random number will be determined to be in the special symbol variation pattern judgment. The prediction judgment table can be associated with the type of starting gate involved in the starting entry. That is, it is possible to distinguish between a prediction judgment table for when the ball enters the first starting gate 11 (first prediction judgment table) and a prediction judgment table for when the ball enters the second starting gate 12 (second prediction judgment table).

Furthermore, the pre-read judgment table can also be associated with the game state. That is, it is possible to distinguish between a pre-read judgment table used when the game is not in a time-saving state (non-time-saving pre-read judgment table) and a pre-read judgment table used when the game is in a time-saving state (time-saving pre-read judgment table).

In other words, the look-ahead determination table can be divided into three tables: a first look-ahead determination table used when not in a time-saving state, a first look-ahead determination table used when in a time-saving state, a second look-ahead determination table used when not in a time-saving state, and a second look-ahead determination table used when in a time-saving state. The types of determinations included in the look-ahead determination can be changed as needed.

3-3. Jackpot Game Next, we will explain the jackpot game. The jackpot game consists of multiple rounds of gameplay involving the opening and closing of the large prize slots (first large prize slot 14 or second large prize slot 15), an opening (also referred to as OP) from the start of the jackpot game until the start of the first round of gameplay, and an ending (also referred to as ED) from the end of the final round of gameplay until the jackpot game ends. Each round of gameplay begins with the end of the opening or the end of the previous round of gameplay, and ends with the start of the next round of gameplay or the start of the ending. It is also possible to omit the OP and ED. In the following, a predetermined number of rounds of gameplay (a predetermined order) will simply be referred to as a "round". For example, the first round of gameplay will be called "Round 1 (1R)", and the tenth round of gameplay will be called "Round 10 (10R)".

The elements that constitute such a jackpot game (jackpot game components) include the number of rounds played, the number of times the large prize slots (first large prize slot 14 or second large prize slot 15) are opened in each round, the type and opening time (opening pattern) of each large prize slot that is opened, the time the slots are closed until the next opening (closing time), the opening time (opening time), and the ending time (ending time). After the special symbol stops, the pachinko machine PY1 controls the jackpot game using one or more jackpot game control tables as shown in Figure 16. Each jackpot game control table stores the jackpot game components for each jackpot game. It is possible to control one or more types of jackpot games.

For example, as shown in Figure 16, rounds 1 through 9 involve either a round where the first large prize opening 14 is open for a maximum of 29.5 seconds, or a round where the first large prize opening 14 is open for a maximum of 0.1 seconds. Then, in round 10 (the final round), a round involves either a round where the second large prize opening 15 is open for a maximum of 29.5 seconds, or a round where the second large prize opening 15 is open for a maximum of 0.1 seconds. Furthermore, in each round, if a predetermined number of game balls (e.g., 10) are detected by the large prize opening sensor, the round ends even before the maximum opening time for the large prize openings 14 and 15 has elapsed.

Furthermore, the number of repetitions and durations for each element can be changed as appropriate. Also, the jackpot game can be performed using both the first and second jackpot entry points 14 and 15, or using only one of them.

Here, we will explain the specific area 16 in detail. The specific area 16 takes between a closed state where entry is impossible and an open state where entry is possible, controlled by the distribution member 16k. Therefore, the operation mode of the distribution member 16k can be said to be the opening and closing mode of the specific area 16. Hereafter, the operation mode of the distribution member 16k will also be referred to as the "opening and closing mode of the specific area 16." Thus, the distribution member 16k is controlled by a fixed operation mode (a fixed opening and closing mode of the specific area 16). The combination of the fixed operation mode of the distribution member 16k (a fixed opening and closing mode of the specific area 16) and the opening and closing mode of the second large prize entry point 15 in the jackpot game determines the difficulty (ease) of getting the game ball into the specific area 16 during the jackpot game. Hereafter, the state in which the specific area 16 is open will also be referred to as "V-open."

For 15 seconds after the opening of the second large prize opening begins, the distribution solenoid 16s is energized, and the distribution member 16k is controlled to the second state (Figure 3(B)). Therefore, in a round game where the second large prize opening 15 is open for a maximum of 29.5 seconds, the relationship between the opening time and timing of the second large prize opening 15 and the time and timing of the distribution member 16k being controlled to the second state makes it easy for the game ball to pass through the specific area 16 (to make the game ball enter the specific area 16). On the other hand, in a round game where the second large prize opening 15 is open for a maximum of 0.1 seconds, the relationship between the opening time and timing of the second large prize opening 15 and the time and timing of the distribution member 16k being controlled to the second state makes it almost impossible (difficult) for the game ball to pass through the specific area 16 (to make the game ball enter the specific area 16). Thus, a jackpot game can be played in two ways: a first opening pattern (V-long opening pattern) in which the VAT opening/closing member 15k and the distribution member 16k operate, allowing the game ball to easily pass through a specific area 16 (hereinafter also referred to as "V-passage"); and a second opening pattern (V-short opening pattern) in which the VAT opening/closing member 15k and the distribution member 16k operate, making it impossible or difficult for the game ball to pass through the specific area 16. A jackpot game in which the VAT opening/closing member 15k and the distribution member 16k operate in the V-long opening pattern is called a "V-long jackpot." Conversely, a jackpot game in which the VAT opening/closing member 15k and the distribution member 16k operate in the V-short opening pattern is called a "V-short jackpot."

3-4. Game State Next, the game states will be explained. As shown in Figure 17, the pachinko game machine PY1 can be in any of the following game states: "low probability low base game state", "low probability high base game state", "high probability low base game state", "high probability high base game state", and "jackpot game state". Note that "low probability low base game state" can be abbreviated as "low probability low base state", "low probability high base game state" as "low probability high base state", "high probability low base game state" as "high probability low base state", and "high probability high base game state" as "high probability high base state". The states that constitute the game state include a state related to the probability of being judged as a "jackpot" in the jackpot judgment, and a state related to the ease of opening the electric tuner 12D. The former includes the normal probability state and the high probability state. On the other hand, the latter includes the non-time-saving state and the time-saving state.

The normal probability state is set in either the "low probability, low base game state" or the "low probability, high base game state," where the probability of winning a jackpot is the normal probability. The high probability state is set in either the "high probability, low base game state" or the "high probability, high base game state," where the probability of winning a jackpot is higher than the normal probability. Therefore, the high probability state is more advantageous to the player than the normal probability state. When the Pachinko machine PY1 is first powered on, the normal probability state is set. Then, by winning a jackpot, it becomes possible to switch from the normal probability state to the high probability state. For example, during a jackpot game, it is possible to switch to the high probability state by having the game ball pass through a specific area 16. It is also possible to switch to the high probability state depending on the type of jackpot symbol. In the high probability state, it is possible to switch back to the normal probability state after a predetermined number of jackpot checks without winning a jackpot, or by winning the next jackpot.

The non-time-saving state is set in the "low probability low base game state," the "high probability low base game state," or the "jackpot game state." The time-saving state is set in the "low probability high base game state" or the "high probability high base game state," and is a game state in which the opening time of the electric tuner 12D in a single auxiliary game tends to be longer compared to the non-time-saving state. For example, in the time-saving state, the opening time of the electric tuner 12D will be longer (e.g., 3.00 seconds) than in the non-time-saving state (e.g., 0.08 seconds). In addition, in the time-saving state, it is also possible to perform special symbol variation pattern determination using a special symbol variation pattern determination table that is set so that special symbol variation patterns with shorter special symbol variation times are selected more often than in the non-time-saving state (see Figures 13-14). As a result, in the time-saving state, the pace of consumption of special symbol reserves becomes faster, and effective entries into the starting gate (entries that can be stored as special symbol reserves) are more likely to occur. Therefore, it is possible to aim for a jackpot under smooth gameplay.

Furthermore, the time-saving state makes it easier to shorten the normal diagram variation time compared to the non-time-saving state. For example, in the time-saving state, a normal diagram variation time shorter than that determined in the non-time-saving state (5 seconds) is determined. Therefore, the time-saving state allows for a higher number of normal diagram draws per unit time.

Furthermore, the time-saving state makes it easier to determine a win in the hit detection process compared to the non-time-saving state. For example, in the time-saving state, the probability of determining a win is higher (e.g., 59936/65536) than in the non-time-saving state (e.g., 6600/65536). Therefore, the number of times a win is determined per unit of time is higher in the time-saving state.

In this time-saving state, the opening time of the electric chute 12D per unit time is longer compared to the non-time-saving state, making it easier for game balls to enter the second start opening 12 more frequently. As a result, the base rate, which is the ratio of prize balls to the number of balls launched, becomes higher. Therefore, in the time-saving state with a high base rate, it is possible to aim for a jackpot without significantly reducing the number of game balls held. Thus, it can be said that the time-saving state is more advantageous to the player than the non-time-saving state.

When the PY1 pachinko machine is first powered on, it is initially set to a non-shortened time state. Then, for example, winning a jackpot makes it possible to set the shortened time state. In the shortened time state, it is possible to change back to the non-shortened time state by having a predetermined number of jackpot checks performed without winning another jackpot, or by winning the next jackpot.

Furthermore, in the shortened time state, compared to the non-shortened time state, it is easier to win, the normal diagram variation time tends to be shorter, and the opening time of the electric tuner 12D in a single auxiliary game tends to be longer. The game related to the normal diagram is set to be advantageous to the player in three respects. However, these player-advantageous settings may be only a part of these.

Furthermore, when the PY1 pachinko machine is first powered on, the game state is set to a "low probability, low base game state," which is a normal probability state with no time-saving features. This game state is also called the "normal game state." In the "jackpot game state," a win determination is made, but the jackpot determination is not made, so the non-time-saving state is set when the jackpot game begins. It is also possible to use all or only some of the aforementioned game states. In addition to the normal game state, the following game states, where the player is granted special benefits, can be called "special benefit game states": "high probability, high base state," "high probability, low base state," "low probability, high base state," "high probability state," "time-saving state," "high base state," and "jackpot game state."

4. Main Effects Performed by the Gaming Machine Next, the main effects performed by the pachinko gaming machine PY1 will be explained using Figures 18 to 24.

4-1. Performance Modes First, let's explain the performance modes. Performance modes refer to categories of performances (or higher-level conceptual attributes). The Pachinko game machine PY1 can be set to the following performance modes: waiting performance mode, normal performance mode, probability variation performance mode, time reduction performance mode, and jackpot performance mode.

The "Customer Waiting Performance Mode" can be set when no special symbol variation performance is occurring in the "Low Probability Low Base Game State," "Low Probability High Base Game State," "High Probability Low Base Game State," and "High Probability High Base Game State." This mode indicates a standby state where no special symbol variation performance is occurring. When the Customer Waiting Performance Mode is set, the Customer Waiting Performance is performed. In the Customer Waiting Performance, for example, as shown in Figure 18 (A-1), a Customer Waiting Demo Video G100 introducing the Pachinko game machine PY1 is displayed on the display screen 50a. Furthermore, when the normal button 40 is operated while the Customer Waiting Demo Video G100 is displayed, a setting screen G101 for configuring settings related to the performance of the Pachinko game machine PY1 is displayed, as shown in Figure 18 (A-2). Settings related to the performance include volume settings for the sound output from the speaker 52, brightness settings for the display screen 50a ("Brightness Settings"), and frequency settings for the performances to be executed ("Performance Settings").

The normal performance mode can be set when a special symbol variation performance is being performed in a "low probability, low base game state," and is a performance mode that indicates a non-time-saving state. The normal performance mode includes, for example, a first normal performance mode in which a background image representing a daytime mountain landscape (daytime normal background image G102) is displayed on the display screen 50a, as shown in Figure 18 (B-1); a second normal performance mode in which a background image representing an evening mountain landscape (evening normal background image G103) is displayed on the display screen 50a, as shown in Figure 18 (B-2); and a third normal performance mode in which a background image representing a nighttime mountain landscape (nighttime normal background image G104) is displayed on the display screen 50a, as shown in Figure 18 (B-3). These modes can be switched based on the condition that one or more special symbol variation performances are performed without winning a jackpot. Furthermore, each of the first to third normal performance modes has a normal pre-performance mode before a reach is established in the special symbol variation performance, and a normal post-performance mode after a reach is established. In the normal pre-performance mode, the display screen 50a shows either the daytime background image G102, the evening background image G103, or the nighttime background image G104. However, in the normal post-performance mode, a dedicated background image corresponding to the type of reach is displayed. The performance in which the daytime background image G102, the evening background image G103, or the nighttime background image G104 is displayed on the display screen 50a can be called the "normal mode performance." Players watching the normal mode performance can understand that the game state is controlled to the normal game state (low probability, low base game state). The normal performance mode may also be set in the "high probability, low base game state," so that the "normal mode performance" is executed even when a special symbol variation performance is occurring in the "high probability, low base game state." Alternatively, a special performance mode may be provided that is set only in the "high probability, low base game state."

The probability variation mode is a mode that can be set when a special symbol variation effect is being performed in a "high probability, high base game state," and it is a mode that indicates that the game is in a high probability state and a time-saving state. In the probability variation mode, for example, as shown in Figure 18 (B-4), a background image representing space (probability variation background image G105) is displayed on the display screen 50a. Furthermore, the probability variation mode has a pre-probability variation effect mode before a reach is established in the special symbol variation effect, and a post-probability variation effect mode after a reach is established. In the pre-probability variation effect mode, the probability variation background image G105 is displayed on the display screen 50a, but in the post-probability variation effect mode, a special background image corresponding to the type of reach is displayed. The effect in which the probability variation background image G105 is displayed on the display screen 50a can be called a "probability variation mode effect (advantageous effect)." Players watching the probability variation mode effect can understand that the game state is controlled to a high probability, high base state (high probability state and time-saving state).

The time-saving performance mode is a performance mode that can be set when a special symbol variation performance is being performed in a "low probability, high base game state," and it is a performance mode that indicates that the game is in a normal probability state and a time-saving state. In the time-saving performance mode, for example, as shown in Figure 18 (B-5), a background image representing the sky (time-saving background image G106) is displayed on the display screen 50a. Also, the number of times the special symbol variation display will end until the low probability, high base state ends is shown in the upper right of the display screen 50a. Furthermore, the time-saving performance mode has a pre-time-saving performance mode before a reach is established in the special symbol variation performance, and a post-time-saving performance mode after a reach is established. In the pre-time-saving performance mode, the time-saving background image G106 is displayed on the display screen 50a, but in the post-time-saving performance mode, a dedicated background image according to the type of reach is displayed. Performances in which the time-saving background image G106 is displayed on the display screen 50a can be called "time-saving mode performances." Players watching the time-saving mode animation can understand that the game state is controlled to a low-probability, high-base state (normal probability state and time-saving state).

The jackpot performance mode is a performance mode that can be set when a jackpot game is in progress in the "jackpot game state," and it is a performance mode that indicates that a jackpot game is in progress. In the jackpot performance mode, for example, during the opening of a jackpot game, as shown in Figure 18 (C-1), a jackpot opening performance is performed on the display screen 50a, where an opening image G107 that suggests the start of a jackpot game and a right-hand shooting image G108 that prompts "right-hand shooting" are displayed. During rounds in a jackpot game, as shown in Figure 18 (C-2), a round performance (advantageous performance) is performed on the display screen 50a, where a round image G109 that indicates the number of rounds, a prize ball count image G110 that suggests the number of prize balls paid out, and a background image representing a city (round background image G114) are displayed. During the ending sequence of a jackpot game, as shown in Figure 18 (C-3), the display screen 50a shows an ending image G111 that suggests the performance mode to be set after the jackpot game, and a total payout image G112 that suggests the total number of payout balls dispensed during the jackpot game.

Furthermore, the types of performance modes can be changed or added as needed.

4-2. Special Symbol Variation Performance Next, we will explain the special symbol variation performance (also simply called the "variation performance"). When the variable display of the special symbols begins, the pachinko game machine PY1 executes the special symbol variation performance based on the special symbol variation pattern related to the variable display of the special symbols and the special symbol lottery results (jackpot judgment result, jackpot symbol type judgment result, reach judgment result, and special symbol variation pattern judgment result). In the special symbol variation performance, the variation of the performance symbols is displayed superimposed on a predetermined background image on the display screen 50a. The performance symbols consist of, for example, number symbols from 1 to 9. In the variation display of the performance symbols, the performance symbols change in conjunction with the start of the variable display of the special symbols, and the performance symbols stop when the variable display of the special symbols ends. That is, after the special symbol variation time and the variation display of the performance symbols have been performed, the variation stops and the stop display of the performance symbols is performed. The result of the special symbol lottery is then announced by the stop display of the performance symbols.

Furthermore, in the special symbol variation effect, in addition to displaying the variation of the effect symbols, it is possible to perform other effects using various effect devices such as the image display device 50, speaker 52, frame lamp 53, panel lamp 54, movable devices 55, 56, 58, normal button 40, and special button 41. In this case, it is possible to continue performing other effects even after the effect symbols have stopped.

4-2-1. Display Area for Performance Symbols As shown in Figure 19(A), the display screen 50a of the image display device 50 can be divided horizontally into three roughly equal sections, with the left performance symbol area 50b1, the middle performance symbol area 50b2, and the right performance symbol area 50b3 provided on the left, center, and right sides, respectively. The left performance symbol area 50b1 is the area that displays the left performance symbol EZ1 when the performance symbols stop during the special symbol variation performance. Similarly, the middle performance symbol area 50b2 and the right performance symbol area 50b3 are the areas that display the middle performance symbol EZ2 and the right performance symbol EZ3.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 19(A), it is possible to provide a small symbol area 50c in a section at the upper left corner (upper left corner) of the upper end of the display screen 50a. The small symbol area 50c is the area where small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are displayed in a variable manner when the special symbol is being displayed. The small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are, for example, composed of number symbols from 1 to 9.

Note that in Figure 19(A), the left display symbol area 50b1, the middle display symbol area 50b2, the right display symbol area 50b3, and the small symbol area 50c are indicated by dashed lines. These lines are used to represent the boundaries of the left display symbol area 50b1, the middle display symbol area 50b2, the right display symbol area 50b3, and the small symbol area 50c, and are not actually displayed.

4-2-2. Normal Variation The Pachinko game machine PY1 can first perform a normal variation in its special symbol variation performance. The normal variation functions as a performance that indicates that the variable display of the special symbols has started.

When the variable display of the special symbols begins, for example, as shown in Figure 19(A), the display screen 50a shows the left performance symbol EZ1, the middle performance symbol EZ2, and the right performance symbol EZ3 (hereinafter also referred to as "performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, EZ3" or "performance symbol EZ") in a stationary state, and the left small symbol KZ1, the middle small symbol KZ2, and the right small symbol KZ3 are also stationary. The variable display of the special symbols is not currently active, and the display is in a waiting state for the variable display of the special symbols. Then, as shown in Figure 19(B), the variable display of performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 begins upon the start of the variable display, and the variable display of small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 also begins. Note that the "↓" in Figure 19 indicates that the symbols are currently being displayed in a variable state. Then, if the variable display pattern of this special symbol is, for example, a "normal miss variation," then, as shown in Figure 19(C-1), the left performance symbol EZ1 and the right performance symbol EZ3 temporarily stop in different stopping patterns, and then, as shown in Figure 19(D), the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 stop and display in a stopping pattern that suggests a miss (a so-called scattered pattern). At this time, the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 also stop and display simultaneously in a stopping pattern that suggests a miss. There are several types of stopping patterns that suggest a miss, such as "1-1-2" and "2-4-6," in which the left and right symbols are not identical. On the other hand, if the variable display pattern of the special symbol is a special symbol variation pattern that includes a reach, such as "N Miss Variation," then, as shown in Figure 19 (C-2), the left performance symbol EZ1 and the right performance symbol EZ3 will temporarily stop in the same stopping pattern (a so-called reach pattern), and a reach will be established. At this time, the variation display of the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 will continue, and a reach performance corresponding to the special symbol variation pattern will be performed. Note that the stopping order and stopping pattern of the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 can be changed as appropriate.

4-2-3. N-Reach The PY1 pachinko machine can perform an N-Reach when a reach is achieved during normal gameplay. The N-Reach is a visual effect that suggests there is a possibility that the result of the jackpot judgment was a "jackpot," and functions as a visual effect to make the player anticipate a jackpot.

In an N-reach, as shown in Figure 20(A), the state in which a reach is established is maintained for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds), and as shown in Figure 20(B), the fluctuation speed of the middle performance symbol EZ2 gradually slows down. Then, if the special symbol fluctuation pattern of the variable display of the special symbol is, for example, "N-miss fluctuation", the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 stop and display in a stopping pattern that suggests a reach miss (a so-called reach miss pattern), as shown in Figure 20(C-1). At this time, the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 also stop and display simultaneously in a stopping pattern that suggests a reach miss. There are several types of stopping patterns that suggest a reach miss, such as "7-6-7" and "5-3-5", in which the left and right symbols are the same and the middle symbol is different from the left and right symbols. On the other hand, if the variable display pattern of the special symbol is, for example, "N Jackpot Variation," then, as shown in Figure 20 (C-2), the symbols will stop in a manner that suggests a jackpot (a so-called "double number" pattern). There are several types of stopping patterns that suggest a jackpot, such as "7-7-7" and "2-2-2," where the left, right, and middle symbols are identical. In this case, the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 will also stop simultaneously in a stopping pattern that suggests a jackpot. Note that the content of the N-reach performance is not limited to the gradual deceleration of the middle performance symbol EZ2; it can be changed or added as appropriate.

4-2-4. SP Reach The PY1 pachinko machine can perform an SP Reach after an N Reach. An SP Reach is a visual effect that suggests that the probability of the jackpot result being "jackpot" is higher than that of an N Reach, and functions as a visual effect to make the player anticipate a jackpot.

