Game machine

Abstract

To enhance the performance effect.SOLUTION: A game machine includes information acquisition means for acquiring predetermined information on the basis of the entry of a game ball into a start area, symbol determination means for determining any one of multiple types of stop symbols on the basis of the acquired predetermined information when a start condition is satisfied, variation processing means for executing variation processing which includes processing to display the stop symbol on a symbol display unit after a predetermined variation time has elapsed, and performance execution means for executing a performance. The stop symbols include a first stop symbol that satisfies a first condition and a second stop symbol that satisfies a second condition. The performance execution means can execute a particular performance when a third condition is satisfied that includes the execution of multiple variation processing including first variation processing in which the first stop symbol is displayed on the symbol display unit and second variation processing in which the second stop symbol is displayed on the symbol display unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 55

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a gaming machine in which reserved information is acquired and stored on the condition that a gaming ball enters a starting hole, and when the starting condition is established, a lottery for a big prize is performed based on the reserved information, and when a big prize is won by the lottery for a big prize, a big prize game is executed (for example, Patent Document 1). In such a gaming machine, various effects are executed to increase the interest of the game. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-080567 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As described above, gaming machines aim to improve the presentation effects by executing various presentations according to the progress of the game, but there is a demand for the development of gaming machines that can achieve even further improvements in presentation effects.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of improving presentation effects. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine of the present invention comprises: An information acquisition means for acquiring predetermined information based on the entry of the gaming ball into the starting area; A symbol determination means for determining one of a plurality of types of stop symbols based on the acquired predetermined information when the start condition is satisfied; A variable processing means for executing a variable process including a process of displaying the stopped symbols on a symbol display unit after a predetermined variable time has elapsed; A performance execution means for executing a performance; Equipped with The stop symbols include a first stop symbol that satisfies a first condition and a second stop symbol that satisfies a second condition, The performance execution means includes: A special effect can be executed when a third condition is met, which includes the execution of multiple change processes, including a first change process in which the first stop pattern is displayed on the pattern display unit and a second change process in which the second stop pattern is displayed on the pattern display unit.

[0007] Also, an advantageous game execution means for executing an advantageous game in which a winning hole is opened when the first stop pattern is displayed on the pattern display section; A payout control means for paying out prize balls based on the entry of game balls into the winning opening; a game state setting means for setting one of a plurality of game states including a first game state and a second game state having a higher advantage than the first game state; Equipped with The first condition is The advantageous game includes a first number or more of the prize balls being obtainable, The second condition is: The second gaming state is set, The third condition is: The prize balls may include a second number or more that is greater than the first number.

[0008] and a pre-determination means for pre-determining the stop symbol to be displayed on the symbol display unit based on the acquired predetermined information before the start condition is satisfied. Equipped with The performance execution means includes: It may be possible to determine whether or not the third condition is met based on the number of the first stop symbols that have been pre-determined and the number of the second stop symbols that have been pre-determined. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the presentation effect. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is an oblique view of the gaming machine showing the door in an open state. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] A diagram to explain the second large prize slot. [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] 1A is a diagram illustrating a random number determination table for determining a small win for special 1, and FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating a random number determination table for determining a small win for special 2. [Figure 7] 13 is a diagram illustrating a winning symbol random number determination table. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a reach group determination random number judgment table. [Figure 9] 13 is a diagram illustrating a reach mode determination random number judgment table. FIG. [Figure 10] A diagram explaining a fluctuation pattern random number determination table. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a variable time determination table. [Figure 12] A diagram explaining the special electric feature operation ram set table. [Figure 13] 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 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a game status setting table. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a random number judgment table for determining a win. [Figure 16] 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 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating gameplay. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a gaming machine status flag. [Figure 19] 11 is a first flowchart illustrating a CPU initialization process in a main control board. [Figure 20] 11 is a second flowchart illustrating the CPU initialization process in the main control board. [Figure 21] 13 is a flowchart illustrating a sub-command group setting process in the main control board. [Figure 22] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a save process in the main control board when power is turned off. [Figure 23] 13 is a flowchart illustrating a timer interrupt process in the main control board. [Figure 24] 13 is a flowchart illustrating setting-related processing in a main control board. [Diagram 25] 13 is a flowchart illustrating a switch management process in a main control board. [Figure 26] 13 is a flowchart illustrating a gate passing process in the main control board. [Figure 27] 11 is a flowchart explaining the first start port passing process in the main control board. [Figure 28] 13 is a flowchart explaining the second start port passing process in the main control board. [Figure 29] 13 is a flowchart explaining the special pattern random number acquisition process in the main control board. [Diagram 30] 13 is a flowchart illustrating a specific area passing process in the main control board. [Diagram 31] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a special game management phase. [Diagram 32] 13 is a flowchart explaining special game management processing on the main control board. [Diagram 33] 13 is a flowchart explaining the special pattern change waiting process in the main control board. [Diagram 34]13 is a flowchart explaining the special pattern variable number determination process in the main control board. [Diagram 35] 13 is a flowchart explaining the processing during special pattern variation on the main control board. [Diagram 36] 13 is a flowchart explaining the special symbol stop symbol display processing in the main control board. [Figure 37] 13 is a flowchart illustrating a number of cutoff management process in the main control board. [Figure 38] 13 is a flowchart explaining the processing performed on the main control board when a losing symbol stops. [Figure 39] This is a flowchart explaining the processing before opening the large prize opening on the main control board. [Diagram 40] 13 is a flowchart explaining the large prize opening / closing switching process on the main control board. [Diagram 41] 13 is a flowchart explaining the large prize opening control process on the main control board. [Diagram 42] 13 is a flowchart explaining the large prize opening closure activation process on the main control board. [Diagram 43] This is a flowchart explaining the large prize opening end wait processing on the main control board. [Diagram 44] 13 is a flowchart illustrating a state setting process in the main control board. [Diagram 45] A diagram explaining the normal game management phase. [Diagram 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. [Diagram 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 during a round of play. [Figure 56] A diagram to explain the additional value set for each special pattern type and whether or not pre-reading is terminated. [Figure 57] This figure shows an example of the memory status of Special 2 Reserve when special conditions are met. [Figure 58] This figure shows an example of the memory status of Special 2 Reserve when special conditions are not met. [Figure 59] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a sub-CPU initialization process in the sub-control board. [Figure 60] 13 is a flowchart illustrating a sub timer interrupt 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] A flowchart explaining the process of receiving a command to open the large prize opening on the sub-control board. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] A preferred embodiment 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 embodiment 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 2 is a front view of the gaming machine 100. As shown in this figure, 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 that it can be rotated by the player, and when the player rotates the operating handle 112 to perform a launch operation, a gaming ball is launched by a launch mechanism (not shown) with a strength according to the rotation angle of the operating handle 112. The gaming ball launched in this way rises between rails 114a and 114b provided on the game board 108 and is guided to a playing area 116.

[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 game balls enter the general winning hole 118, the first starting hole 120, and 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] 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 the second starting hole 122, or the second starting hole 122 is located in a position where game balls entering the second game area 116b can enter the second starting hole 122 more easily than game balls entering the first game area 116a. The second starting hole 122 is configured by a variable starting hole (a variable starting winning device) having a movable piece 122b, and the ease of entry of game balls into the second starting hole 122 can be changed. Specifically, the second starting hole 122 is provided with a movable piece 122b that can be opened and closed, and when the movable piece 122b is in a closed state, it is impossible or difficult for game balls to enter the second starting hole 122.

[0022] On the other hand, when the game ball passes through the gate 124 provided in the second game area 116b, it is determined whether or not to execute the auxiliary game in which the second start hole 122 is opened, and when it is determined that the auxiliary game is executed, the auxiliary game in which the second start hole 122 is controlled to open and close is executed. More specifically, on the condition that the game ball passes through the gate 124, a lottery for a normal symbol, which will be described later, is executed, and when a winning symbol is selected in this lottery, the movable piece 122b is controlled to be in an open state for a predetermined time. In this way, when the movable piece 122b is in an open state, the movable piece 122b functions as a receptacle that guides the game ball to the second start hole 122, making it easier for the game ball to enter the second start hole 122.

[0023] Further, a first large prize opening 126 and a second large prize opening 128 are provided at the bottom of the game area 116. The first large prize opening 126 and the second large prize opening 128 are arranged at positions where at least game balls flowing down the second game area 116b can enter. The first large prize opening 126 is provided with an openable / closable door 126b, and the openable / closable door 126b normally closes the first large prize opening 126, making it impossible for game balls to enter the first large prize opening 126. In contrast, when the aforementioned big prize game is executed, the openable / closable door 126b is opened and functions as a tray, making it possible for game balls to enter the first large prize opening 126. Then, when a game ball enters the first large prize opening 126, a predetermined prize ball is paid out to the player.

