Game machine

Abstract

To provide a new game property.SOLUTION: When a predetermined minor winning pattern is displayed, and a minor winning game and a big combination game are executed, the state after the big combination game is set for a second time-shortening game state in which a game ball can enter a second start area more easily than a normal state and entry of a game ball into the second start area is substantially assured on a condition that a game is executed properly. When a game ball enters the second start area and second variation processing is executed in the second time-shortening game state, a stock period is brought about over the variation time of the second variation processing. In the stock period, a movable member is controlled so that a game ball can enter the second start area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 19

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a gaming machine that executes a big prize game in which a player can win a large number of prize balls when he wins a big prize. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a gaming machine that has a gameplay in which a big prize game can occur multiple times in succession. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-56452 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As described above, gaming machines with a variety of playability have been proposed, but there is a demand for the development of gaming machines that can increase the enjoyment of gaming by providing new playability that has never been seen before.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that is capable of providing new gaming experience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine of the present invention comprises: A game board provided with a first starting area and a second starting area; A movable member that changes the ease with which a game ball can enter the second starting area; An acquisition means for acquiring first information based on the entry of the gaming ball into the first starting area, and acquiring second information based on the entry of the gaming ball into the second starting area; A first variation means for executing a first variation process including a process of determining one of a plurality of symbols based on the first information, and a process of displaying the determined symbol on a first display unit after a predetermined variation time has elapsed; A second variation means for executing a second variation process including a process of determining one of a plurality of symbols based on the second information and a process of displaying the determined symbol on a second display unit after a predetermined variation time has elapsed, in priority to the first variation process; A first winning game control means for executing a first winning game in which a big winning hole provided on the game board is opened based on the display of a winning symbol on the first display section or the second display section; A second winning game control means for executing a second winning game based on the game ball that entered the big winning opening during the first winning game entering a specific area; a state setting means for setting a state after the second winning game to a specific state in which, when the predetermined winning symbol is displayed and the first winning game and the second winning game are executed, the game ball is more likely to enter the second starting area than in a normal state, and the game ball is substantially guaranteed to enter the second starting area on condition that the game is being played appropriately; Equipped with When the game ball enters the second starting area in the specific state and the second variation process is executed, a specific period is reached over the variation time of the second variation process, During the specific period, the movable member may be controlled to allow the game ball to enter the second starting area. It is characterized by: Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to increase the interest in games. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is an oblique view of the gaming machine showing the door in an open state. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the gaming machine. [Diagram 5] This is an address map of the memory area used by the main CPU. [Figure 6] This is a diagram explaining the special jackpot determination random number judgment table for 1. [Figure 7] This is a diagram explaining the special 2 jackpot determination random number judgment table. [Figure 8] 13 is a diagram illustrating a winning symbol random number determination table. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a reach group determination random number judgment table. [Figure 10] 13 is a diagram illustrating a reach mode determination random number judgment table. FIG. [Figure 11] A diagram explaining a fluctuation pattern random number determination table. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a variable time determination table. [Figure 13] A diagram explaining the special electric feature operation ram set table. [Figure 14] A diagram explaining the opening and closing manner of the second large prize opening and the opening and closing manner of a specific area by a movable member. [Figure 15] 13 is a diagram illustrating a game status setting table for setting the game status after the end of a major role game. FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a random number judgment table for determining a winning combination. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a random number determination table. [Figure 18] 1A is a diagram for explaining a normal pattern change time data table, and FIG. 1B is a diagram for explaining an opening / closing control pattern table. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating gameplay characteristics according to an embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a gaming machine status flag. [Figure 21] 11 is a first flowchart illustrating a CPU initialization process in a main control board. [Figure 22] 13 is a second flowchart illustrating the CPU initialization process in the main control board. [Diagram 23] 13 is a flowchart illustrating a sub-command group setting process in the main control board. [Figure 24] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a save process in the main control board when power is turned off. [Diagram 25] 13 is a flowchart illustrating a timer interrupt process in the main control board. [Figure 26] 13 is a flowchart illustrating setting-related processing in a main control board. [Figure 27] 13 is a flowchart illustrating a switch management process in a main control board. [Figure 28] 13 is a flowchart explaining the general map reservation processing in the main control board. [Figure 29] 11 is a flowchart explaining the first start port passing process in the main control board. [Diagram 30] 13 is a flowchart explaining the second start port passing process in the main control board. [Diagram 31] 13 is a flowchart explaining the special pattern random number acquisition process in the main control board. [Diagram 32] 13 is a flowchart illustrating a specific area passing process in the main control board. [Diagram 33] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a special game management phase. [Diagram 34] 13 is a flowchart explaining special game management processing in the main control board. [Diagram 35] 13 is a flowchart explaining the special pattern change waiting process in the main control board. [Diagram 36] 13 is a flowchart explaining the special pattern variable number determination process in the main control board. [Figure 37] 13 is a flowchart explaining the processing during special pattern variation on the main control board. [Figure 38] 13 is a flowchart explaining the special symbol stop symbol display processing in the main control board. [Figure 39] 13 is a flowchart illustrating a number of cutoff management process in the main control board. [Diagram 40] This is a flowchart explaining the processing before opening the large prize opening on the main control board. [Diagram 41] 13 is a flowchart explaining the large prize opening / closing switching process on the main control board. [Diagram 42] 13 is a flowchart explaining the large prize opening control process on the main control board. [Diagram 43] 13 is a flowchart explaining the large prize opening closure activation process on the main control board. [Diagram 44] This is a flowchart explaining the large prize opening end wait processing on the main control board. [Diagram 45] A diagram explaining the normal game management phase. [Figure 46] 13 is a flowchart explaining normal game management processing in the main control board. [Figure 47] 13 is a flowchart explaining the normal pattern change waiting process on the main control board. [Figure 48] 13 is a flowchart explaining the processing during normal pattern fluctuation on the main control board. [Figure 49] 13 is a flowchart explaining the normal pattern stop pattern display processing in the main control board. [Figure 50] This is a flowchart explaining the processing before opening the winning opening of a normal electric device on the main control board. [Figure 51] This is a flowchart explaining the normal electric device prize opening / closing switching process on the main control board. [Figure 52] This is a flowchart explaining the control process for opening the winning port of a normal electric device on the main control board. [Figure 53] This is a flowchart explaining the normal electric device winning hole closure validity processing on the main control board. [Figure 54] This is a flowchart explaining the normal electric device winning slot end wait processing on the main control board. [Figure 55] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a presentation when the second time-saving gaming state is set. [Figure 56] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a stock effect. [Figure 57] 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a stock release presentation. FIG. [Figure 58] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a sub-CPU initialization process in the sub-control board. [Figure 59] 13 is a flowchart illustrating a sub timer interrupt process in the sub control board. [Figure 60] 13 is a flowchart illustrating a variable command receiving process in the sub-control board. [Figure 61] 13 is a flowchart illustrating a read-ahead designation command reception process in the sub-control board. [Figure 62] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an opening designation command receiving process in the sub-control board. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dimensions, materials, and other specific values ​​shown in the embodiments are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the invention, and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same functions and configurations are given the same reference numerals to avoid repeated explanations, and elements not directly related to the present invention are not shown.

[0010] In order to facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, first, a brief description will be given of the mechanical and electrical configurations of the gaming machine, and then specific processing on each board will be described.

[0011] 1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine 100 with the door open. As shown in the figure, the gaming machine 100 includes an outer frame 102 having an enclosed space formed by four sides assembled into a substantially rectangular shape, a middle frame 104 attached to the outer frame 102 by a hinge mechanism so as to be freely opened and closed, and a front frame 106 attached to the middle frame 104 by a hinge mechanism so as to be freely opened and closed.

[0012] The middle frame 104, like the outer frame 102, has four sides arranged in a substantially rectangular shape to form an enclosed space, and a game board 108 is held in this enclosed space. A glass or resin transparent plate 110 is held in the front frame 106. When the middle frame 104 and the front frame 106 are closed against the outer frame 102, the game board 108 and the transparent plate 110 face each other substantially parallel to each other while maintaining a predetermined distance therebetween, and the game board 108 can be seen from the front side of the gaming machine 100 through the transparent plate 110.

[0013] Fig. 2 is a front view of the gaming machine 100, and Fig. 3 is a front view of the gaming board 108. However, Fig. 2 shows a state in which the gaming board 108 has been removed.

[0014] 2, an operating handle 112 that protrudes from the front side of the gaming machine 100 is provided at the bottom of the front frame 106. This operating handle 112 is provided so as to be rotatable by the player, and when the player rotates the operating handle 112 to perform a firing operation, a gaming ball is fired by a firing mechanism (not shown) with a strength according to the rotation angle of the operating handle 112.

[0015] The game ball thus launched rises between rails 114a, 114b provided on the game board 108 and is guided to a game area 116, as shown in FIG.

[0016] The play area 116 is a space formed between the play board 108 and the transparent plate 110, and is an area in which the play balls can flow down or roll. The play board 108 is provided with a large number of nails and windmills, and the play balls guided to the play area 116 collide with the nails and windmills, causing them to flow down or roll in irregular directions.

[0017] The play area 116 includes a first play area 116a and a second play area 116b, which have different degrees of entry of game balls depending on the launch strength of the launch mechanism. The first play area 116a is located on the left side of the play area 116 as seen by a player facing the game machine 100, and the second play area 116b is located on the right side of the play area 116 as seen by a player facing the game machine 100. Since the rails 114a and 114b are on the left side of the play area 116, game balls launched by the launch mechanism with a launch strength less than a predetermined strength will enter the first play area 116a, and game balls launched with a launch strength equal to or greater than the predetermined strength will enter the second play area 116b.

[0018] In addition, the game area 116 is provided with a general winning hole 118, a first starting hole 120, and a second starting hole 122 through which game balls can enter, and when a game ball enters the general winning hole 118, the first starting hole 120, or the second starting hole 122, a predetermined prize ball is paid out to the player. The number of prize balls may be any number greater than or equal to one, and the number of prize balls paid out from the general winning hole 118, the first starting hole 120, and the second starting hole 122 may be different or may be set to the same number of prize balls. In this case, it is also possible to set the number of prize balls paid out when a game ball enters the first starting hole 120 to be less than the number of prize balls paid out when a game ball enters the second starting hole 122.

[0019] In addition, as will be described later in detail, a first starting area is provided in the first starting hole 120, and a second starting area is provided in the second starting hole 122. When a game ball enters the first starting hole 120 or the second starting hole 122 and enters the first starting area or the second starting area, a lottery is held to determine one of a plurality of special patterns provided in advance. Each special pattern is associated with various game benefits, such as whether or not a big role game or a small winning game that is advantageous to the player can be executed, and what kind of game state the game state will be from then on. Therefore, when a game ball enters the first starting hole 120 or the second starting hole 122, the player will acquire a predetermined prize ball and at the same time, will acquire the opportunity to acquire the right to receive various game benefits.

[0020] The first starting hole 120 is located at the bottom of the game area 116, and is either capable of being entered by game balls flowing down the first game area 116a, or is located at a position where game balls that have entered the first game area 116a can enter more easily than game balls that have entered the second game area 116b.

[0021] In addition, the second starting hole 122 is located in the second game area 116b, and only game balls flowing down the second game area 116b can enter, or the second starting hole 122 is located in a position where game balls that have entered the second game area 116b can enter more easily than game balls that have entered the first game area 116a.

[0022] This second start hole 122 is configured by a variable start hole (start variable winning device) having a movable piece 122b, and the ease of entry of the game ball into the second start hole 122 is made variable.

[0023] The movable piece 122b is normally recessed into the rear side of the game board 108, the second starting hole 122 is closed, and the game ball flows down the front side of the movable piece 122b, making it impossible or difficult for the game ball to enter the second starting hole 122.

[0024] On the other hand, when a game ball passes through a gate 124 provided in the second game area 116b or enters a normal symbol operation hole 125, a lottery for normal symbols, which will be described later, is held. The normal symbols include winning symbols, and when a winning symbol is selected, an auxiliary game is executed. The auxiliary game is a game in which the movable piece 122b protrudes to the front side of the game board 108, allowing a game ball to enter the second start hole 122.

[0025] When the movable piece 122b is in the protruding state, a game ball flowing down the front side of the movable piece 122b falls onto the movable piece 122b. The game ball that has fallen onto the movable piece 122b is guided by the movable piece 122b and guided to the second starting hole 122. In this way, when the movable piece 122b is in the protruding state, the movable piece 122b functions as a tray that guides the game ball to the second starting hole 122, making it easier for the game ball to enter the second starting hole 122.

[0026] In addition, the first large prize opening 126 and the second large prize opening 128 are arranged at a position where at least the game ball flowing down the second game area 116b can enter. Specifically, the first large prize opening 126 is provided above the second start opening 122 in the second game area 116b. In addition, the second large prize opening 128 is provided below the second start opening 122 in the second game area 116b.

[0027] The first large prize opening 126 is provided with a movable piece 126b that can be opened and closed, and normally, the movable piece 126b closes the first large prize opening 126, making it impossible for game balls to enter the first large prize opening 126. When a major prize game, which will be described later, starts, the movable piece 126b is opened, making it possible for game balls to enter the first large prize opening 126.

[0028] Specifically, the movable piece 126b protrudes into the second game area 116b (game area 116) where game balls roll and flow down, facing the upper part of the gaming machine 100. Therefore, when the movable piece 126b is maintained in the closed state, the game balls flowing down the second game area 116b fall onto the movable piece 128b.

[0029] Here, the movable piece 126b maintained in the closed state is inclined so that the right side of the gaming machine 100 is slightly lower than the left side. Therefore, when the movable piece 126b is in the closed state, a gaming ball that has fallen onto the movable piece 126b will slowly roll from left to right on the movable piece 126b.

[0030] When a big prize game described later is executed, the movable piece 126b transitions to an open state in which the first big prize opening 126 is opened. Here, the movable piece 126b is caused to protrude from a hole formed in the game board 108 in the front-rear direction (front-rear direction) of the game machine 100 by an actuator (solenoid) not shown. Normally, the actuator is maintained in a non-energized state, and the movable piece 126b is held in a position protruding from the hole in the game board 108 to the front side, and closes the first big prize opening 126. When the actuator is energized, the movable piece 126b is held in a position retracted from the hole in the game board 108 to the rear side, and the first big prize opening 126 is opened. In this way, when the first big prize opening 126 is in an open state, a game ball enters the first big prize opening 126.

[0031] In addition, the width of movable piece 126b is made larger than the diameter of a game ball (11 mm) so that multiple game balls can roll on movable piece 126b at the same time and multiple game balls can enter first large prize opening 126 at the same time.

[0032] When a game ball enters the first large prize opening 126, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the player. In this embodiment, 15 game balls are paid out to the player as prize balls for one game ball entering the first large prize opening 126. In other words, by having a game ball enter the first large prize opening 126, the player can increase the number of game balls he or she owns.

[0033] Also, the second large prize opening 128 is provided with a movable piece 128b that can be opened and closed, and normally, the movable piece 128b closes the second large prize opening 128, making it impossible for game balls to enter the second large prize opening 128. When a small prize game, which will be described later, is played, the movable piece 128b is opened, making it possible for game balls to enter the second large prize opening 128.

[0034] Specifically, the movable piece 128b protrudes into the game area 116 where game balls roll and flow down so as to face the upper part of the game machine 100. Therefore, when the movable piece 128b is maintained in the closed state, game balls flowing down the second game area 116b (game area 116) fall onto the movable piece 128b. Here, the movable piece 128b maintained in the closed state is inclined so that the left side of the game machine 100 is slightly lower than the right side. Therefore, when the movable piece 128b is in the closed state, the game balls that have fallen onto the movable piece 128b roll slowly from right to left on the movable piece 128b.

[0035] Then, when a small winning game described later is executed, the movable piece 128b transitions to an open state in which the second large winning hole 128 is opened. Here, the movable piece 128b is caused to protrude from a hole formed in the game board 108 in the front-rear direction (front-rear direction) of the game machine 100 by an actuator (solenoid) not shown. Normally, the actuator is maintained in a non-energized state, and the movable piece 128b is held in a position protruding from the hole in the game board 108 to the front side, and the second large winning hole 128 is closed. Then, when the actuator is energized, the movable piece 128b is held in a position retracted from the hole in the game board 108 to the rear side, and the second large winning hole 128 is opened. In this way, when the second large winning hole 128 is in an open state, a game ball enters the second large winning hole 128.

[0036] In addition, the width of movable piece 128b is made larger than the diameter of a game ball (11 mm) so that multiple game balls can roll on movable piece 128b at the same time and multiple game balls can enter second large winning port 128 at the same time.

[0037] When a gaming ball enters the second large winning opening 128, a predetermined prize ball is paid out to the player. In the embodiment, one gaming ball is paid out to the player as a prize ball for each gaming ball that enters the second large winning opening 128. In other words, even if a gaming ball enters the second large winning opening 128, the number of gaming balls held by the player does not increase. This makes it possible to suppress the risk of excessive gambling.

[0038] In addition, a lead-out path 128d is provided inside the second large prize opening 128, and the second large prize opening 128 is inclined so that a game ball that enters the second large prize opening 128 is led to the lead-out path 128d. The lead-out path 128d is provided with a specific area 140b and a non-specific area 140c, which are holes through which the game ball can pass, and is configured so that a game ball that enters the second large prize opening 128 passes through either the specific area 140b or the non-specific area 140c.

[0039] The second large winning opening 128 is provided with a movable member 142 that opens and closes the specific area 140b and the non-specific area 140c. The movable member 142 appears and disappears in the front-rear direction (front-rear direction) of the gaming machine 100 from a hole formed in the gaming board 108 by an actuator (solenoid) not shown. Normally, the actuator is maintained in a non-energized state, and the movable member 142 is held in a position protruding from the hole in the gaming board 108 to the front side, making it impossible for a gaming ball to enter the specific area 140b. More specifically, when the movable member 142 is held in a position protruding from the hole in the gaming board 108 to the front side, the specific area 140b is blocked by the movable member 142, and the gaming ball can pass through the non-specific area 140c.

[0040] Moreover, when the actuator is energized, the movable member 142 is held in a position recessed on the rear side of the hole in the game board 108, and is in a state in which the game ball can enter the specific area 140b. More specifically, when the movable member 142 is held in a position recessed on the rear side of the hole in the game board 108, the specific area 140b is opened, and the game ball can pass through the specific area 140b. As will be described in detail later, when the game ball enters the specific area 140b in the small win game, a big win (type 2 big win) is obtained, and a big role game described later is started.

[0041] At the bottom of the game area 116, there is a discharge outlet 130 which discharges game balls that do not enter any of the general winning hole 118, the first starting hole 120, the second starting hole 122, the general operation hole 125, the first large winning hole 126, and the second large winning hole 128 from the game area 116 to the back side of the game board 108.

[0042] The gaming machine 100 is provided with a performance display device 200 made of a liquid crystal display device as a performance device that performs performance during the progress of a game, etc. As shown in Fig. 2, the gaming machine 100 is provided with a performance lighting device 204 made of lamps that are controlled to various lighting modes and emission colors, a sound output device 206 made of a speaker, and a performance button 208 that accepts operations by the player as performance devices that perform performance during the progress of a game, etc.

[0043] 3, the effect display device 200 includes a main effect display section 200a that is an image display section that displays images. The main effect display section 200a is arranged in the approximate center of the game board 108 so as to be visible from the front side of the gaming machine 100. Various images for effects are displayed on the main effect display section 200a.

[0044] Returning to Figure 2, the audio output device 206 is provided at the upper position of the front frame 106 or at the lowermost position of the outer frame 102, and outputs various sounds toward the front of the gaming machine 100 in accordance with the images displayed on the main performance display section 200a.

[0045] The effect button 208 is composed of a button that accepts a press operation by the player, and is provided at approximately the center position in the width direction of the gaming machine 100, and at a position lower than the transparent plate 110. This effect button 208 is activated according to the image displayed on the main effect display section 200a, and when the operation of the player is accepted within the operation effective time, various effects are executed according to the operation.

[0046] In addition, the reference numeral 132 in the figure denotes an upper tray to which prize balls paid out from the gaming machine 100 and gaming balls lent out from the gaming ball lending device are guided, and when this upper tray 132 is filled with gaming balls, the gaming balls are guided to a lower tray 134. A ball ejection hole (not shown) for ejecting gaming balls from the lower tray 134 is formed in the bottom surface of the lower tray 134. This ball ejection hole is normally closed by an opening / closing plate (not shown), but by pushing in a ball ejection knob 134a, the opening / closing plate slides together with the ball ejection knob 134a, making it possible to eject gaming balls from the ball ejection hole to the bottom of the lower tray 134.

[0047] In addition, on the game board 108, a first special symbol display 160, a second special symbol display 162, a first special symbol reserved display 164, a second special symbol reserved display 166, a normal symbol display 168, a normal symbol reserved display 170, and a right hit notification display 172 are provided outside the game area 116 and at positions visible to the player. Each of these displays 160 to 172 is a device for displaying various situations related to the game, and the details thereof will be described later.

[0048] (Internal configuration of control means) FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the control means for controlling the progress of the game.

[0049] The main control board 300 controls the basic operation of the game. This main control board 300 is equipped with a main CPU 300a, a main ROM 300b, and a main RAM 300c. The main CPU 300a reads out the programs stored in the main ROM 300b and performs arithmetic processing based on input signals from each detection switch and timer, and also directly controls each device and display, or transmits commands to other boards according to the results of the arithmetic processing. The main RAM 300c functions as a data work area during the arithmetic processing of the main CPU 300a.

[0050] The gaming machine 100 is broadly divided into a special game that is started by a gaming ball entering the first start hole 120 or the second start hole 122, and a normal game that is started by a gaming ball passing through the gate 124. The main ROM 300b of the main control board 300 stores various programs for progressing the special game and the normal game, as well as data and tables required for various games.

[0051] The main control board 300 is provided with a general winning hole detection switch 118s for detecting that a game ball has entered the general winning hole 118, a first start hole detection switch 120s for detecting that a game ball has entered the first start hole 120, a second start hole detection switch 122s for detecting that a game ball has entered the second start hole 122, a gate detection switch 124s for detecting that a game ball has passed through the gate 124, and a general operation hole detection switch 125s for detecting that a game ball has entered the general operation hole 125. A first large prize opening detection switch 126s that detects when a game ball enters the first large prize opening 126, a second large prize opening detection switch 128s that detects when a game ball enters the second large prize opening 128, a specific area detection switch 140s that detects when a game ball enters the specific area 140b, and an out ball detection switch 130s that detects when a game ball is ejected from the game area 116 are connected to the main control board 300, and detection signals are input from each of these detection switches to the main control board 300.

[0052] In addition, the first start port detection switch 120s is provided in each of the first start ports 120A and 120B. Therefore, the main control board 300 is connected to two first start port detection switches 120s.

[0053] In addition, a junction passage is provided on the back of the game board 108, and game balls that enter the general winning hole 118, the first starting hole 120, the second starting hole 122, the first large winning hole 126, and the second large winning hole 128 join with game balls guided to the back side from the discharge hole 130 at the junction passage and are guided to the facilities of the game center. The out ball detection switch 130s is provided in the junction passage, and all game balls discharged from the game area 116, in other words, all game balls shot into the game area 116, are detected by the out ball detection switch 130s.

[0054] In addition, the main control board 300 is connected to a normal electric device solenoid 122c which operates the movable piece 122b of the second starting hole 122, a first large prize opening solenoid 126c which operates the movable piece 126b which opens and closes the first large prize opening 126, a second large prize opening solenoid 128c which operates the movable piece 128b which opens and closes the second large prize opening 128, and a movable member drive solenoid 142c which moves the movable member 142 provided in the second large prize opening 128, and the main control board 300 is configured to control the opening and closing of the second starting hole 122, the first large prize opening 126, the second large prize opening 128 and the specific area 140b.

[0055] Furthermore, the first special pattern display device 160, the second special pattern display device 162, the first special pattern reserved indicator device 164, the second special pattern reserved indicator device 166, the normal pattern display device 168, the normal pattern reserved indicator device 170, and the right hit notification indicator device 172 are connected to the main control board 300, and the display of each of these indicators is controlled by the main control board 300.