In an SP Reach, after an N Reach, for example, as shown in Figure 21(A), a background image specifically for SP Reaches (SP Reach background image G113) is displayed on the display screen 50a, and an image indicating the start of an SP Reach (SP Reach start title image) G1 is displayed in the center of the display screen 50a. Then, as shown in Figure 21(B), an SP Reach-specific performance (for example, a battle performance) is performed. When the SP Reach-specific performance reaches its final stage, if the variable display pattern of the special symbol is, for example, an "SP Jackpot Performance," then, as shown in Figure 21(C-1), an performance suggesting a jackpot (for example, a display showing the main character celebrating after winning a battle) is shown on the display screen 50a, and the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 stop in a manner that suggests a jackpot (so-called matching numbers). At this time, the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 also stop simultaneously in a manner that suggests a jackpot. On the other hand, if the variable display pattern of the special symbol is, for example, an "SP Miss Variation," then, as shown in Figure 19 (C-2), an effect suggesting a miss (for example, a display showing an enemy character celebrating a battle victory) is shown, and the special symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 stop in a manner that suggests a missed reach. At this time, the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 also stop simultaneously in a manner that suggests a miss. Note that the content of the SP reach effects can be changed or added as appropriate.

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

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

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 22(A), it is possible to provide an icon display area 50e consisting of a single display area near the hold icon display area 50d. This icon display area 50e can display the same or different icon TA as the hold icon HA in response to the start of the special feature variation effect.

The number of display areas constituting the hold icon display area 50d can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, the hold icon display area 50d can be configured to display both the number of holds in Special Feature 1 and the number of holds in Special Feature 2, or to display only one of them.

4-3-1. Reserved Ball Performance The pachinko game machine PY1 is capable of performing a reserved ball performance in response to a game ball entering the first start opening 11 or the second start opening 12. The reserved ball performance can inform the player of the number of reserved balls for Special Symbol 1 or Special Symbol 2.

In the hold animation, when the number of hold balls in Special Symbol 1 is "0" and a game ball enters the first start opening 11, the special symbol variation animation starts, and for example, as shown in Figure 22(B), the icon TA is displayed in the icon display area 50e. Then, if two more game balls enter the first start opening 11 during the special symbol variation animation, as shown in Figure 22(C), the hold icon HA is displayed in the first display area 50d1 and the second display area 50d2 of the hold icon display area 50d, and the player is notified that the number of hold balls in Special Symbol 1 is "2". Subsequently, when the special symbol variation effect ends and a new special symbol variation effect begins, as shown in Figure 22(D), the reserve icon HA that was displayed in the first display area 50d1 of the reserve icon display area 50d moves to the icon display area 50e and is displayed as icon TA, and the reserve icon HA that was displayed in the second display area 50d2 of the reserve icon display area 50d moves to the first display area 50d1 and is displayed, informing the player that the number of reserved symbols for special symbol 1 is "1".

4-4. Preview Effects The pachinko game machine PY1 can perform preview effects at any timing during the special symbol variation effect. Preview effects are effects that use an image display device 50, speaker 52, frame lamp 53, panel lamp 54, movable devices 55, 56, 58, buttons 40, 41, etc., and can suggest the result of the jackpot judgment or the result of the special symbol variation pattern judgment.

4-4-1. Movable Body Effects The Pachinko game machine PY1 is capable of performing movable body effects using movable devices 55, 56, and 58 as a pre-announcement effect. Movable body effects are effects that activate movable devices 55, 56, and 58 and function as effects that make the player expect a big win.

In the movable body effect, for example, when progressing from an N-Reach to an SP-Reach, as shown in Figure 23(A), the on-board movable device 55 and the under-board movable device 56 are activated, and the on-board movable body 55k and the under-board movable body 56k move so that they overlap on the display screen 50a from the player's perspective, suggesting that the game will progress to an SP-Reach. At this time, an effect image is displayed in the space on the display screen 50a that does not overlap with the on-board movable body 55k and the under-board movable body 56k. Subsequently, as shown in Figure 23(B), the on-board movable body 55k and the under-board movable body 56k return to their normal standby state (initial position) and the game progresses to an SP-Reach. Note that the movable body effect is not limited to suggesting the progression to an SP-Reach and can be modified or added as appropriate. Furthermore, the operation of the movable devices in the movable body effect can be modified or added as appropriate.

4-4-2. Operation and Presentation The Pachinko game machine PY1 can perform operation and presentation using the normal button 40 and special button 41 as a pre-announcement presentation. Operation and presentation is a presentation in which the player operates the normal button 40 and special button 41, and functions as a presentation to make the player expect a jackpot.

In the operation animation, for example, during an SP reach, a period occurs during which pressing the special button 41 is valid (button operation valid period). Upon the occurrence of this button operation valid period, an animation prompting the operation of the special button 41 (button operation promotion animation) is performed, as shown in Figure 24(A). During the button operation promotion animation, a button operation promotion image G3 is displayed on the display screen 50a. The button operation promotion image G3 includes an image resembling the special button 41 (special button image G31), an image representing the operation of the special button 41 (i.e., pressing the button) (press operation image G32), and an image representing the remaining time of the button operation valid period (operation valid period remaining time image G33). The operation valid period remaining time image G33 consists of a roughly curved progress bar, which changes over time to allow the player to easily understand the remaining time of the operation valid period. Subsequently, in response to the special button 41 being pressed during the button operation validity period, or after the button operation validity period has elapsed without the special button 41 being operated, the on-board movable device 55 will activate as shown in Figure 24(B). The on-board movable body 55k will move so that, from the player's perspective, it overlaps with the display screen 50a, indicating the probability of a jackpot. Note that the operation and presentation are not limited to the operation of the on-board movable device 55 and can be modified or added as appropriate.

4-4-3. Pre-announcement演出 The Pachinko game machine PY1 is capable of performing a pre-announcement effect for special symbol 1 or special symbol 2 reserves for which a special symbol lottery has not yet been held. The pre-announcement effect functions as an effect to hint in advance at the lottery result of the special symbol lottery for special symbol 1 or special symbol 2 reserves.

In the pre-read animation, for example, if the pre-read judgment result for the Special Symbol 1 hold is "Big Win," the hold icon HA, which is normally displayed as "○" in the hold icon display area 50d, may be displayed as "☆" as shown in Figure 22(C). Also, if the pre-read judgment result is "Miss," the hold icon HA may be displayed as "☆" as a so-called false alarm. The pre-read animation can be performed on both or either the Special Symbol 1 and Special Symbol 2 hold. Furthermore, it is not limited to changes in the display pattern of the hold icon HA; changes or additions can be made as appropriate. For example, it is possible to change the stopping patterns of the animation symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in the Special Symbol variation animation.

5. Display on the 7-Segment Display Next, we will explain the display on the 7-segment display 300 (see Figure 9). On the 7-segment display 300, the normal base, which is the ratio of the total number of normal prize balls won by the player in normal gameplay to the number of normal balls fired by the player in normal gameplay, is displayed as a percentage (%). Note that the 7-segment display 300 does not display bases other than the normal base (the time-saving base, which is the ratio of the total number of time-saving prize balls won by the player in time-saving mode to the number of time-saving balls fired by the player in time-saving mode, and the jackpot base, which is the ratio of the total number of jackpot prize balls won by the player in jackpot gameplay to the number of jackpot balls fired by the player in jackpot gameplay).

Here, the game control microcomputer 101 constantly counts the normal number of balls fired, the normal total number of prize balls, and the total number of balls fired. The total number of balls fired refers to the number of balls fired by the player in all game states (normal game state, jackpot game state, high probability/high base state, low probability/high base state, etc.). The total number of balls fired is calculated by the game control microcomputer 101 counting the detections from the discharge sensor. The normal number of balls fired is calculated by the game control microcomputer 101 counting the detections from the discharge sensor only in the normal game state. The normal total number of prize balls is calculated by the game control microcomputer 101 counting the number of prize balls dispensed in the normal game state.

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

Here, the normal base is calculated in increments of 60,000 balls fired. That is, the normal base calculated from the first power-on after factory shipment until the total number of balls fired reaches 60,000 is the initial normal base. After that, when the total number of balls fired exceeds 60,001, the value that was the initial normal base is stored as the previous normal base. Then, the normal base calculated from 60,001 to 120,000 balls fired becomes the current normal base. After that, when the total number of balls fired exceeds 120,001, the value that was the previous normal base is stored as the normal base two counts ago, and the value that was the current normal base is stored as the previous normal base. Finally, the normal base calculated from 120,001 to 180,000 balls fired becomes the current normal base.

Subsequently, when the total number of balls fired exceeds 180,001, the normal base value from two rounds prior is stored as the normal base value from three rounds prior, the normal base value from one round prior is stored as the normal base value from two rounds prior, and the current normal base value is stored as the normal base value from one round prior. The normal base calculated from 180,001 to 240,000 balls fired becomes the current normal base. Then, when the total number of balls fired exceeds 240,001, the normal base value from three rounds prior is erased, the normal base value from two rounds prior is stored as the normal base value from three rounds prior, the normal base value from one round prior is stored as the normal base value from two rounds prior, and the current normal base value is stored as the normal base value from one round prior. The normal base calculated from 240,001 to 300,000 balls fired becomes the current normal base. Similarly, the normal base is calculated every 60,000 balls fired, and values up to three rounds prior are stored.

Thus, the game control microcomputer 101 can store the current normal base, the previous normal base, the normal base two rounds ago, and the normal base three rounds ago in the non-erasable storage section 107 of the game RAM 104. In this case, the game control microcomputer 101 displays the current normal base ⇒ previous normal base ⇒ two rounds ago ⇒ three rounds ago ⇒ current normal base on the 7-segment display 300, switching between them every 5 seconds.

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

Then, five seconds after the current normal base display begins, the 7-segment display 300 shows "b1" in the left two digits and the previous normal base in the right two digits. Therefore, anyone who sees "b1" in the left two digits can understand that the value shown in the right two digits (normal base) is the previous normal base.

Then, five seconds after the display of the previous normal base value begins, the 7-segment display 300 shows "b2" in the left two digits and the normal base value from two previous values in the right two digits. Therefore, anyone who sees "b2" in the left two digits can understand that the value shown in the right two digits (normal base value) is the normal base value from two previous values.

Then, five seconds after the display of the normal base from two segments ago begins, the 7-segment display 300 shows "b3" in the left two digits and the normal base from three segments ago in the right two digits. Therefore, anyone who sees "b3" in the left two digits can understand that the value shown in the right two digits (normal base) is the normal base from three segments ago.

Then, five seconds after the display of the normal base from three times prior begins, the 7-segment display 300 will show "bL" in the left two digits and the current normal base in the right two digits, as described above, and this process will be repeated thereafter.

Furthermore, on the 7-segment display 300, if the total number of balls fired since the first power-on after factory shipment is 300 or less, "--" is displayed in the right two digits. In other words, the normal base value is not displayed when the total number of balls fired is 300 or less, and the normal base value is only displayed after the total number of balls fired exceeds 300. In this way, when the total number of balls fired is 300 or less, the display of the unreliable normal base value (normal number of balls fired) is avoided because the denominator value of the normal base is too small. Even when the total number of balls fired is 300 or less, the left two digits of the 7-segment display 300 repeat the display of "bL" ⇒ "b1" ⇒ "b2" ⇒ "b3" every 5 seconds.

Furthermore, in the 7-segment display 300, if the number of balls fired under normal conditions is 6000 or less after the power is first turned on after factory shipment, the left two digits, "bL," "b1," "b2," and "b3," will blink. Subsequently, if the number of balls fired under normal conditions exceeds 6000 after the power is first turned on after factory shipment, the left two digits, "bL," "b1," "b2," and "b3," will remain lit. In this way, when a person checking the normal base on the 7-segment display 300 is shown the blinking pattern of the left two digits, it is possible to convey to them that the normal base value shown in the right two digits has not yet fully converged. In other words, when a person checking the normal base is shown the lit pattern of the left two digits, it is possible to convey to them that the normal base value shown in the right two digits has converged to a certain extent.

Furthermore, in the 7-segment display 300, when the device enters setting mode after power-on, the set value ("1") is displayed in the fourth display area 340. Subsequently, when the setting key cylinder 180 is rotated from the rotation position to the standby position, the setting mode ends, and the set value ("1") is no longer displayed in the fourth display area 340. Thus, the set value is displayed in the fourth display area 340 of the 7-segment display 300 only while the device is in setting mode.

Furthermore, the 7-segment display 300 performs an initial display between the time the power is turned on and the start of normal base display. As mentioned above, if the system transitions to setting mode after power-on, the initial display is executed after the setting mode is completed. The initial display on the 7-segment display 300 illuminates all illuminated segments LB1 to LB32 (see Figure 9) within the first display area 310 to the fourth display area 340. In other words, the 7-segment display 300 displays "8.8.8.8.". Thus, the execution of the initial display on the 7-segment display 300 immediately after power-on indicates that the 7-segment display 300 is functioning correctly.

6. Over-prize prevention function Next, we will explain the over-prize prevention function. In this pachinko game machine PY1, the game control microcomputer 101 is equipped with an over-prize prevention function to prevent players from receiving excessive prize balls. Specifically, the over-prize prevention function is a function that disables gameplay if the difference in balls is 80,000 (standard number) or more. Here, the difference in balls (specific measurement number) is the difference between the total number of prize balls and the total number of balls fired. The total number of prize balls is the number of prize balls that the player acquires (is paid out to the player) in all game states (normal game state, jackpot game state, high probability high base state, low probability high base state, etc.). The total number of prize balls means the sum of the number of prize balls that the game control microcomputer 101 is scheduled to pay out to the player, but it may also mean the sum of the number of prize balls that have actually been paid out to the player. The total number of balls fired is, as mentioned above, the number of balls fired by the player in all game states.

The game control microcomputer 101 continuously counts the total number of prize balls after the power is turned on, and the counted total number of prize balls is stored in the total number of prize balls storage unit 107a (see Figure 6) located in the non-erasable storage unit 107 of the game RAM 104. The game control microcomputer 101 also continuously counts the total number of balls launched after the power is turned on, and the counted total number of balls launched is stored in the total number of balls launched storage unit 107b (see Figure 6) located in the non-erasable storage unit 107 of the game RAM 104. Furthermore, the game control microcomputer 101 continuously subtracts the total number of balls launched from the total number of prize balls to calculate the difference in balls, and the calculated difference in balls is stored in the difference in balls storage unit 107c (see Figure 6) located in the non-erasable storage unit 107 of the game RAM 104.

Therefore, even when a RAM clear is performed, the game control microcomputer 101 does not erase the information on the total number of prize balls, the total number of balls fired, and the net number of balls stored in the non-erasable storage unit 107. In this way, the game control microcomputer 101 can calculate the net number of balls across dates using the total number of prize balls and the total number of balls fired at the time of power cut-off. Furthermore, the game control microcomputer 101 treats the net number of balls as a negative value if the total number of balls fired is greater than the total number of prize balls.

In this configuration, when the over-prize ball prevention function is activated, the game control microcomputer 101 not only stops the game control processing related to the game (processing steps S102 to S108 described later, see Figure 32), but also stops the launch control processing for launching the game balls (processing step 109 described later, see Figure 32). Therefore, the player can immediately notice that they cannot play the game because no game balls are launched even when they rotate the handle 72k. Furthermore, when the over-prize ball prevention function is activated, the game control microcomputer 101 stops receiving signals from various sensors MS according to the detected content, stops executing display control for the displays 8 and 7-segment display 300, stops operating various actuators MA, and stops outputting external terminal signals to the external terminal board 160 via the payout control board 170.

After the over-prize prevention function is activated, the game remains unplayable until the power is cut off. In this configuration, the over-prize prevention function is deactivated only after a RAM clear is performed. That is, after the over-prize prevention function is activated, the arcade employee cuts off the power by turning off the power switch 193. Then, when the employee turns on the power by turning on the power switch 193, they also press the RAM clear switch 191. This executes the RAM clear, allowing the game control microcomputer 101 to perform game control and ball launch control processing. Thus, in this configuration, after the over-prize prevention function is activated, simply turning the power off and on (re-on) is not enough to resume the game; the game can only be resumed after a RAM clear is performed.

Next, the timing of the over-prize prevention function's activation will be explained based on Figure 25. The over-prize prevention function activates when the number of balls won exceeds 80,000, and the game transitions from a favorable game state to a normal game state. In other words, the over-prize prevention function does not necessarily activate when the number of balls won reaches 80,000. In this configuration, the favorable game state refers to either the high-probability, high-base state after a jackpot, or the low-probability, high-base state after a jackpot.

For example, suppose the number of balls reaches 70,000 during a jackpot game state as shown in Figure 25(A). Of course, the over-prize prevention function does not activate at this time. Next, suppose the number of balls reaches 80,000 during a jackpot game state as shown in Figure 25(B). The over-prize prevention function does not activate at this time either. Subsequently, the over-prize prevention function does not activate at the timing of transitioning from this jackpot game state to a high-probability, high-base state. Then, as shown in Figure 25(C), the over-prize prevention function activates when transitioning from the high-probability, high-base state to a normal game state. Thus, in this configuration, the game does not stop during a jackpot game state or a high-probability, high-base state, and the game can be ended at a convenient point where the advantageous game state has ended for the player.

In this configuration, the information on the difference in the number of balls is stored in the difference in ball count storage unit 107c of the non-erasable storage unit 107, and the difference in ball count is not reset (cleared) by turning the power OFF and ON. Furthermore, as described above, even if a RAM clear is performed when the power is turned on, the difference in ball count is not reset. This is based on the following reasons.

In the PY1 pachinko machine, even during business hours, situations may arise where the power is turned OFF and ON (re-activated) or the RAM is reset due to bugs, malfunctions, or serious fraud. In such situations, if the ball count were reset by the power being turned OFF or the RAM being reset, the purpose of the over-prize prevention function would be undermined. In other words, bugs, malfunctions, or serious fraud could unfairly benefit players who resume playing afterward, by making it less likely for the over-prize prevention function to activate. Therefore, in this design, to prevent players from receiving such unfair benefits, the ball count is not reset when the power is turned OFF or the RAM is reset.

Next, the conditions for resetting the number of balls won will be explained based on Figure 26. In this embodiment, there are two reset conditions for resetting the number of balls won. The first reset condition is that the special reset switch 181 is pressed, as shown in Figure 26(A). In other words, when the game control microcomputer 101 receives a signal based on the pressing of the special reset switch 181, it clears the information on the number of balls won stored in the balls won storage unit 107c of the non-erasable storage unit 107. When the information on the number of balls won stored in the balls won storage unit 107c is reset (cleared), the information on the total number of prize balls stored in the total number of prize balls stored in the total number of prize balls stored in the total number of balls launched storage unit 107a and the information on the total number of balls launched stored in the total number of balls launched storage unit 107b are also reset, but hereafter we will simply refer to this as "the number of balls won being reset (cleared)". Note that while Figure 26(A) shows a case where the number of balls is reset when the special reset switch 181 is pressed while the machine is in a waiting state, the number of balls is reset when the special reset switch 181 is pressed regardless of the game state (for example, the normal game state).

The second reset condition is that the waiting state continues for one hour (a predetermined time), as shown in Figure 26(A). In other words, if no game is played for one hour after entering the waiting state, the game control microcomputer 101 clears the information on the number of balls stored in the non-erasable storage unit 107c. The waiting state refers to a game state where no game is played and the special symbols remain displayed in a stopped state.

The two reset conditions mentioned above are based on the following reasons. For example, as shown in Figures 26(A) and (B), suppose a player reaches a jackpot state with a total ball count of 70,000. Then, the player transitions from the jackpot state to a high-probability, high-base state and then back to a normal state, and ends their game. In this case, for the next player to start playing, if the ball count increases by only a small amount (within 10,000), the over-prize prevention function may activate, which is extremely disadvantageous.

Therefore, in this configuration, as shown in Figure 26(A), the number of winning balls is reset when the special reset switch 181 is pressed. This allows a game arcade employee to reset the number of winning balls at any time after a player has finished playing by pressing the special reset switch 181. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 26(B), if the waiting state continues for one hour, the system determines that a player has finished playing, and the number of winning balls is automatically reset. This allows the number of winning balls to be reset without imposing an operational burden on the game arcade employee. By establishing these two reset conditions, it is possible to prevent the next player to start playing from being at a significant disadvantage due to the over-prize prevention function activating immediately after starting their game.

Next, the display behavior when the over-prize prevention function is activated will be explained based on Figure 27(A). When the over-prize prevention function is activated, as shown in Figure 27(A), a red background image RE is displayed on the display screen 50a, along with an error clearing method image ERX indicating "Error X: Over-prize abnormality. Please clear RAM." A game stop sound is also output from the speaker 52. Furthermore, all frame lamps 53 light up in white, and all panel lamps 54 turn off. Thus, the display behavior shown in Figure 27(A) allows the player to immediately recognize that the game cannot be played. This display behavior continues until the power is cut off. The display behavior shown in Figure 27(A) is deactivated when a RAM clear is performed, but it continues even if the power is simply restored.

This section explains what happens when an unauthorized magnetic field is detected in the PY1 pachinko machine. When an unauthorized magnetic field is detected by the magnetic sensor, the sensor outputs a signal corresponding to the magnetic field detection to the main control board 100. As a result, the game control microcomputer 101 stops the game control processing and ball launch control processing related to the game, similar to when the over-prize prevention function is activated. Thus, the situation where the game cannot be played due to magnetic field detection continues until the power is cut off. However, unlike when the over-prize prevention function is activated, in this case, the game control microcomputer 101 can execute the game control processing and ball launch control processing related to the game by turning the power OFF and ON (re-energizing).

Next, the display behavior when an unauthorized magnetic field is detected will be explained based on Figure 27(B). When an unauthorized magnetic field is detected by the magnetic sensor, as shown in Figure 27(B), a red background image RE is displayed on the display screen 50a, along with an error clearing method image ER1 indicating "Error 1: Magnetic field detection abnormality. Please restart the power." A game stop sound is also output from the speaker 52. Furthermore, all frame lamps 53 light up in white, and all panel lamps 54 turn off. Thus, comparing the display behavior when the over-prize prevention function is activated (see Figure 27(A)) and when an unauthorized magnetic field is detected (see Figure 27(B)), they are the same except for the clearing method image. Therefore, it is possible to easily make it clear to arcade employees or players that both the detection of an unauthorized magnetic field and the activation of the over-prize prevention function result in a situation where the game cannot be played.