[0024] 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. In contrast, when the above-mentioned small prize game is executed, the movable piece 128b is opened and functions as a tray, making it possible for game balls to enter the second large prize opening 128. When a game ball enters the second large prize opening 128, a predetermined prize ball is paid out to the player. The first large prize opening 126 and the second large prize opening 128 are also collectively simply called the large prize openings.

[0025] 3 is a diagram for explaining the second large prize opening 128. A structure 129 that protrudes from the front side of the game board 108 is provided in the second game area 116b. This structure 129 has an opening formed in the upper part, which becomes the second large prize opening 128. A movable piece 128b is provided on the upper part of the structure 129, and normally, as shown in FIG. 3(a), the movable piece 128b is maintained in a closed state in which the second large prize opening 128 is closed.

[0026] 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 game area 116 (second game area 116b) 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, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 3(a).

[0027] 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, as shown in Figs. 3(a) and (b), 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, as shown in Fig. 3(b). 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.

[0028] 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, each of which is made up of 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 and is discharged to the back side of the game board 108.

[0029] The second big 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 is switched between a state in which the game ball can enter the specific area 140b and a state in which the game ball cannot enter the specific area 140b by its movement (sliding). More specifically, when the movable member 142 is displaced to the position shown in FIG. 3(c), the non-specific area 140c is blocked by the movable member 142, and the game ball can pass through the specific area 140b. On the other hand, when the movable member 142 is displaced to the position shown in FIG. 3(d), the specific area 140b is blocked by the movable member 142, and the game ball can pass through the non-specific area 140c. Although the details will be described later, when the game ball enters the specific area 140b in the small winning game, a big win (a big win of two kinds) is obtained, and the big winning game described above is started.

[0030] Returning to Figure 2, at the bottom of the game area 116, there is a discharge outlet 130 that discharges game balls that do not enter any of the general prize opening 118, the first start opening 120, the second start opening 122, the first large prize opening 126, or the second large prize opening 128 from the game area 116 to the back side of the game board 108.

[0031] The gaming machine 100 is equipped with a performance display device 200 consisting of a liquid crystal display device, a performance prop device 202 consisting of a movable device, a performance lighting device 204 consisting of lamps that can be controlled to various lighting modes and emission colors, an audio output device 206 consisting of a speaker, and a performance button 208 that accepts operation by the player, as performance devices that perform performance while the game is in progress.

[0032] The performance display device 200 includes a main performance display section 200a and a sub-performance display section 201a, which are composed of an image display section that displays an image. The main performance 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. The main performance display section 200a displays performance symbols 210a, 210b, and 210c such as "7", "7", and "7" as shown in the figure, and a variable performance is executed in which the big role lottery result is notified to the player according to the stop display mode of each of these performance symbols 210a, 210b, and 210c. The sub-performance display section 201a is provided above the main performance display section 200a, and displays auxiliary performance images (symbols) during the variable performance.

[0033] The performance device 202 is positioned in front of the main performance display section 200a and is normally retracted to the rear side of the game board 108, but when the above-mentioned performance patterns 210a, 210b, 210c are being displayed in a changing state, it moves to the front of the main performance display section 200a, giving the player a sense of anticipation of a big win.

[0034] The effect lighting device 204 is provided on the effect part device 202, the game board 108, etc., and is controlled to light in various ways in accordance with the images displayed on the main effect display section 200a.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] (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.

[0040] The main control board 300 controls the basic operation of the game. The main control board 300 includes a main CPU 300a, a main ROM 300b, and a main RAM 300c. The main control board 300 also includes an RTC 300d that keeps track of the current time. The main CPU 300a reads out a program 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 work area for data during the arithmetic processing of the main CPU 300a.

[0041] 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.

[0042] The main control board 300 is connected to a general winning hole detection switch 118s that detects when a game ball enters the general winning hole 118, a first starting hole detection switch 120s that detects when a game ball enters the first starting hole 120, a second starting hole detection switch 122s that detects when a game ball enters the second starting hole 122, a gate detection switch 124s that detects when a game ball passes through the gate 124, a first large winning hole detection switch 126s that detects when a game ball enters the first large winning hole 126, a second large winning hole detection switch 128s that detects when a game ball enters the second large winning hole 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 discharged from the game area 116. Detection signals are input from each of these detection switches to the main control board 300.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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 opening 122, a first large prize opening solenoid 126c which operates the opening and closing door 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 opening 122, the first large prize opening 126, the second large prize opening 128 and the specific area 140b.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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 by a dedicated key. When the setting change switch 180s is turned on, the operation of changing and checking the setting value becomes possible. Note that the gaming machine 100 has a function of storing any of the 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. However, in the embodiment, a case where only a setting value=1 (registered setting value=1) is provided as a setting value is shown.

[0048] 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.

[0049] In addition, a performance display monitor 184 is provided on the back surface 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.

[0050] In addition, a dispensing control board 310 and a sub-control board 330 are connected to the main control board 300.

[0051] The payout control board 310 performs control for launching game balls and control for paying out prize balls. This payout control board 310 is equipped with a payout CPU 310a, a payout ROM 310b, and a payout RAM 310c, and is connected to the main control board 300 so as to be able to communicate bidirectionally. 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] A lending device 400 is connected to the payout control board 310. The lending device 400 is a device that lends game balls to the gaming machine 100, and a player can insert paper money into it. The lending device 400 can also store storage media such as cards, and when a paper money is inserted, amount information is recorded in the storage medium. The lending device 400 is provided with a lending button and a return button, and operation of the lending button is detected by a lending button detection switch 402s, and operation of the return button is detected by a return button detection switch 404s.

[0057] When the operation of the lending button is detected by the lending button detection switch 402s, game balls are dispensed onto the upper tray 132 of the gaming machine 100 within the range of the amount information recorded in the storage medium. Specifically, when the operation of the lending button is detected by the lending button detection switch 402s, a lending signal is input to the payout control board 310. When the lending signal is input, the payout control board 310 drives the payout motor 314. As a result, the game balls are dispensed onto the upper tray 132. Note that the gaming machine 100 or the lending device 400 may be provided with a dedicated motor for dispensing game balls, separate from the payout motor 314, and the dedicated motor may be driven when the lending button is operated.

[0058] Furthermore, when the return button detection switch 404s detects the operation of the return button, the storage medium is ejected from the lending device 400. For example, when a counting device that counts the game balls ejected from the gaming machine 100 is installed, the information counted by the counting device may be recorded in the storage medium. Furthermore, the lending button or the return button may be provided in the gaming machine 100 instead of the lending device 400.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] The sub-control board 330 also controls the movement of the stage prop device 202 and the lighting of the stage lighting device 204, 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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).

[0065] 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).

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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).

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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).

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] Next, a game in the gaming machine 100 will be described together with various tables stored in the main ROM 300b.

[0076] As described above, the gaming machine 100 has two types of games, a special game and a normal game, proceeding in parallel, and in this embodiment, two types of game states, a non-time-saving game state and a time-saving game state, are provided as game states when these two games proceed. At least some of the game progress conditions are defined for these two game states, and the game proceeds according to the progress conditions corresponding to the game state being set.

[0077] 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 a game ball is less likely to enter the second starting hole 122. On the other hand, 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 a game ball is more likely to enter the second starting hole 122. The initial state of the gaming machine 100 is set to the non-time-saving game state.

[0078] 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"). If a small prize is won in this big prize lottery, the second big prize port 128 is opened and a small prize game is executed in which the game ball can enter the second big prize port 128. The big prize lottery method is described below.

[0079] 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 numbers related to the big role lottery (small win determination random number, winning pattern random number, reach group determination random number, reach mode determination random number, and variable pattern random number) are obtained, and each of these random numbers is stored in the special chart reservation memory area of ​​the main RAM 300c. Hereinafter, the various random numbers stored in the special chart 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 chart reservation memory area when a game ball enters the second start hole 122 are collectively referred to as special 2 reservation.

[0080] 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 to fourth memory sections). 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.

[0081] For example, when a game ball enters the first starting hole 120, if no reservation is stored in any of the first to fourth storage sections 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 to third storage sections and the game ball enters the first starting hole 120, the special 1 reservation is stored in the fourth storage section. Also, when a game ball enters the second starting hole 122, the special 2 reservation is stored in the smallest numbered (ordinal) storage section among the first to fourth storage sections of the second special chart reservation storage area in the same manner as above.

[0082] However, the number of special 1 reservations (X1) and the number of special 2 reservations (X2) that can be stored in the first special chart reservation memory area and the second special chart reservation memory area are set to four, respectively. 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. Note that the number of special 1 reservations (X1) and the number of special 2 reservations (X2) may be a predetermined number of three or less, or may be different numbers.

[0083] FIG. 6(a) is a diagram explaining the small win determination random number judgment table for special 1. Also, FIG. 6(b) is a diagram explaining the small win determination random number judgment table for special 2. When a game ball enters the first start hole 120 or the second start hole 122, one small win determination random number is obtained within the range of 0 to 65535. Then, a small win determination random number judgment table is selected according to the reserved type read out when starting the big role lottery, and the big role lottery is performed using the selected small win determination random number judgment table and the acquired small win determination random number.