[0056] In addition, the gaming machine 100 is provided with multiple abnormality detection sensors 174 that detect possible abnormalities or fraud, such as a radio wave detection sensor that detects radio waves, a magnetic detection sensor that detects magnetism, and a door open sensor that detects the open state of the middle frame 104 or the front frame 106, and is configured so that an abnormality detection signal is input from each abnormality detection sensor 174 to the main control board 300.

[0057] Furthermore, a setting change switch 180s is provided on the back of the game board 108. The setting change switch 180s is configured to be accessible with a dedicated key. When the setting change switch 180s is turned on, operations to change and confirm the setting value become possible. As will be described in detail later, the gaming machine 100 stores one of six setting values ​​with different degrees of advantage as a registered setting value in a setting value buffer, and the game progresses according to the stored registered setting value.

[0058] A RAM clear button is provided on the back of the game board 108 so that it can be pressed, and pressing of this RAM clear button is detected by a RAM clear switch 182s. The RAM clear switch 182s is connected to the main control board 300, and a RAM clear operation signal is input from the RAM clear switch 182s to the main control board 300. When the RAM clear operation signal is input from the RAM clear switch 182s at power-on, the main CPU 300a clears the main RAM 300c.

[0059] A performance display monitor 184 is provided on the back of the game board 108. The main control board 300 causes the performance display monitor 184 to display the registered setting values ​​and the base ratio.

[0060] In addition, a dispensing control board 310 and a sub-control board 330 are connected to the main control board 300.

[0061] The payout control board 310 performs control for launching game balls and control for paying out prize balls. This payout control board 310 also has a CPU, ROM, and RAM, and is connected to the main control board 300 so as to be able to communicate in both directions. This payout control board 310 is connected to a game information output terminal board 312, and various information on the progress of the game output from the main control board 300 is output to the hall computer of the gaming establishment via the payout control board 310 and the game information output terminal board 312.

[0062] A payout motor 314 is connected to the payout control board 310 to pay out the game balls stored in the storage section to the player as prize balls. The payout control board 310 controls the payout motor 314 based on a payout number designation command sent from the main control board 300 to control the payout motor 314 to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls to the player. At this time, the number of paid out game balls is detected by a payout ball count switch 316s, and it is possible to know whether the prize balls to be paid out have been paid out to the player.

[0063] In addition, a tray full detection switch 318s that detects the full state of the lower tray 134 is connected to the payout control board 310. This tray full detection switch 318s is provided in a passage that leads the game balls paid out as prize balls to the lower tray 134, and a game ball detection signal is input to the payout control board 310 every time a game ball passes through the passage.

[0064] Then, when a predetermined amount or more of game balls are stored in the lower tray 134 and the tray is in a full state, game balls are retained in the passage leading to the lower tray 134, and game ball detection signals are continuously input from the tray full detection switch 318s to the payout control board 310. When the payout control board 310 receives the game ball detection signals continuously for a predetermined time, it determines that the lower tray 134 is in a full state, and transmits a tray full command to the main control board 300. On the other hand, when the continuous input of the game ball detection signals is interrupted after transmitting the tray full command, it determines that the full state has been released, and transmits a tray full release command to the main control board 300.

[0065] In addition, the launch control circuit 320 is connected to the payout control board 310 so as to be able to communicate in both directions. When the launch control circuit 320 receives launch control data from the payout control board 310, it authorizes launch. To the launch control circuit 320, a touch sensor 112s that is provided on the operating handle 112 and detects that the player has touched the operating handle 112, and an operation volume 112a that detects the operation angle of the operating handle 112 are connected. When signals are input from the touch sensor 112s and the operation volume 112a, the launch control circuit 320 controls the energization of the launch solenoid 112c provided on the game ball launching device to launch the game ball.

[0066] The sub-control board 330 mainly controls each presentation during gameplay, standby, etc. The sub-control board 330 includes a sub-CPU 330a, a sub-ROM 330b, a sub-RAM 330c, and an RTC 330d, and is connected to the main control board 300 so as to be able to communicate in one direction from the main control board 300 to the sub-control board 330. The sub-CPU 330a reads out a program stored in the sub-ROM 330b and performs arithmetic processing based on commands transmitted from the main control board 300 and input signals from a timer, and also controls the execution of presentations. At this time, the sub-RAM 330c functions as a work area for data during arithmetic processing by the sub-CPU 330a.

[0067] Specifically, the sub-control board 330 performs image display control to display images on the main performance display unit 200a. A large number of various image data to be displayed on the main performance display unit 200a are stored in the sub-ROM 330b, and the sub-CPU 330a reads the image data from the sub-ROM 330b to a VRAM (not shown) and controls the image display on the main performance display unit 200a.

[0068] The sub-control board 330 also controls the movement of the stage prop device 202 and the lighting of the stage lighting devices 204 and 204a, and also controls the audio output to output audio from the audio output device 206. Furthermore, when an operation detection signal is input from the stage button detection switch 208s that detects that the stage button 208 has been pressed, a predetermined stage is executed.

[0069] Each board is connected to a power supply board (not shown), and power is supplied to each board from a commercial power source via the power supply board. A backup power supply consisting of a capacitor is also provided on the power supply board. The RTC 330d provided on the sub-control board 330 receives power from the backup power supply and keeps track of the current time.

[0070] Fig. 5 is an address map of the memory area used by the main CPU 300a. In Fig. 5, addresses are shown in hexadecimal, with "H" indicating a hexadecimal number. As shown in Fig. 5, the memory area used by the main CPU 300a includes a memory area (0000H to 2FFFH) allocated to the main ROM 300b and a memory area (F000H to F3FFH) allocated to the main RAM 300c.

[0071] The memory area of ​​the main ROM 300b is provided with a used area (0000H to 1A7AH) for storing programs and data for controlling the progress of the game, and a non-used area (2000H to 2BFFH) which is an area other than the used area and stores programs and data for executing processes for conducting tests stipulated in the gaming machine regulations and processes for displaying the performance display monitor 184 (including processes for calculating the base ratio to be displayed on the performance display monitor 184).

[0072] The used area of ​​the main ROM 300b includes a program area (0000H-0A89H) in which a program for controlling the progress of a game is stored, an unused area (0A8AH-0FFFH), and a data area (1000H-1A7AH) in which data other than the program is stored. Note that the used area may not include the unused area (0A8AH-0FFFH).

[0073] The unused area of ​​the main ROM 300b includes a program area (2000H to 27FFH) in which programs for executing processes for performing tests stipulated by gaming machine regulations and processes for displaying the performance display monitor 184 are stored, and a data area (2800H to 2BFFH) in which data other than these programs are stored.

[0074] In addition to the used area and unused area, the memory area of ​​the main ROM 300b also includes an unused area (1A7BH to 1DFFH), a ROM comment area (1E00H to 1EFFH) in which arbitrary data such as the program title and version is stored, an unused area (1F00H to 1FFFH), an unused area (2C00H to 2FBFH), and a program management area (2FC0H to 2FFFH) in which information necessary for the main CPU 300a to execute a program is stored.

[0075] The memory area of ​​the main RAM 300c is divided into a used area (F000H to F1FFH) that is temporarily used when a program for controlling the progress of the game is being executed, and a non-used area (F210H to F228H) that is an area other than the used area and is temporarily used when a program for performing processes for performing tests defined by the gaming machine regulations or for displaying the performance display monitor 184 is being executed.

[0076] The used area of ​​the main RAM 300c includes a work area (F000H-F12AH) that is temporarily used when a program for controlling the progress of a game is being executed, an unused area (F12BH-F1D7H), and a stack area (F1D8H-F1FFH) for temporarily saving data during execution of a program for controlling the progress of a game. The used area may not include the unused area (F12BH-F1D7H).

[0077] The unused area of ​​the main RAM 300c includes a work area (F210H to F21FH) that is temporarily used when programs for processing tests stipulated in the gaming machine regulations and processing for displaying the performance display monitor 184 are being executed, and a stack area (F220H to F228H) in which data is temporarily saved when these programs are being executed.

[0078] In addition to the used area and unused area, the memory area of ​​the main RAM 300c also includes an unused area (F200H to F20FH) and an unused area (F229H to F3FFH).

[0079] In this way, the main ROM 300b and the main RAM 300c are provided with separate areas: a used area used to control the progress of the game, and a non-used area used to execute processes for conducting tests defined by the gaming machine regulations and for controlling the display of the performance display monitor 184.

[0080] In the main RAM 300c, a 16-byte unused area (F200H-F20FH) is provided between the used area and the unused area. This unused area (F200H-F20FH) is set as a boundary area that separates the used area and the unused area, making the boundary between the used area and the unused area clear, and prevents the unused area from being used when a program for controlling the progress of a game is being executed, and prevents the used area from being used when a program for performing a process for performing a test specified by the gaming machine rules or a process for controlling the display of the performance display monitor 184 is being executed.

[0081] The unused area between the used area and the unused area only needs to be at least 1 byte, and from the viewpoint of preventing fraud, it is preferable that it is 4 bytes or more, and more preferably set to 16 bytes or more. Furthermore, writing and reading of data into the unused area is prohibited, but from the viewpoint of preventing fraud, it may be cleared at a predetermined timing.

[0082] Next, a game in the gaming machine 100 will be described together with various tables stored in the main ROM 300b.

[0083] As described above, the gaming machine 100 is a machine in which two types of games, a special game and a normal game, proceed in parallel, and the game states when these two games proceed are a non-time-saving game state, a first time-saving game state, and a second time-saving game state. In the following description, when there is no distinction between the first time-saving game state and the second time-saving game state, these two game states are collectively referred to as the time-saving game state.

[0084] Although the details of each game state will be described later, the non-time-saving game state is a game state in which the movable piece 122b is less likely to be in the open state and the game ball is less likely to enter the second start hole 122, and the time-saving game state is a game state in which the movable piece 122b is more likely to be in the open state than in the non-time-saving game state and the game ball is more likely to enter the second start hole 122. Each of these three types of game states has game progress conditions that are at least partially different from each other, and the game progresses according to the progress conditions corresponding to the game state being set. The initial state of the gaming machine 100 is set to the non-time-saving game state.

[0085] When a player operates the operating handle 112 to launch a game ball into the game area 116, and the game ball flowing down the game area 116 enters the first start port 120 or the second start port 122, a lottery is held to determine whether or not the player will receive a game profit (hereinafter, referred to as a "big prize lottery"). In this big prize lottery, if a big prize is won, a big prize game is executed in which the first big prize opening 126 is opened, and if a small prize is won, a small prize game is executed in which the second big prize opening 128 is opened, and a big prize game that develops from the small prize game may be executed. The big prize lottery method will be described below.

[0086] Although the details will be described later, when a game ball enters the first start hole 120 or the second start hole 122, various random number values ​​related to the big role lottery (jackpot determining random number, winning symbol random number, reach group determining random number, reach mode determining random number, and variable pattern random number) are obtained, and each of these random number values ​​is stored in the special symbol reservation memory area of ​​the main RAM 300c. Hereinafter, the various random numbers stored in the special symbol reservation memory area when a game ball enters the first start hole 120 are collectively referred to as special 1 reservation, and the various random numbers stored in the special symbol reservation memory area when a game ball enters the second start hole 122 are collectively referred to as special 2 reservation.

[0087] The special chart reservation memory area of ​​the main RAM 300c includes a first special chart reservation memory area and a second special chart reservation memory area. The first special chart reservation memory area and the second special chart reservation memory area each have four memory sections (first memory section to fourth memory section). When a game ball enters the first starting hole 120, the special 1 reservation is stored in order from the first memory section of the first special chart reservation memory area, and when a game ball enters the second starting hole 122, the special 2 reservation is stored in order from the first memory section of the second special chart reservation memory area.

[0088] For example, when a game ball enters the first starting hole 120, if no reservation is stored in any of the first storage section to the fourth storage section of the first special chart reservation storage area, the special 1 reservation is stored in the first storage section. Also, for example, when the special 1 reservation is stored in the first storage section to the third storage section, if a game ball enters the first starting hole 120, the special 1 reservation is stored in the fourth storage section.

[0089] However, the number of special 1 reservations (X1) that can be stored in the first special chart reservation memory area and the number of special 2 reservations (X2) that can be stored in the second special chart reservation memory area are both set to four. Therefore, for example, when a game ball enters the first start hole 120, if four special 1 reservations are already stored in the first special chart reservation memory area, the entry of the game ball into the first start hole 120 will not cause a new special 1 reservation to be stored. Similarly, when a game ball enters the second start hole 122, if four special 2 reservations are already stored in the second special chart reservation memory area, the entry of the game ball into the second start hole 122 will not cause a new special 2 reservation to be stored.

[0090] 6 is a diagram explaining the special 1 jackpot determination random number judgment table. When a game ball enters the first start hole 120 or the second start hole 122, one jackpot determination random number is obtained within the range of 0 to 65535. Then, a jackpot determination random number judgment table is selected according to the reserved type read out when starting the big prize lottery, and the big prize lottery is performed based on the selected jackpot determination random number judgment table and the acquired jackpot determination random number.

[0091] When starting a lottery for a special 1 reserved prize, the special 1 jackpot determination random number judgment table is referenced. Here, in the embodiment, six levels of setting values ​​with different degrees of advantage are provided, and a special 1 jackpot determination random number judgment table is provided for each setting value. During a game, the setting value is set to one of the six levels, and the special 1 jackpot determination random number judgment table corresponding to the currently set setting value (registered setting value stored in the setting value buffer) is referenced to draw a lottery for a special 1 jackpot.

[0092] When the setting value is set to 1 (registered setting value = 1), the big role lottery is performed by referring to the special 1 jackpot determination random number judgment table a shown in Figure 6 (a). According to this special 1 jackpot determination random number judgment table a, if the jackpot determination random number is 20001 to 20206, it is judged as a jackpot, and if it is any other jackpot determination random number, it is judged as a miss. Therefore, the jackpot probability in this case is about 1 / 318.1.

[0093] Also, when the setting value is set to 2 (registered setting value = 2), the big role lottery is performed by referring to the special 1 jackpot determination random number judgment table b shown in Figure 6 (b). According to this special 1 jackpot determination random number judgment table b, if the jackpot determination random number is 20001 to 20216, it is judged as a jackpot, and if it is any other jackpot determination random number, it is judged as a miss. Therefore, the jackpot probability in this case is about 1 / 303.4.

[0094] Also, when the setting value is set to 3 (registered setting value = 3), the big role lottery is performed by referring to the special 1 jackpot determination random number judgment table c shown in Figure 6 (c). According to this special 1 jackpot determination random number judgment table c, if the jackpot determination random number is 20001 to 20226, it is judged as a jackpot, and if it is any other jackpot determination random number, it is judged as a miss. Therefore, the jackpot probability in this case is about 1 / 289.9.

[0095] Also, when the setting value is set to 4 (registered setting value = 4), the big role lottery is performed by referring to the special 1 jackpot determination random number judgment table d shown in Figure 6 (d). According to this special 1 jackpot determination random number judgment table d, if the jackpot determination random number is 20001 to 20236, it is judged as a jackpot, and if it is any other jackpot determination random number, it is judged as a miss. Therefore, the jackpot probability in this case is about 1 / 277.6.

[0096] Also, when the setting value is set to 5 (registered setting value = 5), the big role lottery is performed by referring to the special 1 jackpot determination random number judgment table e shown in Figure 6 (e). According to this special 1 jackpot determination random number judgment table e, if the jackpot determination random number is 20001 to 20246, it is judged as a jackpot, and if it is any other jackpot determination random number, it is judged as a miss. Therefore, the jackpot probability in this case is about 1 / 266.4.

[0097] Also, when the setting value is set to 6 (registered setting value = 6), the big role lottery is performed by referring to the special 1 jackpot determination random number judgment table f shown in Figure 6 (f). According to this special 1 jackpot determination random number judgment table f, if the jackpot determination random number is 20001 to 20256, it is judged as a jackpot, and if it is any other jackpot determination random number, it is judged as a miss. Therefore, the jackpot probability in this case is about 1 / 256.0.

[0098] FIG. 7 is a diagram explaining the special 2 jackpot determination random number judgment table. When starting a lottery for a special 2 reserved jackpot, the special 2 jackpot determination random number judgment table is referenced. The special 2 jackpot determination random number judgment table is provided for each set value, similar to the special 1 jackpot determination random number judgment table. For each set value, the probability of winning a jackpot according to the special 2 jackpot determination random number judgment table and the special 1 jackpot determination random number judgment table is equal.

[0099] In addition, according to the special 2 jackpot determination random number judgment table, all random numbers other than the jackpot determination random number that is judged as a jackpot are judged as small jackpots for all set values. Therefore, in the big role lottery based on the special 2 reservation, the probability of winning a jackpot or small jackpot is 1 / 1 regardless of the set value.

[0100] As described above, in the big role lottery, it is easier to win a big prize when the registration setting value is large than when it is small, but even if the registration setting value is different, the probability of winning a big prize may not change. Also, here, it is not possible to win a small prize by the special 1 reservation, but it is also possible to win a small prize with a certain probability by the special 1 reservation.

[0101] 8 is a diagram explaining the winning symbol random number judgment table. When a game ball enters the first start hole 120 or the second start hole 122, one winning symbol random number is obtained within the range of 0 to 99. Then, when the judgment result of "big win" or "small win" is derived by the big role lottery, the type of special symbol is determined by the obtained winning symbol random number and the winning symbol random number judgment table.

[0102] When the "big win" is won by the special 1 reservation, the special 1 winning pattern random number determination table is selected as shown in Fig. 8(a). When the "big win" is won by the special 2 reservation, the special 2 winning pattern random number determination table a is selected as shown in Fig. 8(b), and when the "small win" is won, the special 2 winning pattern random number determination table b is selected as shown in Fig. 8(c).

[0103] In the following, among the special patterns determined by the winning pattern random number, the special pattern determined when a big win determination result is obtained is called a big win pattern, the special pattern determined when a small win determination result is obtained is called a small win pattern, and the special pattern determined when a loss determination result is obtained is called a loss pattern.

[0104] According to the special 1 winning symbol random number determination table shown in Fig. 8(a) and the special 2 winning symbol random number determination table a shown in Fig. 8(b), the type of special symbol (big winning symbol) is determined according to the value of the acquired winning symbol random number, as shown in the figure. Also, according to the special 2 winning symbol random number determination table b shown in Fig. 8(c), the type of special symbol (small winning symbol) is determined according to the value of the acquired winning symbol random number, as shown in the figure.

[0105] On the other hand, when the result of the big role lottery is a "miss", if the result of the lottery is derived by the special 1 reservation, the special pattern X is determined as the missing pattern without conducting a lottery.

[0106] In other words, the winning symbol random number determination table is referenced when the big prize lottery result is a "big prize" or a "small prize", and is not referenced when the big prize lottery result is a "miss". In this case, different big prize symbols are determined in the special 1 winning symbol random number determination table and the special 2 winning symbol random number determination table a. However, the same big prize symbol may be determined in both tables, or the type of special symbol (big prize symbol) may be determined by referring to the winning symbol random number determination table 1 regardless of the reserved type.

[0107] In this embodiment, the selection ratio of the big win symbol and the small win symbol is common to all the setting values, but the selection ratio of the big win symbol and the small win symbol may be different for each setting value.

[0108] Also, here, all the "misses" derived based on the special 1 reservation are specific misses, and the special symbol X is a specific miss symbol. However, if the result of the big role lottery is a "miss", the type of the miss symbol may be determined in the same way as when a big win or a small win is won. At this time, only the specific miss symbol may be provided as the miss symbol, or a normal miss symbol and a specific miss symbol may be provided, and the type of the miss symbol may be determined by lottery.

[0109] In this embodiment, common controls (execution modes of special games) that are executed depending on the type of special symbol that is stopped and displayed are grouped together as a "type." For example, in the special 1 winning symbol random number determination table, multiple types of special symbols such as special symbol Z1a, special symbol Z1b, and special symbol Z1c can be determined within the winning symbol random number range of "0" to "79," and the "types" of these multiple special symbols are collectively shown as a "type."

[0110] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the reach group determination random number judgment table. A plurality of reach group determination random number judgment tables are provided, and a preset table is selected according to the reserved type, reserved number, game state, and the variable state associated with the game state. When a game ball enters the first start hole 120 or the second start hole 122, one reach group determination random number is acquired from the range of 0 to 10006. As described above, when the big role lottery result is derived, a process is performed to determine a variable performance pattern (variation mode number, variable pattern number) that notifies the big role lottery result. In the embodiment, when the big role lottery result is "miss", in determining the variable performance pattern, first, the group type is determined by the reach group determination random number and the reach group determination random number judgment table. Note that the variable state is a concept that specifies which table is to be referenced to determine the variable performance pattern, and is set separately from the game state.

[0111] For example, when the game state is set to the non-time-saving game state, if the "miss" big role lottery result is derived based on the special 1 reservation, and the number of reserved special 1s (hereinafter simply referred to as the "reserved number") when the big role lottery is performed is 0, the reach group determination random number judgment table 1 is selected as shown in FIG. 9(a). Similarly, when the game state is set to the non-time-saving game state, if the "miss" big role lottery result is derived based on the special 1 reservation, and the number of reserved special roles when the big role lottery is performed is 1, the reach group determination random number judgment table 2 is selected as shown in FIG. 9(b), and if the number of reserved special roles is 2 to 3, the reach group determination random number judgment table 3 is selected as shown in FIG. 9(c). In FIG. 9, the group x written in the group type column indicates an arbitrary group number. Therefore, various group numbers are determined as the group type according to the acquired reach group determination random number and the type of the reach group determination random number judgment table to be referred to.

[0112] Here, we have explained the reach group determination random number judgment table that is referenced when a "miss" major role lottery result is derived based on the special 1 reservation in a non-time-saving game state, but many other reach group determination random number judgment tables are stored in the main ROM 300b.

[0113] In addition, if the result of the big role lottery is a "big win" or a "small win", the group type is not determined when determining the variable performance pattern. In other words, the reach group determination random number judgment table is referenced only when the result of the big role lottery is a "miss", and is not referenced when the result of the big role lottery is a "big win" or a "small win".

[0114] 10 is a diagram explaining the reach mode determination random number judgment table. This reach mode determination random number judgment table is roughly divided into a miss time reach mode determination random number judgment table which is selected when the big role lottery result is "miss", and a hit time reach mode determination random number judgment table which is selected when the big role lottery result is "big win" or "small win". The miss time reach mode determination random number judgment table is provided for each group type determined as above, and the hit time reach mode determination random number judgment table is provided for each reserved type.

[0115] In addition, each reach mode determination random number judgment table is also provided for each game state and type of symbol. Here, an example of a reach mode determination random number judgment table for a group x when it is lost, which is referred to in a predetermined game state and type of symbol, is shown in Figure 10(a), an example of a reach mode determination random number judgment table for a special 1 hit is shown in Figure 10(b), and an example of a reach mode determination random number judgment table for a special 2 hit is shown in Figure 10(c).

[0116] When a game ball enters the first start hole 120 or the second start hole 122, one reach mode determination random number is obtained from the range of 0 to 250. If the result of the big role lottery is a "lose", as shown in Fig. 10(a), a reach mode determination random number judgment table at the time of a miss corresponding to the group type determined by the lottery of the group type is selected, and a variable mode number is determined based on the selected reach mode determination random number judgment table at the time of a miss and the reach mode determination random number.

[0117] Furthermore, if the result of the above-mentioned major prize lottery is a "big win" or a "small win," as shown in Figures 10(b) and (c), a hit-time reach mode determination random number judgment table corresponding to the read-out hold type is selected, and a variable mode number is determined based on the selected hit-time reach mode determination random number judgment table and the reach mode determination random number.