Next, we will explain the presentation when the number of balls reaches 70,000 (pre-set baseline), based on Figure 28(A). As a prerequisite, we assume that the number of balls reached 70,000 at the timing shown in Figure 25(A). First, as shown in Figure 28(A), the round presentation is executed on the display screen 50a, where the round image G109, the prize ball count image G110, and the round background image G114 are displayed. Then, when the number of balls reaches 70,000, a purple border image EFa is displayed on the edge of the display screen 50a, and an over-prize warning image KY indicating "over-prize abnormality with 10,000 balls remaining" is displayed at the bottom of the display screen 50a. The display of these purple border image EFa and over-prize warning image KY makes it possible for the player to understand that the over-prize prevention function is about to activate (the number of balls is approaching 80,000). The purple-bordered image EFa continues to be displayed even after the jackpot game state ends, but the over-prize ball warning image KY ends when the jackpot game state ends. Alternatively, the over-prize ball warning image KY may continue to be displayed even after the jackpot game state ends, continuously showing the remaining number of balls until it reaches 80,000. This display of the over-prize ball warning image KY corresponds to the "pre-game unplayable warning effect."

Next, we will explain the presentation when the number of balls reaches 80,000 (the baseline), based on Figure 28(B). As a prerequisite, we assume that the number of balls reached 80,000 at the timing shown in Figure 25(B). As shown in Figure 28(B), the round presentation is executed on the display screen 50a, displaying the round image G109, the prize ball count image G110, and the round background image G114. When the number of balls reaches 80,000, a red border image EFb is displayed on the edge of the display screen 50a, and a game stop notification image KH, indicating "Game stopped due to end of high base state," is displayed at the bottom of the display screen 50a. The display of these red border image EFb and game stop notification image KH allows the player to understand that the game is about to stop and when the game will stop. The red-bordered image EFb continues to be displayed even after the jackpot state ends, but the game stop notification image KH is designed to end when the jackpot state ends. However, the game stop notification image KH may be made to continue to be displayed even after the jackpot state ends. This display of the game stop notification image KH corresponds to the "game unplayable notification effect."

In this configuration, when the number of balls exceeds 80,000, the game stop notification image KH shown in Figure 28(B) is displayed, indicating that the game will become unplayable when the high-probability high-base state or low-probability high-base state ends (when it transitions to the normal game state). This allows the player to be aware in advance that the game will become unplayable and to know when this will happen. As a result, even if the game suddenly becomes unplayable when the high-probability high-base state or low-probability high-base state ends, it is possible to prevent the player from being confused.

Furthermore, in this configuration, as described above, when the number of balls exceeds 70,000, an over-prize ball warning image KY (see Figure 28(A)) is displayed to indicate that the game is approaching a point where it will become impossible to play. Subsequently, when the number of balls exceeds 80,000, a game stop warning image KH (see Figure 28(B)) is displayed to indicate that the game will become impossible to play. In this way, it is possible to allow players to understand the situation in stages before the game becomes impossible to play, making it easier for them to grasp the current situation.

Here, after the number of balls reaches 70,000 at the timing shown in Figure 25(A), the presentation in the high-probability, high-base state is as shown in Figure 29(A). Specifically, as shown in Figure 29(A), the display screen 50a is executing a probability variation mode presentation with the probability variation background image G105 displayed, and the presentation symbol EZ is displayed in a variable state. Furthermore, a purple border image EFa is displayed at the edge of the display screen 50a. This purple border image EFa allows the player to understand that the number of balls has reached 70,000 and that the over-prize prevention function is about to activate, while continuing to play.

Furthermore, after the number of balls reaches 80,000 at the timing shown in Figure 25(B), the presentation in the high-probability, high-base state is as shown in Figure 29(B). Specifically, as shown in Figure 29(B), the display screen 50a is executing a probability variation mode presentation with the probability variation background image G105 displayed, and the presentation symbol EZ is displayed in a variable state. A red-bordered image EFb is displayed at the edge of the display screen 50a. This red-bordered image EFb allows the player to understand that the number of balls has reached 80,000, the high-base state has ended, and the over-prize prevention function will be activated, while continuing to play.

Next, we will explain the display behavior when the number of balls is reset by pressing the special reset switch 181, as shown in Figure 26(A). In this case, the amusement arcade employee has opened the front door 23 relative to the outer frame 22 and pressed the special reset switch 181. Therefore, the front door open sensor detects that the front door 23 is open, and the display screen 50a shows the error clearing method image ER2, indicating "Error 2: Please close the front door," as shown in Figure 30(A). At this time, the ball count reset notification image CLS, indicating "Ball count has been reset," is displayed at the bottom of the display screen 50a. This makes it possible to inform the amusement arcade employee that the number of balls has been reset.

Next, as shown in Figure 26(B), the presentation when the customer waiting state continues for one hour will be explained. In this case, the customer waiting demo video G100 is displayed on the display screen 50a. At this time, as shown in Figure 30(B), the "Count reset" notification image CLS is displayed at the bottom of the display screen 50a. This makes it possible to inform the amusement arcade staff that the count has been reset.

7. Operation of the Game Control Microcontroller [Main Control Processing] Next, the operation of the game control microcontroller 101 will be explained based on Figures 31 to 47. The counters, timers, flags, status, buffers, etc. that appear in the explanation of the operation of the game control microcontroller 101 are provided in the game RAM 104. When the power to the pachinko game machine PY1 is turned on, the game control microcontroller 101 on the main control board 100 reads the main control processing program shown in Figure 31 from the game ROM 103 and executes it. As shown in the figure, the main control processing first performs power-on processing (step S001).

The power-on processing (S001) performs initial settings, such as stack configuration, constant settings, interrupt time settings, game CPU 102 configuration, SIO, PIO, and CTC (interrupt time management circuit) configuration, setting of the game RAM 104 work area upon power restoration, and resetting various flags, statuses, and counters. The initial value of the flags is "0" (i.e., "OFF"), the initial value of the status is "1", and the initial value of the counters is "0". Note that the power-on processing (S001) is executed only once after power-on and is not executed thereafter.

Furthermore, during the power-on processing (S001), the game control microcomputer 101 executes a RAM clear when it receives a signal based on a press operation of the RAM clear switch 191. When a RAM clear is executed, the game information stored in the game RAM 104 (for example, information on the game state such as high probability state, the number of special symbol reserves, and the result of the jackpot determination) is erased. However, even when a RAM clear is executed, the information on the total number of prize balls stored in the total prize ball storage unit 107a, the total number of balls fired stored in the total number of balls fired storage unit 107b, and the difference in balls stored in the difference in balls storage unit 107c are not cleared.

In this power-on process (S001), the game stop flag, described later, switches to OFF if a RAM clear is performed while it is ON. Conversely, the game stop flag remains ON unless a RAM clear is performed while it is ON. In other words, simply restarting the power does not change the state of the game stop flag. Thus, whether or not gameplay resumes depends on whether or not a RAM clear is performed after the game stop flag turns ON due to the activation of the over-prize prevention function.

Following the power-on processing (S001), interrupts are disabled (S002), and the main random number update processing for normal and special symbols (S003) is executed. Each random number counter value resets to "0" and is incremented again when it reaches its upper limit. The initial value of each random number counter may be a value other than "0" and may be changed randomly. Furthermore, each random number may be a so-called hardware random number generated using a known random number generation circuit consisting of a counter IC, etc.

Once the main random number update process for normal and special symbols (S003) is complete, interrupts are enabled (S004). While interrupts are enabled, the main timer interrupt process (S005) can be executed. The main timer interrupt process (S005) is executed based on interrupt pulses repeatedly input to the game CPU 102, for example, at a 4 msec cycle. That is, it is executed at a 4 msec cycle. Then, between the completion of the main timer interrupt process (S005) and the start of the next main timer interrupt process (S005), the update process of various counter values by the main random number update process for normal and special symbols (S003) is repeatedly executed.

[Main Timer Interrupt Processing] Next, the main timer interrupt processing (S005) will be explained. As shown in Figure 32, the main timer interrupt processing (S005) first determines whether the game stop flag is ON or OFF (S101). The game stop flag is turned ON when the over-prize prevention function is activated. If the game stop flag is ON (YES in S101), the processing in steps S102 to S113 is skipped. As a result, the game becomes unplayable. On the other hand, if the game stop flag is OFF (NO in S101), the input processing described later is then executed (S102).

Next, the main random number update process for normal and special symbols is executed (S103). This main random number update process (S103) is the same as the main random number update process (S003) performed in the main control process shown in Figure 31. Following this, the sensor detection process is executed (S104).

In the sensor detection process (S104), the following processes are performed sequentially: general prize entry sensor processing, gate sensor processing, second start entry sensor processing, first start entry sensor processing, first large prize entry sensor processing, second large prize entry sensor processing, specific area sensor processing, and discharge port sensor processing. Then, the commands generated in each process are set in the output buffer of the game RAM 104.

The general prize slot sensor processing determines whether or not a game ball has been detected by the general prize slot sensor. Based on the result of this processing, a command for the general prize slot sensor is generated.

The gate sensor processing determines whether or not a game ball has been detected by the gate sensor. If a game ball is detected, the normal symbol random number indicated by the counter value of the normal symbol random number counter is obtained, and this obtained normal symbol random number is stored in the normal symbol hold storage unit 106 provided in the game RAM 104. Note that if a predetermined number of normal symbol random numbers (e.g., 4) are already stored in the normal symbol hold storage unit 106, the newly obtained normal symbol random number is not stored. Furthermore, a gate sensor command is generated according to the result of this processing.

In the second start-out sensor processing, it is determined whether or not a game ball has been detected by the second start-out sensor. If it is determined that a game ball has been detected, a special symbol 2-related random number is acquired, consisting of a special symbol random number counter, a jackpot symbol type random number counter, a reach random number counter, and a special symbol variation pattern random number counter. The acquired special symbol 2-related random number is stored in the special symbol 2-reserve storage unit 105b provided in the game RAM 104. The special symbol 2-reserve storage unit 105b has multiple storage areas from the first area to the nth area (where n is an integer of 2 or more), and the acquired special symbol 2-related random numbers are stored sequentially from the first area. Note that if special symbol 2-related random numbers have been stored up to the nth area, newly acquired special symbol 2-related random numbers are not stored. Furthermore, a second pre-read determination is performed using the acquired special symbol 2-related random number and the second pre-read determination table. Furthermore, depending on the result of this processing, commands for the second start-up sensor are generated, including a Special Feature 2 Reserved Number command representing the number of Special Feature 2-related random numbers (Special Feature 2 Reserved Number) stored in the Special Feature 2 Reserved Storage Unit 105b, and a Second Start Prize Command representing the result of the Second Pre-read Judgment.

In the first start-out sensor processing, it is determined whether or not a game ball has been detected by the first start-out sensor. If it is determined that a game ball has been detected, a special symbol 1 related random number is acquired, consisting of a special symbol random number counter, a jackpot symbol type random number counter, a reach random number counter, and a special symbol variation pattern random number counter. The acquired special symbol 1 related random number is stored in the special symbol 1 reserve storage unit 105a provided in the game RAM 104. The special symbol 1 reserve storage unit 105a has multiple storage areas from the first area to the nth area (where n is an integer of 2 or more), and the acquired special symbol 1 related random numbers are stored sequentially from the first area. Note that if special symbol 1 related random numbers have been stored up to the nth area, newly acquired special symbol 1 related random numbers are not stored. Furthermore, the first pre-read determination is performed using the acquired special symbol 1 related random number and the first pre-read determination table. Furthermore, depending on the result of this processing, a command for the first start-up sensor is generated, including a Special Feature 1 Reserved Number command representing the number of Special Feature 1-related random numbers (Special Feature 1 Reserved Number) stored in the Special Feature 1 Reserved Storage Unit 105a, and a First Start Prize Command representing the result of the First Pre-read Judgment.

The first major prize slot sensor processing determines whether or not a game ball has been detected by the first major prize slot sensor. It also generates a command for the first major prize slot sensor based on the result of this processing.

The second large prize slot sensor processing determines whether or not a game ball has been detected by the second large prize slot sensor. It also generates a command for the second large prize slot sensor based on the result of this processing.

The specific area sensor processing determines whether or not a game ball has been detected by the specific area sensor. Based on the result of this processing, a command for the specific area sensor is generated.

The discharge sensor processing determines whether or not a game ball has been detected by the discharge sensor.

The game control microcontroller 101 performs the normal operation process (S105) after the sensor detection process (S104) shown in Figure 32. The normal operation process (S105) sequentially performs the normal symbol waiting process, normal symbol variation process, normal symbol confirmation process, and auxiliary game control process. Then, the commands generated in each process are set in the output buffer of the game RAM 104.

The normal symbol standby process is performed during standby when variable display of normal symbols and auxiliary gameplay are not taking place. During the normal symbol standby process, a win determination is made based on the normal symbol random numbers stored in the normal symbol hold memory unit 106. Furthermore, a normal symbol variation pattern determination is performed based on the current game state to determine the normal symbol variation pattern. Then, a normal symbol variation start command is generated, containing information regarding the win determination and the result of the normal symbol variation pattern. Finally, based on the normal symbol variation time associated with the determined normal symbol variation pattern, the variable display of normal symbols is started on the normal symbol display unit 82.

The normal symbol variation process is performed while the normal symbol is being displayed in a variable state. During this process, the normal symbol variation is stopped based on the hit detection result, depending on the elapsed time since the variable display of the normal symbol began. Then, a normal symbol variation stop command is generated to indicate the end of the variable display of the normal symbol.

The normal symbol confirmation process is performed when a normal symbol is displayed in a stopped state. During this process, after a predetermined stop time (e.g., 0.8 seconds) has elapsed since the normal symbol began to be displayed in a stopped state, it is determined whether the displayed normal symbol is a winning symbol. If a winning symbol is displayed in a stopped state, the auxiliary game is started based on the current game state and the auxiliary game control table, and an auxiliary game start command is generated to indicate the start of the auxiliary game.

The auxiliary game control process is performed when an auxiliary game is in progress. This process controls the auxiliary game based on the current game state and the auxiliary game control table. Furthermore, it generates auxiliary game control commands based on the results of this process.

The microcomputer 101 for game control executes the normal operation process (S105) shown in Figure 32, followed by the ball count measurement process (S106) and the special operation process (S107), which will be described later. Next, it executes the distribution device control process (S108) to control the distribution device 16D.

Next, the game control microcomputer 101 executes a launch control process (S109) to control the launch of the game balls. In other words, the execution of the launch control process (S109) allows the player to launch the game balls by rotating the handle 72k. Conversely, if the launch control process (S109) is not executed, the player cannot launch the game balls even by rotating the handle 72k.

Next, the game control microcomputer 101 executes a 7-segment display control process to control the display of the 7-segment display unit 300 (S110). Then, it executes error processing to determine errors such as errors (malfunctions) due to magnetic detection or errors due to the opening of the front door 23 or front frame 23m (S111). Error processing (S111) determines whether or not malicious magnetism has been detected by the magnetic sensor. Then, a command for the magnetic sensor is generated according to the result of this processing. Also in error processing (S111), the front door sensor or front frame sensor determines whether or not the front door 23 or front frame 23m is open. Then, a command for opening the frame is generated according to the result of this processing.

Next, the game control microcontroller 101 performs output processing, which will be described later (S112). Following this, it performs other processing (S113). Other processing (S113) includes, for example, controlling the special symbol hold indicator 83 to display the number of special symbols held based on that number, and updating the timer.

Then, the game control microcontroller 101 executes a power outage monitoring process (S114) when the power is cut off, and completes this process. In the power outage monitoring process (S114), if the game control microcontroller 101 determines that the power is cut off due to a drop in the monitoring voltage, it stores game information, total prize ball count information, total ball count information, difference in ball count information, game stop flag information, etc., in a predetermined memory area of the game RAM 104. Afterward, it sets a restriction to prevent access to the game RAM 104.

[Input Processing] As shown in Figure 33, the input processing (S102) first determines whether the special reset switch 181 is ON or OFF, that is, whether a signal based on the pressing operation of the special reset switch 181 has been received (S201). If it is not ON (NO in S201), the process proceeds to step S204. On the other hand, if it is ON (YES in S201), the non-erasure clearing process is executed (S202). In the non-erasure clearing process (S202), the information on the total number of prize balls stored in the total number of prize balls storage unit 107a, the information on the total number of balls fired stored in the total number of balls fired storage unit 107b, and the information on the difference in balls stored in the difference in balls storage unit 107c are cleared. Note that even if the non-erasure clearing process (S202) is executed, the information on the total number of balls fired stored in a specific storage area (not shown) of the non-erasure storage unit 107 is not cleared. This is because, as mentioned above, this information on the total number of balls fired is used for display on the 7-segment display unit 300.

Following step S202, the non-erasable clear command is set in the output buffer of the game RAM 104 (S203), and the process proceeds to step S204. When the non-erasable clear command is transmitted to the performance control board 120, the ball count reset notification image CLS is displayed at the bottom of the display screen 50a, as shown in Figure 30(A). In step S204, other processing is performed to complete this process. In the other processing (S204), the game control microcomputer 101, for example, receives a detection signal from the lower tray full switch that detects the fullness of the lower tray 35, and stores it as lower tray full data in the output buffer of the game RAM 104.

[Ball Count Measurement Process] As shown in Figure 34, the ball count measurement process (S106) first executes a total prize ball count process (S301) to count the total number of prize balls dispensed to the player. The counted total prize balls are stored in the total prize ball storage unit 107a (see Figure 6). Next, based on detection by the discharge sensor, a total ball launch count process is executed (S302) to count the total number of balls launched. The counted total ball launch information is stored in the total ball launch storage unit 107b (see Figure 6). Then, a ball Count calculation process is executed (S303) to calculate the ball Count by subtracting the total number of balls launched from the total prize balls. The calculated ball Count information is stored in the ball Count storage unit 107c (see Figure 6).

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

Next, in step S308, it is determined whether the over-prize ball flag is OFF or not. The over-prize ball flag indicates that the difference in ball count is 80,000 or more. If it is ON (NO in S308), this process ends. On the other hand, if it is OFF (YES in S308), it is determined whether the difference in ball count is 80,000 or more (S309). If it is less than 80,000 (NO in S309), this process ends. Conversely, if it is 80,000 or more (YES in S309), the over-prize ball flag is turned ON (S310) and the over-prize ball notification flag is turned OFF (S311). Then, the over-prize ball notification command is set in the output buffer of the game RAM 104, and this process ends. As a result, when the over-prize ball notification command is transmitted to the performance control board 120, the red-bordered image EFb and the game stop notification image KH are displayed on the display screen 50a, as shown in Figure 28(B).

[Special Operation Processing] As shown in Figure 35, in the special operation processing (S107), the processing related to the special display 81 and the grand prize devices (first grand prize device 14D, second grand prize device 15D) is divided into four stages, and "special operation status 1, 2, 3, 4" is assigned to each of these stages. Then, the game control microcomputer 101 performs the special symbol waiting process (S1302) if the "special operation status" is "1" (YES in S1301), the special symbol variation process (S1304) if the "special operation status" is "2" (NO in S1301, YES in S1303), the special symbol confirmation process (S1306) if the "special operation status" is "3" (NO in both S1301 and S1303, YES in S1305), and the special electric mechanism process (S1307) if the "special operation status" is "4" (NO in all of S1301, S1303, and S1305). The special operation status is initially set to "1".

[Special Symbol Waiting Process] As shown in Figure 36, in the special symbol waiting process (S1302), first, it is determined whether the number of reserved balls in the second start port 12 (i.e., the number of reserved balls for special symbol 2) is "0" (S1401). If the number of reserved balls for special symbol 2 is "0" (YES in S1401), that is, if there is no memory of the group of random number counter values obtained due to entry into the second start port 12, it is determined whether the number of reserved balls in the first start port 11 (i.e., the number of reserved balls for special symbol 1) is "0" (S1407). Then, if the number of reserved balls for special symbol 1 is also "0" (YES in S1407), that is, if there is no memory of the group of random number counter values obtained due to entry into the first start port 11, it is determined whether the customer waiting flag is ON or OFF (S1416). The customer waiting flag indicates that the machine is in a customer waiting state. If ON (YES in S1416), the customer waiting measurement process described later is executed (S1419), and this process ends. On the other hand, if OFF (NO in S1416), the customer waiting command is set in the output buffer of the game RAM 104 (S1417), the customer waiting flag is turned ON (S1418), and this process ends.

If, in step S1401, the number of reserved balls in Special Feature 2 is not "0" (NO in S1401), that is, if there is one or more stored random counter values (reserved information for Special Feature 2) acquired due to entry into the second start opening 12, the Special Feature 2 jackpot determination process (S1402) and the Special Feature 2 variation pattern selection process (S1403) described later are performed. After that, the game control microcomputer 101 decrements the number of reserved balls in Special Feature 2 by 1 (S1404). Then, the storage location (storage area) of various counter values in the Special Feature 2 reserved storage unit 105b is shifted one position away from the current position to the side from which it is read, and the storage area corresponding to the first reserved ball in the Special Feature 2 reserved storage unit 105b is cleared (S1405). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 101 executes the Special Feature 2 variation start process (S1406) and proceeds to step S1413. In the Special Symbol 2 Variation Start Processing (S1406), the special operation status is set to "2," and the variation start command is set in the output buffer of the game RAM 104 to start the variation display of the second special symbol. The variation start command (also called the Special Symbol 2 Variation Start Command) set in the Special Symbol 2 Variation Start Processing (S1406) includes information on the special symbol stop data set in the Special Symbol 2 Jackpot Determination Processing (S1402) and information on the variation pattern (including variation time information) set in the Special Symbol 2 Variation Pattern Selection Processing (S1403).

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

Step S1413 determines whether the customer waiting flag is ON or OFF (S1414). Then, the customer waiting counter clear process is executed to clear (reset) the customer waiting counter value to "0" (S1415), ending this process. The customer waiting counter is located in the game RAM 104 and measures the duration of the customer waiting state. Note that the customer waiting counter value is cleared by power cycling, regardless of whether the RAM clear is performed.