[0084] During the game, the big role lottery is performed by referring to the special 1 small win determination random number judgment table or special 2 small win determination random number judgment table corresponding to the currently set setting value (registered setting value stored in the setting value buffer). As described above, in the embodiment, the case where only the setting value = 1 (registered setting value = 1) is provided as the setting value is shown.

[0085] Specifically, when starting the big role lottery for the special 1 reservation, the big role lottery is performed by referring to the special 1 small win determination random number judgment table shown in Figure 6 (a). According to this special 1 small win determination random number judgment table, if the small win determination random number is 20001 to 20206, it is judged as a small win, and if it is any other small win determination random number, it is judged as a normal miss. Therefore, the small win probability in this case is about 1 / 318.1.

[0086] In addition, when starting the big role lottery for the special 2 reserved, the big role lottery is performed by referring to the special 2 small win determination random number judgment table shown in Figure 6 (b). According to this special 2 small win determination random number judgment table, if the small win determination random number is 20001 to 41800, it is judged as a small win, if the small win determination random number is 50001 to 53600, it is judged as a specific miss, and if it is any other small win determination random number, it is judged as a normal miss. Therefore, in this case, the small win probability is about 1 / 3.0, and the specific miss probability is about 1 / 18.2. In addition, the combined probability of winning a small win or a specific miss is about 1 / 2.6.

[0087] In addition, it may be possible to win a specific miss by the special 1 reservation. In this case, the winning probability of the specific miss may be set to be the same for the special 1 reservation and the special 2 reservation, or the special 2 reservation may be set higher than the special 1 reservation, or the special 1 reservation may be set higher than the special 2 reservation.

[0088] 7 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 "small win" or "specific miss" 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.

[0089] At this time, if the "small win" is won by the special 1 reservation, the special 1 winning pattern random number judgment table is selected as shown in Fig. 7(a). Also, if the "small win" is won by the special 2 reservation, the special 2 winning pattern random number judgment table a is selected as shown in Fig. 7(b). Also, if the "specific loss" is won by the special 2 reservation, the special 2 winning pattern random number judgment table b is selected as shown in Fig. 7(c).

[0090] In the following, the special pattern determined by the winning pattern random number, that is, the special pattern determined when a small winning judgment result is obtained, is called a small winning pattern. Also, the special pattern determined by the winning pattern random number when a specific losing judgment result is obtained is called a specific losing pattern. Also, the special pattern determined when a normal losing judgment result is obtained is called a normal losing pattern. Note that the specific losing pattern and the normal losing pattern are collectively referred to as simply a losing pattern. Also, the specific losing pattern and the normal losing pattern are collectively referred to as simply a losing pattern.

[0091] According to the special 1 winning pattern random number determination table shown in FIG. 7(a) and the special 2 winning pattern random number determination table a shown in FIG. 7(b), the type of special pattern (small winning pattern) is determined according to the value of the obtained winning pattern random number, as shown in the figure.

[0092] According to the special 2 winning symbol random number determination table b shown in FIG. 7(c), the type of special symbol (specific losing symbol) is determined according to the value of the acquired winning symbol random number, as shown in the figure.

[0093] On the other hand, when the result of the big prize lottery is a "normal 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 drawing a lottery, and if the result of the lottery is derived by the special 2 reservation, the special pattern Y is determined as the missing pattern without drawing a lottery.

[0094] In other words, the winning symbol random number determination table is referenced only when the big role lottery result is a "small win" or a "specific miss", and is not referenced when the big role lottery result is a "normal miss". In this case, different small win 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 small win symbol may be determined in both tables, or the type of special symbol (small win symbol) may be determined by referring to the winning symbol random number determination table 1 regardless of the reserved type.

[0095] FIG. 8 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 this embodiment, when the big role lottery result is a "specific miss", in determining the variable performance pattern, first, a 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.

[0096] For example, when the game state is set to a non-time-saving game state, if the result of the big role lottery of "specific miss" is derived based on the special 1 reservation, and the number of reserved special 1s (hereinafter simply referred to as "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. 8(a). Similarly, when the game state is set to a non-time-saving game state, if the result of the big role lottery of "specific miss" 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. 8(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. 8(c). In FIG. 8, the group x described 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.

[0097] Here, we have explained the reach group determination random number judgment table that is referenced when the result of the big role lottery for a "specific miss" 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.

[0098] In addition, if the result of the big role lottery is 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 "small win".

[0099] 9 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 reach mode determination random number judgment table at the time of a miss, which is selected when the big role lottery result is a "miss", and a reach mode determination random number judgment table at the time of a small win, which is selected when the big role lottery result is a "small win". The reach mode determination random number judgment table at the time of a miss is provided for each group type determined as described above, and the reach mode determination random number judgment table at the time of a small win is provided for each reserved type.

[0100] 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 specific game state and type of symbol, is shown in Figure 9(a), an example of a reach mode determination random number judgment table for a special 1 when it is a small win is shown in Figure 9(b), and an example of a reach mode determination random number judgment table for a special 2 when it is a small win is shown in Figure 9(c).

[0101] 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. 9(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.

[0102] Furthermore, if the result of the big prize lottery is a "small win," then as shown in Figures 9(b) and (c), a random number judgment table for determining the reach mode at the time of a small win corresponding to the read-out hold type is selected, and a variable mode number is determined based on the selected random number judgment table for determining the reach mode at the time of a small win and the reach mode determination random number.

[0103] In addition, in each reach mode determination random number judgment table, the reach mode determination random number is associated with a variation pattern random number judgment table described later together with the variation mode number, and the variation pattern random number judgment table is determined at the same time as the variation mode number is determined. In addition, in FIG. 9, table x described in the column of the variation pattern random number judgment table indicates an arbitrary table number. Therefore, the variation mode number and the table number of the variation 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 this embodiment, the variation mode number and the variation pattern number described later are set in hexadecimal. In the following, "H" is added when indicating a hexadecimal number, but ○○H described in FIG. 9 to FIG. 11 indicates an arbitrary value indicated in hexadecimal.

[0104] 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. 8. 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. 9(a).

[0105] On the other hand, if the result of the big prize lottery is a "small prize," the small prize reach mode determination random number judgment table shown in Figure 9, which corresponds to the determined small prize pattern (type of special pattern), is referenced, and the fluctuation mode number and fluctuation pattern random number judgment table are determined using the reach mode determination random number.

[0106] 10 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] Fig. 11 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. 11(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.

[0110] 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. 11(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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 12 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.

[0113] 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 play times 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 play), 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 play), 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 prize port solenoid 128c, i.e., the opening time of the first large prize port 126 and the second large prize port 128 in one play), the specified number (the maximum number of wins possible in the first large prize port 126 and the second large prize port 128 in one round of play), the effective time for closing the large prize port (the closing time of the first large prize port 126 and the second large prize port 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 small prize pattern, as shown in the figure.

[0114] In this embodiment, when the special symbols Z1 to Z3, which are small prize symbols, are determined, a small prize game consisting of one round of play is first executed. In this small prize game, the opening and closing of the second large prize opening 128 is repeatedly executed. Specifically, the second large prize opening 128 is controlled to open and close in the order of 0.1 second opening (open 1), 3.0 second closing (close 1), 0.1 second opening (open 2), 1.0 second closing (close 2), 0.1 second opening (open 3), 1.0 second closing (close 3), and 0.1 second opening (open 4). As described above, in this embodiment, in the small prize game executed when the special symbols Z1 to Z3 are determined, the second large prize opening 128 is opened a maximum of four times in the first round, but is not limited to this. For example, the second large prize opening 128 may be opened a maximum of ten times in the first round.

[0115] Here, a specific area 140b and a non-specific area 140c are provided inside the second large prize opening 128, and a game ball that enters the second large prize opening 128 always enters the specific area 140b or the non-specific area 140c. In the small prize game, if the game ball that enters the second large prize opening 128 enters the specific area 140b, a big prize game in which the first large prize opening 126 is opened is executed following the small prize game. In this big prize game, nine round games (2R to 10R) are executed.

[0116] Fig. 13 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. 13, 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.

[0117] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, when the special symbols Z1 to Z3 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 opening of the second large prize opening 128 can certainly enter the specific area 140b. Although a detailed explanation is omitted, a structure that decelerates the game ball rolling on the second large prize opening 128 is provided above the second large prize opening 128, and the game ball is configured to definitely enter the specific area 140b if the game ball is appropriately launched into the second game area 116b from the start of the small prize game.

[0118] In addition, if an unforeseen event occurs, such as the game ball getting stuck in the second large winning hole 128, or the game ball getting stuck in the second large winning hole 128 for a long time for some reason, the game ball may not enter the specific area 140b in the small winning game in which the special symbols Z1 to Z2 are determined and executed. Therefore, in this specification, for ease of understanding, the words "always" and "certainly" are used for explanation, but this is on the premise that the state of the gaming machine 100 is in an appropriate state for playing the game and no unforeseen event occurs, and does not mean 100% physically.