[0118] In addition, in each reach mode determination random number judgment table, the reach mode determination random number is associated with a fluctuation pattern random number judgment table described later together with the fluctuation mode number, and the fluctuation pattern random number judgment table is determined at the same time as the fluctuation mode number is determined. In addition, in FIG. 10, table x described in the column of the fluctuation pattern random number judgment table indicates an arbitrary table number. Therefore, the fluctuation mode number and the table number of the fluctuation pattern random number judgment table are determined according to the acquired reach group determination random number and the type of the reach mode determination random number judgment table to be referred to. In addition, in the embodiment, the fluctuation mode number and the fluctuation pattern number described later are set in hexadecimal. In the following, "H" is added when indicating a hexadecimal number, but ○○H described in FIG. 10 to FIG. 12 indicates an arbitrary value indicated in hexadecimal.

[0119] As described above, when the big role lottery result is "miss", the group type is first determined by the reach group determination random number judgment table and reach group determination random number shown in Fig. 9. Then, according to the determined group type and the game state, the fluctuation mode number and the fluctuation pattern random number judgment table are determined by the reach mode determination random number judgment table at the time of miss and the reach mode determination random number shown in Fig. 10(a).

[0120] On the other hand, if the result of the major role lottery is a "big win" or a "small win," the hit-time reach mode determination random number judgment table shown in Figure 10, which corresponds to the type of special pattern determined, will be referenced, and the reach mode determination random number will be used to determine the fluctuation mode number and fluctuation pattern random number judgment table.

[0121] 11 is a diagram for explaining the fluctuation pattern random number determination table. Here, the fluctuation pattern random number determination table x of a predetermined table number x is shown, but in addition, many other fluctuation pattern random number determination tables are provided for each table number.

[0122] When a game ball enters the first start hole 120 or the second start hole 122, one fluctuation pattern random number is obtained from the range of 0 to 238. Then, based on the fluctuation pattern random number determination table determined at the same time as the above fluctuation mode number and the obtained fluctuation pattern random number, a fluctuation pattern number is determined as shown in the figure.

[0123] In this way, when the big role lottery is performed, the change mode number and the change pattern number are determined according to the big role lottery result, the determined symbol type, the game state, the reserved number, the reserved type, etc. These change mode numbers and change pattern numbers specify the change performance pattern, and each of them is associated with the mode and time of the change performance.

[0124] Fig. 12 is a diagram for explaining a variation time determination table. As described above, when the variation mode number is determined, the variation time 1 is determined according to the variation time 1 determination table shown in Fig. 12(a). According to this variation time 1 determination table, the variation time 1 is associated with each variation mode number, and the corresponding variation time 1 is determined according to the determined variation mode number.

[0125] In addition, as described above, when the variation pattern number is determined, the variation time 2 is determined according to the variation time 2 determination table shown in Fig. 12(b). According to this variation time 2 determination table, the variation time 2 is associated with each variation pattern number, and the corresponding variation time 2 is determined according to the determined variation pattern number. The total time of the variation times 1 and 2 determined in this way is the time of the variation performance that notifies the big role lottery result, that is, the variation time.

[0126] When the variation mode number is determined as described above, a variation mode command corresponding to the determined variation mode number is sent to the sub-control board 330, and when the variation pattern number is determined, a variation pattern command corresponding to the determined variation pattern number is sent to the sub-control board 330. In the sub-control board 330, the first half of the variation performance is mainly determined based on the received variation mode command, and the second half of the variation performance is mainly determined based on the received variation pattern command, but the details will be described later. In the following, the variation mode number and the variation pattern number are collectively referred to as variation information, and the variation mode command and the variation pattern command are collectively referred to as variation command.

[0127] 13 is a diagram explaining the special electric accessory operation ram set table. The special electric accessory operation ram set table stores various data for controlling the small win game and the big win game, and during the small win game and the big win game, the first big win port solenoid 126c and the second big win port solenoid 128c are controlled to be energized by referring to the special electric accessory operation ram set table.

[0128] According to the special electric role operation ram set table, the opening time (waiting time until the first round play starts), the maximum number of times the special electric role is operated (the number of round games executed during one small win game or one big role game), the opening large prize winning hole (the first large prize winning hole 126 and the second large prize winning hole 128 opened in each round game), the number of times the special electric role is opened and closed (the number of times the first large prize winning hole 126 and the second large prize winning hole 128 are opened during one round game), the solenoid energization time (the first large prize winning hole solenoid 126c and the second large prize winning hole solenoid 126c for each number of times the first large prize winning hole 126 and the second large prize winning hole 128 are opened) The power supply time of the noid 128c, i.e., the opening time of the first large prize opening 126 and the second large prize opening 128 in one play), the specified number (the maximum number of wins possible in the first large prize opening 126 and the second large prize opening 128 in one round of play), the effective time for closing the large prize opening (the closing time of the first large prize opening 126 and the second large prize opening 128 between rounds of play, i.e., the interval time between rounds), and the ending time (the waiting time from the end of the last round of play until the resumption of normal special play) are pre-stored as control data for the big prize play for each type of big prize pattern or small prize pattern as shown in the figure.

[0129] In the embodiment, a common special electric device activation ram set table is referenced for all jackpot symbols (special symbols Z1, Z2, Z3a, Z4a). When a jackpot is won, 10 rounds of play are played in which the first large prize winning hole 126 is opened. Each round of play ends when a specified number (10 balls) of game balls enter the first large prize winning hole 126 or the maximum opening time (29.0 seconds) has elapsed.

[0130] In the embodiment, a common special electric device operation ram set table is referenced for all small prize symbols (special symbols Z3b, Z4b). When a small prize is won, a small prize game consisting of one round of play is first played. In this small prize game, the second large prize opening 128 is repeatedly opened and closed. Specifically, the second large prize opening 128 is controlled to open and close in the following order: 0.1 second open (open 1), 3.0 second closed (close 1), 0.1 second open (open 2), 1.0 second closed (close 2), 0.1 second open (open 3), 1.0 second closed (close 3), and 0.1 second open (open 4).

[0131] As described above, in the small prize game, the second large prize opening 128 is opened a maximum of four times in the first round game, but this is not limited to this. For example, the second large prize opening 128 may be opened a maximum of 10 times or more in the first round game, and if the total opening time of the second large prize opening 128 in the first round game is designed not to exceed 1.8 seconds, the opening operation of 0.12 seconds may be performed 15 times. In particular, if it is desired to win a sufficient number of prize balls by the maximum number of balls that can be entered in one round that satisfies the closing condition of the large prize opening even in the small prize game (first round), a design with a large number of openings, such as 15 opening operations of 0.12 seconds, is suitable.

[0132] Here, a specific area 140b and a non-specific area 140c are provided inside the second large winning opening 128, and a game ball that enters the second large winning opening 128 always enters the specific area 140b or the non-specific area 140c. In a small winning game, when a game ball that enters the second large winning opening 128 enters the specific area 140b, a condition device (flag) for executing a big role game is activated, and a role continuous operation device (a device that manages a big role game) is activated following the small winning game, and a big role game in which the first large winning opening 126 is opened is executed.

[0133] Fig. 14 is a diagram illustrating the opening and closing manner of the second large prize opening 128 and the opening and closing manner of the specific area 140b by the movable member 142. As shown in Fig. 14, in a small prize game in which the second large prize opening 128 is opened, the movable member 142 opens the specific area 140b for an instant (about 0.1 seconds) at the same time as the second large prize opening 128 is opened, and then maintains the specific area 140b in a closed state for a predetermined time, and then maintains the specific area 140b in an open state again.

[0134] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 14, when the special symbols Z3b and Z4b are determined and a small prize game is executed, the second large prize opening 128 is opened a total of four times in the small prize game. Therefore, the game ball that enters the second large prize opening 128 at the same time as the first opening of the second large prize opening 128 may not be able to enter the specific area 140b, but the game ball that enters the second large prize opening 128 at the second or subsequent openings of the second large prize opening 128 can reliably enter the specific area 140b.

[0135] Although detailed explanation is omitted, a structure is provided above the second large prize opening 128 to decelerate the game ball rolling on the second large prize opening 128. This allows the game ball to be launched appropriately into the second game area 116b from the start of the small prize game, and when the game ball reaches above the second large prize opening 128, the game ball always enters the specific area 140b.

[0136] In addition, if an unforeseen event occurs, such as a game ball getting stuck in the second large winning opening 128, or a game ball getting stuck in the second large winning opening 128 for a long time for some reason, even if the game ball enters the second large winning opening 128 in a small winning game, the game ball may not enter the specific area 140b. Therefore, in this specification, for ease of understanding, the words "always" and "certainly" are used in the explanation, but this is based on the premise that the state of the gaming machine 100 is in an appropriate state for playing the game and that no unforeseen event has occurred, and does not mean 100% physically.

[0137] As described above, in this embodiment, as long as the player plays appropriately, it is possible to win the two-type big win in the small win game regardless of the type of small win symbol. However, a small win symbol may be provided in which the second big win opening 128 is controlled to open and close in a manner that prevents the game ball from entering the specific area 140b.

[0138] Returning to FIG. 13, when the game ball enters the specific area 140b in the small prize game and wins the second type of big prize, the big prize game is executed. In this big prize game, nine round games (2R to 10R) are executed. In each round game, the first big prize opening 126 is opened once. In this case, the maximum opening time of the first big prize opening 126 is 29.0 seconds.

[0139] Each round of play ends when a specified number (10 balls) of game balls enter the first big prize opening 126 or when the above-mentioned maximum opening time has elapsed. In the big prize play, if the player is playing appropriately, the specified number of game balls will certainly enter the first big prize opening 126. Therefore, in this embodiment, when a small prize is won, a total of 10 rounds of play can be played by the small prize play and the big prize play.

[0140] In each round of play, 10 game balls enter the first large prize opening 126 or the second large prize opening 128. When a game ball enters the first large prize opening 126 or the second large prize opening 128, 15 prize balls are paid out for each ball that enters. Therefore, by winning one big or small prize, a player can win 1,500 game balls (number of rounds (10R) x specified number (10 balls) x number of prize balls (15 balls)).

[0141] FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining a game state setting table for setting the game state after the end of the big prize game. In addition, although details will be described later, when the special symbol Z3a, which is a big prize symbol, is won and when the special symbol Z3b, which is a small prize symbol, the transition of the game state and the game profit given to the player are the same. Therefore, in the following, when the special symbols Z3a and Z3b are not distinguished, these two special symbols are collectively referred to as the special symbol Z3. Similarly, when the special symbol Z4a, which is a big prize symbol, is won and when the special symbol Z4b, which is a small prize symbol, the transition of the game state and the game profit given to the player are the same. Therefore, in the following, when the special symbols Z4a and Z4b are not distinguished, these two special symbols are collectively referred to as the special symbol Z4.

[0142] When a big win is won in a big win lottery, or when a two-type big win is won in a small win game, the game state after the big win game ends is set according to the type of the special symbol won and the game state at the time of winning.

[0143] As described above, here, a non-time-shortened game state and a time-shortened game state (first time-shortened game state, second time-shortened game state) are provided. The non-time-shortened game state is the initial state of the gaming machine 100, and the time-shortened game state is a state in which the second start opening 122 is easier to open than the non-time-shortened game state. That is, an opening condition for opening the second start opening 122 is set in each game state, and an opening condition for opening the second start opening 122 is set in the time-shortened game state, which is easier to open than the non-time-shortened game state.

[0144] In addition, when the game state after the big role game is set to the time-saving game state, the time-saving end condition for ending the time-saving game state is also set. Here, the time-saving end condition is set to the number of times of normal pattern variation and the number of times of special pattern variation.

[0145] The number of times of normal pattern change is the number of times of pattern change processing based on normal pattern reservation (hereinafter referred to as normal pattern change), that is, the number of times of normal play. The number of times of normal pattern change is subtracted every time a normal play is performed in the time-saving play state (every time a normal pattern change display is performed, or every time a normal electric role is operated), and when the remaining number of times of normal pattern change becomes 0, the play state is changed to a non-time-saving play state.

[0146] The number of special pattern changes is the number of pattern changes based on the special 1 reservation or special 2 reservation (hereinafter referred to as special pattern changes), that is, the number of special games. Here, among the special pattern changes, the special pattern changes based on the special 1 reservation are called special 1 changes, and the special pattern changes based on the special 2 reservation are called special 2 changes. Here, the number of special pattern changes and the number of special pattern changes are set as the time-saving end conditions.

[0147] The number of special 1 variations is subtracted each time a special 1 variation is executed in the time-saving game state, and the game state is changed when the remaining number of special 1 variations becomes 0. Similarly, the number of special 2 variations is subtracted each time a special 2 variation is executed in the time-saving game state, and when the remaining number of special 2 variations becomes 0, the game state is changed.

[0148] In other words, the time-saving game state has the number of normal variations, special 1 variations, and special 2 variations that can be executed before the time-saving game state ends set. When any one of these time-saving end conditions is met, the game state changes. Note that, although there is a time-saving end condition that is not set in this embodiment, it is also possible to configure the time-saving game state to end using a counter that is subtracted each time any of the variations is executed, depending on the total number of variations of special 1 variations and special 2 variations.

[0149] As shown in FIG. 15, when the special symbol Z1 is won in the non-time-saving game state or the first time-saving game state, and then the big role game is executed, the game state after the big role game is set to the first time-saving game state. In this case, the time-saving end condition of the first time-saving game state is set to 100 times for the number of normal symbol changes, 100 times for the number of special 1 changes, and 1 time for the number of special 2 changes. Also, when the special symbol Z1 is won in the second time-saving game state, and then the big role game is executed, the game state after the big role game is set to the second time-saving game state. In this case, the time-saving end condition of the second time-saving game state is set to 10,000 times for the number of normal symbol changes, 10,000 times for the number of special 1 changes, and 1 time for the number of special 2 changes.

[0150] In addition, if the special symbols Z2 and Z4 are won and then the big role game is executed, regardless of the game state at the time of winning, the game state after the big role game is set to the second time-saving game state. In this case, the time-saving end condition of the second time-saving game state is set to 10,000 times for the normal pattern variation, 10,000 times for the special 1 variation, and 1 time for the special 2 variation.

[0151] In addition, if the special symbol Z3 is won and then the big role game is executed, regardless of the game state at the time of winning, the game state after the big role game is set to the first time-saving game state. In this case, the time-saving end condition of the second time-saving game state is set to 100 times for the normal symbol variation, 100 times for the special 1 variation, and 1 time for the special 2 variation.

[0152] FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a winning decision random number judgment table. When a game ball flowing down the game area 116 passes through the gate 124 or enters the normal symbol operation port 125, a normal symbol judgment process (hereinafter referred to as "normal symbol lottery") is performed, which is associated with whether or not to control the movable piece 122b of the second starting port 122 to be energized. Note that the process when the game ball passes through the gate 124 is completely the same as the process when the game ball enters the normal symbol operation port 125. Therefore, the case where the game ball passes through the gate 124 will be described below as an example.

[0153] Although the details will be described later, when the game ball passes through the gate 124, one random number for determining a normal map hit, a random number for determining a normal map, and a random number for determining a normal map variation pattern are obtained from the range of 0 to 99, and this random number value is stored in the normal map reserve memory area of ​​the main RAM 300c, with a maximum of four. In other words, the normal map reserve memory area has four memory units for saving the random numbers for determining a normal map hit, a random number for determining a normal map variation pattern, and a random number for determining a normal map variation pattern. Therefore, when the game ball passes through the gate 124 with the normal map hit determination random number and the like stored in all four memory units of the normal map reserve memory area, the normal map hit determination random number, the normal map determination random number, and the normal map variation pattern determination random number are not stored based on the passage of the game ball. Hereinafter, the hit determination random number, the normal map determination random number, and the normal map variation pattern determination random number stored in the normal map reserve memory area are referred to as normal map reserve.

[0154] When starting the normal drawing lottery in the non-time-saving game state, the non-time-saving game state normal drawing winning random number judgment table is referenced as shown in Fig. 16(a). According to this non-time-saving game state normal drawing winning random number judgment table, if the normal drawing winning random number is 0, a winning judgment result is derived, and if the normal drawing winning random number is 1 to 99, a losing judgment result is derived. Therefore, the probability of winning in the normal drawing lottery in the non-time-saving game state is 1 / 100.

[0155] Although not adopted in this embodiment, as a modified example, it is also possible to configure the table for determining a normal winning symbol for non-time-saving play state so that the range of random number values ​​that will result in a winning symbol is not set, or so that various random numbers such as the random number for determining a normal winning symbol are not obtained even if the game ball passes through gate 124 in the non-time-saving play state, so that a winning symbol will not be determined in the normal lottery in the non-time-saving play state.

[0156] In addition, when starting the normal drawing lottery in the first time-saving game state, the first time-saving game state normal drawing win random number judgment table is referenced as shown in Fig. 16 (b). According to this first time-saving game state normal drawing win random number judgment table, if the normal drawing win random number is 0 to 98, a win judgment result is derived, and if the normal drawing win random number is 99, a miss judgment result is derived. Therefore, the probability of winning in the normal drawing lottery in the first time-saving game state is 99 / 100.

[0157] In addition, when the normal drawing is started in the second time-saving game state, the second time-saving game state normal drawing win random number determination table is referenced as shown in Fig. 16(c). According to this second time-saving game state normal drawing win random number determination table, if the normal drawing win random number is 0 to 98, a win determination result is derived, and if the normal drawing win random number is 99, a miss determination result is derived. Therefore, the probability of winning in the normal drawing in the second time-saving game state is 99 / 100.

[0158] Here, the winning probability is the same in the first time-saving game state and the second time-saving game state, but the winning probability may be different in both game states. Also, regardless of the game state, the winning probability may always be constant. For example, the winning probability of the normal lottery may be set high in all game states including the non-time-saving game state.

[0159] FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the normal pattern determination random number judgment table. When a winning judgment result is derived in the normal pattern lottery, the type of the normal pattern, that is, the winning pattern of the normal pattern, is determined by referring to the normal pattern determination random number judgment table. Here, normal pattern S and normal pattern L are provided as the "type" of the winning pattern of the normal pattern. In the following explanation, it is explained that the normal pattern S or normal pattern L is determined as the normal pattern type by the normal pattern determination random number judgment table provided for each game state, but in reality, one of normal patterns 1 to N (N is an integer of 2 or more) is determined, and the control accompanying the stop display of the winning normal pattern is configured to be different for each game state. In other words, the ordinary patterns described as ordinary pattern S and ordinary pattern L in the following explanation are configured so that in one game state the ordinary pattern type is ordinary pattern S, while in another game state the ordinary pattern type belonging to ordinary pattern L can be determined as the winning ordinary pattern by the ordinary pattern determination random number judgment table.

[0160] Although the details will be described later, in the current game state, when a normal pattern whose normal pattern type is normal pattern S is determined, the opening time of the second start hole 122 is short, and the game ball almost never enters the second start hole 122. Therefore, winning the normal pattern S is essentially equivalent to losing the normal pattern lottery. On the other hand, in the current game state, when a normal pattern whose normal pattern type is normal pattern L is determined, the opening time of the second start hole 122 is long, and if the game is played appropriately, at least one game ball will certainly enter the second start hole 122. Therefore, it can be said that the purpose of the normal game is to win the normal pattern L.

[0161] A normal symbol determination random number judgment table is provided for each game state, and the normal symbol determination random number judgment table corresponding to the game state when the normal symbol lottery is performed is referenced. In the non-time-saving game state, the normal symbol determination random number judgment table for the non-time-saving game state shown in FIG. 17(a) is referenced. According to this normal symbol determination random number judgment table for the non-time-saving game state, when the value of the normal symbol determination random number acquired as the normal symbol reservation is 0 to 65534, the normal symbol S is determined, and when the value of the normal symbol determination random number is 65535, the normal symbol L is determined. Therefore, the probability of winning the normal symbol L in the non-time-saving game state is almost 0%.

[0162] In the first time-saving game state, the first time-saving game state normal symbol determination random number judgment table shown in Fig. 17(b) is referenced. According to this first time-saving game state normal symbol determination random number judgment table, when the value of the normal symbol determination random number acquired as the normal symbol reservation is 0 to 64600, the normal symbol S is determined, and when the value of the normal symbol determination random number is 64601 to 65535, the normal symbol L is determined. Therefore, the probability of winning the normal symbol L in the first time-saving game state is about 1 / 70.

[0163] In the second time-saving game state, the second time-saving game state normal symbol determination random number judgment table shown in Fig. 17(c) is referenced. According to this second time-saving game state normal symbol determination random number judgment table, when the value of the normal symbol determination random number acquired as the normal symbol reservation is 0 to 58981, the normal symbol S is determined, and when the value of the normal symbol determination random number is 58982 to 65535, the normal symbol L is determined. Therefore, the probability of winning the normal symbol L in the second time-saving game state is about 1 / 10.

[0164] In this embodiment, the normal pattern type is determined to be normal pattern S or normal pattern L at the game state when the normal pattern lottery is performed, that is, at the timing when the variable display of the normal pattern begins. However, since the game state may change during the variable display of the normal pattern due to the variable display of the special pattern or the implementation of a special game, it is also possible to determine only the type of pattern to be stopped and displayed at the time of the normal pattern lottery, and refer to the game state at the time of the normal pattern being stopped and determine the normal pattern type based on the type of normal pattern that has been stopped and the current game state in order to determine the subsequent control state.

[0165] Fig. 18(a) is a diagram explaining the normal symbol variation time data table, and Fig. 18(b) is a diagram explaining the opening and closing control pattern table. As described above, when the normal symbol lottery is performed, a lottery is performed using the normal symbol variation pattern determination random number obtained when the game ball passes through the gate 124 and the normal symbol variation time data table, and the normal symbol variation time is determined. The normal symbol variation time data table is referenced when determining the normal symbol variation time when a winning or losing normal symbol is determined by the normal symbol lottery.

[0166] According to this normal symbol fluctuation time data table, when the game state is set to the non-time-saving game state, the fluctuation time is determined to be 30 seconds, and when the game state is set to the first time-saving game state or the second time-saving game state, the fluctuation time is determined to be any one of 2 to 20 seconds. When the fluctuation time is determined in this manner, the normal symbol display 168 is variably displayed (blinking) for the determined time. Then, when the fluctuation time has elapsed, the normal symbol display 168 displays a winning symbol or a losing symbol in a stopped state.

[0167] Then, when the winning normal symbol is determined by the normal symbol lottery and the winning symbol is stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display 168, the movable piece 122b of the second starting hole 122 is controlled to energize by referring to the opening / closing control pattern table as shown in Fig. 18(b). Note that, in reality, an opening / closing control pattern table is provided for each game state, and depending on the game state when the normal symbol is determined, a corresponding table is set at the start of energization of the normal electric role solenoid 122c, but here, for convenience of explanation, control data corresponding to each game state is shown in one table.

[0168] When a winning normal symbol is determined, the second starting hole 122 is controlled to open and close by referring to the opening and closing control pattern table, as shown in FIG. 18(b). According to this opening / closing control pattern table, the time before normal power is released (waiting time until the second start port 122 starts to open), the maximum number of times the normal electric role can be switched between opening and closing (number of times the second start port 122 is opened), the solenoid power supply time (power supply time of the normal electric role solenoid 122c for each number of times the second start port 122 is opened, i.e., the opening time of the second start port 122 once), the specified number (the maximum number of winning entries into the second start port 122 while the second start port 122 is fully open), the normal power closing effective time (the closing time between each opening of the second start port 122, i.e., the pause time), the normal power effective state time (waiting time from the end of the last opening of the second start port 122), and the normal power end wait time (waiting time until the variable display of the normal pattern described below is resumed after the normal power effective state time has elapsed) are pre-stored as control data for the second start port 122 for each type of normal pattern (winning pattern) as shown in the figure.

[0169] When the normal symbol S is stopped and displayed, the second start hole 122 is opened once every 0.01 seconds as shown in the figure (the movable piece 122b provided near the second start hole 122 is displaced to a state where it protrudes forward of the game board surface to facilitate ball entry). Therefore, in an auxiliary game in which the normal symbol S is stopped and displayed, it is almost impossible for a game ball to enter the second start hole 122. In contrast, when the normal symbol L is stopped and displayed, the second start hole 122 is opened twice every 2.9 seconds as shown in the figure. Therefore, in an auxiliary game in which the normal symbol L is stopped and displayed, it is possible to reliably allow a game ball to enter the second start hole 122.