[Customer Waiting Time Measurement Processing] As shown in Figure 37, the customer waiting time measurement processing (S1419) first executes a customer waiting time counter increment processing (S1420) to increase the value of the customer waiting counter. This allows the game control microcomputer 101 to determine the duration of the waiting state based on the value of the customer waiting counter. Next, it determines whether the waiting state has continued for more than one hour. If it is determined that it has not continued (NO in S1421), this process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that it has continued (YES in S1421), a non-erasure clear processing is executed (S1422), similar to the process in step S202 described above (see Figure 33). This clears the total number of prize balls stored in the total prize ball storage unit 107a, the total number of balls launched stored in the total number of balls launched storage unit 107b, and the difference in balls stored in the difference in balls storage unit 107c.

Next, the non-erasure clear command is set in the output buffer of the game RAM 104 (S1423), and this process is completed. Once the non-erasure clear command is transmitted to the performance control board 120, the ball count reset notification image CLS is displayed at the bottom of the display screen 50a, as shown in Figure 30(B).

[Special Symbol 2 Jackpot Determination Processing (Special Symbol 1 Jackpot Determination Processing)] The Special Symbol 2 Jackpot Determination Processing (S1402) and the Special Symbol 1 Jackpot Determination Processing (S1408) have the same processing flow, so they will be explained together based on Figure 38. As shown in Figure 38, in either the Special Symbol 2 Jackpot Determination Processing (S1402) or the Special Symbol 1 Jackpot Determination Processing (S1408), first, a special symbol random number (jackpot random number) is read out as the determination value (S1501). In detail, in the Special Symbol 2 Jackpot Determination Processing (S1402), the special symbol random number stored in the first memory area of the Special Symbol 2 Reserve Storage Unit 105b of the game RAM 104 (i.e., the memory area corresponding to the first of the second special symbol reserves) is read out. Furthermore, in the special symbol 1 jackpot determination process (S1408), the special symbol random number stored in the first memory area of the special symbol 1 reserve memory unit 105a of the game RAM 104 (i.e., the memory area corresponding to the first special symbol reserve) is read out.

Next, the jackpot determination table (Figure 12(A)) is set (S1502). Then, it is determined whether the probability variation flag is ON or not, that is, whether or not it is in a high probability state (S1503). If it is not in a high probability state (NO in S1503), that is, in a normal probability state (not a high probability state), then it is determined whether or not it is a jackpot based on the table for the normal probability state (jackpot determination values from "1000" to "1219") within the jackpot determination table (Figure 12(A)) (S1504). On the other hand, if it is in a high probability state (YES in S1503), then it is determined whether or not it is a jackpot based on the table for the high probability state (jackpot determination values from "1000" to "2499") within the jackpot determination table (Figure 12(A)) (S1505).

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

[Special Feature 2 Variation Pattern Selection Process (Special Feature 1 Variation Pattern Selection Process)] Since the Special Feature 2 Variation Pattern Selection Process (S1403) and the Special Feature 1 Variation Pattern Selection Process (S1409) have the same processing flow, they will be explained together based on Figures 39 and 40. As shown in Figure 39, in either the Special Feature 2 Variation Pattern Selection Process (S1403) or the Special Feature 1 Variation Pattern Selection Process (S1409), it is first determined whether the game state is in a time-saving state (whether the time-saving flag is ON or OFF) (S1601).

If the time-saving state is not active (NO in S1601), i.e., if the time-saving state is not active, the next step is to determine whether the jackpot flag is ON or OFF (S1602). If it is ON (YES in S1602), the normal jackpot table during the non-time-saving state (the part of the special symbol variation pattern determination table shown in Figure 13 or Figure 14 that corresponds to both the non-time-saving state and a jackpot) is referenced, and a special symbol variation pattern is selected based on the special symbol variation pattern random number (S1603).

In step S1602, if the jackpot flag is not ON, it is determined whether the reach random number is a reach-establishing random number (S1604). As shown in Figure 12(C), the reach-establishing random number is "0" to "29" in the non-time-saving state, and "0" to "9" in the time-saving state. In other words, in the time-saving state, it is less likely to trigger a reach on a miss than in the non-time-saving state. This is to speed up the consumption of special symbol reserves by selecting more misses with short variation times in the time-saving state.

If the reach random number is the random number for achieving a reach (YES in S1604), that is, in the case of a reach that results in a loss, the table for reaches that result in a loss during non-time-saving states (the part of the special symbol variation pattern determination table shown in Figure 13 or Figure 14 that corresponds to both a non-time-saving state and a reach that results in a loss) is referenced, and a special symbol variation pattern is selected based on the special symbol variation pattern random number (S1605).

On the other hand, if the reach random number is not a reach-establishing random number (NO in S1604), that is, if it is a no-reach miss, the no-reach miss table during non-time-saving state (the part of the special symbol variation pattern determination table shown in Figure 13 or Figure 14 that corresponds to both the non-time-saving state and the no-reach miss) is referred to, and a special symbol variation pattern is selected based on the special symbol variation pattern random number (S1606). In this no-reach miss case, the function of shortening the variation according to the number of reserved balls is activated. That is, when the number of reserved balls for the special symbol is "3" or "4", a special symbol variation pattern with a shorter special symbol variation time is selected compared to when the number of reserved balls for the special symbol is "0" to "2" (see Figure 13 or Figure 14).

Furthermore, if it is determined in step S1601 that the game state is a time-saving state (YES in S1601), the process (S1607-S1611) proceeds in the same manner as steps S1602-S1606, except that the special symbol variation pattern determination table referenced is changed to the table for the time-saving state (the part of the special symbol variation pattern determination table shown in Figure 13 or Figure 14 that corresponds to the time-saving state), as shown in Figure 40.

In other words, if it's a jackpot, the special symbol variation pattern is selected based on the special symbol variation pattern random number, referring to the section in Figure 13 or Figure 14 that corresponds to the time-saving state and the jackpot (S1608). If it's a near miss, the special symbol variation pattern is selected based on the special symbol variation pattern random number, referring to the section in Figure 13 or Figure 14 that corresponds to the time-saving state and the near miss (S1610). If it's a miss without a near miss, the special symbol variation pattern is selected based on the special symbol variation pattern random number, referring to the section in Figure 13 or Figure 14 that corresponds to the time-saving state and the miss without a near miss (S1611).

After selecting the special symbol variation pattern as described above, the selected special symbol variation pattern is set (S1612) as shown in Figure 39, and this process is completed. The information of the special symbol variation pattern set in step S1612 is included in the variation start command set in step S1406 or S1412 of the special symbol standby process (S1302), and is sent to the performance control board 120 via output processing (S112).

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

On the other hand, if the special symbol variation time has elapsed (YES in S1801), the variation stop command is set (S1802), and the special operation status is set to "3" (S1803). Then, other processing is performed, such as stopping the variation display of the special symbols with a symbol corresponding to the set special symbol stop symbol data (jackpot symbol or losing symbol) (S1804), and this process is completed.

[Special Symbol Confirmation Process] As shown in Figure 42, the special symbol confirmation process (S1306) first determines whether the special symbol's stop time (determined according to the special symbol variation pattern selected in step S1403 or S1409) has elapsed (S1901). If it has not elapsed (NO in S1901), this process is immediately terminated. This allows the special symbol's stop display to continue. On the other hand, if the stop time has elapsed (YES in S1901), the game state management process described later is performed (S1902).

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

The game control microcomputer 101 performs a game state reset process (S1905) following step S1904. In the game state reset process (S1905), if the probability variation flag is ON, it is turned OFF, and if the time reduction flag is ON, it is turned OFF. In other words, during the execution of a jackpot game, the game is controlled to be in a normal probability state and a non-time reduction state. Afterward, in order to start the jackpot game, the jackpot opening command is set (S1906), and the jackpot game opening is started (S1907). Finally, the special operation status is set to "4" (S1908), and this process ends.

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

[Game State Management Processing] As shown in Figure 43, the game state management processing (S1902) first determines whether the probability variation flag is ON or OFF (S2001). If it is ON (YES in S2001), the value of the probability variation counter, which counts the number of special symbol variations performed during the high probability state, is decreased by 1 (S2002), and it is determined whether the value of the probability variation counter is "0" or OFF (S2003). If it is "0" (YES in S2003), the probability variation flag is turned OFF (S2004), and the process proceeds to step S2005. If the result of the determination in step S2001 or S2003 is NO, the process immediately proceeds to step S2005.

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

Step S2009 determines whether the over-prize ball flag is ON or OFF. That is, it determines whether the net number of balls is 80,000 or more. If the over-prize ball flag is NOT ON (NO in S2009), the process proceeds to step S2012. On the other hand, if the over-prize ball flag is ON (YES in S2009), the game stop flag is turned ON (S2010), and the process proceeds to step S2011. Thus, if the net number of balls is 80,000 or more, and the high-probability high-base state or low-probability low-base state ends, the game becomes unplayable.

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

In step S2012, a game state specification command, including information on the current game state (whether the probability variation flag and time reduction flag are ON or OFF), the value of the probability variation counter, and the value of the time reduction counter, is set in the output buffer of the game RAM 104, and this process ends.

[Special Electric Mechanism Processing (Big Win Game)] Special electric mechanism processing is the process for executing a big win game. As shown in Figure 44, in special electric mechanism processing (S1307), it is first determined whether the big win completion flag is ON or OFF (S2701). The big win completion flag is a flag that indicates that the opening of all big prize devices (first big prize device 14D, second big prize device 15D) has finished in the big win game currently being executed.

If the jackpot end flag is not ON (NO in S2701), it is determined whether the jackpot entry points (first jackpot entry point, second jackpot entry point 15) are open or not (i.e., whether the first jackpot entry device 14D or the second jackpot entry device 15D is open or not) (S2702). If they are not open or not (NO in S2702), it is determined whether the time to open the jackpot entry points has arrived, i.e., whether the jackpot opening time has elapsed and it is time to start opening the first jackpot entry point 14, or whether the interval time between openings has elapsed and it is time to start the next opening (S2703).

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

In the V-effective period setting process (S2706), the period during which the second large prize entry point 15 is open and the few seconds after the second large prize entry point 15 is closed during the 10th round of a V-long jackpot is set as the V-effective period, during which the detection of game balls by the specific area sensor 16a is determined to be effective. In this configuration, all other periods (including when a jackpot game is not being played) are set as the V-ineffective period, during which the detection of game balls by the specific area sensor 16a is determined to be ineffective. Here, determining that the detection of game balls by the specific area sensor 16a is effective means that the V flag is turned ON based on the detection of game balls by the specific area sensor 16a. Conversely, determining that the detection of game balls by the specific area sensor 16a is ineffective means that the V flag is not turned ON even if game balls are detected by the specific area sensor 16a.

In step S2707, the large prize slots (first large prize slot 14, second large prize slot 15) are opened according to an opening pattern (see Figure 16) corresponding to the type of jackpot. The distribution member 16k operates in a constant manner from the start of the first round of gameplay. In the opening pattern for a V-long jackpot, in the 10th round, the AT opening/closing member 14k is opened so that the game ball that enters the second large prize slot 15 can pass through the specific area 16 with ample room. In contrast, in the opening pattern for a V-short jackpot, in the 10th round, the opening timing of the AT opening/closing member 14k in relation to the operation of the distribution member 16k is set so that even if the game ball enters the second large prize slot 15, it cannot pass through the specific area 16.

Next, in step S2708, the round specification command transmission determination process is performed, and this process ends. In the round specification command transmission determination process (S2708), it is determined whether the opening of the large prize slots (first large prize slot 14, second large prize slot 15) in step S2703 is the first opening in a single round of gameplay. If so, a round specification command containing information about the number of rounds in the currently running jackpot game is set in the output buffer of the game RAM 104. In this configuration, the large prize slots will not be opened multiple times during a single round of gameplay. Therefore, in step S2708, a round specification command will always be set.

In step S2702 of the special electric prize processing (S1307), if the large prize slots (first large prize slot 14, second large prize slot 15) are open, it is determined whether the conditions for closing the large prize slots have been met (S2709). In this embodiment, the closing conditions are that either the number of balls entering the large prize slots in that round of play has reached the prescribed maximum number of balls (10 balls per round in this embodiment), or the time to close the large prize slots has arrived (i.e., the predetermined opening time (see Figure 16) has elapsed since the large prize slots were opened). If the conditions for closing the large prize slots have not been met (NO in S2709), the process ends.

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

On the other hand, if the value is "0" (YES in S2713), the jackpot termination process ends the jackpot game by setting the jackpot ending command (S2714) and starting the jackpot ending (S2715). Then, the jackpot termination flag is set (S2716), and the process ends.

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

[Game State Setting Process] As shown in Figure 45, the game state setting process (S2719) first determines whether the V flag is ON (whether a V win occurred during the V validity period) (S2801). If it is ON (YES in S2801), the probability variation flag is turned ON (S2802) and the time reduction flag is turned ON (S2803). This controls the game to a high probability, high base state after a big win. Next, the probability variation counter is set to "160" (S2804) and the time reduction counter is set to "160" (S2805), and the process proceeds to step S2808. This controls the game to a high probability, high base state where the number of ST rounds is 160 and the number of time reduction rounds is 160.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2801 that the V flag is not ON (NO in S2801), the time-saving flag is turned ON (S2806). That is, the probability variation flag is not turned ON at this time. This controls the game to a low probability, high base state after a big win. Next, the time-saving counter is set to "100" (S2807), and the game proceeds to step S2808. That is, this controls the game to a low probability, high base state with 100 time-saving rounds.

In step S2808, the game control microcontroller 101 sets a game state specification command containing the information of the currently set game state (ON or OFF of the probability variation flag, ON or OFF of the time reduction flag, the value of the probability variation counter, and the value of the time reduction counter) into the output buffer of the game RAM 104. This completes the game state setting process (S2719).

[Output Processing] As shown in Figure 46, the output processing (S112) executes the external signal output processing described later (S3001). Subsequently, as other output processing (S3002), the commands and other information set in the output buffer of the game RAM 104 in each of the above-mentioned processes are output to the performance control board 120 and the payout control board 170, thus concluding this process.

[External Terminal Signal Output Processing] As shown in Figure 47, the external terminal signal output processing (S3001) determines whether the over-prize ball notification flag is ON or OFF (S3101). In other words, it determines whether the number of balls has reached 70,000. If the over-prize ball notification flag is not ON (NO in S3101), the process proceeds to step S3103. On the other hand, if the over-prize ball notification flag is ON (YES in S3101), the external terminal signal output processing for over-prize ball notification is executed (S3102), and the process proceeds to step S3102. In the external terminal signal output processing for over-prize ball notification (S3102), an external terminal signal indicating that the number of balls has reached 70,000 (hereinafter referred to as the "external terminal signal for over-prize ball notification") is transmitted from the main control board 100 to the external terminal board 160 via the payout control board 170. As a result, the external terminal board 160 transmits an external terminal signal for over-prize ball notification to an external unit GU (data counter, hall computer, etc.) via parallel communication. Consequently, it becomes possible for employees of the amusement arcade monitoring the hall computer to understand the situation where the over-prize ball prevention function may activate in the pachinko machine PY1 when the remaining number of balls increases to a small amount (within 10,000).

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

In step S3105, it is determined whether the game stop flag is ON or NOT ON. In other words, it is determined whether the game has become impossible to play. If the game stop flag is NOT ON (NO in S3107), the process proceeds to step S3107. On the other hand, if the game stop flag is ON (YES in S3105), the game stop external signal output process is executed (S3106), and the process proceeds to step S3107. In the game stop external signal output process (S3106), an external signal indicating that the game has become impossible to play due to the activation of the over-prize prevention function (hereinafter referred to as the "game stop external signal") is transmitted from the main control board 100 to the external terminal board 160 via the payout control board 170. As a result, the external terminal board 160 transmits the game stop external signal to the external unit GU via parallel communication. As a result, it is possible to inform the staff of the amusement arcade, who are monitoring the hall computer, about situations where the game becomes unplayable due to the activation of the over-prize prevention function in the PY1 pachinko machine.

In step S3107, it is determined whether the non-erasure clearing process shown in step S203 or the non-erasure clearing process shown in step S1422 has been performed. That is, it is determined whether the information on the total number of prize balls stored in the total number of prize balls storage unit 107a, the information on the total number of balls fired stored in the total number of balls fired storage unit 107b, and the information on the difference in balls stored in the difference in balls storage unit 107c have been cleared. If the non-erasure clearing process has not been performed (NO in S3107), the process proceeds to step S3109. On the other hand, if the non-erasure clearing process has been performed (YES in S3107), the reset external terminal signal output process is performed (S3108), and the process proceeds to step S3109. In the reset external terminal signal output process (S3108), an external terminal signal indicating that the difference in balls has been reset (hereinafter referred to as the "reset external terminal signal") is transmitted from the main control board 100 to the external terminal board 160 via the payout control board 170. As a result, the external terminal board 160 transmits the reset external terminal signal to the external unit GU via parallel communication. This allows the arcade staff monitoring the hall computer to be aware that the number of balls in the PY1 pachinko machine has been reset. The main control board 100 is connected to a dedicated signal line, and via this dedicated signal line, the over-prize notification external terminal signal, the over-prize external terminal signal, the game stop external terminal signal, and the reset external terminal signal are transmitted from the main control board 100 to the external terminal board 160 via the payout control board 170.

8. Operation of the Performance Control Microcontroller Next, the operation of the performance control microcontroller 121 will be explained based on Figures 48 to 50. Note that the counters, timers, flags, buffers, etc. that appear in the explanation of the operation of the performance control microcontroller 121 are provided in the performance RAM 124.

[Sub-control Main Processing] When the PY1 pachinko game machine is powered on, the microcontroller 121 for performance control reads the sub-control main processing program shown in Figure 48 from the performance ROM 123 and executes it. As shown in the figure, the sub-control main processing first performs power-on processing corresponding to the power-on (S4001). Power-on processing includes, for example, setting the performance CPU 122, SIO, PIO, CTC (circuit for interrupt time management), etc.

Next, interrupts are disabled (S4002), and the random number update process is executed (S4003). The random number update process (S4003) updates the values of the various random number counters used for determining various effects. As an example, the method for updating the random number counters for determining various effects can be the same as the random number update process performed by the main control board 100 described above. Instead of incrementing the random value by 1 each time, it may be incremented by 2 each time, for example. This is also the case in the random number update process performed by the main control board 100 described above.

Once the random number update process is complete, the command transmission process is executed (S4004). In the command transmission process (S4004), various commands stored in the output buffer in the performance RAM 124 of the performance control board 120 are sent to the image control board 140. Upon receiving the commands, the image control board 140 displays an image on the display screen 50a according to the received commands (executing various image-based effects). In addition to the various effects performed by the image control board 140, the performance control board 120 also outputs sound from the speaker 52 via the sound control circuit 161 (executing various sound effects using sound), illuminates the frame lamp 53 and panel lamp 54 via the lamp control circuit 151 (executing various illumination effects using illumination), and operates the movable devices 55, 56, and 58 (executing various movable body effects using movement). In this way, various effects (variation effects, hold effects, movable body effects, operation effects, pre-announcement effects, other予告 effects, opening effects for special games, open game effects, ending effects, customer waiting effects, effect mode control, etc.) are realized.

The microcontroller 121 for performance control then enables interrupts (S4005). From this point onward, steps S4002 to S4005 are looped. While interrupts are enabled, the following can be executed: receive interrupt processing (S4010), 1ms timer interrupt processing (S4011), and 10ms timer interrupt processing (S4012).

The receive interrupt handler (S4010) is executed each time various commands sent from the main control board 100 are input to the performance control microcontroller 121. In the receive interrupt handler (S4010), the performance control microcontroller 121 stores the various commands received via the output processing (S112) of the main control board 100 into the receive buffer of the performance RAM 124. This receive interrupt handler takes precedence over other interrupt handlers (S4011, S4012).

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

In the input processing (S4101), operations on the player-operable control section, such as the normal button detection switch 40a and the special button detection switch 41a, are detected, and commands are set or performance data is created according to the detection results. In the light emission data output processing (S4102), based on the performance data created in the input processing (S4101) and the performance data creation processing (S4204) described later, the light emission data (lamp data) is referenced in order to light up the frame lamp 53 and the panel lamp 54 at timings that match the image-based performances, etc. Then, the lamp control circuit 151 is controlled based on the light emission data. In other words, the performance control microcomputer 121 lights up the frame lamp 53 and the panel lamp 54, etc., in a predetermined light emission pattern according to the light emission data. In the movable body control processing (S4103), based on the performance data created in the input processing (S4101) and the performance data creation processing (S4204) described later, the drive data is referenced to perform a movable body performance by operating the movable devices 55, 56, and 58 at predetermined timings. Then, the lamp control circuit 151 is controlled based on the drive data. In other words, the performance control microcontroller 121 operates the movable devices 55, 56, and 58 in a predetermined operating pattern according to the drive data. In the watchdog timer processing (S4104), the watchdog timer reset setting is performed.

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

In the received command analysis process (S4201), the command stored in the receive buffer of the performance RAM 124 by the receive interrupt processing (S4010) is analyzed, and processing corresponding to that command is performed (for example, selecting a performance, setting a performance mode, setting a command, etc.). In the performance timer update process (S4202), the timers for measuring the time related to each performance are updated. For example, in the performance timer update process (S4202), the start and end timings of the operation validity period of the operation unit, such as the normal button 40 and the special button 41, are measured. In the voice control process (S4203), based on the processing results of the input processing (S4101) and the received command analysis process (S4201), voice data (data that controls the output of sound from the speaker 52) and the voice control circuit 161 are created. In the performance data creation process (S4204), performance data is created based on the processing results of the received command analysis process (S4201).

Here, we will explain an example of the processing that occurs when the performance control microcontroller 121 receives a command from the game control microcontroller 101. The command received by the performance control microcontroller 121 is a variation start command (special figure 1 variation start command or special figure 2 variation start command). When the performance control microcontroller 121 determines in the received command analysis process (S4201) that it has received a variation start command, as a variation start command reception processing, it selects a variation performance pattern (sub-variation pattern) based on the special figure variation pattern indicated by the command, sets the information of that sub-variation pattern, and sets a variation performance start command containing the information of that sub-variation pattern in the output buffer. For example, if the special figure variation pattern indicated by the variation start command is an SP variation (variation pattern associated with an SP reach), it selects a sub-variation pattern that performs an SP reach and sets a variation performance start command corresponding to that sub-variation pattern in the output buffer. Subsequently, each process (command transmission process (S4004), light emission data output process (S4102), movable body control process (S4103), voice control process (S4203), etc.) is executed, realizing the variation effect corresponding to the selected sub-variation pattern. The processing flow for realizing such effects is basically the same for other effects, such as effects associated with special games, customer waiting effects, pre-announcement effects, so-called notification effects associated with the variation, and control of the effect mode.