[0119] FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the game state setting table. In this embodiment, the game state to which the player is to move, the number of time-saving times, and the next reference game state are set based on the type of special symbol, whether or not the limiter is activated, and the reference game state. In practice, the game state to which the player is to move is set based on the conditions of the area surrounded by a thick line in FIG. 14. The initial state and the initial reference game state of the gaming machine 100 are set to a non-time-saving game state. When a two-type jackpot is won in a small jackpot game as described above, the game state is set according to the type of the special symbol that was won, whether or not the limiter is activated, and the reference game state.

[0120] Here, the gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment is equipped with a so-called limiter function. The limiter function is to limit the number of consecutive jackpot wins in the time-saving game state. Here, the upper limit of the number of consecutive jackpot wins in the time-saving game state is set to two. Therefore, if a jackpot is won in the time-saving game state, and the time-saving game state is set after the big role play, and then a second jackpot is won, the game state after the big role play is always set to a non-time-saving game state. Hereinafter, the state in which the second jackpot is won is called the operation or operation state of the limiter, and the other states are called the non-operation or non-operation state of the limiter.

[0121] In addition, in this embodiment, when the game state is set to the time-saving game state, the number of time-saving times is set as the time-saving end condition. The number of time-saving times is the number of times of the pattern variation process based on the special 1 reservation or the special 2 reservation. The number of time-saving times is subtracted every time the result of the big role lottery based on the special 1 reservation or the special 2 reservation is determined in the time-saving game state, and when the remaining number of time-saving times becomes 0, the game state is changed to the non-time-saving game state.

[0122] As shown in FIG. 14, in a small win game that is executed after winning a small win, if a type 2 jackpot is won, the destination game state, the number of time-saving times, and the next reference game state are set as follows based on the type of small win, whether the limiter has been activated, and the set reference game state.

[0123] That is, as shown in FIG. 14, when the special symbol Z1 is determined as the small win symbol and the reference game state is a non-time-saving game state, the game state after the big win is set to a time-saving game state. In this case, as shown in FIG. 14, the time-saving number of times is set to 10,000 times as a time-saving end condition of the time-saving game state. In addition, the next reference game state is set to a time-saving game state. Note that the next reference game state is a game state that is referenced when the game state is set by winning the next small win or specific miss, as will be described later in detail. Therefore, in this case, when the next small win or specific miss is won, the time-saving game state is referenced as the reference game state.

[0124] In addition, when the special pattern Z1 is determined as the small winning pattern, the reference game state is the time-saving game state, and the limiter is not activated, the game state after the big win game is set to the time-saving game state, the number of time-saving times is set to 10,000, and the next reference game state is set to the time-saving game state.

[0125] In addition, when the special pattern Z1 is determined as the small winning pattern, the reference game state is a time-saving game state, and the limiter is activated, the game state after the big winning game is set to a non-time-saving game state, and the next reference game state is set to a non-time-saving game state.

[0126] In addition, when the special pattern Z2 is determined as the small winning pattern and the reference game state is a non-time-saving game state, the game state after the big winning game is set to the non-time-saving game state, and the next reference game state is set to the non-time-saving game state.

[0127] In addition, when the special pattern Z2 is determined as the small winning pattern, the reference game state is a time-saving game state, and the limiter is not activated, the game state after the big win game is set to a time-saving game state, the number of time-saving times is set to 10,000, and the next reference game state is set to the time-saving game state.

[0128] In addition, when the special pattern Z2 is determined as the small winning pattern, the reference game state is a time-saving game state, and the limiter is activated, the game state after the big winning game is set to a non-time-saving game state, and the next reference game state is set to a non-time-saving game state.

[0129] In addition, when the special pattern Z3 is determined as the small winning pattern and the reference game state is a non-time-saving game state, the game state after the big win is set to a time-saving game state, the number of time-saving times is set to 10,000, and the next reference game state is set to a time-saving game state.

[0130] In addition, when the special pattern Z3 has been determined as the small winning pattern, the reference game state is a time-saving game state, and the limiter has not yet been activated, the game state after the big win game is set to a time-saving game state, the number of time-saving times is set to 10,000, and the next reference game state is set to the time-saving game state.

[0131] In addition, when the special pattern Z3 has been determined as the small winning pattern, the reference game state is a time-saving game state, and the limiter is activated, the game state after the big winning game is set to a non-time-saving game state, and the next reference game state is set to a non-time-saving game state.

[0132] In addition, in the non-time-saving game state, when the special symbol Y1 is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 162, the game state is set to the time-saving game state without going through the small win game and the big win game. At this time, the number of time-saving times is set to 10,000, and the next reference game state is set to the non-time-saving game state. On the other hand, in the time-saving game state, when the special symbol Y1 is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 162, the remaining number of time-saving times is subtracted by one, and the time-saving game state being set is maintained.

[0133] In addition, in a non-time-saving game state, when the special symbol Y2 is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 162, the game state is set to a time-saving game state without going through a small win game and a big win game. At this time, the number of time-saving times is set to 10,000, and the next reference game state is set to the time-saving game state. On the other hand, in a time-saving game state, when the special symbol Y2 is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 162, the remaining number of time-saving times is subtracted by one, and the time-saving game state being set is maintained.

[0134] That is, the game state is set to the time-saving game state by the special symbols Y1, Y2 being stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 162 only when the special symbols Y1, Y2 are stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 162 during a non-time-saving game state. In other words, when the special symbols Y1, Y2 are stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 162 during a time-saving game state, the game state is not set and the number of time-saving times is decreased by "1".

[0135] 15 is a diagram explaining a winning decision random number judgment table. When the game ball flowing down the game area 116 passes through the gate 124, a normal symbol judgment process (hereinafter referred to as "normal symbol lottery") is performed, which corresponds to whether or not to control the electrification of the movable piece 122b of the second starting hole 122.

[0136] Although the details will be described later, when the game ball passes through the gate 124, one winning determination random number is obtained from the range of 0 to 99, and this random number value is stored in the general map reserve memory area of ​​the main RAM 300c, up to a maximum of four. In other words, the general map reserve memory area has four storage units for saving winning determination random numbers. Therefore, if a game ball passes through the gate 124 with winning determination random numbers stored in all four storage units of the general map reserve memory area, no winning determination random number will be stored based on the passage of the game ball. Hereinafter, the winning determination random number stored in the general map reserve memory area after the game ball passes through the gate 124 will be referred to as a general map reserve.

[0137] When starting the normal symbol lottery in the non-time-saving game state, as shown in FIG. 15(a), the winning symbol determination random number judgment table for the non-time-saving game state is referenced. According to this winning symbol determination random number judgment table for the non-time-saving game state, when the winning symbol determination random number is 0, a winning symbol is determined as the type of normal symbol, and when the winning symbol determination random number is 1 to 99, a losing symbol is determined as the type of normal symbol. Therefore, the probability that a winning symbol is determined in the non-time-saving game state, that is, the probability of winning, is 1 / 100. As will be described in detail later, when a winning symbol is determined in this normal symbol lottery, the second start hole 122 is controlled to be in an open state, and when a losing symbol is determined, the second start hole 122 is maintained in a closed state.

[0138] In addition, when starting a normal symbol lottery in the time-saving game state, a time-saving game state winning random number determination table is referenced as shown in Fig. 15(b). According to this time-saving game state winning random number determination table, when the winning random number is 0 to 98, a winning symbol is determined as the type of normal symbol, and when the winning random number is 99, a losing symbol is determined as the type of normal symbol. Therefore, the probability that a winning symbol is determined in the time-saving game state, that is, the probability of winning, is 99 / 100.

[0139] Fig. 16(a) is a diagram explaining the normal symbol variation time data table, and Fig. 16(b) is a diagram explaining the opening and closing control pattern table. As described above, when the normal symbol lottery is performed, 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 symbol or a losing symbol is determined by the normal symbol lottery.

[0140] According to this normal symbol fluctuation time data table, when the game state is set to a non-time-saving game state, the fluctuation time is determined to be 10 seconds, and when the game state is set to a time-saving game state, the fluctuation time is determined to be 1 second.

[0141] When the variable time is determined in this manner, the normal symbol display 168 is variably displayed (blinks) for the determined time. When a winning symbol is determined, the normal symbol display 168 is turned on, and when a losing symbol is determined, the normal symbol display 168 is turned off.

[0142] Then, when the winning symbol is determined by the normal symbol lottery and the normal symbol display 168 is lit, 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. 16(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, the corresponding table is set when the normal electric role solenoid 122c starts to energize, but here, for the sake of explanation, the control data corresponding to each game state is shown in one table.