[0170] Here, the specified number is set to one, and when the above-mentioned solenoid power supply time, i.e., the maximum opening time of the second starting port 122, has elapsed or one game ball, which is the specified number, has entered the second starting port 122, the second starting port 122 is closed and the auxiliary game ends.

[0171] As described above, the opening / closing control conditions for opening / closing the second start port 122 are associated with each game state as game progress conditions, and in the time-saving game state, the probability that the normal symbol L is determined as the normal symbol type is higher than in the non-time-saving game state, and the game ball is relatively more likely to enter the second start port 122. In other words, in the time-saving game state, as long as the game ball passes through the gate 124, the normal symbol lottery is performed one after another, and the probability that the second start port 122 is in the open state is set higher than in the non-time-saving game state. Therefore, the player can perform the big role lottery while reducing the consumption of game balls.

[0172] The opening and closing conditions of the second start hole 122 stipulate three elements: the probability of winning a normal symbol, the time for which the normal symbol is displayed variably, and the opening time of the second start hole 122. In the embodiment, all of these three elements are set to be more advantageous for the time-saving game state than for the non-time-saving game state, so that the game ball is more likely to enter the second start hole 122 in the time-saving game state than in the non-time-saving game state.

[0173] However, one or two of the above three elements may be set to be more advantageous in the time-saving game state than in the non-time-saving game state. In any case, the time-saving game state may be set to be more advantageous in at least one element than the non-time-saving game state, so that the game ball may enter the second starting hole 122 more easily in the time-saving game state than in the non-time-saving game state. In other words, it is sufficient that the lottery for the big role based on the special 2 reservation is executed more easily in the time-saving game state than in the non-time-saving game state.

[0174] FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining game characteristics according to the embodiment. In the following, a case where the player appropriately launches the game ball and the game progresses in accordance with the original game characteristics, that is, a case where the game continues normally, will be mainly explained, and an explanation of the occurrence of an irregular situation will be basically omitted. In addition, the description will be given here assuming that the registration setting value is set to 1. Note that a case where the game continues normally refers to a case where the player plays the game in accordance with the original game characteristics, and indicates a case where an irregular situation such as various errors or a game stop does not occur.

[0175] The initial state of the gaming machine 100 is the non-time-saving gaming state, and the player starts playing in the non-time-saving gaming state, as shown in (a) of FIG. 19. In the non-time-saving gaming state, the second starting hole 122 is hardly opened, so the player performs a so-called left shot to shoot the gaming ball toward the first gaming area 116a, and the gaming ball enters the first starting hole 120A. In other words, in the non-time-saving gaming state, the main game is the special game, and the target reservation that is subject to the change is the special 1 reservation, that is, the target change is the special 1 change. In the non-time-saving gaming state, the player plays the game while hoping to win a jackpot by the special 1 reservation. In addition, in the non-time-saving gaming state, the probability of winning a jackpot based on the special 1 reservation is set to about 1 / 318.1.

[0176] In the non-time-saving game state, when a jackpot is won by the special 1 reservation, either the special symbol Z1 or Z2 is determined as the jackpot symbol, and a big prize game is executed. In this big prize game, the player can get 1500 prize balls.

[0177] When the special symbol Z1 is won, the game state after the big win is set to the first time-saving game state, as shown in (b) of FIG. 19. In the first time-saving game state, the time of the normal symbol fluctuation (hereinafter referred to as the normal symbol fluctuation time) is shorter than in the non-time-saving game state, and the probability of winning the normal symbol L is higher. Specifically, in the first time-saving game state, the probability of winning the normal symbol L is set to about 1 / 70.

[0178] Since the gate 124 and the normal play operation port 125 are provided in the second play area 116b, the player performs a so-called right shot in the first time-saving play state, which causes the game ball to flow down to the second play area 116b. In other words, in the first time-saving play state, normal play is the main play, and the target reservation that is subject to change is the normal play reservation, that is, the target change is the normal play change.

[0179] Since the winning probability of the normal drawing in the first time-saving game state is 99 / 100, the normal drawing will result in a winning result almost every time. Then, either the normal S or L is determined as the winning symbol, but if the normal S symbol is selected, as described above, the opening time of the second start hole 122 is extremely short, and if the game is being played properly, the game ball will almost never enter the second start hole 122.

[0180] If the normal symbol S is selected, the normal symbol will change again after the auxiliary game ends. The first time-saving game state ends when the normal symbol change is performed 100 times. Therefore, in the first time-saving game state, if the result of all 100 normal symbol lotteries is a miss or a normal symbol S, the time-saving game state ends, and the game state transitions to a non-time-saving game state.

[0181] In contrast, in the first time-saving game state, the probability of winning the normal pattern L is set to about 1 / 70, and when the normal pattern L is won, the second start hole 122 is opened 2.9 seconds x 2 times, as shown in (c) of FIG. 19. Therefore, when the normal pattern L is won in the first time-saving game state, the game ball enters the second start hole 122 and the special 2 reservation is acquired. Note that, since the specified number in the auxiliary game is one, only one special 2 reservation can be acquired by winning the normal pattern L once. In this way, in the first time-saving game state, the player plays the game while hoping to win the normal pattern L by the normal pattern reservation.

[0182] Then, when the normal symbol L is won in the first time-saving game state, and the game ball enters the second starting hole 122 and the special 2 reservation is acquired, a lottery for a big role based on the special 2 reservation is executed. In the lottery for a big role based on the special 2 reservation, a big win or a small win is always won, and either the special symbol Z3 or Z4 is determined as the big win symbol or the small win symbol. If the special symbol Z3b or Z4b is won, a small win game is executed, and if the small win game is played appropriately, a two-type big win is won. Therefore, in both cases where the special symbol Z3b or Z4b is won and a small win game and a big role game are executed, and where the special symbol Z3a or Z4a is won and a big role game is executed, the player can win 1500 game balls.

[0183] If the special symbol Z3 is won, the game is set to the first time-saving game state after the big role game, and the game is played again with the aim of winning the normal symbol L after 100 normal symbol changes, as shown in (b) of FIG. 19. On the other hand, if the special symbol Z4 is won, the game is set to the second time-saving game state shown in (d) of FIG. 19 after the big role game. Also, as shown in (a) of FIG. 19, if the special symbol Z2 is won in the non-time-saving game state, the game is set to the second time-saving game state after the big role game.

[0184] In the second time-saving game state, like the first time-saving game state, the normal symbol variation time is shorter and the probability of winning the normal symbol L is higher than in the non-time-saving game state. Specifically, the probability of winning the normal symbol L in the second time-saving game state is set to about 1 / 10. Therefore, in the second time-saving game state, the player must perform a so-called right shot to launch the game ball toward the gate 124 or the normal symbol operating port 125.

[0185] Here, in this embodiment, the special 1 variation and the special 2 variation are not executed at the same time, and when both the special 1 reservation and the special 2 reservation are stored, the special 2 variation is executed in priority to the special 1 variation. However, when the non-time-saving game state is shifted to the second time-saving game state, and when the first time-saving game state is shifted to the second time-saving game state, the special 2 reservation does not usually exist. In addition, particularly when the non-time-saving game state is shifted to the second time-saving game state via the big role game, at the start of the second time-saving game state, there is no special 2 reservation, and one or more special 1 reservations are stored. Therefore, after the end of the big role game, at the start of the game in the second time-saving game state, the special 1 variation is started, or the special 1 variation and the special 2 variation are in a standby state.

[0186] Here, in the second time-saving game state, the number of special 1 variations is set to 10,000 times as a termination condition. Therefore, if the game is played properly in the second time-saving game state, the remaining number of special 1 variations will not become 0 and the second time-saving game state will not end. In addition, in the second time-saving game state, the number of normal game variations is set to 10,000 times as a termination condition. In the second time-saving game state, if the player properly launches the game ball into the second game area 116b, the normal game variation is executed.

[0187] In the second time-saving game state, the probability of winning the normal L symbol is set to about 1 / 10, and if the player is playing appropriately, the probability is that the normal L symbol will always be won. When the normal L symbol is won, the second start hole 122 is opened 2.9 seconds x 2 times, the game ball enters the second start hole 122, and the special 2 reservation is acquired. Note that, since the specified number in the auxiliary game is 1, only one special 2 reservation can be acquired by winning the normal L symbol once.

[0188] In other words, the second time-saving game state can be said to be a state in which it is practically guaranteed that one special 2 reservation will be acquired. And when the special 2 reservation is acquired, the special 2 variation starts. Here, as described above, the variation time of the special symbol is determined based on the game state, the reservation type, the number of reservations, etc. In this embodiment, the variation time of the special 2 variation in the second time-saving game state is determined as follows by the number of special 2 reservations at the start of the special 2 variation.

[0189] That is, in the second time-saving game state, when the special 2 reservation is acquired with the special 2 reservation being 0, and the special 2 variation is immediately executed based on the acquired special 2 reservation, the variation time is always determined to be 120 seconds. Therefore, when the second time-saving game state is set, if the special 2 reservation is not stored and then the special 2 variation based on the special 2 reservation acquired during the second time-saving game state is executed, the variation time is always 120 seconds.

[0190] In the second time-saving game state, the number of times of special 2 fluctuation is set to one as a termination condition. Therefore, in the second time-saving game state, when the fluctuation time of 120 seconds has passed and the first special 2 fluctuation has ended, the second time-saving game state ends. In other words, the second time-saving game state continues until the first special 2 fluctuation ends. Here, since the fluctuation time of the special 2 fluctuation is 120 seconds, the second time-saving game state will continue for at least 120 seconds. In this embodiment, the fluctuation time of this special 2 fluctuation, 120 seconds, is called the stock period. The stock period is the second time-saving game state, and the probability of winning the normal pattern L is about 1 / 10. In addition, the normal pattern fluctuation time in the second time-saving game state is 2 to 20 seconds, and for example, 20 to 25 normal pattern lotteries are executed on average during 120 seconds.

[0191] During the stock period, if the normal pattern L is won, the second start port 122 is opened for 2.9 seconds x 2 times, and as described above, one special 2 reservation is acquired for one normal pattern L win. Even if the special 2 reservation is acquired, the special 2 fluctuation continues, so the player can acquire a maximum of four special 2 reservations during the stock period.

[0192] When the first special 2 variation in the second time-saving game state ends, the stock period ends and the second time-saving game state ends at the same time. Here, the period after the end of the second time-saving game state is called the stock release period shown in (e) of FIG. 19. In the special 2 reservation, a big win or a small win is always won, so a big role game is always executed after the end of the second time-saving game state. Therefore, it can be said that the stock release period is set with the start of a small win game or a big role game based on the first special 2 variation in the second time-saving game state.

[0193] And, if the special 2 reservation is acquired during the stock period, the special 2 reservation is stored at the end of the big role game. Therefore, in this case, the special 2 variation is executed, and the small win game or the big role game is executed again. In this way, during the stock release period, the special 2 variation, the small win game, and the big role game continue until the special 2 reservation becomes 0.

[0194] In addition, when the special 2 reserve is stored at the start of the special 2 variation, the variation time of the special 2 variation is determined to be a short time, for example, 1 second or 0.5 seconds. Even if the special 2 reserve is in the second time-saving game state under the situation that there is only one special 2 reserve, and the special 2 variation related to the remaining one special 2 reserve is started and the number of special 2 reserves becomes 0, the variation of 120 seconds, which is the stock period, is not selected. Therefore, in the stock release period, a maximum of five small win games and big role games can be repeatedly executed with a short special 2 variation in between. In addition, since the period during which the first time-saving game state or the second time-saving game state is maintained after a big win during the stock release period is set to an extremely short time of 1 second or 0.5 seconds, which is the variation time of special 2, the possibility that a pattern that becomes a normal pattern L is displayed on the normal pattern display 168 is extremely low, and the possibility that a new stock will occur due to the normal pattern that is changing during the stock release period is set to be low.

[0195] During the stock release period, the game state is actually set to the first time-saving game state or the second time-saving game state during the special 2 variation. Specifically, when the special symbol Z3 is determined, the game state is set to the first time-saving game state after the big role game, and when the special symbol Z4 is determined, the game state is set to the second time-saving game state after the big role game. However, whether it is set to the first time-saving game state or the second time-saving game state, the variation time of the special 2 variation is short, and during the stock release period, it appears as if the small win game and the big role game continue for a long time.

[0196] In other words, the stock release period continues as long as there is a special 2 reserve at the end of the big role game, and the game state during this time may be the first time-saving game state or the second time-saving game state. During the stock period, a maximum of four special 2 reserves can be acquired, so in one stock release period, the player can acquire a maximum of 7,500 game balls, including the first small or big win guaranteed in the second time-saving game state.

[0197] Then, if the small win pattern or big win pattern determined based on the last Special 2 reservation acquired during the stock period, in other words, the small win pattern or big win pattern won in the last Special 2 change during the stock release period, is the special pattern Z4, after the big role play, the game is set to the second time-saving play state shown in (d) of Figure 19.

[0198] On the other hand, if the small winning symbol or big winning symbol won in the last special 2 variation of the stock release period is the special symbol Z3, after the big role play, the first time-saving game state shown in (b) of Figure 19 is set. Therefore, even if no special 2 reservation is acquired during the stock period, the game will transition to the first time-saving game state or the second time-saving game state after the big role play, so that the player's motivation to play can be maintained.

[0199] As described above, according to this embodiment, when the second time-saving game state is set, a small win game and a big role game can be executed consecutively in a short time, and the interest of the game can be improved. In particular, in the second time-saving game state, one small win and one big win are guaranteed, and up to four small wins and big wins can be added, which improves the interest of the game. In addition, the chance to acquire the special 2 reserve is managed by time, and the number of regular drawing lotteries changes depending on the progress of the game. This gives the player a sense of tension and expectation, and further improves the interest of the game.

[0200] In addition, even if the special 2 reservation is not acquired during the stock period, the game state transitions to the first time-saving game state or the second time-saving game state. This increases the player's motivation to continue playing even if the special 2 reservation is not acquired, and increases the interest of the game.

[0201] Next, the main processing of the main control board 300 for realizing the above-mentioned gameplay will be described.

[0202] Fig. 20 is a diagram for explaining the gaming machine status flag. In the main control board 300, whether or not a game can be played is managed by the gaming machine status flag. One of six flag values ​​from 00H to 05H is set to the gaming machine status flag. The flag value = 00H of the gaming machine status flag indicates a playable state, and when the gaming machine status flag is 00H, the game is controlled to proceed, and when the gaming machine status flag is other than 00H, the game is stopped.

[0203] The flag value of the gaming machine status flag = 01H indicates a setting change state, and when the gaming machine status flag is 01H, the registered setting value can be changed. The flag value of the gaming machine status flag = 02H indicates a setting confirmation state, and when the gaming machine status flag is 02H, the registered setting value can be confirmed by displaying it on the performance display monitor 184, for example. The flag value of the gaming machine status flag = 03H indicates a setting abnormal state, and when the gaming machine status flag is 03H, the registered setting value is considered abnormal and the game is stopped. The flag value of the gaming machine status flag = 04H indicates a RAM abnormal state, and when the gaming machine status flag is 04H, the game is stopped. The flag value of the gaming machine status flag = 05H indicates a checksum abnormal state, and when the gaming machine status flag is 05H, the game is stopped. When the power is turned on, the gaming machine status flag is set to one of the flag values, and a process according to the gaming machine status flag is performed.

[0204] (CPU initialization process of main control board 300) FIG. 21 is a first flowchart illustrating the CPU initialization process in main control board 300, and FIG. 22 is a second flowchart illustrating the CPU initialization process in main control board 300.

[0205] When power is supplied from the power supply board, a system reset occurs in the main CPU 300a, and the main CPU 300a performs the following CPU initialization process (S100).

[0206] (Step S100-1) When the power is turned on, the main CPU 300a reads a boot program from the main ROM 300b as an initial setting process, and also performs setting processes necessary for executing various processes.

[0207] (Step S100-3) The main CPU 300a sets a wait processing time in a timer counter.

[0208] (Step S100-5) The main CPU 300a judges whether a power-off warning signal has been detected. The main control board 300 is provided with a power-off detection circuit, and when the power supply voltage falls below a predetermined value, the power-off detection circuit outputs a power-off warning signal. If a power-off warning signal has been detected, the process proceeds to step S100-3, and if a power-off warning signal has not been detected, the process proceeds to step S100-7.

[0209] (Step S100-7) The main CPU 300a determines whether the wait time set in step S100-3 has elapsed. If it is determined that the wait time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S100-9. If it is determined that the wait time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S100-5.

[0210] (Step S100-9) The main CPU 300a executes the processes required to permit access to the main RAM 300c.

[0211] (Step S100-11) The main CPU 300a loads the flag value of the gaming machine status flag before the power is turned off into the D register.

[0212] (Step S100-13) The main CPU 300a calculates the checksum and determines whether the calculated checksum matches the checksum saved when the power was turned off (is normal) and whether the backup flag is normal. If it is determined that the backup flag and the checksum are normal, the process proceeds to step S100-15, and if it is determined that either one or both are not normal, the process proceeds to step S100-25.

[0213] (Step S100-15) The main CPU 300a sets an address that does not include a setting value or a gaming machine status flag as the first address to be cleared in the main RAM 300c.

[0214] (Step S100-17) Main CPU 300a determines whether a RAM clear operation signal has been input from RAM clear switch 182s (whether the RAM clear button has been pressed down). If it is determined that a RAM clear operation signal has been input, main CPU 300a proceeds to step S100-31, and if it is determined that a RAM clear operation signal has not been input, main CPU 300a proceeds to step S100-19.

[0215] (Step S100-19) The main CPU 300a judges whether the flag value of the gaming machine status flag loaded in the above step S100-11 is 00H (playable state), the setting change switch 180s is on, and the middle frame 104 is open. If it is judged that all three conditions are met, the process proceeds to step S100-21, and if it is judged that any one of the three conditions is not met, the process proceeds to step S100-23.

[0216] (Step S100-21) The main CPU 300a sets the gaming machine status flag to 02H (setting confirmation status). That is, when the power is normally turned on while the middle frame 104 is open, the setting change switch 180s is on, and the RAM clear button is not pressed, the gaming machine enters the setting confirmation status.

[0217] (Step S100-23) The main CPU 300a executes an initialization process to clear the areas of the main RAM 300c subsequent to the top address set in step S100-15 above that are to be cleared when the power is restored, and then proceeds to step S100-49.

[0218] (Step S100-25) The main CPU 300a sets 05H (checksum abnormal state) in the D register.

[0219] (Step S100-27) The main CPU 300a performs an outside area read / write check process for checking and clearing the read / write memory in the unused area.

[0220] (Step S100-29) The main CPU 300a sets an address including a setting value and a gaming machine status flag as the first address to be cleared in the main RAM 300c.

[0221] (Step S100-31) The main CPU 300a checks and clears the read / write memory of the used area.

[0222] (Step S100-33) The main CPU 300a judges whether the check result of the read / write memory in the above step S100-31 is normal or not. If it is judged as normal, the process proceeds to step S100-37, and if it is judged as not normal, the process proceeds to step S100-35.

[0223] (Step S100-35) The main CPU 300a sets 04H (RAM abnormal state) in the D register, and moves the process to step S100-45.

[0224] (Step S100-37) The main CPU 300a judges whether 02H (setting confirmation state) is set in the D register. If it is judged that 02H is set, the process proceeds to step S100-39, and if it is judged that 02H is not set, the process proceeds to step S100-41.

[0225] (Step S100-39) The main CPU 300a sets the D register to 00H (playable state).

[0226] (Step S100-41) The main CPU 300a judges whether the setting change conditions are satisfied. If it is judged that the setting change conditions are satisfied, the process proceeds to step S100-43. If it is judged that the setting change conditions are not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S100-45. Note that the setting change conditions here include at least that the setting change switch 180s is turned on, that the middle frame 104 is open, and that a RAM clear operation signal is input from the RAM clear switch 182s.

[0227] (Step S100-43) The main CPU 300a sets the D register to 01H (setting changed state).

[0228] (Step S100-45) The main CPU 300a saves the value set in the D register in the gaming machine status flag.

[0229] (Step S100-47) The main CPU 300a executes an initialization process for clearing the items in the main RAM 300c that are to be cleared when the RAM is cleared, and moves the process to step S100-49.

[0230] (Step S100-49) The main CPU 300a performs a transmission process (storing the RAM clear designation command in a transmission buffer) of a dispensing command (RAM clear designation command) to inform the dispensing control board 310 that the main RAM 300c has been cleared.

[0231] (Step S100-51) The main CPU 300a loads the gaming machine status flag.

[0232] (Step S100-53) The main CPU 300a judges whether the gaming machine state flag loaded in the above step S100-51 is 00H (playable state). If it is judged to be 00H, the process proceeds to step S110, and if it is judged not to be 00H, the process proceeds to step S100-55.

[0233] (Step S110) The main CPU 300a performs a sub-command group set process, which will be described later.

[0234] (Step S100-55) The main CPU 300 a performs sub-command set processing for transmitting a predetermined command to the sub-control board 330 .

[0235] (Step S100-57) The main CPU 300a sets the timer interrupt period.

[0236] (Step S100-59) The main CPU 300a performs processing to disable interrupts.

[0237] (Step S100-61) The main CPU 300a updates the initial value update random number for the winning symbol random number. The initial value update random number for the winning symbol random number is for determining the initial value and the end value of the winning symbol random number. In other words, when the winning symbol random number goes through one cycle from the initial value update random number for the winning symbol random number to the initial value update random number for the winning symbol random number -1 by the updating process of the winning symbol random number described later, the winning symbol random number is updated to the initial value update random number for the winning symbol random number at that time.

[0238] (Step S100-63) The main CPU 300a analyzes the received data (main commands) received from the dispensing control board 310, and executes various processes according to the received data.

[0239] (Step S100-65) The main CPU 300 a performs processing for transmitting the sub-commands stored in the transmission buffer to the sub-control board 330 .

[0240] (Step S100-67) The main CPU 300a performs processing for permitting an interrupt.

[0241] (Step S100-69) The main CPU 300a updates the reach group determination random number, the reach mode determination random number, and the change pattern random number, and thereafter repeats the process from step S100-59. Note that, hereinafter, the reach group determination random number, the reach mode determination random number, and the change pattern random number for determining the change presentation pattern are collectively referred to as the change presentation random number.

[0242] FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating the sub-command group setting process (S110) in the main control board 300.

[0243] (Step S110-1) The main CPU 300a loads the flag value of the gaming machine status flag.

[0244] (Step S110-3) The main CPU 300 a performs sub-command set processing for transmitting a predetermined command to the sub-control board 330 .

[0245] (Step S110-5) The main CPU 300a performs a model command setting process for setting a model command indicating model information of the gaming machine 100 in a transmission buffer.

[0246] (Step S110-7) The main CPU 300a performs a setting value designation command setting process for setting a setting value designation command indicating a registered setting value in a transmission buffer.

[0247] (Step S110-9) The main CPU 300a performs a special chart 1 reservation designation command setting process that sets a special chart 1 reservation designation command indicating the special chart 1 reservation number in a transmission buffer.

[0248] (Step S110-11) The main CPU 300a performs a special chart 2 reservation designation command setting process that sets a special chart 2 reservation designation command indicating the special chart 2 reservation number in a transmission buffer.

[0249] (Step S110-13) The main CPU 300a performs a count command setting process for setting a count command indicating the remaining number of times in the time-shortened gaming state in a transmission buffer.

[0250] (Step S110-15) The main CPU 300a performs a fluctuation pattern selection state designation command setting process for setting a fluctuation pattern selection state designation command indicating a fluctuation pattern selection state in a transmission buffer.

[0251] (Step S110-17) The main CPU 300a performs a special game phase designation command setting process for setting a special game phase designation command indicating a special game management phase in a transmission buffer. The special game management phase will be described later.

[0252] (Step S110-19) The main CPU 300a judges whether the special game management phase is in a special symbol variation waiting state. If it is judged that the special symbol variation waiting state, the process proceeds to step S110-21, and if it is judged that the special symbol variation waiting state is not, the sub-command group set process is terminated.