9. Operation Warning Presentation Next, the operation warning presentation will be explained. In this pachinko game machine PY1, if the over-prize prevention function is activated or if an unauthorized magnet is detected (when predetermined stop conditions are met), the game becomes impossible to play. In other words, the game control process and the launch control process stop. At this time, despite the game being impossible to play, the player may not accurately grasp the situation and may continue to rotate the handle 72k (launching operation means). Therefore, in this configuration, after the game becomes impossible to play, an operation warning presentation is executed to draw the player's attention to stopping the launch of game balls based on their rotation of the handle 72k. This operation warning presentation makes it possible to prevent the player from launching unnecessary balls.

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

Subsequently, when the player rotates the handle 72k, the performance control microcontroller 121 receives a detection signal from the handle rotation detection sensor 42a (see Figure 7). As a result, the performance control microcontroller 121 executes an operation warning animation, as shown in Figure 51(B), with the red background image RE and the error clearing method image ERX displayed on the display screen 50a. Specifically, the operation warning image HT, indicating "Do not turn the handle," is displayed on the display screen 50a. Furthermore, the speaker 52 outputs the message "Do not turn the handle," and all the frame lamps 53 and board lamps 54 light up in red. This operation warning animation makes it possible to more strongly emphasize to the player that it is not a situation to launch the game ball.

Subsequently, when the player stops rotating the handle 72k, the microcontroller 121 for performance control stops receiving a detection signal from the handle rotation detection sensor 42a (see Figure 7). As a result, the microcontroller 121 stops the operation warning animation, as shown in Figure 51(C). Thus, in this configuration, the operation warning animation is executed only while the player is rotating the handle 72k after the over-prize prevention function has been activated.

Figure 52 shows the case where an operation warning animation (warning animation) is executed after an unauthorized magnetic field is detected. First, as a prerequisite, it is assumed that the player has not performed any rotational operations on the handle 72k, and that an unauthorized magnetic field has been detected. In this case, the animation control microcontroller 121 receives a magnetic field detection command from the game control microcontroller 101 indicating that an unauthorized magnetic field has been detected. As a result, the animation control microcontroller 121 displays a red background image RE and an error clearing method image ER1 on the display screen 50a, as shown in Figure 52(A), and outputs a game stop sound from the speaker 52. Furthermore, all frame lamps 53 light up in white, and all panel lamps 54 are turned off.

Subsequently, when the player rotates the handle 72k, the performance control microcontroller 121 receives a detection signal from the handle rotation detection sensor 42a (see Figure 7). As a result, the performance control microcontroller 121 executes an operation warning animation, as shown in Figure 52(B), with the red background image RE and the error clearing method image ER1 displayed on the display screen 50a. Specifically, the operation warning image HT, indicating "Do not turn the handle," is displayed on the display screen 50a. Furthermore, the speaker 52 outputs the message "Do not turn the handle," and all the frame lamps 53 and board lamps 54 light up in red. This operation warning animation makes it possible to more strongly emphasize to the player that it is not a situation to launch the game ball.

Subsequently, when the player stops rotating the handle 72k, the microcontroller 121 for performance control stops receiving a detection signal from the handle rotation detection sensor 42a (see Figure 7). As a result, the microcontroller 121 stops the operation warning performance, as shown in Figure 52(C). Thus, in this configuration, the operation warning performance is executed only while the player is rotating the handle 72k after an unauthorized magnetic field has been detected.

10. Effects of this Embodiment As explained above, with the Pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment, when the number of balls in a game exceeds 80,000 and the high probability high base state or low probability low base state ends, the game becomes unplayable. Therefore, for the player, the game is not suddenly stopped in the middle of a jackpot game state or in the middle of a high probability high base state or low probability high base state, and it does not result in any particularly significant disadvantage. In this way, it is possible to provide a Pachinko game machine PY1 that allows the player to stop playing at a timing that is easy for them to stop playing, while not awarding excessive prize balls.

Furthermore, with this form of the PY1 pachinko machine, if the net number of balls exceeds 80,000 and the high-base state (high-probability high-base state, low-probability high-base state) ends, the game becomes unplayable. Therefore, it is possible for the player to stop playing before their ball count decreases after the high-base state ends. In other words, after transitioning from the high-base state to the normal game state, the total number of balls launched increases, and it is conceivable that the net number of balls may fall below 80,000. Therefore, to prevent the above situation from occurring, it is possible to stop playing at the moment the high-base state ends.

However, if a player stops playing before the net number of balls reaches 80,000, and a subsequent player starts playing, and the net number of balls immediately exceeds 80,000, it becomes a very unfortunate situation. Therefore, in this type of pachinko machine PY1, the measured net number of balls is reset based on the fulfillment of a reset condition that is not triggered by power-on. Specifically, the net number of balls is reset when the special reset switch 181 is pressed, or when the waiting state continues for one hour. This prevents the subsequent player from having their game immediately stopped after starting, thus preventing a very unfortunate situation.

Furthermore, with this configuration of the pachinko machine PY1, when an employee of the amusement arcade presses the RAM clear switch 191 when the power is turned on, game information (such as information on the game state, such as high probability state, the number of special symbol reserves, and the result of the jackpot determination) is erased, while the information on the number of balls stored in the ball count storage unit 107c is not erased. Therefore, even in situations where game information must be erased due to malfunctions or other reasons during business hours, it is possible to prevent the measured number of balls from being erased.

Furthermore, in this form of the pachinko game machine PY1, as described above, the measured number of winning balls is not erased even when a RAM clear is performed. However, the measured number of winning balls can be erased by a game hall employee pressing the special reset switch 181. In this way, game hall employees can erase the measured number of winning balls at any time.

Furthermore, in this form of the pachinko game machine PY1, when the number of balls exceeds 80,000, a game stop notification image KH is displayed on the display screen 50a, as shown in Figure 28(B), indicating that the game will become unplayable. Therefore, players can be aware in advance that the game will become unplayable, preventing confusion caused by a sudden inability to play. In particular, the game stop notification image KH, as shown in Figure 28(B), indicates that the game will become unplayable when the high base state ends. Thus, players can be made to accurately understand when the game will be played.

Furthermore, in this form of the pachinko game machine PY1, as described above, the game becomes unplayable when the number of balls exceeds 80,000. If the player attempts to rotate the handle 72k at this time, the launch control process (S109) is stopped, and no game balls are launched. However, as shown in Figure 51(B), an operation warning animation is executed. Specifically, the operation warning image HT is displayed on the display screen 50a, the speaker 52 emits the message "Please do not turn the handle," and all the frame lamps 53 and board lamps 54 light up red. This makes it possible to more reliably inform the player that the game cannot be played.

Furthermore, in this form of the pachinko game machine PY1, as described above, if an unauthorized magnetic field is detected, the game becomes unplayable. If the player were to rotate the handle 72k at this time, the launch control process (S109) would be stopped, and no game balls would be launched. However, as shown in Figure 52(B), an operation warning animation would be executed. Specifically, the operation warning image HT would be displayed on the display screen 50a, the speaker 52 would output the message "Please do not turn the handle," and all the frame lamps 53 and board lamps 54 would light up red. This makes it possible to more reliably inform the player that the game cannot be played.

11. Examples of Modifications The following describes examples of modifications. In the description of the examples of modifications, components similar to those in the above-described pachinko game machine PY1 will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their explanation will be omitted. Of course, components related to the examples of modifications may be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, technical features in the above-described configuration and the examples of modifications below may be deleted as appropriate unless they are described as essential in this specification.

<First variation>
In the above configuration, the game machine (Type 1 game machine) is configured such that if a big win is achieved through the special symbol lottery, a big win game (Type 1 big win game) is executed. In contrast, the first modified example is configured as a so-called Type 1 and Type 2 mixed machine. That is, if a small win is achieved through the special symbol lottery, a small win game is executed in which the large prize slot is opened for a maximum of 1.8 seconds. In this case, if the game ball that entered the large prize slot as a result of the small win game passes through a specific area within the large prize slot, a big win game (Type 2 big win game) is executed. Thus, in the first modified example, the game machine (Type 1 and Type 2 mixed machine) is configured such that if a big win is achieved through the special symbol lottery, a big win game (Type 1 big win game) is executed, and if the game ball passes through a specific area within the large prize slot, a big win game (Type 2 big win game) is executed.

Furthermore, in the first modified version, if a minor win is achieved in the lottery of Special Figure 2, the game is configured such that, as long as the game is played correctly, a two-type jackpot game will practically always be executed (the game balls will be able to pass through a specific area). In other words, winning a minor win in the lottery of Special Figure 2 means that a jackpot game will be executed. Here, as shown in Figure 53, when transitioning from the high base state (time-saving state) to the normal game state, let's assume that the number of Special Figure 2 reserved balls is the maximum of four (a predetermined number). Let's also assume that the lottery of Special Figure 2 is executed with priority over the lottery of Special Figure 1, and is set to be more advantageous to the player than the lottery of Special Figure 1. In this case, when transitioning from the high base state to the normal game state, the lottery of Special Figure 2 will be executed four times, and the player is still in a situation where a jackpot game is likely to be executed. Therefore, even after transitioning to the normal game state, until the lottery of Special Figure 2 is no longer executed, it can be said that the player is in an advantageous period (advantageous game state) where a jackpot game is likely to be executed.

In this first modified example, let's assume that the over-prize prevention function is activated when the game transitions to the normal game state, as described above. In this case, even though the player is still in a situation where it is easy to win a jackpot (a favorable period), the game suddenly becomes impossible to play. Therefore, in this first modified example, as shown in Figure 53, the over-prize prevention function is not activated when the game transitions to the normal game state. Instead, the over-prize prevention function is activated only when all of the remaining Special Symbol 2 reserves (Special Symbol 2 remaining reserves) are consumed. In other words, the game becomes impossible to play when all of the Special Symbol 2 remaining reserves are consumed (when all of the fluctuation and stop displays of the second special symbol based on the Special Symbol 2 remaining reserves have finished).

Thus, even after the number of balls exceeds 80,000, the player can continue playing until the advantageous period (advantageous game state) in which it is easier to win two types of jackpots ends, even if the game transitions to normal gameplay. In the first modified example, the lottery for Special Figure 2 takes precedence over the lottery for Special Figure 1, but it is also possible to have the lottery for Special Figure 1 take precedence over the lottery for Special Figure 2, or to have the lottery for Special Figure 1 or Special Figure 2 executed in the order in which the game balls enter the first start opening 11 or the second start opening 12.

Next, in the first modified example, we will explain the effects that occur after transitioning from the high base state (time-saving state) to the normal game state. If there are remaining reserved symbols in Special Symbol 2 when transitioning to the normal game state, the special reserved symbol effect shown in Figure 54 will be executed until all of the remaining reserved symbols in Special Symbol 2 are consumed. This special reserved symbol effect indicates whether or not a minor win has been achieved in the Special Symbol 2 lottery, and it is not executed in the high base state or in the Special Symbol 1 lottery. In other words, the special reserved symbol effect (advantageous effect) is a special effect that indicates a chance to win a Type 2 jackpot, but only from the time of transitioning to the normal game state until all of the remaining reserved symbols in Special Symbol 2 are consumed (until the fluctuation display of the second special symbol is executed four times).

Specifically, as shown in Figure 54(A), when transitioning from the high base state (time-saving state) to the normal game state, the display screen 50a shows an image LA indicating "4 remaining chances." This makes the player aware that they still have 4 chances to win one of the two types of jackpot games. Then, as shown in Figure 54(A), the display screen 50a shows the main character appearance image BA1, where the transformed main character appears, with the left performance symbol EZ1 and the right performance symbol EZ3, both showing "5," forming a reach pattern. In the upper right corner of the display screen 50a, the image LB indicating "4 remaining spins" is displayed, showing how many more spins of the second special symbol will be performed.

Next, as shown in Figure 54(C), a special battle image BA2 is displayed, showing the transformed protagonist character fighting against the enemy character. Then, if the player has won a minor or major prize in the lottery shown in special image 2, a special battle victory image WI is displayed, as shown in Figure 54(D-1), showing the transformed protagonist character's victory over the enemy character. At this time, the sub-symbol KZ, which was previously displayed in a variable position, stops at the winning combination "555" in the upper left corner of the display screen 50a. Thus, players who see the special battle victory image WI and the sub-symbol KZ can understand that they have won either a minor or major prize. If a minor prize has been won, the player can win a Type 2 major prize by passing the game ball through a specific area during the minor prize game. If a major prize has been won, the player can win a Type 1 major prize.

On the other hand, if the lottery for Special Figure 2 is unsuccessful, a special battle defeat image LO is displayed, as shown in Figure 54 (D-2), indicating that the transformed protagonist character has been defeated by the enemy character. At this time, the sub-symbol KZ, which was being displayed in a variable manner, stops at "545," the number indicating a failed reach, in the upper left corner of the display screen 50a. In this way, players who see the special battle victory image WI and the sub-symbol KZ indicating a failed reach can understand that it is an unsuccessful outcome. Thus, if the lottery for Special Figure 2 is unsuccessful, the remaining reserve special performance shown in Figure 54 is repeatedly executed until all remaining reserves for Special Figure 2 are consumed. If all results of the lottery for Special Figure 2 are unsuccessful, the advantageous period (advantageous game state) ends. After that, in the normal game state, the remaining reserve special performance is not executed, and the variable performance based on the lottery for Special Figure 1 is executed.

In this first modified version, when the net number of balls is less than 80,000, the special remaining ball animation shown in Figure 54 is executed during the advantageous period (advantageous game state) from the transition to the normal game state until all remaining balls in Special Feature 2 are consumed. On the other hand, even when the net number of balls is 80,000 or more, the special remaining ball animation shown in Figure 54 is executed during the advantageous period (see Figure 53) from the transition to the normal game state until all remaining balls in Special Feature 2 are consumed. Thus, as long as the special remaining ball animation, which indicates a favorable situation for the player after transitioning to the normal game state, continues, the over-prize prevention function will not activate. Therefore, even if the net number of balls exceeds 80,000, the player can still enjoy the special remaining ball animation after transitioning to the normal game state. In other words, even when the net number of balls exceeds 80,000 and the game transitions to the normal game state, the special remaining ball animation continues to run before the game becomes unplayable, allowing the timing of the game becoming unplayable to coincide with the end of the special remaining ball animation.

<Second variation>
In the above configuration, when the number of balls gained exceeded 80,000, additional effects were executed, such as the display of a red-bordered image EFb or a game stop notification image KH (see Figure 28(B)). However, even when the number of balls gained exceeded 80,000, the effects themselves were not replaced and executed. In contrast, in the second modification, when the number of balls gained changes from less than 80,000 to 80,000 or more, the effects themselves are replaced and executed. This second modification is configured as a Type 1 and Type 2 mixed machine, similar to the first modification. The effects of the second modification will be explained using the case where the number of balls gained reaches 80,000 during the jackpot game state shown in Figure 53 as an example.

As a prerequisite, the jackpot game is being played while the net number of balls is less than 80,000. At this time, as shown in Figure 55(A), the round animation is being played on the display screen 50a. Specifically, the round image G109, the prize ball count image G110, and the round background image G114 are displayed on the display screen 50a. Now, as shown in Figure 53, let's assume that the net number of balls reaches 80,000 during the jackpot game. At this point, the game control microcontroller 101 sends an over-prize ball notification command (see step S312) to the animation control microcontroller 121, which then recognizes that the net number of balls has exceeded 80,000. As a result, the animation control microcontroller 121 executes the round substitute animation shown in Figure 55(B).

Specifically, in the round substitution sequence, as shown in Figure 55(B), the background image for the round (G114) representing a city is switched to a background image for the round substitution (G116) representing a dark mansion. Then, the round image (G109) and the prize ball count image (G110) are displayed overlaid on the round substitution background image (G116), along with a game stop notification image (KI) indicating "Game stopped due to end of advantageous period." Furthermore, a warning image (G115) showing a flashing light and the word "DANGER" is displayed at the very front of the display screen (50a) to attract the player's attention.

Thus, when the number of balls exceeds 80,000, a round-alternating animation is executed, which significantly changes the animation style from the regular round animation. This makes it possible to more strongly make the player aware of the situation where they will no longer be able to play. In other words, for players who are not fully aware of the over-prize prevention function, even if the red-bordered image EFb or the game stop warning image KH is displayed along with the round animation (see Figure 28(B)), they may mistake it for a mere animation and not fully grasp the situation where they will no longer be able to play. Therefore, in the second modification, by executing the round-alternating animation shown in Figure 55(B) instead of the regular round animation, it is possible to make it easier for players to recognize that the situation has changed significantly.

Next, as shown in Figure 53, when the game transitions from a jackpot state to a high-base state (time-saving state), the time-saving mode alternative animation shown in Figure 55(C) is executed on the display screen 50a. Specifically, in the time-saving mode alternative animation, as shown in Figure 55(C), a time-saving alternative background image G117 representing dark clouds and lightning is displayed. Then, the animation symbol EZ and the game stop notification image KI are displayed superimposed on the time-saving alternative background image G117. Furthermore, a warning display image G115 showing a patrol light and the word "DANGER" is displayed at the very front of the display screen 50a to attract the player's attention.

Thus, even in a high-base state (shortened time state), if the number of balls exceeds 80,000, the shortened time mode animation shown in Figure 18 (B-5) is not executed; instead, the shortened time mode alternative animation shown in Figure 55 (C) is executed. This makes it possible to make the player more aware of the situation in which the game cannot be played. In other words, it makes it easier for players who are not fully aware of the over-prize prevention function to recognize that, although they are in a situation where it is easy to win a type 2 jackpot, the game is being stopped.

Subsequently, as shown in Figure 53, the game transitions from the high-base state (time-saving state) to the normal game state, and it is assumed that the number of reserved balls in Special Symbol 2 at the time of transition to the normal game state was "4". In this case, the remaining reserved ball substitute special effect shown in Figure 56 is executed on the display screen 50a. Specifically, in the remaining reserved ball substitute special effect (special effect), as shown in Figure 56(A), when transitioning from the high-base state (time-saving state) to the normal game state, the display screen 50a displays the remaining number of spins until game cancellation image LH1, indicating "4 spins remaining until game cancellation". This allows the player to accurately understand the number of spins the special symbols will have until gameplay can no longer be performed. The number shown in the remaining number of spins image LH1 will range from "4" to "1" depending on the number of reserved balls in Special Symbol 2. Thus, in this second modified example, it is possible to provide the player with an innovative effect that notifies them of the remaining number of spins the special symbols will have until gameplay is cancelled.

Next, as shown in Figure 56(B), the display screen 50a shows the special effect symbols TZ1 and TZ2 in a variable state, and at the bottom of the display screen 50a, an explanatory image SM indicating "If V lines up, is it a jackpot?" is displayed. This explanatory image SM allows the player to understand that if "V" lines up on the special effect symbols TZ1 and TZ2, a jackpot game will be played. Furthermore, at the top of the display screen 50a, an image LN1 indicating "4 turns remaining until game is stopped" is displayed. This allows the player to be aware of the remaining number of turns for the special symbols (second special symbol) until the game is stopped, even while the special symbols (second special symbol) are being displayed in a variable state. The number shown in the image LN1 will range from "4" to "1" depending on the remaining number of reserved special symbols 2. The display of this image LN1 corresponds to the "game stoppage notification effect."

Next, as shown in Figure 56(C), on the display screen 50a, the special effect symbol TZ1 on the left stops displaying "V", while the special effect symbol TZ2 on the right continues to change display. Subsequently, if a minor or major win is achieved in the lottery of special symbol 2, as shown in Figure 56(D-1), the special effect symbol TZ2 on the right stops displaying "V", resulting in a line of "V". At this time, the minor effect symbol KZ, which was changing display in the upper left of the display screen 50a, stops displaying the winning pattern "555", which is a double digit combination. In this way, players who see the special effect symbols TZ1 and TZ2 showing "VV" and the minor effect symbol KZ with double digits can understand that they have won either a minor or major win. Subsequently, if a minor win has been achieved, by passing the game ball through a specific area during the execution of the minor win game, it is possible to win a type 2 major win game. Furthermore, if you have won a jackpot, you will receive one type of jackpot game.

On the other hand, if the draw in Special Feature 2 is a miss, the special effect symbol TZ2 on the right side will stop at "1", as shown in Figure 56 (D-2), and the "V" will not line up. Also at this time, the small effect symbol KZ, which was being displayed in the upper left of the display screen 50a, will stop at "545", which is a miss for the reach. In this way, the player who has seen the special effect symbols TZ1 and TZ2, which indicate "V1", and the small effect symbol KZ, which indicates a miss for the reach, will be able to understand that it is a miss. Also, the remaining number image NC, which indicates "3 chances remaining", will be displayed in the lower right of the display screen. This will allow the player to understand that they are approaching the activation of the over-prize prevention function (stopping the game). After that, the remaining reserve substitute special effect shown in Figure 56 will be repeatedly executed with the remaining reserves in Special Feature 2. Furthermore, if all the results of the lottery in Special Symbol 2 are unsuccessful, the over-prize prevention function will activate when the advantageous period (advantageous game state) ends (when the stopping time of the second special symbol has elapsed), and the game will be controlled to be unplayable.

In summary, when the net number of balls exceeds 80,000, a significantly different alternative special animation for remaining balls is performed instead of the special animation for remaining balls. This makes it possible to more strongly emphasize to the player the situation in which they will no longer be able to play. That is, if the net number of balls exceeds 80,000, and the special animation for remaining balls shown in Figure 54 is performed after transitioning from a high-base state (time-saving state) to a normal game state, the player may mistakenly believe that the over-prize prevention function will not yet activate. In other words, the special animation for remaining balls easily gives the player the impression that even after all the balls in Special Feature 2 have been consumed and the advantageous period has ended, they can still continue playing after transitioning to a normal game state. Therefore, in the second modification, by performing the alternative special animation for remaining balls shown in Figure 56 instead of the special animation for remaining balls, it is possible to make it easier for the player to understand that if they do not win one of the two types of jackpots, they will be unable to play due to the activation of the over-prize prevention function.