[0143] When the winning symbol is determined, as shown in FIG. 16(b), the opening and closing of the second starting hole 122 is controlled by referring to the opening and closing control pattern table. 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 (the number of times the second start port 122 is opened), the solenoid power supply time (the 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 one second start port 122), the specified number (the maximum number of winnings that can be won 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 active 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 active state time has elapsed) are pre-stored as control data for the second start port 122 for each game state, as shown in the figure.

[0144] In this way, the non-time-saving game state and the time-saving game state are respectively associated with the opening / closing control conditions for opening / closing the second start port 122 as game progress conditions, and in the time-saving game state, it is easier for the game ball to enter the second start port 122 than in the non-time-saving game state. In other words, in the time-saving game state, as long as the game ball passes through the gate 124, regular lotteries are performed one after another, and the second start port 122 is frequently in an open state, so that the player can perform the big role lottery while reducing the consumption of game balls.

[0145] 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 this embodiment, these three elements are set to be more favorable in the time-saving game state than in 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.

[0146] However, one or two of the above three elements may be set to be more advantageous for the time-shortened game state than the non-time-shortened game state. In any case, the time-shortened game state may be set to be more advantageous in at least one element than the non-time-shortened game state, so that the game ball can enter the second starting hole 122 more easily overall in the time-shortened game state than in the non-time-shortened game state.

[0147] FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the game characteristics according to this embodiment. In the following, the case where the player appropriately launches the game ball and the game progresses in accordance with the original game characteristics, that is, the case where the game continues normally, will be mainly explained, and the case where an irregular situation occurs will be basically omitted. Note that the case where the game continues normally refers to the case where the player plays the game in accordance with the original game characteristics, and indicates the case where various errors or irregular situations such as game stop do not occur.

[0148] As described above, the initial state and the initial reference gaming state of the gaming machine 100 are the non-time-shortened gaming state, and the player starts playing in the non-time-shortened gaming state, as shown in FIG. 17(1).

[0149] In the non-time-saving game state, the second starting hole 122 is hardly opened, so that the player performs a so-called left shot to shoot the game ball toward the first game area 116a, as shown in (1) of Fig. 17, and causes the game ball to enter the first starting hole 120. In other words, the reserve (target reserve) that is the main target for variation is set to the special 1 reserve.

[0150] Therefore, in the non-time-saving game state, the player plays the game while hoping to win a small win (hereinafter referred to as the first win) by the special 1 reservation. In the non-time-saving game state, the probability of winning a small win based on the special 1 reservation is set to about 1 / 318.1.

[0151] And, when a small win is won by the special 1 reservation, the special symbol Z1 is determined as the small win symbol with a 100% probability, and a small win game based on the special symbol Z1 is executed. In this small win game, since the game ball can enter the specific area 140b, the big role game is executed following the small win game. At this time, in this embodiment, the player can get a total of 1500 prize balls in the small win game and the big role game.

[0152] Then, since the type of the determined special symbol is the special symbol Z1 and the reference gaming state is the non-time-saving gaming state, the gaming state after the big win is set to the time-saving gaming state, the time-saving count is set to 10,000, and the next reference gaming state is set to the time-saving gaming state, as shown in (2) of Figure 17. Also, in this case, the limiter counter that counts the number of big wins until the limiter is activated is set to 2.

[0153] In the time-saving game state, the second start port 122 is frequently opened by passing the game ball through the gate 124. Since the gate 124 and the second start port 122 are provided in the second game area 116b, the player performs a so-called right hit to make the game ball flow down to the second game area 116b, and makes the game ball enter the second start port 122. In other words, in the time-saving game state in which the target reservation is set to the special 2 reservation, the player plays the game while hoping to win a small prize through the special 2 reservation.

[0154] As shown in (2) of FIG. 17, in the time-saving game state, the winning probability of a small win based on the special 2 reservation is set to about 1 / 3.0, and the winning probability of a specific miss based on the special 2 reservation is set to 1 / 18.2. In addition, the number of time-saving times is set to 10,000 times as a time-saving end condition. As described above, in the time-saving game state, when the special pattern Y1 or Y2 is stopped and displayed on the second special pattern display 162, the remaining number of time-saving times is subtracted by one, and the time-saving game state being set is maintained. Therefore, in this embodiment, in the time-saving game state shown in (2) of FIG. 17, the small win based on the special 2 reservation is practically always won.

[0155] And, when a small prize is won by the special 2 reservation, the special symbol Z2 is determined as the small prize symbol with a probability of 99%, and a small prize game based on the special symbol Z2 is executed. Also, when a small prize is won by the special 2 reservation, the special symbol Z3 is determined as the small prize symbol with a probability of 1%, and a small prize game based on the special symbol Z3 is executed. In these small prize games, since the game ball can enter the specific area 140b, a big prize game is executed following the small prize game. At this time, in this embodiment, the player can get a total of 1500 prize balls in the small prize game and the big prize game.

[0156] Then, since the type of the determined special symbol is the special symbol Z2 or Z3, the reference game state is the time-saving game state, and the limiter is not yet activated, the game state after the big win game is set to the time-saving game state, the time-saving count is set to 10,000, and the next reference game state is set to the time-saving game state, as shown in (3) of Figure 17. In this case, the limiter counter is decremented by one, and the limiter counter is set (updated) to one.

[0157] In the embodiment, even in the time-saving game state shown in FIG. 17(3), the small win based on the special 2 reservation is practically always won. When the small win is won by the special 2 reservation, the special pattern Z2 is determined as the small win pattern with a probability of 99%, and the special pattern Z3 is determined as the small win pattern with a probability of 1%, and the small win game based on the special pattern Z2 or Z3 is executed. In these small win games, since the game ball can enter the specific area 140b, the big role game is executed following the small win game, and the player can get a total of 1500 prize balls in the small win game and the big role game. In this case, the limiter counter is decremented by one, the limiter counter is set (updated) to 0, and the limiter is activated.

[0158] Then, since the type of the determined special symbol is the special symbol Z2 or Z3, the reference game state is the time-saving game state, and the limiter is activated, the game state after the big win game is set to the non-time-saving game state, and the next reference game state is set to the non-time-saving game state, as shown in (4) of Fig. 17. At this time, in this embodiment, since a maximum of four special 2 reserves are stored in the time-saving game state, the special 2 variation based on the reserves stored in the time-saving game state (hereinafter referred to as special 2 remaining reserves) is executed in the non-time-saving game state.

[0159] As described above, in this embodiment, the probability of winning a small win based on the special 2 reservation is set to about 1 / 3.0, and the probability of winning a specific miss based on the special 2 reservation is set to 1 / 18.2. In addition, the combined probability of winning a small win or a specific miss is about 1 / 2.6. That is, in this embodiment, when the limiter is activated and the game moves to a non-time-saving game state, the player can receive a maximum of four lotteries based on the special 2 remaining reservation, and in this lottery based on the special 2 remaining reservation, the player can win a small win or a specific miss with a probability of about 1 / 2.6. In addition, in the non-time-saving game state of (4) in FIG. 17, when all the special 2 remaining reservations are consumed (hereinafter referred to as the special 2 reservation exhaustion), the game moves to the initial state shown in (a) in FIG. 17.

[0160] In other words, in the non-time-saving gaming state of (1) in Figure 17, which is the initial state of the gaming machine 100, if you win a small jackpot based on the special 1 reservation, you are guaranteed to receive a total of 4,500 prize balls.

[0161] On the other hand, if a small win is won by the special 2 remaining reservation, the special symbol Z2 is determined as the small win symbol with a probability of 99%, and a small win game is executed. In this small win game, since the game ball can enter the specific area 140b, a big role game is executed following the small win game, and the player can get a total of 1500 prize balls in the small win game and the big role game. Then, since the type of the determined special symbol is the special symbol Z2 and the reference game state is the non-time-saving game state, the game state after the big role game is set to the non-time-saving game state, and the next reference game state is set to the non-time-saving game state, as shown in (4) of FIG. 17.

[0162] In addition, when a small prize is won by the special 2 remaining reservation, the special symbol Z3 is determined as the small prize symbol with a probability of 1%, and a small prize game is executed. In this small prize game, since the game ball can enter the specific area 140b, the small prize game is followed by a big role game, and the player can obtain a total of 1500 prize balls by the small prize game and the big role game. Then, since the type of the determined special symbol is the special symbol Z3 and the reference game state is a non-time-saving game state, the game state after the big role game is set to a time-saving game state as shown in (2) of FIG. 17, and the next reference game state is set to a time-saving game state. In addition, 2 times is set in the limiter counter. That is, in the non-time-saving game state shown in (4) of FIG. 17, when a small prize is won based on the special 2 remaining reservation and the special symbol Z3 is determined as the small prize symbol, it is guaranteed that a total of 4500 prize balls will be obtained.