[0253] (Step S110-21) The main CPU 300a sets the customer waiting designation command in the transmission buffer, and ends the sub-command group setting process.

[0254] Next, a description will be given of interrupt processing in the main control board 300. Here, a description will be given of a power-off save processing (XINT interrupt processing) and a timer interrupt processing.

[0255] (Power off save process of main control board 300 (XINT interrupt process)) 24 is a flowchart explaining the power-off save process (XINT interrupt process) in the main control board 300. The main CPU 300a monitors the power-off detection circuit, and when the power supply voltage falls below a predetermined value, it interrupts the CPU initialization process to execute the power-off save process.

[0256] (Step S300-1) When the power-off warning signal is input, the main CPU 300a saves the registers.

[0257] (Step S300-3) The main CPU 300a checks the power-off warning signal.

[0258] (Step S300-5) Main CPU 300a determines whether a power-off warning signal has been detected. If it is determined that a power-off warning signal has been detected, the process proceeds to step S300-11. If it is determined that a power-off warning signal has not been detected, the process proceeds to step S300-7.

[0259] (Step S300-7) The main CPU 300a restores the registers.

[0260] (Step S300-9) The main CPU 300a performs a process for permitting an interrupt, and ends the power-off save process.

[0261] (Step S300-11) The main CPU 300a executes an output port clear process to stop the output of the output port.

[0262] (Step S300-13) The main CPU 300a executes a checksum setting process for calculating and storing a checksum.

[0263] (Step S300-15) The main CPU 300a executes a RAM protect setting process required to prohibit access to the main RAM 300c.

[0264] (Step S300-17) The main CPU 300a sets a predetermined number of times the power interruption detection signal has been detected as the counter value of a loop counter in order to set a power interruption occurrence monitoring time.

[0265] (Step S300-19) The main CPU 300a checks the power-off warning signal.

[0266] (Step S300-21) The main CPU 300a judges whether a power-off warning signal has been detected. If it is judged that a power-off warning signal has been detected, the process proceeds to step S300-17. If it is judged that a power-off warning signal has not been detected, the process proceeds to step S300-23.

[0267] (Step S300-23) The main CPU 300a decrements the value of the loop counter set in step S300-17 above by one.

[0268] (Step S300-25) The main CPU 300a judges whether the counter value of the loop counter is 0. As a result, if it is judged that the counter value is not 0, the process proceeds to step S300-19, and if it is judged that the counter value is 0, the process proceeds to the above-mentioned CPU initialization process (step S100).

[0269] In addition, if a power outage actually occurs, the operation of the gaming machine 100 stops while steps S300-17 to S300-25 are being looped.

[0270] (Timer interrupt processing of main control board 300) 25 is a flowchart explaining the timer interrupt process in the main control board 300. The main control board 300 is provided with a reset clock pulse generating circuit that generates a clock pulse every predetermined period (4 milliseconds in this embodiment, hereinafter referred to as "4 ms"). When a clock pulse is generated by the reset clock pulse generating circuit, it interrupts the CPU initialization process (step S100) and executes the following timer interrupt process.

[0271] (Step S400-1) The main CPU 300a saves the registers.

[0272] (Step S400-3) The main CPU 300a performs processing for permitting an interrupt.

[0273] (Step S400-5) The main CPU 300a outputs the common data set in the common output buffer to the output port, and executes dynamic port output processing which controls the lighting of the first special pattern display 160, the second special pattern display 162, the first special pattern reserved indicator 164, the second special pattern reserved indicator 166, the normal pattern display 168, the normal pattern reserved indicator 170, the right hit notification indicator 172, and the performance display monitor 184.

[0274] (Step S400-7) The main CPU 300a reads various types of input port information and executes port input processing to accurately obtain the latest switch states.

[0275] (Step S400-9) The main CPU 300a loads the flag value of the gaming machine status flag.

[0276] (Step S400-11) The main CPU 300a determines whether the flag value loaded in step S400-9 is 00H (playable state). If it is determined that the flag value is 00H, the process proceeds to step S400-15. If it is determined that the flag value is not 00H, the process proceeds to step S400-13.

[0277] (Step S400-13) The main CPU 300a determines whether the flag value loaded in step S400-9 is equal to or greater than 03H (abnormal setting state). If it is determined that the flag value is equal to or greater than 03H, the process proceeds to step S400-27. If it is determined that the flag value is not equal to or greater than 03H, the process proceeds to step S450.

[0278] (Step S450) The main CPU 300a executes the setting-related processing, and moves the process to step S400-27, which will be described later.

[0279] (Step S400-15) The main CPU 300a performs a timer update process to update various timer counters. Here, unless otherwise specified, the timer counters are decremented every time the timer interrupt process of the main control board 300 is performed, and the decrement stops when the timer counters reach 0.

[0280] (Step S400-17) The main CPU 300a executes an update process for the initial value update random number for the winning symbol random number, similar to the above step S100-61.

[0281] (Step S400-19) The main CPU 300a performs a process to update the winning symbol random number. Specifically, the random number counter is updated by adding 1, and if the result of the addition exceeds the maximum value of the random number range, the random number counter is reset to 0, and if the random number counter has completed one cycle, the random number is updated from the value of the initial value update random number for the winning symbol random number at that time.

[0282] Although detailed explanations are omitted, in the embodiment, the random numbers for determining a jackpot and a normal jackpot are hardware random numbers updated by a hardware random number generator built into the main control board 300. The hardware random number generator updates both the random numbers for determining a jackpot and a normal jackpot according to certain rules, automatically changing the random number sequence each time the random number sequence goes through one cycle, and changing the start value each time the system is reset.

[0283] (Step S500) The main CPU 300a executes a switch management process to determine whether or not a signal has been input from the first start hole detection switch 120s, the second start hole detection switch 122s, the gate detection switch 124s, the first big prize hole detection switch 126s, the second big prize hole detection switch 128s, the specific area detection switch 140s, and the out ball detection switch 130s. Details of this switch management process will be described later.

[0284] (Step S600) The main CPU 300a executes a special game management process for controlling the progress of the special games. The details of the special game management process will be described later.

[0285] (Step S700) The main CPU 300a executes a normal game management process for controlling the progress of the normal game. The details of this normal game management process will be described later.

[0286] (Step S400-21) The main CPU 300a executes an error management process for determining various errors and making settings according to the error determination results.

[0287] (Step S400-23) The main CPU 300a checks the general prize opening detection switch 118s, the first start opening detection switch 120s, the second start opening detection switch 122s, the general operation opening detection switch 125s, the first large prize opening detection switch 126s, and the second large prize opening detection switch 128s, and executes prize opening switch processing to increment the corresponding counters for prize ball control, etc.

[0288] (Step S400-25) The main CPU 300a executes a payout control management process for creating and transmitting a payout command based on the counter value of the counter for controlling the winning balls set in the above step S400-23.

[0289] (Step S400-27) The main CPU 300a executes an external information management process for setting output data for external information to be output from the game information output terminal board 312 to the outside.

[0290] (Step S400-29) The main CPU 300a executes an LED display setting process that sets display data for controlling the lighting of various indicators (LEDs), such as the first special pattern display 160, the second special pattern display 162, the first special pattern reserve indicator 164, the second special pattern reserve indicator 166, the normal pattern display 168, the normal pattern reserve indicator 170, and the right hit notification indicator 172, in an output buffer corresponding to each common.

[0291] (Step S400-31) The main CPU 300a executes a solenoid output image synthesis process to synthesize solenoid output images of the normal electric role solenoid 122c, the first large prize opening solenoid 126c, the second large prize opening solenoid 128c and the movable member drive solenoid 142c, and store them in an output port buffer.

[0292] (Step S400-33) The main CPU 300a executes a port output process for outputting the values ​​of the common output buffers stored in the respective output port buffers to the output ports.

[0293] (Step S400-35) The main CPU 300a performs processing to disable interrupts.

[0294] (Step S400-37) The main CPU 300a uses the unused area of ​​the main RAM 300c to perform processing for calculating a base ratio to be displayed on the performance display monitor 184, and executes a performance display monitor control processing for setting common data for displaying the calculated base ratio on the performance display monitor 184 in a common output buffer. In the performance display monitor control processing, the base ratio is calculated for each predetermined period. Here, the performance display monitor 184 may switch between the base ratio of the current period and the base ratio of the previous period at predetermined time intervals. Also, the base ratio displayed on the performance display monitor 184 may be switched in response to a predetermined operation.

[0295] (Step S400-39) The main CPU 300a restores the registers and ends the timer interrupt process.

[0296] FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating the above-mentioned setting-related process (S450).

[0297] (Step S450-1) The main CPU 300a judges whether the flag value of the gaming machine status flag is 01H (setting change status). If it is judged to be 01H, the process proceeds to step S450-3, and if it is judged not to be 01H, the process proceeds to step S450-15.

[0298] (Step S450-3) The main CPU 300a loads the registered setting values ​​stored in the setting value buffer into a predetermined processing area.

[0299] (Step S450-5) The main CPU 300a determines whether the RAM clear switch 182s has been pressed (whether a RAM clear operation signal has been input). If it is determined that the RAM clear switch 182s has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S450-7, and if it is determined that the RAM clear switch 182s has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S450-9.

[0300] (Step S450-7) The main CPU 300a adds 1 to the setting value of the processing area.

[0301] (Step S450-9) Main CPU 300a determines whether the setting value of the processing region is in the range of 1 to 6. As a result, if it is determined that the setting value is in the range of 1 to 6, the process proceeds to step S450-13, and if it is determined that the setting value is not in the range of 1 to 6, the process proceeds to step S450-11.

[0302] (Step S450-11) The main CPU 300a sets the setting value of the processing area to 1.

[0303] (Step S450-13) The main CPU 300a sets the setting value of the processing area in the setting value buffer.

[0304] (Step S450-15) The main CPU 300a judges whether the setting change switch 180s is on. If it is judged that the setting change switch 180s is on, the setting-related process is terminated, and if it is judged that the setting change switch 180s is not on, the process proceeds to step S450-17.

[0305] (Step S450-17) The main CPU 300a sets a setting-related end designation command indicating the end of the setting-related process in the transmission buffer.

[0306] (Step S110) The main CPU 300a executes the sub-command group set process of Fig. 23. That is, when the setting related process is executed, at the end of the process, the model command, the setting value designation command, the special chart 1 reservation designation command, the special chart 2 reservation designation command, the number of times command, the variation pattern selection state designation command, the special chart phase designation command, and the customer waiting designation command are transmitted to the sub-control board 330.

[0307] (Step S450-19) The main CPU 300a sets the gaming machine state flag to 00H (playable state), and ends the setting-related process.

[0308] As described above, according to the embodiment, when the power is normally turned on with the middle frame 104 open, the setting change switch 180s turned on, and the RAM clear button pressed, the gaming machine status flag is set to 01H (setting change status) in the CPU initialization process (FIG. 21). After that, the timer interrupt process is executed, but since the gaming machine status flag is set to 01H (setting change status), all processes related to the progress of the game (steps S400-15 to S400-25 in FIG. 25) are stopped, and setting-related processes are executed.

[0309] The setting-related process is repeatedly executed while the setting change switch 180s is on, and during this setting-related process, pressing the RAM clear button is accepted as a setting change operation for the registered setting value. That is, during the setting change process (S450-1 to S450-13) that accepts the setting change operation, the registered setting value stored in the setting value buffer is switched to one of multiple stages of setting values ​​in response to the setting change operation.

[0310] When the setting change switch 180s is switched off while the gaming machine status flag is set to 01H (setting change state), the setting change process ends and the gaming machine status flag is set to 00H (playable state). This allows the process related to the progress of the game to be executed from the next timer interrupt process.

[0311] Here, in the setting-related processing, after the operation of pressing the RAM clear button, i.e., the acceptance of the operation of changing the setting of the registered setting value, is finished, in the sub-command group set processing, a setting value designation command corresponding to the registered setting value is transmitted to the sub-control board 330. On the other hand, while the setting change operation is being accepted, the setting value designation command is not transmitted to the sub-control board 330. In this way, while the setting change operation is being accepted, the setting value designation command is not transmitted, and when the acceptance of the setting change operation is terminated and a transition is made to a state in which game progress is possible, the risk of the registered setting value being obtained illegally can be reduced by transmitting the setting value designation command.

[0312] In the embodiment, a plurality of flag values ​​including at least 01H (setting change state) are switched. When the gaming machine state flag is set to 01H (setting change state), setting-related processing is executable and the progress of the game is stopped. In this way, since setting-related processing is not executed while the game is in progress, a setting value designation command is not sent while the game is in progress, and the risk of the registered setting value being illegally obtained is reduced.

[0313] Next, among the above timer interrupt processing, the switch management processing in step S500, the special game management processing in step S600, and the normal game management processing in step S700 will be described in detail.

[0314] FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating the switch management process (step S500) in the main control board 300.

[0315] (Step S500-1) The main CPU 300a judges whether the gate detection switch is ON, that is, whether the game ball has passed through the gate 124 and the detection signal from the gate detection switch 124s has been turned ON. If it is judged that the gate detection switch is ON, the process proceeds to step S500-2, and if it is judged that the gate detection switch is not ON, the process proceeds to step S500-3.

[0316] (Step S500-2) The main CPU 300a judges whether the normal operation port detection switch is ON, that is, whether a game ball has entered the normal operation port 125 and the detection signal from the normal operation port detection switch 125s has been turned ON. If it is judged that the normal operation port detection switch is ON, the process proceeds to step S510, and if it is judged that the normal operation port detection switch is not ON, the process proceeds to step S500-3.

[0317] (Step S510) The main CPU 300a executes a general map reservation process based on the passage of a game ball through the gate 124 or the entry of a game ball into the general map operation port 125. Details of this general map reservation process will be described later.

[0318] (Step S500-3) The main CPU 300a judges whether the first start hole detection switch is ON, that is, whether a game ball has entered the first start hole 120 and a detection signal has been input from the first start hole detection switch 120s. If it is judged that the first start hole detection switch is ON, the process proceeds to step S520, and if it is judged that the first start hole detection switch is not ON, the process proceeds to step S500-5.

[0319] (Step S520) The main CPU 300a executes a first start hole passing process based on the entry of the gaming ball into the first start hole 120. The first start hole passing process will be described in detail later.

[0320] (Step S500-5) The main CPU 300a judges whether the second start hole detection switch is ON, that is, whether a game ball has entered the second start hole 122 and a detection signal has been input from the second start hole detection switch 122s. If it is determined that the second start hole detection switch is ON, the process proceeds to step S530, and if it is determined that the second start hole detection switch is not ON, the process proceeds to step S500-7.

[0321] (Step S530) The main CPU 300a executes a second start hole passing process based on the entry of the gaming ball into the second start hole 122. The second start hole passing process will be described in detail later.

[0322] (Step S500-7) The main CPU 300a judges whether the time has come when the large prize opening detection switch is detected as ON, that is, whether a game ball has entered the first large prize opening 126 and the second large prize opening 128 and a detection signal has been input from the first large prize opening detection switch 126s and the second large prize opening detection switch 128s. If it is judged as a result that the time has come when the large prize opening detection switch is detected as ON, the process proceeds to step S500-9, and if it is judged as not being when the large prize opening detection switch is detected as ON, the process proceeds to step S500-11.

[0323] (Step S500-9) The main CPU 300a judges whether or not a big prize game or a small prize game is currently being played, and judges whether the game balls have entered the first big prize opening 126 and the second big prize opening 128 properly. If it is judged that a big prize game or a small prize game is not being played, a predetermined fraud detection process is executed, and if it is judged that a big prize game or a small prize game is being played and the game balls have entered the first big prize opening 126 and the second big prize opening 128 properly, the main CPU 300a adds 1 to the big prize opening winning ball counter and sets a big prize opening winning designation command in the transmission buffer.

[0324] (Step S500-11) The main CPU 300a judges whether the specific area detection switch is ON, that is, whether the game ball has entered the specific area 140b and a detection signal has been input from the specific area detection switch 140s. If it is judged that the specific area detection switch is ON, the process proceeds to step S540, and if it is judged that the specific area detection switch is not ON, the process proceeds to step S500-13.

[0325] (Step S540) The main CPU 300a executes a specific area passing process based on the entry of the gaming ball into the specific area 140b, and ends the switch management process. The specific area passing process will be described in detail later.

[0326] (Step S500-13) The main CPU 300a judges whether the general winning opening detection switch is on, that is, whether a game ball has entered the general winning opening 118 and a detection signal has been input from the general winning opening detection switch 118s. If it is judged that the general winning opening detection switch is on, the process proceeds to step S500-15, and if it is judged that the general winning opening detection switch is not on, the process proceeds to step S500-17.

[0327] (Step S500-15) The main CPU 300a sets a general prize slot winning designation command in the transmission buffer.

[0328] (Step S500-17) The main CPU 300a judges whether the out ball detection switch is on, i.e., whether a detection signal has been input from the out ball detection switch 130s. If it is determined that the out ball detection switch is on, the process proceeds to step S500-19, and if it is determined that the out ball detection switch is not on, the switch management process is terminated.

[0329] (Step S500-19) The main CPU 300a sets an out ball detection designation command in the transmission buffer and terminates the switch management process.

[0330] FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating the general map reservation process (step S510) in the main control board 300.

[0331] (Step S510-1) The main CPU 300a loads the random numbers for determining a normal hit, the random numbers for determining a normal hit, and the random numbers for determining a normal fluctuation pattern that have been updated by the hardware random number generation unit.

[0332] (Step S510-3) The main CPU 300a judges whether the counter value of the normal symbol reserved ball counter is equal to or greater than the maximum value, that is, whether the counter value of the normal symbol reserved ball counter is equal to or greater than 4. As a result, if it is judged that the counter value of the normal symbol reserved ball counter is equal to or greater than the maximum value, the normal symbol reserved processing is terminated, and if it is judged that the normal symbol reserved ball counter is not equal to or greater than the maximum value, the processing is transferred to step S510-5.

[0333] (Step S510-5) The main CPU 300a updates the counter value of the normal symbol reserved ball number counter to a value obtained by adding "1" to the current counter value.

[0334] (Step S510-7) The main CPU 300a determines which of the four memory sections in the general map reserve memory area is to be the target memory section in which to save various random numbers such as the acquired general map hit determination random number.

[0335] (Step S510-9) The main CPU 300a saves the normal map hit determination random number, normal map determination random number, and normal map fluctuation pattern determination random number obtained in step S510-1 above in the target memory unit calculated in step S510-7 above.

[0336] (Step S510-11) The main CPU 300a sets a general map reservation designation command indicating the number of general map reservations stored in the general map reservation memory area in the transmission buffer, and terminates the general map reservation processing.

[0337] FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating the first start port passing process in the main control board 300 (step S520).

[0338] (Step S520-1) The main CPU 300a sets "00H" as the special symbol identification value. The special symbol identification value is for identifying whether the reserved type is special 1 reserved or special 2 reserved, and the special symbol identification value (00H) indicates special 1 reserved, and the special symbol identification value (01H) indicates special 2 reserved.

[0339] (Step S520-3) The main CPU 300a sets the address of the special pattern 1 reserved ball count counter.

[0340] (Step S535) The main CPU300a executes the special symbol random number acquisition process and ends the first start port passing process. This special symbol random number acquisition process is executed using a module common to the second start port passing process (step S530). Therefore, the details of the special symbol random number acquisition process will be explained after the explanation of the second start port passing process.

[0341] FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating the second start port passing process in the main control board 300 (step S530).

[0342] (Step S530-1) The main CPU 300a sets "01H" as the special symbol identification value.

[0343] (Step S530-3) The main CPU 300a sets the address of the special pattern 2 reserved ball count counter.

[0344] (Step S535) The main CPU 300a executes a special symbol random number acquisition process, which will be described later.

[0345] (Step S530-5) The main CPU 300a loads the normal game management phase. The normal game management phase indicates the stage of the execution process of the normal game, that is, the progress of the normal game, and is updated according to the stage of the execution process of the normal game, which will be described in detail later.

[0346] (Step S530-7) The main CPU 300a judges whether the normal game management phase loaded in the above step S530-5 is "04H". The normal game management phase "04H" indicates that the normal electric role winning opening control process is in progress. In this normal electric role winning opening control process, the normal electric role solenoid 122c is energized and the movable piece 122b is controlled to be in an open state, so here, it is judged whether the second start opening 122 is in a state in which it can be properly opened. As a result, if it is judged that the normal game management phase is not "04H", the second start opening passing process is terminated, and if it is judged that the normal game management phase is "04H", the process is transferred to step S530-9.

[0347] (Step S530-9) The main CPU 300a updates the counter value of the normal electric role winning ball counter to a value obtained by adding "1" to the current counter value, and ends the second start port passing process.

[0348] 31 is a flowchart explaining the special symbol random number acquisition process (step S535) in the main control board 300. This special symbol random number acquisition process is executed by using a common module in the above-mentioned first start port passing process (step S520) and second start port passing process (step S530).

[0349] (Step S535-1) The main CPU 300a loads the special symbol identification value set in step S520-1 or step S530-1.

[0350] (Step S535-3) The main CPU 300a loads the number of reserved balls for the target special symbol. Here, if the special symbol identification value loaded in the above step S535-1 is "00H", the counter value of the special symbol 1 reserved ball counter, i.e., the special 1 reserved number, is loaded. Also, if the special symbol identification value loaded in the above step S535-1 is "01H", the counter value of the special symbol 2 reserved ball counter, i.e., the special 2 reserved number, is loaded.

[0351] (Step S535-5) The main CPU 300a loads the jackpot determining random number updated by the hardware random number generating unit.

[0352] (Step S535-7) The main CPU 300a judges whether the number of reserved balls of the target special symbol loaded in step S535-3 is equal to or greater than the upper limit. If it is judged to be equal to or greater than the upper limit, the process proceeds to step S535-23. If it is judged not to be equal to or greater than the upper limit, the process proceeds to step S535-9.

[0353] (Step S535-9) The main CPU 300a updates the counter value of the target special symbol reserved ball count counter to a value obtained by adding "1" to the current counter value.

[0354] (Step S535-11) The main CPU 300a determines which of the eight storage sections in the special chart reservation storage area is to be the target storage section in which to save the acquired jackpot determination random number, etc.

[0355] (Step S535-13) The main CPU 300a obtains the jackpot determination random number loaded in step S535-5, the winning pattern random number updated in step S400-19, the reach group determination random number, reach mode determination random number, and variation pattern random number updated in step S100-69, and stores them in the target memory unit calculated in step S535-11.

[0356] (Step S535-15) The main CPU 300a performs a special symbol reserved ball winning order setting process for updating and storing the winning order of the special 1 reserved and special 2 reserved balls stored in the special symbol reserved storage area.

[0357] (Step S535-17) The main CPU 300a executes the acquisition time performance determination process for performing the provisional lottery for the big role, the provisional decision of the winning symbol, and the provisional decision of the variable information based on the various random numbers stored in the target storage unit in the above step S535-13. In this acquisition time performance determination process, a pre-reading designation command indicating the variable information to be determined when the newly stored reserved is read out is transmitted to the sub-control board 330.

[0358] (Step S535-19) The main CPU 300a loads the counter values ​​of the special pattern 1 reserved ball number counter and the special pattern 2 reserved ball number counter.

[0359] (Step S535-21) The main CPU 300a sets the special reserved command in the transmission buffer based on the counter value loaded in step S535-19. Here, the special reserved command is set based on the counter value (special reserved number) of the special reserved ball number counter of the special pattern 1, and the special reserved command is set based on the counter value (special reserved number) of the special reserved ball number counter of the special pattern 2. As a result, the special reserved number and the special reserved number are transmitted to the sub-control board 330 every time the special reserved number or the special reserved number is stored.

[0360] (Step S535-23) The main CPU 300a loads the normal game management phase.

[0361] (Step S535-25) The main CPU 300a checks the normal game management phase loaded in step S535-23 and judges whether it is below the normal electric device winning opening control state described later. If it is judged to be below the normal electric device winning opening control state, the process proceeds to step S535-27, and if it is judged not to be below the normal electric device winning opening control state, the special symbol random number acquisition process is terminated.