<Third variation>
In the above configuration, when the number of balls won is 80,000 or more, and the game transitions from a high-base state (high-probability high-base state or low-probability high-base state) to a normal game state (see Figure 25), the over-prize prevention function is activated. In contrast, in the third modified configuration, as shown in Figure 57, when the number of balls won is 80,000 or more, and the special symbol variation display is executed 30 times (a predetermined number of times) after transitioning from a high-base state to a normal game state (when a predetermined condition is met), the over-prize prevention function is activated. In this third modified configuration, the game is configured as a Type 1 game machine, similar to the above configuration.

In the third modified example, as shown in Figure 57, the game is set to the "post-normal transition" mode from the high-probability, high-base state until the special symbol spins 30 times. Similarly, from the low-probability, high-base state to the normal game state until the special symbol spins 30 times, the game is set to the "post-normal transition" mode. In short, even after transitioning from the high-base state to the normal game state, the game is not set to the normal performance mode for a while, but rather to the "post-normal transition" mode. Then, once the number of special symbol spins exceeds 30 after transitioning to the normal game state, the game is set to the normal performance mode.

Next, we will explain the presentation in the mode dedicated to the transition to normal mode in the first modified example. Note that in the mode dedicated to the transition to normal mode, the same presentation is executed regardless of whether there are remaining special symbols (special symbol 2) and the second special symbol is displayed in a variable state when transitioning to the normal game state, or whether there are no remaining special symbols (special symbol 2) and the first special symbol is displayed in a variable state when transitioning to the normal game state.

Specifically, when the game transitions to the post-normal mode, first, as shown in Figure 58(A), a mode transition image MT indicating "Entering post-normal mode" is displayed on the display screen 50a. This makes it possible to give the player the impression that although the high base state has ended, the game has transitioned to a special performance mode. Then, as shown in Figure 58(B), a special background image G121 representing the surface of a special planet is displayed on the display screen 50a, and the performance symbols EZ are displayed in a variable state. Subsequently, if the special symbol draw is a loss, as shown in Figure 58(C), the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 stop and display "638", which is the losing state. This performance, in which the special background image G121 is displayed and the performance symbols EZ are displayed in a variable state and then stop, will be called the "post-normal mode performance". As described above, after transitioning from a high-base state to a normal game state, as long as the special symbol draw is unsuccessful, the special post-normal transition animation (special animation) will be executed until the special symbol's variation display is executed 30 times. Thus, after transitioning to a normal game state, the player is shown a novel, post-normal transition animation instead of the familiar normal mode animation (see Figures 18 (B-1), (B-2), (B-3)). As a result, it is possible to create the impression that the advantageous situation may still be continuing.

In this third modification, when the net number of balls is less than 80,000, the post-normal transition special animation shown in Figure 58 is executed until the special symbol variation display is executed 30 times after transitioning to the normal game state. On the other hand, even when the net number of balls is 80,000 or more, the post-normal transition special animation shown in Figure 58 is executed until the special symbol variation display is executed 30 times after transitioning to the normal game state (see Figure 57). In this way, as long as the post-normal transition special animation continues after transitioning to the normal game state, the over-prize prevention function will not activate. Therefore, even if the net number of balls exceeds 80,000, players can enjoy the novel post-normal transition special animation after transitioning to the normal game state. Then, when the special symbol variation display is executed 30 times after transitioning to the normal game state, the over-prize prevention function activates simultaneously with the end of the post-normal transition special animation. In this way, it is possible to synchronize the timing of when the game becomes unplayable with the timing of when the post-normal transition special animation ends.

<Fourth variation>
In the third modification described above, even if the number of balls exceeds 80,000, the special post-normal transition animation shown in Figure 58 is executed until the special symbol variation display is executed 30 times after transitioning to the normal game state. In contrast, in the fourth modification, when the number of balls exceeds 80,000, the alternative post-normal transition animation shown in Figure 59 is executed instead of the special post-normal transition animation until the special symbol variation display is executed 30 times after transitioning to the normal game state. This fourth modification is assumed to be configured as a Type 1 game machine, similar to the third modification described above. The animation of the fourth modification will be explained using the case where the number of balls reaches 80,000 during the jackpot game state shown in Figure 57 as an example.

When the number of balls played exceeds 80,000 and the game transitions from a high-probability, high-base state to a normal game state, the display screen 50a first shows an image LH2 indicating "30 spins remaining until game is stopped," as shown in Figure 58(A). This allows the player to accurately understand the number of special symbol spins remaining before the game can no longer be played. Thus, in this fourth modified example, it is possible to provide the player with a novel feature that notifies them of the remaining number of special symbol spins until the game is stopped when the game transitions to a normal game state.

Next, as shown in Figure 59(B), the display screen 50a shows a background image G122 representing flowing light rays, while the special effect symbol EZ is displayed in a variable state. A mini-character image MN1 representing a mini-character is displayed in the lower right corner of the display screen 50a. Furthermore, the top of the display screen 50a shows an image LN2 indicating "30 spins remaining until game is stopped." This allows the player to be aware of the remaining number of spins for the special symbol before the game is stopped, even while the special symbol is being displayed in a variable state. The number shown in the remaining spins image LN2 counts down from "30" to "1" each time the special symbol is displayed in a variable state.

Next, as shown in Figure 59(C), the display screen 50a shows character appearance image TN1, which represents a significantly grown-up character. Thus, in the alternative presentation after the normal transition, the characters appearing in this pachinko machine PY1 are introduced sequentially each time the special symbol variation display is executed, through the display of the mini-character image MN1 and the character appearance image TN1. This character introduction presentation makes it possible to make the player believe that it is an ending sequence leading up to the end of the game. In other words, the sequential introduction of the characters appearing in this pachinko machine PY1 makes it appear as if the game is gradually coming to an end.

Then, if the special symbol draw is unsuccessful, the special symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 will stop and display "145," which is the losing pattern, as shown in Figure 59(C). Therefore, if the net number of balls is 80,000 or more, the post-normal transition alternative animation will be executed until the special symbol variation display is executed 30 times after the transition to normal gameplay. In this way, the post-normal transition alternative animation shown in Figure 59 is executed from the time of transition to normal gameplay until the game is stopped, making it easier for the player to understand that the game is about to become unplayable compared to when the post-normal transition dedicated animation shown in Figure 58 is executed. In other words, the post-normal transition alternative animation shown in Figure 59 makes it easier for the player to understand that they are gradually approaching a situation where the game will become unplayable.

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

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

Therefore, in the fifth modified example, after the game becomes unplayable, a contact warning animation (warning animation) is triggered when the player touches the handle 72k. In this fifth modified example, a handle contact detection sensor is provided on the handle 72k. The handle contact detection sensor detects contact between the player and the handle 72k. In other words, the handle contact detection sensor detects contact with the handle 72k simply by the player touching it before rotating it. When the player touches the handle 72k, a detection signal from the handle contact detection sensor is output to the animation control microcontroller 121. The contact warning animation, which is executed after the over-prize prevention function is activated, will be described below based on Figure 61.

Figure 61 shows the case where a contact warning animation (warning animation) is executed after the over-prize prevention function is activated. First, when the over-prize prevention function is activated, the animation control microcomputer 121 displays a red background image RE and an error clearing method image ERX on the display screen 50a, as shown in Figure 61(A), and outputs a game stop sound from the speaker 52. Furthermore, all frame lamps 53 light up in white, and all panel lamps 54 are turned off.

Subsequently, if the player touches the handle 72k, the performance control microcontroller 121 receives a detection signal from the handle contact detection sensor. As a result, the performance control microcontroller 121 executes a contact warning animation, as shown in Figure 61(B), with the red background image RE and the error clearing method image ERX displayed on the display screen 50a. Specifically, the display screen 50a displays a contact warning image HU indicating "Please release your hands from the handle." Furthermore, the speaker 52 outputs the message "Please release your hands from the handle," and all the frame lamps 53 and panel lamps 54 light up in red. This contact warning animation makes it possible to more strongly emphasize to the player that they cannot touch the handle 72k and therefore cannot play the game.

Subsequently, when the player stops touching the handle 72k, the microcontroller 121 for controlling the game's effects stops receiving detection signals from the handle contact detection sensor. As a result, the microcontroller 121 stops the contact warning animation, as shown in Figure 61(C). Thus, in this configuration, the contact warning animation is executed as long as the player is touching the handle 72k after the over-prize prevention function has been activated.

Figure 62 shows the case where a contact warning animation (warning animation) is executed after an unauthorized magnetic field is detected. First, when an unauthorized magnetic field is detected, the animation control microcontroller 121 displays a red background image RE and an error clearing method image ER1 on the display screen 50a, as shown in Figure 62(A), and outputs a game stop sound from the speaker 52. Furthermore, all the frame lamps 53 light up in white, and all the panel lamps 54 are turned off.

Subsequently, if the player touches the handle 72k, the performance control microcontroller 121 receives a detection signal from the handle contact detection sensor. As a result, the performance control microcontroller 121 executes a contact warning animation, as shown in Figure 62(B), with the red background image RE and the error clearing method image ER1 displayed on the display screen 50a. Specifically, the display screen 50a displays a contact warning image HU indicating "Please release your hands from the handle." Furthermore, the speaker 52 outputs the message "Please release your hands from the handle," and all the frame lamps 53 and panel lamps 54 light up in red. This contact warning animation makes it possible to more strongly emphasize to the player that they cannot touch the handle 72k and therefore cannot play the game.

Subsequently, when the player stops touching the handle 72k, the microcontroller 121 for controlling the game's effects stops receiving detection signals from the handle contact detection sensor. As a result, the microcontroller 121 stops the contact warning effect, as shown in Figure 62(C). Thus, in this configuration, the contact warning effect is executed as long as the player is touching the handle 72k after the detection of an unauthorized magnetic field.

In this fifth modified example, even if the over-prize prevention function is activated and the game is controlled to be unplayable, the player can still launch game balls towards the game area 6 by rotating the handle 72k. However, if the player is touching the handle 72k, a contact warning is triggered, as shown in Figure 61(B). This ensures that the player, even though the game is unplayable, is aware that they must remove their hand from the handle 72k and understand that the game cannot be played.

Furthermore, in the fifth modified example, even if an unauthorized magnetic field is detected and the game is controlled to be unplayable, the player can still launch the game ball towards the game area 6 by rotating the handle 72k. However, if the player is touching the handle 72k, a contact warning is triggered, as shown in Figure 62(B). This ensures that the player, even though the game is unplayable, is aware that they must remove their hand from the handle 72k, thus reliably understanding that the game cannot be played.

<Sixth variation>
In the second modified example described above, when the number of balls exceeds 80,000, the round substitution animation shown in Figure 55(B), the time-saving mode substitution animation shown in Figure 55(C), and the remaining reserved ball substitution special animation shown in Figure 56 are executed. In contrast, in the sixth modified example, the round substitution animation (substitution animation) shown in Figure 63(B) and the probability variation mode substitution animation (substitution animation) shown in Figure 63(C) are executed. In this sixth modified example, similar to the above configuration, it is configured as a Type 1 gaming machine, and when the number of balls exceeds 80,000 and the machine transitions from a high base state to a normal game state, the game is controlled to be unplayable by the activation of the over-prize prevention function.

In this sixth modification, during a jackpot game, a round sequence is performed on the display screen 50a, as shown in Figure 63(A). Now, as shown in Figure 53, the number of balls reaches 80,000 during the jackpot game. As a result, a round substitution sequence is performed, as shown in Figure 63(B). Specifically, the display screen 50a shows a round substitution background image G116 representing a dark mansion, and a warning image G115 showing a police light and the word "DANGEER." After the jackpot game ends, the game transitions to a high-probability, high-base state.

In the high probability high base state, instead of the probability variation mode presentation shown in Figure 18 (B-4), Figure 63 (
The probability variation mode substitute effect shown in C) is executed. Specifically, in the probability variation mode substitute effect, as shown in Figure 63(C), a probability variation substitute background image G118 representing a black hole in outer space is displayed. Then, the effect symbol EZ is displayed superimposed on the probability variation substitute background image G118. Furthermore, a warning display image G115 showing a patrol lamp and the word "DANGER" is displayed at the very front of the display screen 50a to attract the player's attention. Furthermore, a game cancellation remaining count image LN3 showing "160 spins left until game cancellation" is displayed superimposed on the probability variation substitute background image G118. This makes it possible for the player to accurately understand the number of spins of the special symbol until the game can no longer be played. The number shown in the game cancellation remaining count image LN3 is counted down by one each time the special symbol spin display is executed. The display of this game cancellation remaining count image LN3 corresponds to the "game cancellation notification effect".

Thus, when the number of balls exceeds 80,000, the probability variation mode alternative animation shown in Figure 63(C) is executed during the high-probability, high-base state before the game becomes unplayable. This makes the player more acutely aware of the situation where the game becomes unplayable compared to when the probability variation mode animation shown in Figure 18(B-4) is executed. Furthermore, by watching the countdown image LN3 showing the remaining number of game cancellations, it is possible to provide a tense gameplay experience where the player wonders whether they will hit a jackpot and be able to continue playing, or whether they will fail to hit a jackpot and be unable to continue playing.

<Seventh variation>
In the sixth modified example described above, when the number of balls exceeds 80,000, the round substitution animation shown in Figure 63(B) and the probability variation mode substitution animation shown in Figure 63(C) are executed. In contrast, in the seventh modified example, only the round substitution animation shown in Figure 64(B) is executed. In this seventh modified example, similar to the above configuration, it is configured as a Type 1 gaming machine, and when the number of balls exceeds 80,000 and the jackpot game state (jackpot game) ends, the game is controlled to become unplayable by the activation of the over-prize prevention function.

In this seventh modification, during a jackpot game, a round sequence is performed on the display screen 50a, as shown in Figure 64(A). If the number of balls reaches 80,000 during the jackpot game, a round substitution sequence is performed, as shown in Figure 64(B). Specifically, the display screen 50a shows a round substitution background image G116 representing a dark mansion, and a warning image G115 showing a police light and the word "DANGEER." Furthermore, a game stop notification image KL indicating "Game stopped due to jackpot" is displayed at the bottom of the display screen 50a. The display of this game stop notification image KL corresponds to the "game unplayable notification sequence."

Thus, when the number of balls exceeds 80,000, the game switches from the round animation shown in Figure 64(A) to the round replacement animation shown in Figure 64(B). This makes the player more aware of the situation where they will no longer be able to play. Furthermore, players who see the game stop notification image KL will be informed in advance that they will no longer be able to play once the current jackpot game ends.

<Other variations>

In the above configuration, the machine is configured as a so-called V-probability machine (a game machine controlled to a high-probability state based on the passage of game balls into a specific area 16 (V area)). However, it may also be configured as a game machine where the transition to the high-probability state is determined based on the type of winning jackpot symbol. Furthermore, in the above configuration, the machine is configured as a so-called ST machine (a game machine where the high-probability state ends according to the number of special symbol variations). However, it may also be configured as a game machine where, once controlled to a high-probability state, control to the high-probability state continues until the start of the next jackpot game (a so-called probability-variable loop type machine), or as a fall-out machine (a game machine where the high-probability state ends according to the lottery result).

In the above configuration, the maximum number of reserved symbols for Special Feature 1 was 4, and the maximum number of reserved symbols for Special Feature 2 was also 4. However, the maximum number of reserved symbols for Special Feature 1 and Special Feature 2 are not limited to 4 and can be changed as appropriate.

In the above configuration, the over-prize prevention function was activated when the high-probability, high-base state ended, or when the low-probability, high-base state ended. However, the over-prize prevention function may be set to activate only when the high-probability, high-base state ends. In this case, it is possible to stop the game only when the so-called "rush state (consecutive win period)" ends. For example, the over-prize prevention function may be set to activate when the number of balls in the net is 80,000 or more and the game transitions to a waiting state, or when the waiting state continues for a certain period of time ends, as in the seventh modified example above. For example, in a gaming machine capable of performing minor win games, the over-prize prevention function may be set to activate when the number of balls in the net is 80,000 or more and the minor win game state (the state in which a minor win game is being performed, the advantageous game state) ends. In this case, for example, if the number of balls exceeds 80,000 due to a so-called "minor win rush" state (a high-probability, low-base state where minor wins occur more frequently than in normal gameplay, making it easier for balls to enter the main prize slot), the over-prize prevention function may be activated when the minor win state ends or the high-probability, low-base state ends. Alternatively, the over-prize prevention function may be activated at the moment the number of balls exceeds 80,000.

In the above configuration, the number of balls is reset (erased) when either a first reset condition (see Figure 26(A)) is met, such as when the special reset switch 181 (special operating means) is pressed, or a second reset condition (see Figure 26(B)) is met, such as when the waiting state for customers continues for one hour (a predetermined time). However, the reset conditions are not limited to those described above and can be changed as appropriate. For example, as mentioned above, when the over-prize prevention function is activated when the jackpot game state ends or when the number of balls exceeds 80,000, the number of balls may be reset when the game transitions from a high-probability, high-base state (advantageous game state) to a normal game state, as shown in Figure 63(A). In this case, since the number of balls is reset when the so-called "rush state (consecutive win period)" ends, the over-prize prevention function can be activated only when the number of balls reaches 80,000 (standard number) during a single rush state. Furthermore, in addition to high-probability high-base states and low-probability high-base states, the number of balls may be reset when transitioning from advantageous game states such as a jackpot game state or a high-probability low-base state to a normal game state. Also, the number of balls may be reset when the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed or the setting key cylinder 180 is rotated.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 65(B), the number of winning balls may be reset if the normal game state continues for a specific period of time (e.g., one hour). In this case, if the normal game state continues for a specific period of time (e.g., one hour), the player will not have had a favorable situation for a while. Therefore, by resetting the number of winning balls, it is possible to prevent the number of winning balls from exceeding 80,000 for a while. Note that the specific period mentioned above is not limited to one hour and can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, for example, the number of winning balls may be reset if the number of special symbol variations reaches a specific number during normal game state. Furthermore, for example, the number of winning balls may be reset by turning the power OFF and ON (re-energizing).

Furthermore, for example, the microcomputer 101 for game control may be configured to reset the number of winning balls when it determines that a predetermined reference time (e.g., 9:00 AM) has been reached. In this case, the number of winning balls can be automatically erased without requiring any operation from the amusement facility staff. Note that the aforementioned reference time is not limited to 9:00 AM and can be changed as appropriate.

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

In the above configuration, the measured number of balls was not displayed by a display device. However, the measured number of balls may be displayed by a display device. For example, the game control microcomputer 101 may display the measured number of balls on the display devices 8 (see Figure 4) or the 7-segment display 300 (see Figure 9). In this case, for example, if the number of balls is between 0 and 50,000 (first range), the first mode may be displayed on the display devices 8 or the 7-segment display 300; if the number of balls is between 50,001 and 70,000 (second range), the second mode may be displayed on the display devices 8 or the 7-segment display 300; and if the number of balls is between 70,001 and 80,000 (third range), the third mode may be displayed on the display devices 8 or the 7-segment display 300. For example, the game control microcomputer 101 may transmit information on the difference in the number of balls (or information on the total number of prize balls, or information on the total number of balls fired) to the performance control board 120, and the performance control microcomputer 121 may display the difference in the number of balls on a display means such as an image display device 50. Alternatively, for example, the game control microcomputer 101 may transmit information on the number of prize balls dispensed (or the number of prize balls to be dispensed) and the detection information from the discharge sensor to the performance control board 120. The performance control microcomputer 121 may then calculate the difference in the number of balls based on this information and display it on a display means such as an image display device 50. Furthermore, the performance control microcomputer 121 may not directly display the difference in the number of balls numerically, but instead indicate the difference in the number of balls (or the range of the difference in the number of balls) using the emission pattern (emission color) of the light-emitting means (panel lamp 54, frame lamp 53).

Furthermore, the microcomputer 101 for game control may display the difference in balls on the 7-segment display 300, as shown in the modified example in Figure 66. That is, in this modified example, the information on the difference in balls is divided into four sections (predetermined sections) and stored in four memory areas of the difference in balls storage section 107c of the non-erasable storage section 107. The first memory area stores the difference in balls from when the power was turned on this time until the present time. The second memory area stores the difference in balls from when the power was turned on last time (1 time ago) until when the power was turned off last time. The third memory area stores the difference in balls from when the power was turned on two times ago until when the power was turned off two times ago. The fourth (N) memory area stores the difference in balls from when the power was turned on three times ago until when the power was turned off three times ago. Thus, each time the power is turned OFF and ON, the measured difference in ball count is shifted and stored, and the difference in ball count stored in the fourth memory area is erased. Note that the difference in ball count information stored in the first to fourth memory areas is not erased even when a RAM clear is performed.

In this modified version, the number of balls stored in the first memory area, the number of balls stored in the second memory area, the number of balls stored in the third memory area, and the number of balls stored in the fourth memory area are displayed sequentially in units of thousands on the right two digits (third display area 330 and fourth display area 340) of the 7-segment display 300. Specifically, as shown in Figure 66(A), for example, "bL36" is displayed on the 7-segment display 300 for 5 seconds. This indicates that the current normal base is 36%. Next, as shown in Figure 66(B), for example, "b134" is displayed for 5 seconds. This indicates that the normal base from the previous round was 36%. Next, as shown in Figure 66(C), for example, "b238" is displayed for 5 seconds. This indicates that the normal base from two rounds ago was 38%. Next, as shown in Figure 66(D), for example, "b235" is displayed for 5 seconds. This indicates that the normal base from three rounds ago was 38%.

Next, as shown in Figure 66(E), the 7-segment display 300 will display, for example, "cL20" for 5 seconds. This indicates that the difference in the number of balls from when the power was turned on until the present time is 20,000. Next, as shown in Figure 66(F), "c100" will be displayed for 5 seconds. This indicates that the difference in the number of balls from when the power was turned on last time (1 time ago) until when the power was turned off last time was "0". Note that if the total number of balls launched is greater than the total number of prize balls, and the difference in the number of balls is less than "0", then "0" will be displayed. Next, as shown in Figure 66(G), "c265" will be displayed for 5 seconds. This indicates that the difference in the number of balls from when the power was turned on two times ago until when the power was turned off last time was 65,000. Next, as shown in Figure 66(H), "c348" will be displayed for 5 seconds. This indicates that the difference in the number of balls between the power being turned on three times ago and the power being turned off three times ago was 48,000. Subsequently, Figures 66(A) to (H) are displayed repeatedly every 5 seconds.