[0163] In addition, when a specific miss is won by the special 2 remaining reservation, the special pattern Y2 is determined as the specific miss pattern with a probability of 1%. In a non-time-saving game state, when the special pattern Y2 is stopped and displayed on the second special pattern display 162, the game state after the big role game is set to the time-saving game state as shown in (2) of FIG. 17, and the next reference game state is set to the time-saving game state. In addition, 2 times is set in the limiter counter. In other words, in a non-time-saving game state shown in (4) of FIG. 17, when a specific miss is won based on the special 2 remaining reservation and the special pattern Y2 is determined as the specific miss pattern, it is guaranteed that a total of 3000 prize balls will be obtained.

[0164] Also, when a specific loss is won by the special 2 remaining reservation, the special symbol Y1 is determined as the specific loss symbol with a probability of 99%. In a non-time-saving game state, when the special symbol Y1 is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 162, the game state is set to a time-saving game state as shown in (5) of FIG. 17. At this time, the time-saving number of times is set to 10,000, and the next reference game state is set to a non-time-saving game state. In this case, the limit counter is not newly set, and the value of the limit counter remains 0.

[0165] As shown in (5) of FIG. 17, in the time-saving game state, the probability of winning a small prize based on the special 2 reservation is set to about 1 / 3.0, and the probability of winning a specific miss based on the special 2 reservation is set to 1 / 18.2. As described above, in the time-saving game state, when the special pattern Y1 or Y2 is stopped and displayed on the second special pattern display 162, the remaining number of time-saving times is subtracted by one, and the time-saving game state being set is maintained. Therefore, in this embodiment, in the time-saving game state shown in (5) of FIG. 17, the small prize based on the special 2 reservation is practically always won.

[0166] In the time-saving game state of FIG. 17(5), when a small win is won by the special 2 reservation, the special symbol Z2 is determined as the small win symbol with a probability of 99%, and the small win game is executed. In this small win game, since the game ball can enter the specific area 140b, the small win game is followed by the big role game, and the player can obtain a total of 1500 prize balls in the small win game and the big role game. Then, since the type of the determined special symbol is the special symbol Z2 and the reference game state is the non-time-saving game state, the game state after the big role game is set to the non-time-saving game state, as shown in FIG. 17(4), and the next reference game state is set to the non-time-saving game state. Then, in FIG. 17(4), it is possible to receive a maximum of four lottery draws based on the special 2 remaining reservation in the same manner as described above.

[0167] In addition, in the time-saving game state of FIG. 17(5), when a small win is won by the special 2 reservation, the special symbol Z3 is determined as the small win symbol with a probability of 1%, and the small win game is executed. In this small win game, since the game ball can enter the specific area 140b, the small win game is followed by the big role game, and the player can obtain a total of 1500 prize balls in the small win game and the big role game. Then, since the type of the determined special symbol is the special symbol Z3 and the reference game state is the non-time-saving game state, the game state after the big role game is set to the time-saving game state, and the next reference game state is set to the time-saving game state, as shown in FIG. 17(2). In addition, 2 times is set in the limiter counter.

[0168] In other words, in the non-time-saving game state shown in (4) of Figure 17, if a specific miss based on the special 2 remaining reserve is won and the special patterns Y1 and Y2 are determined as the specific miss patterns, the player is guaranteed to receive a total of 1,500 (99%) or 4,500 (1%) prize balls.

[0169] As described above, in this embodiment, in the non-time-saving game state in (4) of FIG. 17, if a specific miss based on the special 2 remaining reservation is won, the game moves to (2) or (5) of FIG. 17. Also, in this embodiment, in the non-time-saving game state in (4) of FIG. 17, if a small win based on the special 2 remaining reservation is won, the game moves to (2) or (4) of FIG. 17. In addition, in about 15% of cases where a specific miss or small win based on the special 2 remaining reservation is won, the game moves to the time-saving game state in (2) or (5) of FIG. 17. Then, in the time-saving game state, it is practically guaranteed that a small win will be won, and finally the game moves to the non-time-saving game state in (4) of FIG. 17, and it is possible to receive a maximum of four lotteries based on the special 2 remaining reservation. In this way, in this embodiment, it is possible to realize the new gameplay as described above.

[0170] In addition, in this embodiment, if the first hit occurs in (1) of FIG. 17, it is guaranteed that a total of 4500 prize balls will be obtained. Furthermore, in (4) of FIG. 17, it is possible to receive a lottery based on the special 2 remaining reserve up to four times. And, if all of the special 2 remaining reserves win the special pattern Z2, it is guaranteed that a total of 6000 prize balls will be obtained. In other words, it is possible to obtain a total of 10500 prize balls from the first hit.

[0171] In addition, in the special 2 remaining reserve, if the special pattern Z2 is won, 1500 prize balls can be obtained, but after the big role game ends, the game moves to (4) in FIG. 17 again. On the other hand, if the special pattern Z3 is won in the special 2 remaining reserve, it is guaranteed that a total of 4500 prize balls will be obtained. Furthermore, it is possible to receive a lottery based on the special 2 remaining reserve up to four times again in (4) in FIG. 17. And, if all of the special patterns Z2 are won in this special 2 remaining reserve, it is guaranteed that a total of 6000 prize balls will be obtained, and it is possible to obtain a maximum of 10500 prize balls.

[0172] In addition, even if you do not win the special pattern Z2 or Z3 in the special 2 remaining reservation, you may win a specific miss. If you win a specific miss and the special pattern Y2 is determined, you are guaranteed to receive a total of 3,000 prize balls. Furthermore, you can receive a lottery based on the special 2 remaining reservation up to four times again in (4) of FIG. 17. If all of the special 2 remaining reservations win the special pattern Z2, you are guaranteed to receive a total of 6,000 prize balls, making it possible to receive a maximum of 9,000 prize balls.

[0173] As mentioned above, the special pattern Z3 is determined 1% of the time when a small win is won, and the special pattern Y2 is determined 1% of the time when a specific loss is won, so the possibility of winning these is relatively low. On the other hand, the special pattern Y1 is determined 99% of the time when a specific loss is won, so the possibility of winning the special pattern Y1 is relatively high. And, if a specific loss is won in the special 2 remaining reservation and the special pattern Y1 is determined, it is guaranteed that a total of 1500 prize balls will be obtained. Furthermore, it is possible to receive a lottery based on the special 2 remaining reservation up to four times again in (4) of FIG. 17. And, if all of these special 2 remaining reservations win the special pattern Z2, it is guaranteed that a total of 6000 prize balls will be obtained, and it is possible to obtain a maximum of 7500 prize balls.

[0174] Next, the main processing of the main control board 300 associated with the progress of a game in the gaming machine 100 will be described.

[0175] Fig. 18 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 progress of the game is controlled, and when the gaming machine status flag is other than 00H, the game is stopped.

[0176] 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.

[0177] (CPU initialization process of main control board 300) FIG. 19 is a first flowchart illustrating the CPU initialization process in main control board 300, and FIG. 20 is a second flowchart illustrating the CPU initialization process in main control board 300.

[0178] 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).

[0179] (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.

[0180] (Step S100-3) The main CPU 300a sets a wait processing time in a timer counter.

[0181] (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.

[0182] (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.

[0183] (Step S100-9) The main CPU 300a executes the processes required to permit access to the main RAM 300c.

[0184] (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.

[0185] (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.

[0186] (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.

[0187] (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.

[0188] (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.

[0189] (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.

[0190] (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.

[0191] (Step S100-25) The main CPU 300a sets 05H (checksum abnormal state) in the D register.

[0192] (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.

[0193] (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.

[0194] (Step S100-31) The main CPU 300a checks and clears the read / write memory of the used area.

[0195] (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.

[0196] (Step S100-35) The main CPU 300a sets 04H (RAM abnormal state) in the D register, and moves the process to step S100-45.

[0197] (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.

[0198] (Step S100-39) The main CPU 300a sets the D register to 00H (playable state).

[0199] (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.

[0200] (Step S100-43) The main CPU 300a sets the D register to 01H (setting changed state).

[0201] (Step S100-45) The main CPU 300a saves the value set in the D register in the gaming machine status flag.

[0202] (Step S100-47) The main CPU 300a executes an initialization process to clear the targets of the main RAM 300c to be cleared when the RAM is cleared, and moves the process to step S100-49. Specifically, in the initialization process, the game state is set to the non-time-reduction game state, which is the initial state.

[0203] (Step S100-49) The main CPU 300a executes a payout command transmission process. Specifically, the main CPU 300a transmits a reset payout command to the payout control board 310.

[0204] (Step S100-51) The main CPU 300a loads the gaming machine status flag.

[0205] (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.

[0206] (Step S110) The main CPU 300a performs a sub-command group set process, which will be described later.

[0207] (Step S100-55) The main CPU 300 a performs sub-command set processing for transmitting a predetermined command to the sub-control board 330 .

[0208] (Step S100-57) The main CPU 300a sets the timer interrupt period.

[0209] (Step S100-59) The main CPU 300a performs processing to disable interrupts.