[0362] (Step S535-27) The main CPU 300a judges whether or not an abnormal winning has occurred, and if it judges that an abnormal winning has occurred, executes a start port abnormal winning error process to perform a predetermined process, and ends the special symbol random number acquisition process (step S535). Note that, although the branching process steps are not shown, the processes from step S535-23 to step S535-27 are processes that are performed only for the entry of a game ball into the second start port 122, which is the winning port related to the normal electric role device.

[0363] FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating the specific area passing process in step S540.

[0364] (Step S540-1) When main CPU 300a determines in step S500-11 that the specific area detection switch ON has been detected, it determines whether or not the valid period flag is ON. If it determines that the valid period flag is ON, it moves the process to step S540-3, and if it determines that the valid period flag is not ON, it moves the process to step S540-9.

[0365] As will be described in more detail later, this valid period flag is used to determine whether or not the entry of a game ball into the specific area 140b is considered valid, and in this embodiment, it is turned on at the start of a small win game (first round game).

[0366] (Step S540-3) In the above step S540-1, if it is determined that the valid period flag is on, the main CPU 300a determines whether the specific area entry flag is on. The specific area entry flag is for identifying that the game ball has already validly entered the specific area 140b. If it is determined that the specific area entry flag is on, the specific area passing process is terminated, and if it is determined that the specific area entry flag is not on, the process proceeds to step S540-5.

[0367] (Step S540-5) The main CPU 300a turns on a specific area entry flag.

[0368] (Step S540-7) The main CPU 300a sets a specific area entry command in a transmission buffer to notify the sub-control board 330 that the gaming ball has validly entered the specific area 140b, and ends the specific area passing process.

[0369] (Step S540-9) The main CPU 300a executes a predetermined error process.

[0370] (Step S540-11) The main CPU 300a sets an error command indicating that an error has been detected in the transmission buffer, and ends the specific area passing process.

[0371] 33 is a diagram for explaining the special game management phase. As already described, in the embodiment, a special game triggered by the entry of a game ball into the first start hole 120 or the second start hole 122 and a normal game triggered by the passage of a game ball through the gate 124 proceed simultaneously in parallel. The processing related to the special game is executed stepwise and repeatedly, and the main control board 300 manages each processing related to such a special game by the special game management phase.

[0372] As shown in FIG. 33, the main ROM 300b stores a plurality of special game control modules for controlling the execution of special games, and each of these special game control modules is associated with a special game management phase. Specifically, when the special game management phase is "00H", a module for executing "special symbol change waiting process" is called, when the special game management phase is "01H", a module for executing "special symbol change in progress process" is called, when the special game management phase is "02H", a module for executing "special symbol stop pattern display process" is called, when the special game management phase is "03H" or "07H", a module for executing "large prize opening pre-processing" is called, when the special game management phase is "04H" or "08H", a module for executing "large prize opening opening control process" is called, when the special game management phase is "05H" or "09H", a module for executing "large prize opening closing valid process" is called, when the special game management phase is "06H" or "0AH", a module for executing "large prize opening end wait process" is called. Here, two values ​​are set for each of the phases indicating "pre-opening processing of the large prize opening", "control processing of opening of the large prize opening", "valid processing of closing of the large prize opening", and "waiting processing for completion of the large prize opening", with "03H", "04H", "05H", and "06H" being values ​​related to small prize play, and "07H", "08H", "09H", and "0AH" being values ​​related to big prize play.

[0373] FIG. 34 is a flowchart illustrating the special game management process (step S600) in the main control board 300.

[0374] (Step S600-1) The main CPU 300a loads the special game management phase.

[0375] (Step S600-3) The main CPU 300a selects the special game control module corresponding to the special game management phase loaded in the above step S600-1.

[0376] (Step S600-5) The main CPU 300a calls the special game control module selected in step S600-3 and starts processing.

[0377] (Step S600-7) The main CPU 300a loads a special game timer that manages the control time of the special game, and ends the special game management process.

[0378] 35 is a flow chart for explaining the special symbol change waiting process in the main control board 300. This special symbol change waiting process is executed when the special game management phase is "00H".

[0379] (Step S610-1) The main CPU300a judges whether the counter value of the special symbol 2 reserved ball counter, that is, the special 2 reserved number (X2) is "1" or more. As a result, if it is judged that the special 2 reserved number (X2) is "1" or more, the process is transferred to step S610-7, and if it is judged that the special 2 reserved number (X2) is not "1" or more, the process is transferred to step S610-3.

[0380] (Step S610-3) The main CPU300a judges whether the counter value of the special symbol 1 reserved ball counter, that is, the special 1 reserved number (X1) is "1" or more. If it is judged that the special 1 reserved number (X1) is "1" or more, the process proceeds to step S610-7, and if it is judged that the special 1 reserved number (X1) is not "1" or more, the process proceeds to step S610-5.

[0381] (Step S610-5) The main CPU 300a sets a customer waiting designation command in a transmission buffer, executes a customer waiting setting process for setting a customer waiting state, and ends the special symbol change waiting process.

[0382] (Step S610-7) The main CPU300a transfers the special 2 reserved balls stored in the first to fourth storage units of the second special symbol reserved storage area, or the special 1 reserved balls stored in the first to fourth storage units of the first special symbol reserved storage area, to a storage unit with a smaller ordinal number by one. Specifically, when it is determined in the above step S610-1 that the number of reserved balls of the special symbol 2 is "1" or more, the special 2 reserved balls stored in the second to fourth storage units of the second special symbol reserved storage area are transferred to the first to third storage units. In addition, the main RAM300c is provided with a 0th storage unit to be processed, and the special 2 reserved balls stored in the 1st storage unit are block-transferred to the 0th storage unit. In addition, in the above step S610-3, if it is determined that the number of reserved balls of the special pattern 1 is "1" or more, the special pattern 1 reserved balls stored in the second to fourth storage units of the first special pattern reserved storage area are transferred to the first to third storage units, and the special pattern 1 reserved balls stored in the first storage unit are block-transferred to the 0th storage unit. In addition, in this special pattern storage area shift process, the counter value of the target special pattern reserved ball count counter corresponding to the reserved type transferred to the 0th storage unit is decremented by "1," and a reserved reduction designation command indicating that the special pattern 1 reserved balls or special pattern 2 reserved balls have been decremented by "1" is set in the transmission buffer.

[0383] (Step S610-9) The main CPU 300a loads the jackpot determination random number and the reserved type transferred to the 0th memory unit, selects a corresponding jackpot determination random number judgment table, performs a big role lottery, and executes a special symbol winning judgment process that stores the lottery result.

[0384] (Step S610-11) The main CPU300a executes a special symbol determination process for determining a special symbol. Here, if the result of the big role lottery in the above step S610-9 is a big win or a small win, the winning symbol random number and reservation type transferred to the 0th storage unit are loaded, the corresponding winning symbol random number determination table is selected to extract special symbol determination data, and the extracted special symbol determination data (type of big win symbol or small win symbol) is saved. Also, if the result of the big role lottery in the above step S610-9 is a loss, the special symbol determination data for loss (type of loss symbol) corresponding to the reservation type is saved. Specifically, the special symbol X is saved as a loss symbol. In this way, after the special symbol determination data is saved, a symbol type designation command corresponding to the special symbol determination data is set in the transmission buffer.

[0385] (Step S610-13) The main CPU 300a saves the special symbol stop symbol number corresponding to the special symbol determination data extracted in the above step S610-11. The first special symbol display 160 and the second special symbol display 162 are each composed of 7 segments, and each segment constituting the 7 segments is associated with a number (counter value). The special symbol stop symbol number determined here indicates the number (counter value) of the segment that will finally be lit.

[0386] (Step S612) The main CPU 300a executes a special symbol variable number determination process for determining a variable mode number and a variable pattern number. The details of this special symbol variable number determination process will be described later.

[0387] (Step S610-15) The main CPU300a loads the fluctuation mode number and the fluctuation pattern number determined in the above step S612, and determines the fluctuation time 1 and the fluctuation time 2 by referring to the fluctuation time determination table. Then, the total time of the determined fluctuation times 1 and 2 is set in the special symbol fluctuation timer.

[0388] (Step S610-17) The main CPU 300a performs a reserve area setting process for storing the type of big win symbol or small win symbol (special symbol determination data) and the like in the reserve area of ​​the main RAM 300c.

[0389] (Step S610-19) The main CPU 300a executes a process of setting a special symbol display counter in order to start the variable display of the special symbol in the first special symbol display 160 or the second special symbol display 162. A counter value is associated with each segment of the 7-segment that constitutes the first special symbol display 160 and the second special symbol display 162, and the segment corresponding to the counter value set in the special symbol display counter is controlled to light up. Here, the counter value corresponding to the segment to be lit at the start of the variable display of the special symbol is set in the special symbol display counter. In addition, the special symbol display counter is provided separately as a special symbol 1 display counter corresponding to the first special symbol display 160 and a special symbol 2 display counter corresponding to the second special symbol display 162, and here, a counter value is set in the counter corresponding to the reservation type.

[0390] (Step S610-21) The main CPU 300a loads the counter values ​​of the special pattern 1 reserved ball counter and the special pattern 2 reserved ball counter, and sets the special pattern reserved designation command in the transmission buffer. Here, the special pattern 1 reserved designation command is set based on the counter value (special 1 reserved number) of the special pattern 1 reserved ball counter, and the special pattern 2 reserved designation command is set based on the counter value (special 2 reserved number) of the special pattern 2 reserved ball counter. Also, here, the special pattern winning order command corresponding to the winning order of the special 1 reserved and special 2 reserved stored in the above step S610-7 is set in the transmission buffer. As a result, every time the special 1 reserved or special 2 reserved is consumed, the special 1 reserved number and the special 2 reserved number, as well as the winning order of each of these reserved balls, are transmitted to the sub-control board 330.

[0391] (Step S610-23) The main CPU 300a updates the special game management phase to "01H" and ends the special symbol change waiting process.

[0392] FIG. 36 is a flowchart illustrating the special symbol variable number determination process in the main control board 300.

[0393] (Step S612-1) The main CPU 300a judges whether the result of the big prize lottery in the above step S610-9 is a big win or a small win. If it is judged to be a big win or a small win, the process proceeds to step S612-3, and if it is judged not to be a big win or a small win (miss), the process proceeds to step S612-5.

[0394] (Step S612-3) The main CPU 300a sets a reach mode determination random number judgment table corresponding to the current game state, the type of big win symbol or small win symbol, the reserved type, and the variable state.

[0395] (Step S612-5) When the hold type of the read hold is special 2 hold, the main CPU 300a checks the counter value of the special pattern 2 hold ball count counter, and when the hold type of the read hold is special 1 hold, the main CPU 300a checks the counter value of the special pattern 1 hold ball count counter.

[0396] (Step S612-7) The main CPU300a sets the corresponding reach group determination random number judgment table based on the current game state, the reserved number and reserved type confirmed in the above step S612-5. Then, based on the set reach group determination random number judgment table and the reach group determination random number transferred to the 0th storage unit in the above step S610-7, it determines the reach group (group type).

[0397] (Step S612-9) The main CPU 300a sets a loss-time reach mode determination random number judgment table corresponding to the group type determined in step S612-7.

[0398] (Step S612-11) The main CPU 300a determines a variation mode number based on the reach mode determination random number judgment table set in the above step S612-3 or step S612-9 and the reach mode determination random number transferred to the 0th storage unit in the above step S610-7. Here, a variation pattern random number judgment table is also determined together with the variation mode number.

[0399] (Step S612-13) The main CPU 300a sets in the transmission buffer the fluctuation mode command corresponding to the fluctuation mode number determined in step S612-11 above.

[0400] (Step S612-15) The main CPU 300a determines a variation pattern number based on the variation pattern random number determination table determined in the above step S612-11 and the variation pattern random number transferred to the 0th storage unit in the above step S610-7.

[0401] (Step S612-17) The main CPU 300a sets the variation pattern command corresponding to the variation pattern number determined in the above step S612-15 in the transmission buffer, and ends the special pattern variation number determination process.

[0402] 37 is a flow chart for explaining the special symbol variation process in the main control board 300. This special symbol variation process is executed when the special game management phase is "01H".

[0403] (Step S620-1) The main CPU 300a executes a process to update the special symbol variation base counter. The special symbol variation base counter is set to a counter value that completes one revolution in a predetermined cycle (e.g., 100 ms). Specifically, if the counter value of the special symbol variation base counter is "0", a predetermined counter value (e.g., 25) is set, and if the counter value is "1" or more, the counter value is updated to a value obtained by subtracting "1" from the current counter value.

[0404] (Step S620-3) The main CPU 300a judges whether the counter value of the special symbol variation base counter updated in the above step S620-1 is "0". If the counter value is "0", the process proceeds to step S620-5. If the counter value is not "0", the process proceeds to step S620-9.

[0405] (Step S620-5) The main CPU 300a performs a special symbol fluctuation timer update process for subtracting a predetermined value from the timer value of the special symbol fluctuation timer set in the above step S610-15.

[0406] (Step S620-7) The main CPU 300a judges whether the timer value of the special symbol fluctuation timer updated in the above step S620-5 is "0". If the timer value is "0", the process proceeds to step S620-15, and if the timer value is not "0", the process proceeds to step S620-9.

[0407] (Step S620-9) The main CPU 300a updates the special symbol display timer that measures the lighting time of each of the 7-segment segments that make up the first special symbol display device 160 and the second special symbol display device 162. Specifically, if the timer value of the special symbol display timer is "0", a predetermined timer value is set, and if the timer value is "1" or more, the timer value is updated to a value obtained by subtracting "1" from the current timer value.

[0408] (Step S620-11) The main CPU 300a judges whether the timer value of the special symbol display timer is "0". If it is judged that the timer value of the special symbol display timer is "0", the process proceeds to step S620-13, and if it is judged that the timer value of the special symbol display timer is not "0", the process during the special symbol variation is terminated.

[0409] (Step S620-13) The main CPU 300a updates the counter value of the special symbol display symbol counter to be updated, and ends the special symbol variation process. As a result, each segment constituting the 7-segment display is sequentially lit at predetermined time intervals.

[0410] (Step S620-15) The main CPU 300a updates the special game management phase to "02H".

[0411] (Step S620-17) The main CPU 300a saves the special symbol stop symbol number (counter value) determined in step S610-13 in the target special symbol display symbol counter. As a result, the determined special symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display device 160 or the second special symbol display device 162.

[0412] (Step S620-19) The main CPU 300a sets a special symbol stop designation command, which indicates that a special symbol has been stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display device 160 or the second special symbol display device 162, in the transmission buffer.

[0413] (Step S620-21) The main CPU 300a sets a special symbol variation stop time, which is the time for stopping and displaying the special symbol, in a special game timer, and ends the special symbol variation process.

[0414] 38 is a flow chart for explaining the special symbol stop symbol display process in the main control board 300. This special symbol stop symbol display process is executed when the special game management phase is "02H".

[0415] (Step S630-1) The main CPU 300a judges whether the timer value of the special game timer set in the above step S620-21 is "0". If it is judged that the timer value of the special game timer is not "0", the main CPU 300a ends the special symbol stop symbol display process, and if it is judged that the timer value of the special game timer is "0", the process proceeds to step S631.

[0416] (Step S631) The main CPU 300a executes a number-of-times-off management process, and ends the special symbol stop symbol display process. This number-of-times-off management process will be described later.

[0417] (Step S630-3) The main CPU 300a sets in the transmission buffer a game state confirmation command at the time of special symbol determination, which indicates the game state at the time when the special symbol is determined.

[0418] (Step S630-5) The main CPU 300a sets in the transmission buffer a count command for transmitting the values ​​of various counters (special 1 fluctuation count, special 2 fluctuation count, normal fluctuation count) updated in the count cut management process in step S631 above to the sub-control board 330.

[0419] (Step S630-7) The main CPU 300a checks the result of the big role lottery.

[0420] (Step S630-9) The main CPU 300a judges whether the result of the big prize lottery is a big win or a small win. If it is judged to be a big win or a small win, the process proceeds to step S630-13, and if it is judged not to be a big win or a small win, the process proceeds to step S630-11.

[0421] (Step S630-11) The main CPU300a updates the special game management phase to "00H" and ends the special symbol stop symbol display process. This ends the special game management process based on the reservation of 1, and if special reservation 1 or special reservation 2 is stored, processing to start the variable display of the special symbol based on the next reservation will be performed.

[0422] (Step S630-13) The main CPU 300a sets data in the special electric role operation RAM set table according to the type of the determined special symbol.

[0423] (Step S630-15) The main CPU 300a performs a process for setting the maximum number of times that the special electric device operates. Specifically, the data set in the above step S630-13 is referenced, and a predetermined number (counter value corresponding to the type of special symbol=number of rounds) is set as a counter value in the maximum number of times that the special electric device operates. The maximum number of times that the special electric device operates indicates the number of rounds ("10" or "1") that can be executed in the big role game or small win game that is about to start. Meanwhile, the main RAM 300c is provided with a counter for the number of consecutive times that the special electric device operates, and the current number of rounds is managed by adding "1" to the counter value of the counter for the consecutive times that the special electric device operates at the start of each round game. Here, a process for resetting (updating to "0") the counter value of the counter for the consecutive times that the special electric device operates is also executed with the start of the big role game or small win game.

[0424] (Step S630-17) The main CPU 300a refers to the data set in step S630-13, and saves a predetermined opening time as a timer value in the special game timer.

[0425] (Step S630-19) The main CPU 300a sets in the transmission buffer an opening designation command for transmitting the start of the big prize game or the small prize game to the sub-control board 330. Note that this opening designation command is provided for each opening time, and here, the opening designation command corresponding to the opening time saved in the above step S630-17 is set in the transmission buffer.

[0426] (Step S630-21) The main CPU 300a updates the special game management phase to "03H" (when a small win occurs) or "07H" (when a big win occurs), and ends the special symbol stop symbol display process. This starts the small win game or the big role game.

[0427] FIG. 39 is a flowchart illustrating the number of cutoff management process in the main control board 300.

[0428] (Step S631-1) The main CPU300a loads a time-shortened state flag for identifying whether the gaming state is a non-time-shortened gaming state or a time-shortened gaming state (first time-shortened gaming state, second time-shortened gaming state), and judges whether the current gaming state is a time-shortened gaming state. If it is judged that the current gaming state is a time-shortened gaming state, the main CPU300a transfers the process to step S631-3, and if it is judged that the current gaming state is not a time-shortened gaming state, the main CPU300a terminates the number-of-plays management process.

[0429] (Step S631-3) The main CPU 300a subtracts "1" from the target number-of-times-off counter. Specifically, when a special symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 160, the main CPU 300a subtracts "1" from the special 1 variation number-of-times-off counter, and when a special symbol is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 162, the main CPU 300a subtracts "1" from the special 2 variation number-of-times-off counter.

[0430] (Step S631-5) The main CPU 300a judges whether the counter value of the counter updated in the above step S631-3 has become 0. As a result, if it is judged that the counter value has become 0, the process proceeds to step S631-7, and if it is judged that the counter value has not become 0, the process for managing the number of times the counter is cut is terminated.

[0431] (Step S631-7) The main CPU 300a sets the time-shortened state flag to set the gaming state to the non-time-shortened gaming state. Here, each of the number-of-time-shortened counters is reset.

[0432] (Step S631-9) The main CPU 300a sets a game state change designation command indicating the game state when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the transmission buffer, and ends the number-of-plays management process. That is, when the game state is changed from the time-limited game state to the non-time-limited game state in the number-of-plays management process, the game state change designation command is transmitted to the sub-control board 330.

[0433] 40 is a flowchart explaining the process before the opening of the big prize opening in the main control board 300. This process before the opening of the big prize opening is executed when the special game management phase is "03H" (small win) or "07H" (big win).

[0434] (Step S640-1) The main CPU300a judges whether the timer value of the special game timer is not "0". As a result, if it is judged that the timer value of the special game timer is not "0", the main CPU300a ends the processing before opening the large prize opening, and if it is judged that the timer value of the special game timer is "0", the processing proceeds to step S640-3.

[0435] (Step S640-3) The main CPU 300a updates the counter value of the special electric role continuous operation number counter to a value obtained by adding "1" to the current counter value.

[0436] (Step S640-5) The main CPU 300a sets in the transmission buffer a special prize opening designation command for transmitting to the sub-control board 330 the start of opening of the first special prize opening 126 and the second special prize opening 128 (the start of a round of play).

[0437] (Step S641) The main CPU 300a executes a special prize opening / closing switching process, which will be described later.

[0438] (Step S640-7) The main CPU 300a judges whether the special game management phase is 03H, that is, whether a small win game is being played. If it is judged that the special game management phase is 03H, the process proceeds to step S640-9. If it is judged that the special game management phase is not 03H, the process proceeds to step S640-13.

[0439] (Step S640-9) The main CPU 300a judges whether it is the start of the first round of play based on the counter value of the special electric device continuous operation number counter. If it is judged as the start of the first round of play, the process proceeds to step S640-11, and if it is judged as not the start of the first round of play, the process proceeds to step S640-17.

[0440] (Step S640-11) The main CPU 300a turns on the valid period flag, which enables the entry of the gaming ball into the specific area 140b when the small win game starts.

[0441] (Step S640-13) The main CPU 300a judges whether it is the start of the second round game based on the counter value of the special electric device continuous operation number counter. If it is judged as the start of the second round game, the process proceeds to step S640-15, and if it is judged as not the start of the second round game, the process proceeds to step S640-17.

[0442] (Step S640-15) The main CPU 300a resets the gaming state to the normal gaming state, which is the initial state.

[0443] (Step S640-17) The main CPU 300a updates the special game management phase to a value obtained by adding 01H to the current value ("04H" or "08H"), and ends the pre-opening process for the special game slot.

[0444] FIG. 41 is a flowchart explaining the special prize opening opening / closing switching process in the main control board 300.

[0445] (Step S641-1) The main CPU 300a judges whether the counter value of the special electric accessory opening / closing switching counter is the upper limit value of the special electric accessory opening / closing switching count (the number of times the first large prize opening 126 and the second large prize opening 128 are opened and closed during one round of play). If it is judged that the counter value is the upper limit value, the main CPU 300a ends the large prize opening opening / closing switching process, and if it is judged that the counter value is not the upper limit value, the process proceeds to step S641-3.

[0446] (Step S641-3) The main CPU 300a refers to the data in the special electric device operation RAM set table and extracts solenoid control data for controlling the energization of the first large prize opening solenoid 126c or the second large prize opening solenoid 128c based on the counter value of the special electric device opening / closing switching count counter, as well as timer data which is the energization time or non-energization time of the first large prize opening solenoid 126c or the second large prize opening solenoid 128c.

[0447] (Step S641-5) The main CPU 300a executes a large prize opening solenoid energization control process to start energizing the first large prize opening solenoid 126c or the second large prize opening solenoid 128c, or to stop energizing the first large prize opening solenoid 126c or the second large prize opening solenoid 128c, based on the solenoid control data extracted in the above step S641-3. By executing this large prize opening solenoid energization control process, the start or stop of energization of the first large prize opening solenoid 126c or the second large prize opening solenoid 128c is controlled in the above steps S400-31 and S400-33.

[0448] (Step S641-7) The main CPU 300a saves the timer value based on the timer data extracted in the above step S641-3 in the special game timer. The timer value saved in the special game timer here is the maximum opening time of the first large prize opening 126 and the second large prize opening 128 in one time.

[0449] (Step S641-9) The main CPU 300a judges whether the first large prize opening solenoid 126c or the second large prize opening solenoid 128c is in the energization start state, that is, whether the control process to start energization of the first large prize opening solenoid 126c or the second large prize opening solenoid 128c has been performed in the above step S641-5. If it is judged to be in the energization start state, the process proceeds to step S641-11, and if it is judged not to be in the energization start state, the large prize opening opening open / close switching process is terminated.