In the modified version described above, each time the power is turned OFF and ON (re-energized), the measured number of balls is shifted and stored, and the number of balls stored in the 4th (Nth) memory area is erased. However, each time a RAM clear is performed, the measured number of balls may be shifted and stored, and the number of balls stored in the 4th (Nth) memory area may be erased. Alternatively, when the game control microcomputer 101 determines that a predetermined time (for example, 9:00 AM) has been reached, the measured number of balls may be shifted and stored, and the number of balls stored in the 4th (Nth) memory area may be erased. Note that N can be changed as appropriate, as long as it is a natural number of 2 or greater.

In the modified example described above, as shown in Figure 66, the display of the number of balls in the 7-segment display 300 automatically switched every 5 seconds. However, the display of the number of balls in

In the above configuration, when the number of balls reaches 70,000 (a predetermined number), the display shown in Figure 28(A) indicates that the over-prize prevention function is approaching activation. However, the display indicating that the over-prize prevention function is approaching activation is not limited to the display shown in Figure 28(A) and can be changed as appropriate. For example, a special sound from speaker 52 (e.g., "The number of balls is 70,000") or a special illumination pattern from light-emitting means such as panel lamp 54 or frame lamp 53 may be used to indicate that the over-prize prevention function is approaching activation. Furthermore, as the number of balls increases, a multi-stage changing display pattern may be used to indicate that the over-prize prevention function is approaching activation.

In the above configuration, when the number of balls reached 80,000 (the baseline), the game could be stopped using the presentation shown in Figure 28(B). However, the presentation indicating the possibility of stopping the game is not limited to that shown in Figure 28(B) and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the possibility of stopping the game could be indicated by a special sound from speaker 52 (e.g., "The number of balls is 80,000") or by a special illumination pattern of light-emitting means such as the board lamp 54 or frame lamp 53.

In the above configuration, when the over-prize prevention function is activated, the game is indicated as impossible to play through the presentation shown in Figure 27(A). However, the presentation indicating that the game is impossible to play is not limited to that shown in Figure 27(A) and can be changed as appropriate. For example, an image indicating "Game cannot be played" could be displayed on the display screen 50a, or a special sound (e.g., "Game cannot be played") could be output from the speaker 52.

In the above configuration, even if a RAM clear is performed, the information on the number of balls stored in the ball count storage unit 107c is not erased. However, it is also possible to store the information on the number of balls in a predetermined storage area (erasure storage unit) of the game RAM 104, so that when a RAM clear is performed, the information on the number of balls is erased. That is, the condition for resetting the number of balls may include the execution of a RAM clear, or the reset condition for resetting the number of balls may be limited to the execution of a RAM clear.

In the above configuration, when the over-prize prevention function is activated, the game control microcomputer 101 not only stops the game control processing related to the game (processing in steps S102 to S108, see Figure 32), but also stops the launch control processing for launching the game balls (processing in step 109, see Figure 32). However, when the over-prize prevention function is activated, the game control microcomputer 101 may stop the game control processing, but not the launch control processing. However, in this case, as explained in the fifth modified example, even if the over-prize prevention function is activated, if the player rotates the handle 72k, the game balls will flow down the game area 6. Therefore, if the game control microcomputer 101 stops both the game control processing and the launch control processing, it is possible to immediately let the player know that the game cannot be played. Furthermore, the microcomputer 101 for game control may be configured to stop the launch control process while not stopping the game control process. However, in this case, there is a problem that when the over-prize prevention function is activated, game balls may still be flowing down the game area 6, and game balls may enter various prize slots, potentially awarding prize balls to the player. Therefore, stopping both the game control process and the launch control process ensures that no prize balls are awarded to the player after the over-prize prevention function is activated.

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

In the above configuration, when the number of balls reached 70,000, the over-prize warning image KY was displayed, as shown in Figure 28(A). However, regardless of the number of balls, it is also possible to display a warning during the waiting period, during the jackpot game (e.g., the ending sequence), or during the notification sequence accompanying the variation sequence, explaining that the game will become unplayable if the number of balls exceeds 80,000. This is because such a warning can inform players and arcade staff in advance that the pachinko machine PY1 has an over-prize prevention function.

In the above configuration, the information on the total number of prize balls, the total number of balls launched, and the net number of balls is stored in the non-erasable storage unit 107 of the game RAM 104. This ensures that the information on the total number of prize balls, the total number of balls launched, and the net number of balls is not erased even when a RAM clear is performed. However, the information on the total number of prize balls, the total number of balls launched, and the net number of balls may also be stored in a separate non-volatile storage means (e.g., FRAM®) in addition to the game RAM 104. This also ensures that the information on the total number of prize balls, the total number of balls launched, and the net number of balls is not erased even when a RAM clear is performed.

In the above configuration, the number of balls is counted continuously from the moment the power is turned on. However, the starting point for counting the number of balls may be set to the so-called "first win" (winning a jackpot during normal gameplay). In this case, the negative number of balls (i.e., the total number of balls fired) from the time the power is turned on until the first win will not be counted. Therefore, it is possible to set the number of balls that triggers the over-prize prevention function to be the same as the number of balls held after the first win.

In the above configuration, the game control microcomputer 101 separately counted the total number of prize balls and the total number of balls launched, and calculated the difference in ball count by subtracting the total number of balls launched from the total number of prize balls. However, it is also possible to measure (count) the difference in ball count using only a ball counter for counting the difference in ball count. That is, each time a prize ball is awarded, the value of the prize ball is added to the ball counter. Also, each time a game ball is launched (each time the ejection port sensor detects it), the value of the ball counter is subtracted. In this way, it is possible to measure the difference in ball count without separately counting the total number of prize balls and the total number of balls launched. In this case, the value of the ball counter may be kept from becoming negative, and always remain at or above "0". If this is done, as described above, it is possible to make the difference in ball count that triggers the activation of the over-prize ball prevention function effectively the same as the number of balls held after the initial win.

In the above configuration, when the number of balls exceeds 80,000, the game stop notification image KH shown in Figure 28(B) (game disablement notification effect) is displayed, notifying that the game will become unplayable when the high base state ends (when it transitions to the normal game state). However, the presentation of the game disablement notification effect is not limited to that shown in Figure 28(B) and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the game disablement notification effect may simply indicate that the game will be disabled at some point, without indicating at what point the game will be controlled to be unplayable (at what point the over-prize prevention function will be activated). Alternatively, the game disablement notification effect may be an effect that outputs a game disablement notification sound (for example, "The game will soon become unplayable") from speaker 52, or an effect that illuminates the frame lamp 53 or the board lamp 54 in a game disablement notification lighting pattern (for example, a lighting pattern that repeatedly alternates between all lights on and all lights off). Furthermore, the game-breaking notification animation can be executed at any time as long as the net number of balls exceeds 80,000 (the standard number). It may be made to continue running until the over-prize prevention function is activated, or it may be executed multiple times at random intervals.

Furthermore, in this configuration, when the number of balls exceeds 70,000 (pre-set baseline), the display of the over-prize ball warning image KY shown in Figure 28(A) (pre-game unplayable warning effect) indicates that the game is approaching the point where it will become impossible to play (number of balls exceeding 80,000). However, the presentation of the pre-game unplayable warning effect is not limited to that shown in Figure 28(A) and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the pre-game unplayable warning effect may be an effect that outputs a pre-game unplayable warning sound from speaker 52 (for example, "The number of balls has reached 70,000. If the number of balls increases by another 10,000, the game will become impossible to play"), or an effect that illuminates all of the frame lamps 53 and board lamps 54 in a red light pattern. The pre-game unplayable warning effect can be executed at any time as long as the number of balls exceeds 70,000 (pre-set baseline), and may continue to be executed until the number of balls reaches 80,000 (baseline), or may be executed multiple times at random timings. Furthermore, the pre-game threshold number that triggers the pre-game disabling notification is not limited to 70,000; it could be 60,000 or 75,000, for example, and can be changed as appropriate.

In the above configuration, after the game was disabled, if the player rotated the handle 72k (launching operation means), the operation warning animation (warning animation) shown in Figure 51(B) or Figure 52(B) was executed. Furthermore, in the fifth modified example, after the game was disabled, if the player touched the handle 72k, the contact warning animation (warning animation) shown in Figure 61(B) or Figure 62(B) was executed. However, the presentation mode of the warning animation is not limited to those described above and can be changed as appropriate. Also, after the game was disabled, if the player operated the normal button 40 or the special button 41 (performance operation means), the warning animation may be executed.

In the first modified example described above, as shown in Figure 53, when the net number of balls is 80,000 or more, and the second special symbol has been rotated four times (as remaining reserved balls for special symbol 2) since transitioning to the normal game state, the over-prize prevention function is activated, and the remaining reserved special performance (special performance) shown in Figure 54 ends. However, it is also possible to configure the system so that when the net number of balls is 80,000 or more, and the combined number of rotations of the second special symbol and the first special symbol has been rotated four times since transitioning to the normal game state, the over-prize prevention function is activated, and the remaining reserved special performance (special performance) shown in Figure 54 ends. Note that the above-mentioned number of rotations is not limited to four; for example, it could be one rotation, and can be changed as appropriate.

In the second modified example described above, when the net number of balls exceeded 80,000, the round animation shown in Figure 55(A) was replaced with the round replacement animation (replacement animation) shown in Figure 55(B). However, the animation style of the round replacement animation is not limited to that shown in Figure 55(B); it can be changed as appropriate as long as it suggests that the over-prize prevention function is activated. Furthermore, when the net number of balls exceeded 80,000, the jackpot opening animation shown in Figure 18(C-1) may be replaced with a jackpot opening replacement animation that suggests the over-prize prevention function is activated. Also, when the net number of balls exceeded 80,000, the jackpot ending animation shown in Figure 18(C-3) may be replaced with a jackpot ending replacement animation that suggests the over-prize prevention function is activated.

In the second modified example described above, when the number of balls exceeded 80,000, the time-saving mode animation shown in Figure 18 (B-5) was replaced with the time-saving mode alternative animation shown in Figure 55 (C). However, the animation style of the time-saving mode alternative animation is not limited to that shown in Figure 55 (C); it can be changed as appropriate as long as it suggests that the over-prize prevention function is activated. Furthermore, in the sixth modified example described above, when the number of balls exceeded 80,000, the probability-changing mode animation shown in Figure 18 (B-4) was replaced with the probability-changing mode alternative animation shown in Figure 63 (C). However, the animation style of the probability-changing mode alternative animation is not limited to that shown in Figure 63 (C); it can be changed as appropriate as long as it suggests that the over-prize prevention function is activated.

In the third modified example described above, as shown in Figure 57, the over-prize prevention function is activated when the number of balls won is 80,000 or more, and the number of special symbol variations after transitioning from a high-base state to a normal game state is 30 (a predetermined number of times) (when a predetermined condition is met). However, the predetermined number of times is not limited to 30; for example, it could be 1 or 100 times, and can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, the over-prize prevention function may be activated when the number of balls won is 80,000 or more, and after transitioning to a normal game state, under conditions unrelated to the number of special symbol variations. For example, the over-prize prevention function may be activated when transitioning to a waiting state after transitioning to a normal game state, or when a certain predetermined time has elapsed after transitioning to a normal game state.

In the third modified example described above, as shown in Figure 57, when the number of balls won is 80,000 or more, and the number of special symbol spins after transitioning to normal gameplay is 30 (a specified number), the over-prize prevention function is activated, and the post-normal transition special effect (special effect) shown in Figure 58 ends. Here, the specified number (30) refers to the combined number of spins for the first and second special symbols, but it may also refer to only the number of spins for the first or only the second special symbol. Furthermore, the special effect's presentation style is not limited to the post-normal transition special effect shown in Figure 58; it can be appropriately changed as long as it is an effect that is performed only when the number of special symbol spins after transitioning to normal gameplay is within a specified number.

In the above configuration, the microcomputer 101 for game control, upon detecting an abnormal magnetic field (a specific anomaly), controlled the game to be disabled. However, the specific anomaly is not limited to abnormal magnetic fields; it could also be an abnormal radio wave, abnormal vibration, ball jam, control error (bug), etc., and can be modified as appropriate.

In the above configuration, the over-prize prevention function is activated when the net number of balls (specifically measured number) is 80,000 (standard number) or more. However, the net number of balls (standard number) that serves as the criterion for the over-prize prevention function to activate is not limited to 80,000; it may also be 50,000, 100,000, or 120,000, and can be changed as appropriate.

In the above configuration, the specific number that triggers the over-prize prevention function was the difference between the total number of prize balls and the total number of balls launched. However, the specific number can be changed as appropriate, as long as it is based on the number of prize balls awarded to the player, from the perspective of not awarding excessive prize balls. For example, the specific number may be the difference in balls limited to a certain game state, such as a jackpot state, or a certain period, such as a winning streak. Alternatively, the specific number may be the total number of prize balls in all game states, the total number of prize balls limited to a certain game state, such as a jackpot state, or the total number of prize balls limited to a certain period, such as a winning streak. Furthermore, the specific number may be the base for all game states, the base for a certain game state, such as a jackpot state, or a base for a certain period, such as a winning streak.

In the above configuration, the pachinko game machine PY1 was configured as a non-sealed pachinko machine in which the game balls contained inside flowed down the game area 6 and were then discharged to the outside of the pachinko game machine PY1. However, the pachinko game machine may also be configured as a sealed pachinko machine in which the game balls contained inside flowed down the game area and then circulated and re-entered the game area. In this case, a 7-segment display is arranged on the frame control board corresponding to the payout control board 170. Therefore, the number of balls (specifically measured number) may be displayed on this 7-segment display. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 67, a 6-digit 7-segment display 200 for displaying the number of balls held may be arranged at the bottom of the front door, and the number of balls (specifically measured number) may be displayed on this 7-segment display 200.

In the above configuration, the game control microcomputer 101 disabled the game based on the difference in ball count exceeding 80,000 (the reference number). However, the game control microcomputer 101 may measure (count) the difference in ball count, but may not disable the game based on that count. In this specification, "measurement" is synonymous with "counting" or "counting."

12. Inventions Shown in the Embodiments Described Above The embodiments described above illustrate the inventions of the following means. In the descriptions of the means below, the corresponding component names, expressions, and reference numerals used in the drawings in the embodiments described above are noted in parentheses for reference. However, the components of each invention are not limited to these notes.

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

In this configuration of a gaming machine, if a specific number based on the number of prize balls awarded exceeds a certain threshold, and the advantageous game state ends, the game becomes unplayable. Therefore, the game is not suddenly stopped in the middle of the advantageous game state for the player, and it does not result in any significant disadvantage. In this way, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that does not award excessive prize balls.

The invention relating to means A2 is,
In the gaming machine described in means A1,
The aforementioned game control means is
The gaming machine is characterized in that, when the specified number of measurements is equal to or greater than the standard number, and the game transitions from the advantageous game state (high probability high base state, low probability high base state) to the normal game state, the game is controlled to become unplayable.

In this configuration of a gaming machine, if a specific measurement based on the number of prize balls exceeds a certain threshold, and the game transitions from a favorable game state to a normal game state, the game becomes unplayable. Therefore, it is possible to stop the game at a timing that is convenient for the player.

The invention relating to means A3 is,
In the gaming machine described in means A1,
The aforementioned game control means is
If the hit detection process determines that a hit has occurred, the winning game (jackpot game) can be executed.
The gaming machine is characterized in that, when the specified number of measurements is equal to or greater than the standard number, and the winning determination process, which was held in reserve for a predetermined number (for example, 4) when transitioning from the advantageous game state to the normal game state, is consumed in the normal game state, the game is controlled to be unplayable (see Figure 53).

In this configuration of a gaming machine, if a specific measurement count exceeds a certain threshold, and the game transitions from a favorable game state to a normal game state, a predetermined number of win detection processes may be held in reserve. In this case, the game is considered to be in a de facto favorable game state until the predetermined number of reserved win detection processes are processed in the normal game state. Once this de facto favorable game state ends, the game can be stopped.

The invention relating to means A4 is,
In the gaming machine described in means A1,
Equipped with a ball entry point (second starting point 12),
The game control means can be controlled to an easy ball entry state (high base state) in which it is easier for game balls to enter the ball entry opening than in the normal game state.
The gaming machine is characterized in that the advantageous game state is the state where balls are easily inserted (high base state).

In this type of gaming machine, when a specific count exceeds a certain threshold, and the "easy ball entry" state (where game balls are easier to enter the ball slot than in normal gameplay) ends, the game becomes unplayable. Therefore, players can stop playing before their ball count begins to decrease after the easy ball entry state ends.

Incidentally, in the gaming machine described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-209170, it is possible for a player to acquire an excessive number of prize balls through continuous gameplay. In this case, the gaming machine did not have a mechanism to prevent the player from receiving an excessive number of prize balls. Therefore, the invention relating to means A1 to A4 differs from the gaming machine described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-209170 in that the game control means is capable of measuring a specific number based on the number of prize balls awarded to the player, and when the specific number exceeds a predetermined standard number and the advantageous game state for the player ends, the game is controlled to become unplayable. This makes it possible to solve (achieve the effect of) providing a gaming machine that does not award an excessive number of prize balls to the player.

<Means B>
The invention relating to means B1 is,
In a gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine PY1) equipped with a game control means (game control microcomputer 101) capable of controlling the game,
The aforementioned game control means is
It is possible to measure a specific number (difference in ball count) based on the number of prize balls awarded to the player.
Based on the fact that the aforementioned specific measurement count exceeds a predetermined standard number (80,000), the game may be controlled to be unplayable (game control processing and launch control processing are stopped) (see Figure 25).
This gaming machine is characterized by erasing the measured specific count based on the fulfillment of reset conditions that are not triggered by power-on (a first reset condition in which the special reset switch 181 is pressed, and a second reset condition in which the customer waiting state continues for one hour) (see Figures 26(A) and (B).

In this configuration of the gaming machine, the game becomes unplayable if a specific count based on the number of prize balls awarded exceeds a certain threshold. This makes it possible to provide a gaming machine that does not award excessive prize balls. However, if a player stops playing before the specific count reaches the threshold, and a subsequent player starts playing and immediately exceeds the threshold, it becomes an unfavorable situation. Therefore, the measured specific count is erased based on the fulfillment of a reset condition that is not triggered by power-on. This prevents the subsequent player from having their game immediately stopped after starting, thus preventing an unfavorable situation.

The invention relating to means B2 is,
It is equipped with an operable special operating means (special reset switch 181),
The reset condition is that the special operating means is operated (see Figure 26(A)).

In this configuration of a gaming machine, for example, after a player finishes playing, a gaming hall employee can operate a special control device to erase the measured specific count. This prevents subsequent players from having their game immediately stopped after starting.

The invention relating to means B3 is,
In the gaming machine described in means B1,
The aforementioned game control means can stop displaying an identification symbol (special symbol) indicating the result of the win determination process, and then control the game to a waiting state.
The reset condition is characterized by the fact that the customer waiting state continues for a predetermined time (for example, 1 hour) (see Figure 26(B)).

In this configuration of the gaming machine, if the waiting state continues for a predetermined period of time, the measured specific count is erased, assuming that the player has changed. This makes it possible to prevent the game from being immediately interrupted after a subsequent player starts playing.

The invention relating to means B4 is,
In the gaming machine described in means B1,
The aforementioned reset condition is characterized by transitioning from a favorable game state (high probability, high base state) to a normal game state (see Figure 65(A)).

In this configuration of a gaming machine, when the player transitions from a favorable game state to a normal game state, the measured specific count is erased. Thus, once the favorable game state ends, it is possible to prevent the specific count from exceeding a certain threshold for a period of time.

The invention relating to means B5 is,
In the gaming machine described in means B1,
The aforementioned reset condition is characterized by the continuation of a specific period of time (for example, one hour) in a normal game state (see Figure 65(B)).

In this configuration of the gaming machine, if a specific period of time continues during normal gameplay, it means that the player has not been in a favorable position for a while. Therefore, in this case, it is possible to prevent the measured specific number from exceeding a certain threshold for a period of time by erasing the measured specific number.

Incidentally, in the gaming machine described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-209170, it is possible for a player to acquire an excessive number of prize balls through continuous gameplay. In this case, the gaming machine did not have a mechanism to prevent the player from receiving an excessive number of prize balls. Therefore, the invention relating to means B1 to B5 differs from the gaming machine described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-209170 in that the game control means can measure a specific number based on the number of prize balls awarded to the player, and may control the game to be unplayable based on the specific number exceeding a predetermined standard number, and erases the measured specific number based on the fulfillment of a reset condition that is not triggered by power-on. This makes it possible to solve (achieve the effect of) providing a gaming machine that does not award an excessive number of prize balls to the player.

<Means C>
The invention relating to means C1 is,
A game control means (a microcomputer for game control 101) capable of controlling the game,
In a gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine PY1) equipped with an operable specific operating means (RAM clear switch 191),
The aforementioned game control means is
It is possible to measure a specific number (difference in ball count) based on the number of prize balls awarded to the player.
Based on the fact that the aforementioned specific measurement count exceeds a predetermined standard number (80,000), the game may be controlled to be unplayable (game control processing and launch control processing will be stopped).
This gaming machine is characterized in that, based on the operation of the specified operating means when the power is turned on, the game information related to the game is erased (RAM clear is performed), but the measured specified count is not erased.

In this configuration of the gaming machine, the game becomes unplayable if a specific count based on the number of prize balls exceeds a certain threshold. This makes it possible to provide a gaming machine that does not award excessive prize balls. Furthermore, if an employee of the gaming establishment operates a specific control device when the power is turned on, the game information related to the game is erased, but the measured specific count is not. Therefore, even in situations where the game status related to the game must be erased due to a malfunction or other reason during business hours, it is possible to prevent the measured specific count from being erased.