[0210] (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.

[0211] (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.

[0212] (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 .

[0213] (Step S100-67) The main CPU 300a performs processing for permitting an interrupt.

[0214] (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.

[0215] FIG. 21 is a flow chart illustrating the sub-command group setting process (S110) in the main control board 300.

[0216] (Step S110-1) The main CPU 300a loads the flag value of the gaming machine status flag.

[0217] (Step S110-3) The main CPU 300a performs a sub-command set process for transmitting a predetermined command to the sub-control board 330. Here, for example, if the initialization process is executed in the above step S100-47, a RAM clear designation command is set.

[0218] (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.

[0219] (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.

[0220] (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.

[0221] (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.

[0222] (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.

[0223] (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.

[0224] (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.

[0225] (Step S110-19) The main CPU 300a judges whether the special game management phase is in a special symbol change waiting state. If it is judged that the special symbol change waiting state is in effect, the process proceeds to step S110-21, and if it is judged that the special symbol change waiting state is not in effect, the process proceeds to step S110-23.

[0226] (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.

[0227] 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.

[0228] (Power off save process of main control board 300 (XINT interrupt process)) 22 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.

[0229] (Step S300-1) When the power-off warning signal is input, the main CPU 300a saves the registers.

[0230] (Step S300-3) The main CPU 300a checks the power-off warning signal.

[0231] (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.

[0232] (Step S300-7) The main CPU 300a restores the registers.

[0233] (Step S300-9) The main CPU 300a performs a process for permitting an interrupt, and ends the power-off save process.

[0234] (Step S300-11) The main CPU 300a executes an output port clear process to stop the output of the output port.

[0235] (Step S300-13) The main CPU 300a executes a checksum setting process for calculating and storing a checksum.

[0236] (Step S300-15) The main CPU 300a executes a RAM protect setting process required to prohibit access to the main RAM 300c.

[0237] (Step S300-17) In order to set a power interruption occurrence monitoring time, 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.

[0238] (Step S300-19) The main CPU 300a checks the power-off warning signal.

[0239] (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.

[0240] (Step S300-23) The main CPU 300a decrements the value of the loop counter set in step S300-17 above by one.

[0241] (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).

[0242] 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.

[0243] (Timer interrupt processing of main control board 300) 23 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.

[0244] (Step S400-1) The main CPU 300a saves the registers.

[0245] (Step S400-3) The main CPU 300a performs processing for permitting an interrupt.

[0246] (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.

[0247] (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.

[0248] (Step S400-9) The main CPU 300a loads the flag value of the gaming machine status flag.

[0249] (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.

[0250] (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.

[0251] (Step S450) The main CPU 300a executes the setting-related processing, and moves the process to step S400-27, which will be described later.

[0252] (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.

[0253] (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.

[0254] (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.

[0255] Although detailed explanation will be omitted, in this embodiment, the small win determination random number and the win determination random number use 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 small win determination random number and the win determination random number according to certain rules, automatically changing the random number sequence every time the random number sequence goes through one cycle, and changing the start value every time the system is reset.

[0256] (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.

[0257] (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.

[0258] (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.

[0259] (Step S400-21) The main CPU 300a executes an error management process to determine various errors and to perform settings according to the error determination results. When it is determined that an error has occurred, the main CPU 300a sets an error designation command corresponding to the type of error.

[0260] (Step S400-23) The main CPU 300a checks the general prize hole detection switch 118s, the first start hole detection switch 120s, the second start hole detection switch 122s, the first large prize hole detection switch 126s, and the second large prize hole detection switch 128s, and executes prize hole switch processing to increment the corresponding counters for prize ball control, etc.

[0261] (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.

[0262] (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.

[0263] (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.

[0264] (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.

[0265] (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.

[0266] (Step S400-35) The main CPU 300a performs processing to disable interrupts.

[0267] (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.

[0268] (Step S400-39) The main CPU 300a restores the registers and ends the timer interrupt process.

[0269] FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating the above-mentioned setting-related process (S450).

[0270] (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.

[0271] (Step S450-3) The main CPU 300a loads the registered setting values ​​stored in the setting value buffer into a predetermined processing area.

[0272] (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.

[0273] (Step S450-7) The main CPU 300a adds 1 to the setting value of the processing area.

[0274] (Step S450-9) The main CPU 300a judges whether the setting value of the processing area is within a predetermined value range (1 in this embodiment). If it is judged that the setting value is within the predetermined value range, the process proceeds to step S450-13, and if it is judged that the setting value is not within the predetermined value range, the process proceeds to step S450-11.

[0275] (Step S450-11) The main CPU 300a sets the setting value of the processing area to 1.

[0276] (Step S450-13) The main CPU 300a sets the setting value of the processing area in the setting value buffer.

[0277] (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.

[0278] (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.

[0279] (Step S110) The main CPU 300a executes the sub-command group set process of Fig. 21. 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.

[0280] (Step S450-19) The main CPU 300a sets the gaming machine state flag to 00H (playable state), and ends the setting-related process.

[0281] As described above, according to this 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. 19). 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. 23) are stopped, and setting-related processes are executed.

[0282] 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.

[0283] 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.

[0284] 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.

[0285] In this embodiment, multiple 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 can be executed and the progress of the game is stopped. In this way, since setting-related processing is not executed while the game is in progress, setting value designation commands are not sent while the game is in progress, and the risk of the registered setting values ​​being illegally obtained is reduced.

[0286] 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.

[0287] FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating the switch management process (step S500) in the main control board 300.

[0288] (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 S510, and if it is judged that the gate detection switch is not ON, the process proceeds to step S500-3.

[0289] (Step S510) The main CPU 300a executes a gate passing process based on the passage of the gaming ball through the gate 124. The gate passing process will be described in detail later.

[0290] (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.

[0291] (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.

[0292] (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.

[0293] (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.

[0294] (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.

[0295] (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.

[0296] (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.

[0297] (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.

[0298] (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.

[0299] (Step S500-15) The main CPU 300a sets a general prize slot winning designation command in the transmission buffer.

[0300] (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.

[0301] (Step S500-19) The main CPU 300a sets an out ball detection designation command in the transmission buffer and terminates the switch management process.

[0302] FIG. 26 is a flow chart illustrating the gate passage process in main control board 300 (step S510).

[0303] (Step S510-1) The main CPU 300a loads the winning determination random number updated by the hardware random number generating unit.

[0304] (Step S510-3) The main CPU 300a judges whether the counter value of the normal pattern reserved ball counter is equal to or greater than the maximum value, that is, whether the counter value of the normal pattern reserved ball counter is equal to or greater than 4. As a result, if it is judged that the counter value of the normal pattern reserved ball counter is equal to or greater than the maximum value, the gate passing process is terminated, and if it is judged that the normal pattern reserved ball counter is not equal to or greater than the maximum value, the process proceeds to step S510-5.

[0305] (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.

[0306] (Step S510-7) The main CPU 300a determines which of the four storage units in the general reserve storage area is to be the target storage unit in which to save the acquired winning determination random number.

[0307] (Step S510-9) The main CPU 300a saves the winning determination random number obtained in the above step S510-1 in the target memory calculated in the above step S510-7.

[0308] (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 gate passing process.

[0309] FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating the first start port passing process in main control board 300 (step S520).

[0310] (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.

[0311] (Step S520-3) The main CPU 300a sets the address of the special pattern 1 reserved ball count counter.

[0312] (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.

[0313] FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating the second start port passing process in the main control board 300 (step S530).

[0314] (Step S530-1) The main CPU 300a sets "01H" as the special symbol identification value.

[0315] (Step S530-3) The main CPU 300a sets the address of the special pattern 2 reserved ball count counter.

[0316] (Step S535) The main CPU 300a executes a special symbol random number acquisition process, which will be described later.

[0317] (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.

[0318] (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.

[0319] (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.

[0320] 29 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 using a common module in the above-mentioned first start port passing process (step S520) and second start port passing process (step S530).

[0321] (Step S535-1) The main CPU 300a loads the special symbol identification value set in step S520-1 or step S530-1.

[0322] (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.

[0323] (Step S535-5) The main CPU 300a loads the small win determination random number updated by the hardware random number generating unit.

[0324] (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.

[0325] (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.

[0326] (Step S535-11) The main CPU 300a determines which of the eight storage units in the special chart reservation storage area is to be the target storage unit in which the acquired small win determination random number is to be saved.

[0327] (Step S535-13) The main CPU 300a obtains the small win 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.

[0328] (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.

[0329] (Step S535-17) The main CPU 300a executes the acquisition time performance determination process for provisionally determining the big role, provisionally determining the winning symbol, provisionally determining the special symbol, and provisionally determining the variable information based on the various random numbers stored in the target memory unit in the above step S535-13. In this acquisition time performance determination process, a pre-reading designation command indicating the type of variable information and special symbol to be determined when the newly stored reserved is read out is transmitted to the sub-control board 330.