[0450] (Step S641-11) The main CPU 300a updates the counter value of the special electric role opening / closing switching count counter to a value obtained by adding "1" to the current counter value, and ends the large prize opening opening / closing switching process.

[0451] 42 is a flow chart for explaining the special prize opening control process in the main control board 300. This special prize opening control process is executed when the special game management phase is "04H" or "08H".

[0452] (Step S650-1) The main CPU 300a judges whether the timer value of the special game timer saved in the above step S641-7 is "0". If it is judged that the timer value of the special game timer is not "0", the process proceeds to step S650-5, and if it is judged that the timer value of the special game timer is "0", the process proceeds to step S650-3.

[0453] (Step S650-3) The main CPU 300a judges whether the counter value of the special electric role opening / closing switching counter is the upper limit value of the special electric role opening / closing switching count. If it is judged that the counter value is the upper limit value, the process proceeds to step S650-7, and if it is judged that the counter value is not the upper limit value, the process proceeds to step S641.

[0454] (Step S641) In the above step S650-3, when it is determined that the counter value of the special electric role opening / closing switching number counter is not the upper limit value of the special electric role opening / closing switching number, the main CPU 300a executes the process of the above step S641.

[0455] (Step S650-5) The main CPU 300a judges whether the counter value of the special prize opening winning ball counter updated in the above step S500-9 has reached a specified number, that is, whether the same number of game balls as the maximum number of winnings in one round have entered the first special prize opening 126 or the second special prize opening 128. If it is determined that the specified number has not been reached, the main CPU 300a ends the special prize opening opening opening control process, and if it is determined that the specified number has been reached, the process proceeds to step S650-7.

[0456] (Step S650-7) The main CPU 300a executes a large prize opening closing process required to stop the energization of the first large prize opening solenoid 126c and the second large prize opening solenoid 128c to close the first large prize opening 126 and the second large prize opening 128. As a result, the first large prize opening 126 and the second large prize opening 128 are closed.

[0457] (Step S650-9) The main CPU 300a saves the effective time (interval time) for closing the special winning port in the special game timer.

[0458] (Step S650-11) The main CPU 300a updates the special game management phase to a value obtained by adding 01H to the current value ("05H" or "09H").

[0459] (Step S650-13) The main CPU 300a sets in the transmission buffer a large prize opening closure designation command indicating that the first large prize opening 126 and the second large prize opening 128 have been closed, and ends the large prize opening opening control process.

[0460] 43 is a flow chart for explaining the special prize opening close validity process in the main control board 300. This special prize opening close validity process is executed when the special game management phase is "05H" or "09H".

[0461] (Step S660-1) The main CPU 300a judges whether the timer value of the special game timer saved in the above step S650-9 is "0". As a result, if it is judged that the timer value of the special game timer is not "0", the main CPU 300a ends the big prize opening closure valid processing, and if it is judged that the timer value of the special game timer is "0", the processing proceeds to step S660-3.

[0462] (Step S660-3) The main CPU 300a judges whether the counter value of the special electric device continuous operation counter matches the counter value of the special electric device maximum operation counter, that is, whether a preset number of rounds have been played. If it is judged that the counter value of the special electric device continuous operation counter matches the counter value of the special electric device maximum operation counter, the process proceeds to step S660-9, and if it is judged that they do not match, the process proceeds to step S660-5.

[0463] (Step S660-5) The main CPU300a updates the special game management phase to "07H". When the special game management phase is "03H", that is, during the control of the small win game, the round number of the small win game is "1", so that the result of the determination in the above step S660-3 is YES, and the process does not proceed to the step.

[0464] (Step S660-7) The main CPU 300a saves the predetermined special prize opening closing time in the special game timer and ends the special prize opening closing validity process, thereby starting the next round of games.

[0465] (Step S660-9) The main CPU 300a judges whether the special game management phase is 05H, that is, whether a small win game is being played. If it is judged that the special game management phase is 05H, the process proceeds to step S660-11. If it is judged that the special game management phase is not 05H, the process proceeds to step S660-21.

[0466] (Step S660-11) The main CPU 300a judges whether all the game balls that entered the second large prize opening 128 have been discharged. Here, when the value obtained by subtracting the total number of game balls that entered the specific area 140b and the non-specific area 140c from the number of game balls that entered the second large prize opening 128 becomes 0, it is judged that the discharge is completed. If it is judged that the discharge is completed, the process proceeds to step S660-13, and if it is judged that the discharge is not completed, the large prize opening closure valid process is terminated. Note that if the judgment result that the discharge is not completed is continuously derived for a certain period of time, an error process is performed.

[0467] (Step S660-13) The main CPU 300a determines whether the specific area entry flag is on. If it is determined that the specific area entry flag is on, the process proceeds to step S660-15. If it is determined that the specific area entry flag is not on, the process proceeds to step S660-21.

[0468] (Step S660-15) The main CPU 300a turns off the specific area entry flag.

[0469] (Step S660-17) The main CPU 300a checks the type of small winning symbol and sets a predetermined number (the counter value corresponding to the type of special symbol = the number of rounds minus 1, i.e., the number of rounds in a big winning game) as the counter value in the special electric device maximum operation count counter.

[0470] (Step S660-19) The main CPU 300a sets the special game management phase to 07H, and ends the special prize opening closure validity processing.

[0471] (Step S660-21) The main CPU 300a executes an ending time setting process for saving the ending time in a special game timer.

[0472] (Step S660-23) The main CPU 300a updates the special game management phase to a value obtained by adding 01H to the current value ("06H" or "0AH").

[0473] (Step S660-25) The main CPU 300a sets an ending designation command indicating the start of the ending in the transmission buffer, and ends the big prize opening closure validity processing.

[0474] 44 is a flow chart for explaining the special prize opening end wait process in the main control board 300. This special prize opening end wait process is executed when the special game management phase is "06H" or "0AH".

[0475] (Step S670-1) The main CPU 300a judges whether the timer value of the special game timer saved in the above step S660-21 is not "0". As a result, if it is judged that the timer value of the special game timer is not "0", the main CPU 300a ends the waiting process for the end of the special winning port, and if it is judged that the timer value of the special game timer is "0", the process proceeds to step S670-3.

[0476] (Step S670-3) The main CPU300a executes a state setting process for setting the game state after the end of a big role game in which a big win symbol is stopped and displayed as a special symbol, or a big role game in which a game ball enters the specific area 140b in a small win game. Specifically, the main CPU300a refers to the game state setting table (FIG. 15) and sets the game state after the end of the big role game, the number of normal symbol changes, the number of special 1 changes, and the number of special 2 changes based on the type of special symbol that triggered the execution of the big role game or the small win game, and the game state at the time of winning. Note that if a game ball does not enter the specific area 140b in a small win game, that is, if the special game management phase is "06H", the game state is not set in the step S670-3.

[0477] Also, here, a process is performed to set the variable state after the end of the big prize game based on the big prize pattern that triggered the execution of the big prize game or the small prize pattern that triggered the execution of the small prize game and the setting value being set.

[0478] (Step S670-5) The main CPU 300a sets in the transmission buffer a game state change designation command for transmitting the game state and the variable state that are set after the end of the big win game or the end of the small win game.

[0479] (Step S670-7) The main CPU 300a sets in the transmission buffer frequency designation commands corresponding to the normal frequency of change, the special 1 frequency of change, and the special 2 frequency of change set in step S670-3 above.

[0480] (Step S670-9) The main CPU300a updates the special game management phase to "00H" and ends the waiting process for the end of the special winning port. As a result, if the special 1 reserve or special 2 reserve is stored, the variable display of the special symbol is resumed.

[0481] 45 is a diagram explaining the normal game management phase. As already explained, in the embodiment, the processing related to the normal game is executed stepwise and repeatedly, and in the main control board 300, each processing related to such a normal game is managed by the normal game management phase.

[0482] As shown in FIG. 45, the main ROM 300b stores a plurality of normal game control modules for controlling the execution of a normal game, and each of these normal game control modules is associated with a normal game management phase. Specifically, when the normal game management phase is "00H", a module for executing "normal symbol change waiting process" is called, when the normal game management phase is "01H", a module for executing "normal symbol change in progress process" is called, when the normal game management phase is "02H", a module for executing "normal symbol stop symbol display process" is called, when the normal game management phase is "03H", a module for executing "normal electric role winning opening pre-processing" is called, when the normal game management phase is "04H", a module for executing "normal electric role winning opening opening control process" is called, when the normal game management phase is "05H", a module for executing "normal electric role winning opening closing valid process" is called, and when the normal game management phase is "06H", a module for executing "normal electric role winning opening end wait process" is called.

[0483] FIG. 46 is a flow chart for explaining the normal game management process (step S700) in the main control board 300.

[0484] (Step S700-1) The main CPU 300a loads the normal game management phase.

[0485] (Step S700-3) The main CPU 300a selects the normal game control module corresponding to the normal game management phase loaded in the above step S700-1.

[0486] (Step S700-5) The main CPU 300a calls the normal game control module selected in step S700-3 and starts processing.

[0487] (Step S700-7) The main CPU 300a loads a normal game timer that manages the control time of a normal game.

[0488] 47 is a flowchart explaining the normal symbol change waiting process in the main control board 300. This normal symbol change waiting process is executed when the normal game management phase is "00H".

[0489] (Step S710-1) The main CPU300a loads the counter value of the normal symbol reserved ball number counter and judges whether the counter value is "0", that is, whether the normal symbol reserved is "0". If it is judged that the counter value is "0", the normal symbol change waiting process is terminated, and if it is judged that the counter value is not "0", the process is transferred to step S710-3.

[0490] (Step S710-3) The main CPU 300a transfers the regular symbol reserves (regular symbol winning determination random number, regular symbol determination random number, regular symbol variation pattern determination random number) stored in the first to fourth storage units of the regular symbol reserve storage area in blocks to the storage unit with the next smaller ordinal number. Specifically, the regular symbol reserves stored in the second to fourth storage units are transferred to the first to third storage units. In addition, the main RAM 300c is provided with a 0th storage unit to be processed, and the regular symbol reserves stored in the 1st storage unit are transferred to the 0th storage unit. In addition, in this regular symbol storage area shift process, the counter value of the regular symbol reserved ball count counter is subtracted by "1", and a regular symbol reserve reduction designation command indicating that the regular symbol reserve has been subtracted by "1" is set in the transmission buffer.

[0491] (Step S710-5) The main CPU 300a loads the normal symbol winning determination random number transferred to the 0th memory unit, selects a normal symbol winning determination random number judgment table corresponding to the current game state, performs a normal symbol lottery, and executes a normal symbol winning determination process that stores the lottery result.

[0492] (Step S710-7) The main CPU300a performs a normal symbol determination process based on the result of the normal symbol lottery in step S710-5. Here, if the result of the normal symbol lottery is a win, the normal symbol determination random number judgment table corresponding to the current game state is referenced, and the type of normal symbol is determined based on the normal symbol determination random number transferred to the 0th memory unit. Also, if the result of the normal symbol lottery is a loss, a predetermined loss symbol is determined. Then, the normal symbol stop symbol number corresponding to the determined type of normal symbol is saved.

[0493] (Step S710-9) The main CPU 300a checks the current game state, and selects and sets the corresponding normal symbol variation time data table.

[0494] (Step S710-11) The main CPU 300a refers to the normal symbol variation time data table set in the above step S710-9, and determines the normal symbol variation time by lottery based on the normal symbol variation pattern determination random number transferred to the 0th memory unit.

[0495] (Step S710-13) The main CPU 300a saves the normal symbol variation time determined in the above step S710-11 in the normal game timer.

[0496] (Step S710-15) The main CPU 300a executes a process of setting the normal symbol display symbol counter in order to start the variable display of the normal symbol in the normal symbol display 168. When the counter value is set to, for example, "0" in the normal symbol display symbol counter, the normal symbol display 168 is controlled to be turned on, and when the counter value is set to "1", the normal symbol display 168 is controlled to be turned off. Here, a predetermined counter value is set in the normal symbol display symbol counter at the start of the variable display of the normal symbol.

[0497] (Step S710-17) The main CPU 300a sets a regular map reservation designation command indicating the number of regular map reservations stored in the regular map reservation memory area in a transmission buffer.

[0498] (Step S710-19) The main CPU 300a sets a normal symbol designation command in the transmission buffer based on the normal symbol stop symbol number determined in step S710-7 above, i.e., the symbol type (winning symbol or losing symbol) determined by the normal symbol winning determination process.

[0499] (Step S710-21) The main CPU 300a loads the time-shortened state flag and judges whether the current game state is the time-shortened game state. If it is judged that the current game state is the time-shortened game state, the process proceeds to step S710-23, and if it is judged that the current game state is not the time-shortened game state, the process proceeds to step S710-33.

[0500] (Step S710-23) The main CPU 300a decrements the counter value of the normal fluctuation cut-off counter.

[0501] (Step S710-25) The main CPU 300a determines whether the counter value updated in step S710-23 is 0. If it is determined that the counter value is 0, the process proceeds to step S710-27, and if it is determined that the counter value is not 0, the process proceeds to step S710-33.

[0502] (Step S710-27) The main CPU300a sets the time-saving state flag to set the game state to the non-time-saving game state. As a result, after the game state is set to the time-saving game state, when the number of times that the execution of the normal game is started reaches the number of normal game variations set in advance, the game state is changed to the non-time-saving game state. In addition, here, the special 1 variation count cut-off counter and the special 2 variation count cut-off counter are reset.

[0503] (Step S710-29) The main CPU 300a sets a game state change designation command indicating the game state at the start of the normal pattern change in the transmission buffer. That is, when the game state is changed from the time-saving game state to the non-time-saving game state in the normal pattern change waiting process, the game state change designation command is transmitted to the sub-control board 330.

[0504] (Step S710-31) The main CPU 300a stores the current gaming state as a reference gaming state in the main RAM 300c.

[0505] (Step S710-33) The main CPU 300a updates the normal game management phase to "01H" and ends the normal symbol change waiting process.

[0506] In this embodiment, in the normal pattern change waiting process, the pattern type of the normal pattern is set at the start of the change, so when the normal pattern starts to change, the normal pattern change count cut counter is updated (step S710-23), and then a transition to a non-time-saving game state (step S710-27) is performed. However, by providing a game state transition control based on the normal pattern change count as a process when the normal pattern stop pattern display process described later fails, or by providing it in the normal electric device winning port end wait process, it is possible to configure the time-saving game state to be maintained even during the change of the normal pattern at the timing when the normal pattern change count cut counter becomes 0. By configuring in this way, it is also possible to set the operation mode of the normal electric device to suit the current situation depending on the game state that has changed due to the change of the special pattern or the progress of the special game when the normal pattern is stopped and displayed.

[0507] 48 is a flowchart explaining the normal symbol variation processing in the main control board 300. This normal symbol variation processing is executed when the normal game management phase is "01H".

[0508] (Step S720-1) The main CPU 300a judges whether the timer value of the normal game timer saved in the above step S710-13 is "0". If the timer value is "0", the process proceeds to step S720-9. If the timer value is not "0", the process proceeds to step S720-3.

[0509] (Step S720-3) The main CPU 300a updates the normal symbol display timer that measures the lighting time and the extinguishing time of the normal symbol display 168. Specifically, if the timer value of the normal symbol display timer is "0", a predetermined timer value is set, and if the timer value is "1" or more, the timer value is updated to a value obtained by subtracting "1" from the current timer value.

[0510] (Step S720-5) The main CPU300a judges whether the timer value of the normal symbol display timer is "0". As a result, if it is judged that the timer value of the normal symbol display timer is "0", the process proceeds to step S720-7, and if it is judged that the timer value of the normal symbol display timer is not "0", the process during the normal symbol variation is terminated.

[0511] (Step S720-7) The main CPU 300a updates the counter value of the normal symbol display symbol counter. Here, if the counter value of the normal symbol display symbol counter is a counter value indicating that the normal symbol display 168 is turned off, it is updated to a counter value indicating that the normal symbol display 168 is turned on, and if the counter value is a counter value indicating that the normal symbol display 168 is turned on, it is updated to a counter value indicating that the normal symbol display 168 is turned off, and the normal symbol variation process is terminated. As a result, the normal symbol display 168 is turned on and off repeatedly (blinks) at predetermined intervals during the normal symbol variation time.

[0512] (Step S720-9) The main CPU 300a saves the normal symbol stop symbol number (counter value) determined in step S710-7 in the normal symbol display symbol counter. This causes the normal symbol to be stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display 168.

[0513] (Step S720-11) The main CPU 300a sets a normal pattern variation stop time, which is the time for stopping and displaying the normal pattern, in a normal game timer.

[0514] (Step S720-13) The main CPU 300a sets a normal symbol stop command, which indicates that the stopped display of normal symbols has begun, in the transmission buffer.

[0515] (Step S720-15) The main CPU 300a updates the normal game management phase to "02H" and ends the normal pattern variation processing.

[0516] 49 is a flowchart explaining the normal symbol stop symbol display process in the main control board 300. This normal symbol stop symbol display process is executed when the normal game management phase is "02H".

[0517] (Step S730-1) The main CPU 300a judges whether the timer value of the normal game timer set in the above step S720-11 is not "0". As a result, if it is judged that the timer value of the normal game timer is not "0", the normal pattern stop symbol display process is terminated, and if it is judged that the timer value of the normal game timer is "0", the process proceeds to step S730-3.

[0518] (Step S730-3) The main CPU 300a checks the result of the regular drawing.

[0519] (Step S730-5) The main CPU 300a judges whether the result of the normal drawing is a win or not. If it is judged to be a win, the process proceeds to step S730-9, and if it is judged to be a no win (miss), the process proceeds to step S730-7.

[0520] (Step S730-7) The main CPU300a updates the normal game management phase to "00H" and ends the normal symbol stop symbol display process. This ends the normal game management process based on the normal symbol reservation of 1, and if the normal symbol reservation is stored, processing is performed to start the variable display of the normal symbol based on the next reservation.

[0521] (Step S730-9) The main CPU 300a refers to the data in the opening / closing control pattern table, and saves the time before normal power opening in the normal game timer as a timer value.

[0522] (Step S730-11) The main CPU300a updates the normal game management phase to "03H" and ends the normal symbol stop symbol display process. This starts the opening and closing control of the second start port 122.

[0523] 50 is a flowchart explaining the normal electric device winning opening pre-processing in the main control board 300. This normal electric device winning opening pre-processing is executed when the normal game management phase is "03H".

[0524] (Step S740-1) The main CPU300a judges whether the timer value of the normal game timer is not "0". As a result, if it is judged that the timer value of the normal game timer is not "0", the normal electric role winning opening pre-opening process is terminated, and if it is judged that the timer value of the normal game timer is "0", the process is transferred to step S741.

[0525] (Step S741) The main CPU 300a executes a normal electric accessory winning mouth opening / closing switching process, which will be described later.

[0526] (Step S740-3) The main CPU 300a updates the normal game management phase to "04H" and ends the normal electric role winning opening pre-opening process.

[0527] 51 is a flowchart explaining the normal electric role winning opening opening / closing switching process in the main control board 300.

[0528] (Step S741-1) The main CPU 300a judges whether the counter value of the normal electric role opening / closing switching counter is the upper limit value of the normal electric role opening / closing switching count (the number of times the movable piece 122b opens and closes during one opening / closing control). If it is judged that the counter value is the upper limit value, the normal electric role winning opening opening / closing switching process is terminated, and if it is judged that the counter value is not the upper limit value, the process proceeds to step S741-3.

[0529] (Step S741-3) The main CPU 300a refers to the data in the opening / closing control pattern table and extracts solenoid control data (energization control data or de-energization control data) for controlling the energization of the normal electric role solenoid 122c based on the counter value of the normal electric role opening / closing switching count counter, and timer data which is the energization time (solenoid energization time) or de-energization time (normal power closing effective time = pause time) of the normal electric role solenoid 122c.

[0530] (Step S741-5) The main CPU 300a executes a normal electric role solenoid energization control process to start energizing the normal electric role solenoid 122c or stop energizing the normal electric role solenoid 122c based on the solenoid control data extracted in the above step S741-3. By executing this normal electric role solenoid energization control process, the normal electric role solenoid 122c is controlled to start or stop energizing in the above step S400-31 and step S400-33.

[0531] (Step S741-7) The main CPU 300a saves the timer value based on the timer data extracted in the above step S741-3 in the normal game timer. The timer value saved in the normal game timer here is the maximum opening time of the second start port 122 once.

[0532] (Step S741-9) The main CPU 300a judges whether the normal electric role solenoid 122c is in the energization start state, that is, whether the control process to start energization of the normal electric role solenoid 122c has been performed in the above step S741-5. As a result, if it is judged to be in the energization start state, the process is transferred to step S741-11, and if it is judged not to be in the energization start state, the normal electric role winning opening opening switching process is terminated.

[0533] (Step S741-11) The main CPU 300a updates the counter value of the normal electric accessory opening / closing switching number counter to a value obtained by adding "1" to the current counter value.

[0534] 52 is a flowchart explaining the normal electric device winning hole opening control process in the main control board 300. This normal electric device winning hole opening control process is executed when the normal game management phase is "04H".

[0535] (Step S750-1) The main CPU 300a judges whether the timer value of the normal game timer saved in the above step S741-7 is "0". As a result, if it is judged that the timer value of the normal game timer is not "0", the process proceeds to step S750-5, and if it is judged that the timer value of the normal game timer is "0", the process proceeds to step S750-3.

[0536] (Step S750-3) The main CPU 300a judges whether the counter value of the normal electric role opening / closing switching counter is the upper limit value of the normal electric role opening / closing switching count. If it is judged that the counter value is the upper limit value, the process proceeds to step S750-7, and if it is judged that the counter value is not the upper limit value, the process proceeds to step S741.

[0537] (Step S741) In the above step S750-3, if it is determined that the counter value of the normal electric role opening / closing switching count counter is not the upper limit value of the normal electric role opening / closing switching count, the main CPU 300a executes the process of the above step S741.

[0538] (Step S750-5) The main CPU 300a judges whether the counter value of the normal electric device winning ball counter updated in the above step S530-9 has reached a specified number, that is, whether the same number of game balls as the maximum number of winning balls during one opening and closing control have entered the second starting hole 122. As a result, if it is judged that the specified number has not been reached, the normal electric device winning hole opening control process is terminated, and if it is judged that the specified number has been reached, the process proceeds to step S750-7.

[0539] (Step S750-7) The main CPU 300a executes a normal electric accessory closing process required to stop the power supply to the normal electric accessory solenoid 122c and close the second start port 122. This causes the second start port 122 to be in a closed state.

[0540] (Step S750-9) The main CPU 300a saves the normal power effective state time in the normal game timer.

[0541] (Step S750-11) The main CPU 300a updates the normal game management phase to "05H" and ends the normal electric role winning port opening control process.

[0542] 53 is a flowchart explaining the normal electric accessory winning hole closing valid processing in the main control board 300. This normal electric accessory winning hole closing valid processing is executed when the normal game management phase is "05H".

[0543] (Step S760-1) The main CPU 300a judges whether the timer value of the normal game timer saved in the above step S750-9 is not "0". As a result, if it is judged that the timer value of the normal game timer is not "0", the normal electric role winning port closing valid processing is terminated, and if it is judged that the timer value of the normal game timer is "0", the processing is transferred to step S760-3.

[0544] (Step S760-3) The main CPU 300a saves the normal power end wait time in the normal game timer.

[0545] (Step S760-5) The main CPU 300a updates the normal game management phase to "06H" and ends the normal electric role winning hole closure validity processing.

[0546] 54 is a flowchart explaining the normal electric accessory winning port end wait processing in the main control board 300. This normal electric accessory winning port end wait processing is executed when the normal game management phase is "06H".

[0547] (Step S770-1) The main CPU300a judges whether the timer value of the normal game timer saved in the above step S760-3 is not "0". As a result, if it is judged that the timer value of the normal game timer is not "0", the normal electric role winning port end wait process is terminated, and if it is judged that the timer value of the normal game timer is "0", the process proceeds to step S770-3.

[0548] (Step S770-3) The main CPU 300a updates the normal game management phase to "00H" and ends the normal electric role winning port end wait process. As a result, if a normal symbol reservation is stored, the variable display of the normal symbol will be resumed.