The invention relating to means C2 is,
In the gaming machine described in means C1,
It is equipped with an operable special operating means (special reset switch 181),
The aforementioned game control means is
The gaming machine is characterized in that the measured specific measurement number can be erased based on the operation of the special operating means (see Figure 26(A)).

With this configuration of the gaming machine, a gaming facility employee can erase a specific measured number by operating a special control device. This allows the gaming facility employee to erase the measured specific number at any time without having to erase the game state related to the game.

The invention relating to means C3 is,
In the gaming machine described by means C1 or means C2,
The aforementioned game control means is
This gaming machine is characterized by its ability to erase the measured specific count when it determines that a predetermined reference time (for example, 9:00 a.m.) has been reached.

In this configuration of the gaming machine, the measured specific count is erased when a predetermined time has elapsed. Therefore, it is possible to automatically erase the measured specific count without requiring any operation from the gaming parlor staff.

The invention relating to means C4 is,
In the gaming machine described by means C1 to means C4,
The aforementioned game control means is
The specific measurement values are stored sequentially, divided into predetermined periods from the 1st to the Nth (4th)th (the period from when the power is turned on until the power is turned off).
This gaming machine is characterized by the fact that, upon erasing the specified number of measurements for the Nth predetermined period, the specified number of measurements for the 1st to (N-1)th predetermined periods is shifted to become the specified number of measurements for the 2nd to Nth predetermined periods, and the measurement of the specified number of measurements for the 1st predetermined period is started.

This gaming machine configuration allows for the storage of specific measurement counts for each predetermined period, from the 1st to the Nth period. When the specific measurement count for the Nth predetermined period is erased, the specific measurement counts for the 1st to (N-1)th predetermined periods are shifted to become the specific measurement counts for the 2nd to the Nth predetermined periods. Then, measurement of the specific measurement count for the 1st predetermined period begins. In this way, the specific measurement counts for each predetermined period, from the 1st to the Nth period, can be automatically updated without requiring any operation from the gaming parlor staff.

Incidentally, in the gaming machine described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-209170, it is possible for a player to acquire an excessive number of prize balls through continuous gameplay. In this case, the gaming machine did not have a mechanism to prevent the player from receiving an excessive number of prize balls. Therefore, the invention relating to means C1 to C4 differs from the gaming machine described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-209170 in that the game control means can measure a specific number based on the number of prize balls awarded to the player, and may control the game to be unplayable based on the specific number exceeding a predetermined standard number, and erases game information related to the game based on the operation of a specific operation means when the power is turned on, but does not erase the measured specific number. This makes it possible to solve (achieve the effect of) providing a gaming machine that does not award an excessive number of prize balls to the player.

<Means D>
The invention relating to means D1 is,
A game control means (a microcomputer for game control 101) capable of controlling the game,
In a game machine (pachinko game machine PY1) equipped with a performance control means (performance control microcomputer 121) capable of controlling the performance,
The aforementioned game control means is
It is possible to measure a specific number (difference in ball count) based on the number of prize balls awarded to the player.
Based on the fact that the aforementioned specific measurement count exceeds a predetermined standard number (80,000), the game can be controlled to be unplayable (the game control process and launch control process can be stopped),
The aforementioned performance control means is
When the specified number is less than the standard number in a favorable game state for the player (jackpot game state and high probability high base state), it is possible to execute a favorable performance (round performance shown in Figure 18 (C-2) and probability change mode performance shown in Figure 18 (B-4)),
The gaming machine is characterized in that, when the specified number of measurements in the advantageous game state is equal to or greater than the standard number, it is possible to perform an alternative performance (the round alternative performance shown in Figure 63(B) and the probability variation mode alternative performance shown in Figure 63(C)) instead of the advantageous performance.

In this configuration of the gaming machine, gameplay becomes impossible when a specific count based on the number of prize balls awarded exceeds a certain threshold. This makes it possible to provide a gaming machine that does not award excessive prize balls. However, if a favorable gameplay animation is being performed when the specific count exceeds the threshold during a favorable gameplay state, there is a risk of giving the player the impression that they can still continue playing. Therefore, in this case, an alternative animation can be performed instead of the favorable animation, making it easier for the player to recognize that gameplay is impossible.

The invention relating to means D2 is,
In the gaming machine described in means D1,
The aforementioned game control means is
The gaming machine is characterized in that, when the specified number of measurements is equal to or greater than the standard number, and the advantageous game state (jackpot game state and high probability high base state) ends, the game is controlled to be unplayable (see Figure 25).

With this configuration of the gaming machine, even if a specific count exceeds a certain threshold, the game will not become unplayable if the machine is in a favorable game state. Therefore, if the favorable game state continues to run, there is a risk of misleading the player into believing that the specific count is not yet above the threshold. To address this, if the specific count exceeds the threshold while in a favorable game state, an alternative animation is executed instead of the favorable animation. This allows the player to continue playing while reliably understanding that the specific count is above the threshold.

The invention relating to means D3 is,
In the gaming machine described in means D2,
The aforementioned game control means can execute the winning game when it determines through the win detection process.
The aforementioned advantageous game state (the game state during the advantageous period shown in Figure 53 (jackpot game state, high base state, normal game state in Special Figure 2 lottery) ends when the specified measurement number is equal to or greater than the standard number, and the hit determination process that was held in reserve for a predetermined number (for example, 4) when transitioning to the normal game state is consumed in that normal game state.
The aforementioned advantageous performance is characterized by including a performance (a special performance to replace remaining reserved items, as shown in Figure 56) that is executed when the aforementioned winning determination process, which was held in reserve for a predetermined number of times (for example, 4) when the game transitions to a normal game state, is consumed in that normal game state.

With this configuration of the gaming machine, even if a specific count exceeds a certain threshold, the game will not become unplayable until the predetermined number of pending win detection processes are completed when the game transitions to normal gameplay. However, if the game transitions to normal gameplay and advantageous effects continue to run, there is a risk of misleading the player into believing that the specific count is not yet above the threshold. Therefore, by running an alternative effect instead of the advantageous effect after transitioning to normal gameplay, it is possible to ensure that the player understands that the specific count is indeed above the threshold.

Incidentally, in the gaming machine described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-209170, it is possible for a player to acquire an excessive number of prize balls through continuous gameplay. In this case, the gaming machine did not have a mechanism to prevent the player from receiving an excessive number of prize balls. Therefore, the invention relating to means D1 to D3 differs from the gaming machine described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-209170 in that the game control means can measure a specific number based on the number of prize balls given to the player, and can control the game to be unplayable based on the specific number exceeding a predetermined standard number, and the performance control means can perform a favorable performance when the specific number is below the standard number in a favorable game state, while performing an alternative performance instead of the favorable performance when the specific number is above the standard number in a favorable game state. This makes it possible to solve the problem of providing a gaming machine that does not give players an excessive number of prize balls (achieve the desired effect).

<Means E>
The invention relating to means E1 is,
In a gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine PY1) equipped with a game control means (game control microcomputer 101) capable of controlling the game,
The aforementioned game control means is
It is possible to measure a specific number (difference in ball count) based on the number of prize balls awarded to the player.
This gaming machine is characterized in that, when the aforementioned specific measurement count is equal to or greater than a predetermined standard number (80,000), and a predetermined termination condition is met in the normal game state (for example, when the number of special symbol variations reaches 30 after transitioning to the normal game state, see Figure 57), the game is controlled to become unplayable (the game control process and launch control process are stopped).

In this configuration of a gaming machine, if a specific number based on the number of prize balls exceeds a certain threshold, and a predetermined termination condition is met during normal gameplay, the game becomes unplayable. Therefore, the game is not suddenly stopped in the middle of a favorable situation for the player, and it does not result in any significant disadvantage. In this way, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that does not award excessive prize balls.

The invention relating to means E2 is,
In the gaming machine described in means E1,
The aforementioned game control means is capable of displaying a variable identification symbol (special symbol) that indicates the result of the win determination process.
The aforementioned termination condition is that the display of the identification symbols changes a predetermined number of times (for example, 30 times) after transitioning to the normal game state (see Figure 57).

In this configuration of the gaming machine, if a specific measurement based on the number of prize balls exceeds a certain threshold, and the identification symbol variation display is executed a predetermined number of times after transitioning to the normal game state, the game becomes unplayable. Thus, even after transitioning to the normal game state, the player can continue playing for a while until the identification symbol variation display is executed a predetermined number of times.

The invention relating to means E3 is,
In the gaming machine described in means E2,
It is equipped with a performance control means (a microcontroller 121 for performance control) that can control the performance,
The aforementioned performance control means is
When the specified number of measurements is less than the standard number, a special effect (a special effect shown in Figures 58(B) and 58(C) for use after transitioning to normal gameplay) can be executed from the time the game transitions to normal gameplay until the display of the identification symbols changes the specified number of times (30 times).
The gaming machine is characterized in that, even when the specified number of measurements is equal to or greater than the standard number, the special effects can be performed from the time the game transitions to a normal game state until the display of the changing identification symbols is performed the specified number of times (30 times).

With this configuration, when the specific count based on the number of prize balls is below a certain threshold, it is possible to enjoy special effects from the time the game transitions to normal gameplay until the identification symbol display is executed a predetermined number of times. Conversely, even when the specific count based on the number of prize balls is equal to or greater than the threshold, it is still possible to enjoy special effects from the time the game transitions to normal gameplay until the identification symbol display is executed a predetermined number of times. In this way, even when the specific count is equal to or greater than the threshold and the game transitions to normal gameplay, the special effects that were running before the game became unplayable are continued, making it possible to synchronize the timing of the game becoming unplayable with the timing of the special effects ending.

The invention relating to means E4 is,
In the gaming machine described in means E1,
The aforementioned game control means can execute a winning game (jackpot game) when it determines through the win detection process.
The aforementioned termination condition is that the predetermined number (for example, 4) of the winning determination processes that were held in reserve when the game transitioned to a normal game state are processed in that normal game state (see Figure 53).

In this configuration of the gaming machine, if a specific measurement based on the number of prize balls exceeds a certain threshold, and the predetermined number of pending win detection processes are processed during the transition to normal gameplay, the game becomes unplayable. Thus, even after transitioning to normal gameplay, the player can continue playing for a while until the predetermined number of pending win detection processes are processed.

The invention relating to means E5 is,
In the gaming machine described in method E4,
It is equipped with a performance control means (a microcontroller 121 for performance control) that can control the performance,
The aforementioned performance control means is
When the specified number of measurements is less than the standard number, the advantageous performance (the special performance of remaining reserved items shown in Figure 54) can be executed until the predetermined number of hit determination processes that were held in reserve when the game transitioned to the normal game state are consumed in that normal game state.
The gaming machine is characterized in that even when the specified number of measurements is equal to or greater than the standard number, the advantageous performance (the special performance of remaining reserved items shown in Figure 54) can be executed until the winning determination process, which was held in reserve for a predetermined number when the game transitioned to a normal game state, is consumed in that normal game state.

With this configuration, when a specific count based on the number of prize balls is below a certain threshold, it is possible to enjoy the advantageous effects until the predetermined number of win detection processes that were held in reserve when the game transitioned to normal gameplay are completed in that normal gameplay state. On the other hand, even when the specific count based on the number of prize balls is equal to or greater than the threshold, it is still possible to enjoy the advantageous effects until the predetermined number of win detection processes that were held in reserve when the game transitioned to normal gameplay are completed in that normal gameplay state. In this way, even when the specific count is equal to or greater than the threshold and the game transitions to normal gameplay, the advantageous effects that were running before the game became unplayable are continued, making it possible to synchronize the timing of the game becoming unplayable with the timing of the end of the advantageous effects.

Incidentally, in the gaming machine described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-209170, it is possible for a player to acquire an excessive number of prize balls through continuous gameplay. In this case, the gaming machine did not have a mechanism to prevent the player from receiving an excessive number of prize balls. Therefore, the invention relating to means E1 to E5 differs from the gaming machine described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-209170 in that the game control means can measure a specific number based on the number of prize balls awarded to the player, and if the specific number is greater than or equal to a predetermined standard number, and a predetermined termination condition is met in the normal gameplay state, the game is controlled to become unplayable. This makes it possible to solve the problem of providing a gaming machine that does not award an excessive number of prize balls to the player (achieve the desired effect).

<Means F>
The invention relating to means F1 is,
A game control means (a microcomputer for game control 101) capable of controlling the game,
In a game machine (pachinko game machine PY1) equipped with a performance control means (performance control microcomputer 121) capable of controlling the performance,
The aforementioned game control means is
It is possible to measure a specific number (difference in ball count) based on the number of prize balls awarded to the player.
Based on the fact that the aforementioned specific measurement count exceeds a predetermined standard number (80,000), the game may be controlled to be unplayable (game control processing and launch control processing may be stopped).
The aforementioned performance control means is
This gaming machine is characterized in that, when the aforementioned specific measurement count exceeds the aforementioned standard number, it is possible to perform a game-stopping notification effect (display of a game-stopping notification image shown in Figure 28(B)) that notifies the player that the game will become unplayable.

In this gaming machine configuration, the game becomes unplayable when a specific count based on the number of prize balls awarded exceeds a certain threshold. This makes it possible to provide a gaming machine that does not award excessive prize balls. Furthermore, when the specific count exceeds the threshold, a game unplayable warning is displayed to inform the player that the game will become unplayable. Therefore, players can be aware in advance that the game will become unplayable, preventing confusion caused by a sudden inability to play.

The invention relating to means F2 is,
In the gaming machine described in means F1,
The aforementioned performance control means is
The gaming machine is characterized in that when the specified number of measurements becomes equal to or greater than the pre-standard number (70,000) which is less than the standard number, it is possible to execute a pre-game play-disablement notification (display of the over-prize ball notification image KY shown in Figure 28(A)) that indicates that the specified number of measurements is approaching the standard number.

In this configuration of the gaming machine, when a specific count exceeds a predetermined threshold, a pre-gameplay invalidation warning is executed, indicating that the count is approaching the threshold. Subsequently, when the count exceeds the threshold again, a gameplay invalidation warning is executed, indicating that the game will become unplayable. In this way, the player is given a step-by-step understanding of the situation leading up to the game becoming unplayable, making it easier for them to grasp the situation.

The invention relating to means F3 is,
In the gaming machine described by means F1 or means F2,
The game control means is characterized in that when the specified measurement number is equal to or greater than the reference number and a favorable game state (high base state) that is advantageous to the player ends, the game is controlled to be unplayable (see Figure 25).

In this type of gaming machine, when a specific number based on the number of prize balls exceeds a certain threshold, and the advantageous gaming state ends, the game becomes unplayable. Therefore, the game is not suddenly stopped in the middle of the advantageous gaming state, and it does not cause any significant disadvantage to the player. In this way, it is possible to stop the game at a convenient point for the player.

The invention relating to means F4 is,
In the gaming machine described in method F3,
The aforementioned game-inability notification effect is a game-indicating effect that notifies the player that the game will become unplayable when the advantageous game state ends (see Figure 28(B) for an effect indicating "game ends when high base state ends").

In this type of gaming machine, a game-breaking notification is displayed, informing the player that the game will become unplayable once the advantageous game state ends. Therefore, it is possible to ensure that the player is fully aware of when the game will become unplayable.

The invention relating to means F5 is,
In the gaming machine described by means F1 or means F2,
The aforementioned game control means is capable of displaying a variable identification symbol (special symbol) that indicates the result of the win determination process.
The aforementioned game-stopping notification is a game-stopping machine characterized by an indication of the number of times the identification symbols will change before the game becomes unplayable (display of the remaining number of game stoppages image LN1 shown in Figure 56(B)).

In this type of gaming machine, when a specific count based on the number of prize balls exceeds a certain threshold, a game-breaking notification is displayed, allowing the player to understand the number of times the identification symbols will change before the game becomes unplayable. Therefore, with each change in the identification symbols, the player can understand that they are gradually approaching a situation where the game becomes unplayable.

Incidentally, in the gaming machine described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-209170, it is possible for a player to acquire an excessive number of prize balls through continuous gameplay. In this case, the gaming machine did not have a mechanism to prevent the player from receiving an excessive number of prize balls. Therefore, the invention relating to means F1 to F4 differs from the gaming machine described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-209170 in that the game control means can measure a specific number based on the number of prize balls awarded to the player, and may control the game to become unplayable based on the specific number exceeding a predetermined standard number, and the performance control means can execute a game unplayable notification performance that foreshadows the game becoming unplayable when the specific number exceeds the aforementioned standard number. This makes it possible to solve (achieve the effect of) providing a gaming machine that does not award an excessive number of prize balls to the player.

<Means G>
The invention relating to means G1 is,
A game control means (a microcomputer for game control 101) capable of controlling the game,
A means for controlling the effects (microcontroller 121 for effect control),
In a game machine (pachinko game machine PY1) equipped with a launching operation means (handle 72k) capable of launching game balls based on operation,
The aforementioned game control means controls the game to be unable to be played when a predetermined stop condition is met (for example, when the number of balls in the game exceeds 80,000).
The aforementioned performance control means is characterized in that, when the game is controlled to be unplayable, it can execute a warning performance (an operation warning performance shown in Figure 51(B) or Figure 52(B), or a contact warning performance shown in Figure 61(B) or Figure 62(B)) based on contact with the launch operation means.

In this configuration of the gaming machine, the game becomes unplayable when predetermined stopping conditions are met. At this time, the player may operate the launching mechanism without fully understanding that the game is unplayable. In this case, a warning animation is executed to alert the player. In this way, it is possible to ensure that the player who has touched the launching mechanism understands that the game is unplayable.

The invention relating to means G2 is,
In the gaming machine described in means G1,
The aforementioned launching operation means is characterized in that it can launch game balls even when the game is controlled to be unplayable (the launching control process (S109) is not canceled).

In this type of gaming machine, even if the game is controlled to be unplayable, the game ball will be launched if the player operates the launching mechanism. Therefore, the player may mistakenly believe that the game can be played. To address this, a warning animation is displayed to ensure that the player understands that the game cannot be played.

The invention relating to means G3 is,
In the gaming machine described by means G1 or means G2,
The aforementioned game control means is capable of measuring a specific number (difference in ball count) based on the number of prize balls awarded to the player,
The aforementioned stopping condition includes the fact that the specified number of measurements exceeds a predetermined standard number (80,000).

In this gaming machine configuration, the game becomes unplayable when a specific count based on the number of prize balls exceeds a certain threshold. This makes it possible to provide a gaming machine that does not award excessive prize balls. Furthermore, even if the player operates the launching mechanism when the game is unplayable, a warning animation ensures that the player is clearly aware that the game cannot be played.

The invention relating to means G4 is,
In the gaming machine described by means G1 or means G2,
The aforementioned game control means is capable of determining whether there is a specific abnormality (illegal magnetism) (and is capable of performing error processing (S111)),
The gaming machine is characterized in that the stop condition includes the determination by the gaming control means that a specific abnormality exists.

In this configuration of the gaming machine, if the game control means detects a specific abnormality, the game becomes unplayable. This makes it possible to prevent the player from playing when a specific abnormality is present. Furthermore, even if the player operates the launching mechanism when the game is unplayable, a warning display ensures that the player understands that the game cannot be played.

Incidentally, in the gaming machine described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-070611, when an unauthorized magnetic field is detected (when a predetermined stop condition is met), the game control microcomputer (game control means) controls the game to be unplayable. Therefore, after the game is controlled to be unplayable, the player cannot continue playing. However, after the game is controlled to be unplayable, the player may operate the firing operation means without fully understanding that the game is unplayable. Therefore, the invention relating to means G1 to G4 differs from the gaming machine described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-070611 in that the performance control means can execute a warning performance based on contact with the firing operation means when the game is controlled to be unplayable. This makes it possible to solve the problem (achieve the effect) of providing a gaming machine that can reliably ensure that the player who contacts the firing operation means understands that the game is unplayable.

50...Image display device 50a...Display screen 72k...Handle 101...Microcontroller for game control 121...Microcontroller for performance control 191...RAM clear switch PY1...Pachinko game machine

Claims (1)

A main board capable of executing control related to gameplay,
In a gaming machine equipped with a performance board capable of controlling the performance,
The main board is,
Based on the determination in a predetermined hit detection process, the game can be controlled to enter a jackpot state.
It is possible to measure a specific number based on the number of prize balls awarded to the player.
The display means can perform display control processing to display the normal base, which is the ratio of the total number of normal prize balls obtained by the player during normal gameplay to the number of normal balls fired by the player during normal gameplay.
When the game is controlled to the aforementioned jackpot state, if the specified measurement number exceeds a predetermined standard number and the jackpot state ends, the system will disable the win determination process and will not execute the display control process.
If, after disabling the aforementioned hit detection process, the game-related information is not erased upon power-up, the control to disable the hit detection process is maintained. However, if, after disabling the aforementioned hit detection process, the game-related information is erased upon power-up, the control to disable the hit detection process is released.
The aforementioned performance board is
When the aforementioned specific measurement number becomes equal to or greater than a prior standard number that is smaller than the aforementioned standard number, a pre-game disabling notification effect can be executed to indicate that the specific measurement number is approaching the aforementioned standard number.
When the game is controlled to the aforementioned jackpot state, if the specified measurement count exceeds the aforementioned pre-standard number, thereby initiating the pre-gameplay disabling notification sequence, it is possible to continue executing the pre-gameplay disabling notification sequence even if the game transitions to a disadvantageous game state that is less favorable than the jackpot state.
When the game is controlled to the aforementioned jackpot state, if the specified measurement number exceeds the aforementioned reference number, a game-stopping notification can be executed, which notifies that the game will become unplayable as the jackpot state ends.
If the specified number of jackpots is less than the standard number, a favorable performance can be executed. However, if the specified number of jackpots is equal to or greater than the standard number, an alternative performance can be executed instead of the favorable performance .
If the specified number of measurements is equal to or greater than the standard number and the jackpot game state ends, thereby disabling the execution of the win determination process, a game execution failure image indicating that the win determination process has been disabling will be displayed, and this game execution failure image will remain displayed until the power is cut off.
A gaming machine characterized in that, after the hit detection process is controlled to be unexecutable based on the fact that the specified number of measurements is equal to or greater than the standard number, if the information related to the game is not erased when the power is turned on, the game execution unexecutable image can be displayed .