[0549] Next, an example of the effects executed during the above-mentioned game will be described when the second time-saving game state is set.

[0550] FIG. 55 is a diagram for explaining an example of the effect when the second time-saving game state is set. When the special symbol Z2 is won in the non-time-saving game state, or when the special symbol Z4 is won in the first time-saving game state, a variable effect is executed during the variable display of the symbols on the first special symbol display device 160 or the second special symbol display device 162. In this variable effect, for example, nine types of effect symbols 210 with numbers 1 to 9 written thereon are displayed in the main effect display section 200a. Then, as shown in FIG. 55(a), the effect symbol 210 with the number "7" written thereon is finally displayed stationary.

[0551] After that, when a big prize game or a small prize game is executed, a right-hit notification effect is executed as shown in FIG. 55(b). The right-hit notification effect is an effect that encourages the game ball to flow down to the second game area 116b and to enter the second big prize opening 128. In the case of a small prize game, when the game ball enters the specific area 140b and a two-type big prize is won, a round effect is executed, and in the case of a big prize game, a round effect is executed from a substantially similar effect display. During the round effect, the current number of rounds is displayed in the upper right part of the main effect display section 200a as shown in FIG. 55(c).

[0552] In addition, in the round performance, the main performance display unit 200a executes an acquisition number notification performance in which the number of game balls (denominator) that can be acquired in the small win game and the big win game and the number of game balls (numerator) that have been acquired so far are displayed. In this acquisition number notification performance, the number of game balls that can be acquired during the consecutive wins after the so-called first win and the number of game balls acquired during the consecutive wins are cumulatively displayed. Then, when the special symbol Z2 is won in the non-time-saving game state, or when the special symbol Z4 is won in the first time-saving game state, after all round games are completed, during the ending period, as shown in FIG. 55(d), "Limit Breakthrough Chance" is displayed on the main performance display unit 200a. Note that the acquisition number notification performance is not limited to the embodiment, and may be configured to display the number of game balls that can be acquired during the period spanning a series of big wins acquired in the stock release period described later and the number of game balls acquired during that period.

[0553] When the ending period ends, the game state is set to the second time-saving game state. When the second time-saving game state is set, a standby effect is executed in which "STOCK TIME waiting" is displayed on the main effect display unit 200a as shown in FIG. 55(e). This standby effect continues until the special 2 variation is started. Note that even if the special 1 variation is executed during this standby effect, the standby effect continues. In this case, a so-called mini pattern may be displayed as stopped at the same time that the special 1 variation ends and the special pattern is displayed as stopped on the first special pattern display 160. Also, when a normal pattern variation is executed in the second time-saving game state, an effect suggesting the result of the normal pattern lottery may be executed.

[0554] FIG. 56 is a diagram for explaining an example of a stock effect. The stock effect is executed together with the start of the special 2 variation in the second time-saving game state. As described above, the second time-saving game state is a state in which the normal pattern L is won, that is, the special 2 variation is guaranteed once. Therefore, in the second time-saving game state, if the player is playing appropriately, the normal pattern L is won, the second start hole 122 is opened, and the special 2 reservation is acquired. Then, when the special 2 reservation is acquired, the special 2 variation is immediately executed.

[0555] When the special 2 variation starts, the stock performance starts. Here, the stock acquisition performance is executed together with the start of the stock performance. In the stock acquisition performance, as shown in FIG. 56(a), "1500 GET" is displayed on the main performance display section 200a. This display suggests that one small win and one big win will be won. This stock acquisition performance ends when a predetermined time has passed.

[0556] In addition, most of the Special 2 variations are small wins, and if the game ball does not enter the specific area 140b during a small win game, it may not be possible to obtain 1500 prize balls, and depending on the specifications of the game machine, the Special 2 small win or big win may have a number of prize balls other than 1500. Therefore, as a variant, the stock acquisition performance may be displayed indirectly, such as by displaying letters such as "V" or characters or objects, rather than a direct expression such as "1500 GET."

[0557] In addition, in the stock performance, immediately after the start of the special 2 variation, as shown in Fig. 56 (b), "Start" is displayed on the main performance display unit 200a. In addition, in the upper right corner of the main performance display unit 200a, "120" is displayed, which indicates the remaining time of the stock period.

[0558] After that, as shown in FIG. 56(c), the remaining time of the stock period is subtracted and displayed as time passes. Although not shown, in the stock performance, a predetermined background image is displayed on the main performance display unit 200a. Also, as described above, the stock period is a period in which the aim is to win as many normal patterns L as possible within 120 seconds. Therefore, the stock performance may include a performance that suggests the result of the normal pattern lottery, such as displaying the performance pattern 210 in a variable or stationary manner.

[0559] When the remaining time of the stock period is short (for example, 10 seconds remaining), the darkened area gradually expands from the periphery of the effect display area to reduce the visibility of the variable effect performed with the variable display of the normal symbol, and even if the variable effect of the normal symbol is being executed at the timing when the remaining time of the stock period becomes 0, the result of the normal symbol lottery is not notified and the game moves to the stock release period described below. However, even if the remaining time is short, if the variable that wins the normal symbol L as the symbol type switches to a stop display before the start of the stock release period, the game ball is launched toward the second starting hole 122 to ensure the visibility of the instruction effect that encourages the acquisition of stocks, so the darkening display may not be started or may be temporarily canceled.

[0560] Then, when the normal symbol L is won and the game ball enters the second starting hole 122 and the special 2 reservation is acquired, the stock acquisition performance is executed again. Here, as the stock acquisition performance, as shown in FIG. 56(d), "3000GET" or "V×2 Acquired" (not shown) is displayed on the main performance display section 200a, suggesting that one right to a small win game or a big role game has been acquired.

[0561] Furthermore, when the special 2 reserve is acquired, the stock acquisition performance is executed in the same manner as described above. Here, as the stock acquisition performance, "4500GET" or "V x 3 acquired" (not shown) is displayed on the main performance display section 200a as shown in FIG. 56(e). In this way, the display content of the stock acquisition performance differs depending on the number of special 2 reserves acquired during one stock period. Here, the total number of game balls that can be acquired in small win games and big role games based on all special 2 reserves acquired during one stock period is displayed.

[0562] Although not shown, if the maximum number of special 2 reserved symbols reaches four during the stock period and no profit can be obtained even if more normal symbols are drawn, an instructional message such as "Please wait a moment" may be displayed in addition to "MAX GET."

[0563] However, the contents of the stock acquisition performance are not limited to this. For example, a reserved icon corresponding to the special 2 reserved may be displayed on the main performance display unit 200a. In this case, the reserved icon indicates the number of special 2 reserved, that is, the number of small winning games and big winning games that can be executed.

[0564] FIG. 57 is a diagram for explaining an example of a stock release effect. At the end of the first special 2 variation (120 seconds) in the second time-saving game state, three performance symbols 210 with the number "7" written on them are stopped and displayed as shown in FIG. 57(a). When the special 2 variation ends, the stock period ends, and the stock release period starts following the stock period. As described above, the stock release period starts with the start of the first small win game after the end of the special 2 variation. The stock release effect is executed with the start of the stock release period.

[0565] During the stock release period, as shown in Figure 57 (b) and (c), the round effect is executed, the current round play count is displayed, and the number of balls acquired is notified. At this time, the number of balls that can be acquired and the number of balls acquired, which are displayed in the number of balls acquired notification effect, correspond to the cumulative number of small wins and big wins since the first win.

[0566] Then, when the big win game ends, if the special 2 reserve is stored, as shown in FIG. 57(d), three performance patterns 210 with the number "7" are stopped and displayed again with the start of the next special 2 variation. After that, during the small win game and the big win game, the number of winnings notification performance is executed again as shown in FIG. 57(e). Here, since it is the third consecutive win including the first win during the stock period, the number of winning balls is displayed as "4500".

[0567] As described above, during the stock release period, the first small win game and big role game guaranteed in the second time-saving game state and up to four small win games and big role games based on the special 2 reserve acquired during the stock period are executed continuously as if they were one big win. With the above configuration, the player is given the impression that one big role game continues for a long time, improving the interest of the game.

[0568] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 57(a) and (d), the "7" symbol is displayed large as a variation effect of the variation that results in a small win or a big win of the special 2 variation, but in order to give the impression that a series of small wins (big wins) released during the stock release period are continuous and that a large number of prize balls have been obtained during that period, the "7" symbol can be displayed small and, depending on the number of special 2 reserves stored, it can be configured to say "Limit Break BONUS_V x 2" (an example when there are two stocks at the timing of Figure 57(a)), or a character can appear and say a line suggesting continuation, such as "It's not over yet" (an example of the timing of Figure 57(d)). When configured in this way, a continuous background effect (animation display) can be performed across multiple big role games (small win games) during the stock release period. Furthermore, when the background effect is displayed across major role effects corresponding to multiple jackpots, there is a risk that one background effect will be looped multiple times, so the background effect may be configured to be changeable by the player operating the effect button 208, etc., and it is preferable that the background effect be changeable even in situations such as when the special 2 is fluctuating during the stock release period.

[0569] Next, a process in the sub-control board 330 for executing the above-mentioned stock effect and stock release effect will be described. Note that, in the following, a description of processes unrelated to the stock effect and stock release effect will be omitted.

[0570] (Sub-CPU initialization process of the sub-control board 330) FIG. 58 is a flowchart illustrating the sub-CPU initialization process (S1000) of the sub-control board 330.

[0571] (Step S1000-1) When the power is turned on, the sub CPU 330a reads a CPU initialization processing program from the sub ROM 330b, and initializes and sets flags and the like stored in the sub RAM 330c.

[0572] (Step S1000-3) Next, the sub-CPU 330a performs a process of updating each effect random number, and thereafter, repeats the process of step S1000-3 until an interrupt process is performed. Note that multiple types of effect random numbers are provided, and here, each effect random number is updated asynchronously.

[0573] (Sub-timer interrupt processing of the sub-control board 330) 59 is a flow chart explaining the sub timer interrupt processing (S1100) of the sub control board 330. The sub control board 330 is provided with a reset clock pulse generating circuit (not shown) that generates a clock pulse at a predetermined cycle (30 times per second). When the reset clock pulse generating circuit generates a clock pulse, the sub CPU 330a reads a timer interrupt processing program and starts the sub timer interrupt processing.

[0574] (Step S1100-1) The sub CPU 330a saves the registers.

[0575] (Step S1100-3) The sub CPU 330a performs a process for permitting an interrupt.

[0576] (Step S1100-5) The sub-CPU 330a performs update processing of various timer counters used in the sub-control board 330. Here, unless otherwise specified, the various timer counters are decremented by 1 each time the sub-timer interrupt processing of the sub-control board 330 is performed, and the decrement stops when the counter reaches 0.

[0577] (Step S1200) The sub-CPU 330a analyzes the command stored in the receive buffer of the sub-RAM 330c and performs various processes according to the received command. When a command is transmitted from the main control board 300, the sub-control board 330 performs a command reception interrupt process and stores the command transmitted from the main control board 300 in the receive buffer. Here, the command stored in the receive buffer is analyzed by the command reception interrupt process.

[0578] (Step S1100-7) The sub-CPU 330a performs a time schedule management process that refers to a time table and executes a process corresponding to the time stored in the time table. Here, based on the time data set in the time table, various flags are turned on or off, or commands are sent to each performance device, thereby controlling the execution of each performance, including the variable performance and the major role performance.

[0579] (Step S1100-9) The sub CPU 330a restores the register and ends the sub timer interrupt process.

[0580] Fig. 60 is a flow chart for explaining the variable command receiving process executed when a variable command is received in the command analysis process. As described above, the variable command is set in the main control board 300 in steps S612-13 and S612-17 in Fig. 36, and then transmitted to the sub-control board 330 by the sub-command transmitting process in step S100-65.

[0581] (Step S1210-1) When the variation command is received, the sub-CPU 330a first analyzes and stores the received variation pattern command.

[0582] (Step S1210-3) Sub-CPU 330a acquires the performance random number (0 to 249) updated in step S1000-3 above, and determines and stores an execution pattern for the latter half of the variable performance based on the acquired performance random number and the analysis result in step S1220-1 above.

[0583] (Step S1210-5) The sub-CPU 330a analyzes and stores the received variation mode command.

[0584] (Step S1210-7) Sub-CPU 330a acquires the performance random number (0 to 249) updated in step S1000-3 above, and determines and stores an execution pattern for the variable performance in the first half based on the acquired performance random number and the analysis result in step S1220-5 above.

[0585] (Step S1210-9) The sub-CPU 330a acquires the performance random number (0 to 249) updated in the above step S1000-3 for each preview performance, and based on the acquired performance random number and the analysis results in the above steps S1220-1 and S1220-5, refers to each preview performance decision table to determine whether or not to execute each preview performance and the execution pattern, and stores it.

[0586] (Step S1210-11) The sub-CPU 330a judges whether the start of the stock effect has been determined in each of the above steps. If it is determined that the start of the stock effect has been determined, the process proceeds to step S1210-13, and if it is determined that the start of the stock effect has not been determined, the process proceeds to step S1210-17.

[0587] (Step S1210-13) The sub-CPU 330a executes a stock effect execution process for starting the stock effect. This causes the stock effect to be executed. Here, the stock acquisition effect is executed at the same time as the start of the stock effect.

[0588] (Step S1210-15) The sub CPU 330a turns on the stock flag.

[0589] (Step S1210-17) The sub-CPU 330a judges whether a big win or a small win has been won based on the special 2 reservation. As a result, if it is judged that a big win or a small win has been won based on the special 2 reservation, the process moves to step S1210-19, and if it is judged that a big win or a small win has not been won based on the special 2 reservation, the process moves to step S1210-23.

[0590] (Step S1210-19) The sub-CPU 330a determines whether the stock flag is on. If it is determined that the stock flag is on, the process proceeds to step S1210-21. If it is determined that the stock flag is not on, the process proceeds to step S1210-23.

[0591] (Step S1210-21) The sub-CPU 330a executes a process for displaying the performance symbol 210 and notifying the player of a big win or a small win.

[0592] (Step S1220-23) The sub-CPU 330a sets the time data of the time table based on the determination of each step above, and ends the variable command receiving process. Based on the time table set here, in the above step S1100-7, the process of displaying the image for the variable performance on the main performance display unit 200a, the sound output process, the lighting control process of the performance lighting device 204, and other performance execution control are performed.

[0593] 61 is a flow chart explaining the read-ahead designation command reception process executed when a read-ahead designation command is received, among the above command analysis processes. As described above, the read-ahead designation command is set in the main control board 300 in step S535-17, and then transmitted to the sub-control board 330 by the sub-command transmission process in step S100-65.

[0594] (Step S1220-1) The sub-CPU 330a analyzes the received read-ahead designation command and judges whether or not it has received a read-ahead designation command related to the special reservation 2. As a result, if it is judged that a read-ahead designation command related to the special reservation 2 has been received, it moves the process to step S1220-3, and if it is judged that a read-ahead designation command related to the special reservation 2 has not been received (a read-ahead designation command related to the special reservation 1 has been received), it ends the read-ahead designation command reception process.

[0595] (Step S1220-3) The sub-CPU 330a judges whether the stock flag is on. If it is judged that the stock flag is on, the process proceeds to step S1220-5. If it is judged that the stock flag is not on, the sub-CPU 330a ends the read-ahead specification command reception process.

[0596] (Step S1220-5) The sub-CPU 330a performs a stock acquisition effect execution process for executing a stock acquisition effect, and ends the pre-reading designation command reception process.

[0597] 62 is a flow chart for explaining the opening designation command reception process executed when an opening designation command is received, out of the above command analysis process. As described above, the opening designation command is set in the main control board 300 in step S630-25, and then transmitted to the sub-control board 330 by the sub-command transmission process in step S100-65.

[0598] (Step S1230-1) The sub-CPU 330a checks the number of consecutive wins. The number of consecutive wins is counted based on a command that can determine whether a big win or a small win has been won, such as a variable command or a special symbol designation command received from the main control board 300, and the game state when the command is received.

[0599] (Step S1230-3) The sub-CPU 330a determines and executes the effects during the small win game and the big win game based on the confirmed consecutive win number, and ends the opening command reception process. Here, the background image during the round game and the number of game balls acquired during the consecutive win and the number of game balls that can be acquired, which are displayed in the acquisition number notification effect, are determined.

[0600] Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. It is obvious that a person skilled in the art can think of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that such modifications also belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

[0601] In the above embodiment, an example of the case where the present invention is applied to a first-type and second-type mixed gaming machine has been described, but the gaming characteristics of the gaming machine to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to this. For example, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to a first-type gaming machine and a second-type mixed gaming machine. Therefore, in the above embodiment, so-called big wins and small wins are provided, but a big win may not be provided as a winning type of the big role lottery, and only a small win may be provided. Also, a small win may be won based on a special 1 reservation.

[0602] The game progress conditions in the non-time-saving game state, the first time-saving game state, and the second time-saving game state shown in the above embodiment are examples, and the game progress conditions are not limited to these. For example, in the above embodiment, a case was described in which the second time-saving game state is more advantageous to the player than the first time-saving game state. However, the degree of advantage of the player may be equal in the first time-saving game state and the second time-saving game state. In addition, for example, a low-probability game state in which the probability of winning a big role lottery is low and a high-probability game state in which the probability of winning a big role lottery is higher than the low-probability game state may be provided, and the non-time-saving game state may be the low-probability game state, and the first and second time-saving game states may be the high-probability game states.

[0603] In the above embodiment, when the special symbol Z2 is selected, the game state is shifted from the non-time-saving game state to the second time-saving game state, but the special symbol Z2 is not essential. In other words, the game state may be configured so that the game state can be shifted to the second time-saving game state only via the first time-saving game state, and the game state may not be shifted to the second time-saving game state from the non-time-saving game state.

[0604] In addition, in the above embodiment, the time-saving game state is switched to a non-time-saving game state at the start of the normal map fluctuation, but the time-saving game state may be switched to a non-time-saving game state at the end of the normal map fluctuation.

[0605] In the above embodiment, the variation time of the special 2 variation based on the special 2 reservation acquired during the stock period is short. In other words, during the special 2 variation based on the special 2 reservation acquired during the stock period, no further special 2 reservation is added. However, when the special game based on the previous special 2 reservation is a small win or a big win with the special pattern Z4 (when the situation is such that the game transitions to the second time-saving game state), the variation time of the special 2 variation based on the special 2 reservation acquired during the stock period may be set to a long time with a predetermined probability by a variation pattern judgment, etc., and the special 2 reservation may be added during this time. At this time, the variation time of the special 2 variation may be variable or fixed. In this case, the stock period may have a possibility of looping as many times as the number of special 2 reservations acquired during the stock period.

[0606] In addition, in the modified example, by making the fluctuation time of the special 2 fluctuation based on the special 2 reservation acquired during the stock period long, it is possible that the stock period will loop with a predetermined probability (selection rate of special pattern Z4 x selection rate of the long-term fluctuation pattern of the special 2 fluctuation). However, by making the fluctuation time of the long-term fluctuation of the special 2 fluctuation based on the special 2 reservation acquired during the stock release period shorter than 120 seconds, it is possible to suppress the gambling nature. In this case, the fluctuation time may be fixed or variable.

[0607] Furthermore, the long-term fluctuation time of the special 2 fluctuation based on the special 2 reservation acquired during the stock release period may be longer than the fluctuation time of the first special 2 fluctuation in the second time-saving game state, that is, the time of the first stock period. For example, by shortening the time of the first stock period, if the special 2 reservation is acquired during this time and the special pattern Z4 is won, a stock period longer than the first stock period may be set, thereby realizing a game property that ranks up to a more advantageous game state.

[0608] In addition, the board configuration and playability in the above embodiment are merely examples, and needless to say, the design can be changed as appropriate. In any case, the present invention includes a game board 108 provided with a first start area (first start hole 120) and a second start area (second start hole 122), a movable member (movable piece 122b) that changes the ease of entry of a game ball into the second start area, an acquisition means (main CPU 300a that executes the process of FIG. 31) that acquires first information (special 1 reservation) based on the entry of a game ball into the first start area and acquires second information (special 2 reservation) based on the entry of a game ball into the second start area, and a determination means (main CPU 300a that executes the process of FIG. 31) that determines one of a plurality of patterns (special patterns) based on the first information. A first variation means (main CPU 300a executing the processes of FIG. 35 to FIG. 37) for executing a first variation process (special 1 variation) including a process of determining one of a plurality of symbols based on the second information and a process of displaying the determined symbol on the first display unit (first special symbol display device 160) after a predetermined variation time has elapsed, and a second variation means (main CPU 300a executing the processes of FIG. 35 to FIG. 37) for executing a second variation process (special 2 variation) including a process of determining one of a plurality of symbols based on the second information and a process of displaying the determined symbol on the second display unit (second special symbol display device 162) after a predetermined variation time has elapsed in preference to the first variation process. a first winning game control means (main CPU300a which executes the processes of Figs. 35 to 37) for executing a first winning game (small winning game) in which a big winning hole provided on the game board is opened based on the display of a winning symbol (special symbol Z4) on the first display section or the second display section (main CPU300a which executes the processes of Figs. 38 to 43); and a second winning game control means (main CPU300a which executes the processes of Figs. 39 to 44) for executing a second winning game (big role game) based on the game ball that entered the big winning hole during the first winning game entering the specific area 140b. 8 to 43), and a state setting means (main CPU 300a executing the process of FIG. 44) which can set the state after the second winning game, when a predetermined winning pattern (special pattern Z4) is displayed and a first winning game and a second winning game are executed, to a specific state (second time-shortened game state) in which it is easier for the game ball to enter the second starting area than in the normal state (non-time-shortened game state) and in which entry of the game ball into the second starting area is essentially guaranteed, provided that the game is played appropriately.

[0609] Then, when a game ball enters the second starting area in a specific state and the second variation process is executed, a specific period (stock period) occurs over the variation time of the second variation process, and during the specific period, the movable member can be controlled so as to allow the game ball to enter the second starting area.

[0610] Therefore, in the above embodiment, the lottery for the big prize based on the special 2 reservation ensures that a big prize or a small prize will be won, but the probability of winning a big prize or a small prize is not limited to 100%, and a miss may be determined with a predetermined probability.

[0611] Furthermore, the content of the presentation in the above embodiment is merely an example and can be modified as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0612] 100 Gaming Machines 108 Game Board 120 First starting point 122 Second starting point 122b Movable piece 126 First Grand Prize Winner 128 2nd Grand Prize Winner 140b Specific area 160 1st Special Pattern Display 162 Second special pattern display 300 Main control board 300a Main CPU 300b Main ROM 300c Main RAM

Claims

[Claim 1] A game board provided with a first starting area and a second starting area; A movable member that changes the ease with which a game ball can enter the second starting area; An acquisition means for acquiring first information based on the entry of the gaming ball into the first starting area, and acquiring second information based on the entry of the gaming ball into the second starting area; A first variation means for executing a first variation process including a process of determining one of a plurality of symbols based on the first information, and a process of displaying the determined symbol on a first display unit after a predetermined variation time has elapsed; A second variation means for executing a second variation process including a process of determining one of a plurality of symbols based on the second information and a process of displaying the determined symbol on a second display unit after a predetermined variation time has elapsed, in priority to the first variation process; a first winning game control means for executing a first winning game in which a big winning hole provided on the game board is opened based on a winning symbol being displayed on the first display section or the second display section; A second winning game control means for executing a second winning game based on the game ball entering the big winning opening during the first winning game entering a specific area; a state setting means for setting a state after the second winning game to a specific state in which, when a predetermined winning symbol is displayed and the first winning game and the second winning game are executed, the game ball is more likely to enter the second starting area than in a normal state, and the game ball is substantially guaranteed to enter the second starting area on condition that the game is being played appropriately; Equipped with When the game ball enters the second starting area in the specific state and the second variation process is executed, a specific period is reached over the variation time of the second variation process, During the specific period, the movable member may be controlled to allow the game ball to enter the second starting area. A gaming machine characterized by:

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