[0330] (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.

[0331] (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.

[0332] (Step S535-23) The main CPU 300a loads the normal game management phase.

[0333] (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.

[0334] (Step S535-27) The main CPU 300a determines whether or not an abnormal winning has occurred, and if it determines that an abnormal winning has occurred, executes a start port abnormal winning error process to perform a predetermined process, and ends the special pattern random number acquisition process (step S535).

[0335] FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating the specific area passing process in step S540.

[0336] (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.

[0337] 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).

[0338] (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.

[0339] (Step S540-5) The main CPU 300a turns on a specific area entry flag.

[0340] (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.

[0341] (Step S540-9) The main CPU 300a executes a predetermined error process.

[0342] (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.

[0343] 31 is a diagram for explaining the special game management phase. As already described, in this embodiment, a special game triggered by the entry of a game ball into the first start port 120 or the second start port 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.

[0344] As shown in FIG. 31, 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.

[0345] FIG. 32 is a flow chart for explaining the special game management process (step S600) in the main control board 300.

[0346] (Step S600-1) The main CPU 300a loads the special game management phase.

[0347] (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.

[0348] (Step S600-5) The main CPU 300a calls the special game control module selected in step S600-3 and starts processing.

[0349] (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.

[0350] 33 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".

[0351] (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.

[0352] (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.

[0353] (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.

[0354] (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.

[0355] (Step S610-9) The main CPU 300a loads the small win determination random number and the reserved type transferred to the 0th memory unit, selects the corresponding small win determination random number judgment table, performs a lottery for a big role, and executes a special symbol win judgment process that stores the lottery result.

[0356] (Step S610-11) The main CPU300a executes a special symbol pattern determination process for determining a special symbol. Here, if the result of the big role lottery in the above step S610-9 is 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 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, if the reservation type is special 1 reservation, the special symbol X is saved as a loss symbol, and if the reservation type is special 2 reservation, the special symbol Y 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.

[0357] (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.

[0358] (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.

[0359] (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.

[0360] (Step S610-17) The main CPU 300a performs a reserve area setting process for storing the type of small winning symbol (special symbol determination data) and the like in the reserve area of ​​the main RAM 300c.

[0361] (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.

[0362] (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.

[0363] (Step S610-23) The main CPU 300a updates the special game management phase to "01H" and ends the special symbol change waiting process.

[0364] FIG. 34 is a flowchart illustrating the special symbol variable number determination process in the main control board 300.

[0365] (Step S612-1) The main CPU 300a judges whether the result of the big role lottery in the above step S610-9 is a small win. If it is judged to be a small win, the process proceeds to step S612-3, and if it is judged not to be a small win (miss), the process proceeds to step S612-5.

[0366] (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 small winning symbol, the reserved type, and the variable state.

[0367] (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.

[0368] (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).

[0369] (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.

[0370] (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. In addition, here, a variation pattern random number judgment table is determined together with the variation mode number.

[0371] (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.

[0372] (Step S612-15) The main CPU 300a determines a variation pattern number based on the variation pattern random number determination table determined in step S612-11 above and the variation pattern random number transferred to the 0th storage unit in step S610-7 above.

[0373] (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.

[0374] 35 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".

[0375] (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.

[0376] (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.

[0377] (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.

[0378] (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.

[0379] (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.

[0380] (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.

[0381] (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.

[0382] (Step S620-15) The main CPU 300a updates the special game management phase to "02H".

[0383] (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.

[0384] (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.

[0385] (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.

[0386] 36 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".

[0387] (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 S630-3.

[0388] (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.

[0389] (Step S631) The main CPU 300a executes a number-of-times-limit management process, which will be described later.

[0390] (Step S630-5) The main CPU 300a sets in the transmission buffer a number command for transmitting the time-saving number updated in the number-of-times-cut management process in step S631 to the sub-control board 330.

[0391] (Step S630-7) The main CPU 300a checks the result of the big role lottery.

[0392] (Step S630-9) The main CPU 300a judges whether the result of the big role lottery is a small win or not. If it is judged to be a small win, the process proceeds to step S630-13, and if it is judged not to be a small win, the process proceeds to step S632.

[0393] (Step S632) The main CPU 300a executes a process when a losing symbol is stopped, which will be described later.

[0394] (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.

[0395] (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.

[0396] (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 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 ("1") that can be executed in the 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 number of 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 number of consecutive times that the special electric device operates is also executed with the start of the small win game.

[0397] (Step S630-17) The main CPU 300a refers to the data set in step S630-15, and saves a predetermined opening time as a timer value in the special game timer.

[0398] (Step S630-19) The main CPU 300a sets in the transmission buffer an opening designation command for transmitting the start of the small winning 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.

[0399] (Step S630-21) The main CPU 300a updates the special game management phase to "03H" and ends the special symbol stop symbol display process. This starts the small win game.

[0400] FIG. 37 is a flowchart illustrating the number of cutoff management process in the main control board 300.

[0401] (Step S631-1) The main CPU 300a judges whether the value of the time-saving number-of-times cut counter, which counts the number of time-saving times, is greater than 0. As a result, if the value of the time-saving number-of-times cut counter is greater than 0, the process proceeds to step S631-3, and if the value of the time-saving number-of-times cut counter is not greater than 0 (is 0), the number-of-times cut management process is terminated.

[0402] (Step S631-3) The main CPU 300a decrements the counter value of the time-saving cut-off counter.

[0403] (Step S631-5) The main CPU 300a judges whether the value of the time-saving number-of-times-off counter updated in the above step S631-3 is 0. As a result, if the value of the time-saving number-of-times-off counter is 0, the process proceeds to step S631-7, and if the value of the time-saving number-of-times-off counter is not 0, the number-of-times-off management process is terminated.

[0404] (Step S631-7) The main CPU 300a sets the time-saving state flag in order to set the gaming state to the non-time-saving gaming state. As a result, after the gaming state is set to the time-saving gaming state, when the number of fluctuations reaches a preset number of time-saving times and the special symbol is stopped and displayed, the gaming state is changed to the non-time-saving gaming state.

[0405] (Step S631-9) The main CPU 300a sets the non-time-saving gaming state to the reference gaming state.

[0406] (Step S631-11) 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. In other words, 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.

[0407] FIG. 38 is a flowchart for explaining the processing performed by the main control board 300 when a losing symbol is stopped.

[0408] (Step S632-1) The main CPU300a loads a time-saving state flag for identifying whether the current gaming state is a non-time-saving gaming state or a time-saving gaming state, and checks whether the current gaming state is a non-time-saving gaming state. If the current gaming state is a non-time-saving gaming state, the process proceeds to step S632-3, and if the current gaming state is not a non-time-saving gaming state, the process when the losing symbol is stopped is terminated.

[0409] (Step S632-3) The main CPU 300a judges whether the special symbol Y2 is stopped and displayed. If the special symbol Y2 is stopped and displayed, the process proceeds to step S632-13. If the special symbol Y2 is not stopped and displayed, the process proceeds to step S632-5.

[0410] (Step S632-5) The main CPU 300a judges whether the special symbol Y1 is stopped or not. If the special symbol Y1 is stopped, the process proceeds to step S632-7. If the special symbol Y1 is not stopped, the process for stopping the losing symbol is terminated.

[0411] (Step S632-7) The main CPU 300a sets the time-saving state flag in order to set the gaming state to the time-saving gaming state. As a result, when the special symbol Y1 is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 162 in the non-time-saving gaming state, the gaming state is set to the time-saving gaming state.

[0412] (Step S632-9) The main CPU 300a sets the non-time-saving gaming state as the reference gaming state.

[0413] (Step S632-11) The main CPU 300a sets the time-saving cut-off counter to 10,000 times, and moves the process to step S632-21.

[0414] (Step S632-13) The main CPU 300a sets the time-saving state flag in order to set the gaming state to the time-saving gaming state. As a result, when the special symbol Y2 is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 162 in the non-time-saving gaming state, the gaming state is set to the time-saving gaming state.

[0415] (Step S632-15) The main CPU 300a sets the time-shortened gaming state to the reference gaming state.

[0416] (Step S632-17) The main CPU 300a sets the time-saving count off counter to 10,000 times.

[0417] (Step S632-19) The main CPU 300a sets the limiter counter to 2 times.

[0418] (Step S632-21) The main CPU 300a sets a game state change designation command indicating the game state when the special symbol is stopped in the transmission buffer, and ends the processing when the losing symbol is stopped. In other words, when the game state is changed from the non-time-saving game state to the time-saving game state in the processing when the losing symbol is stopped, the game state change designation command is transmitted to the sub-control board 330.

[0419] 39 is a flow chart for explaining the process before the opening of the special prize opening in the main control board 300. This process before the opening of the special prize opening is executed when the special game management phase is "03H" or "07H".

[0420] (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.

[0421] (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.

[0422] (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).

[0423] (Step S641) The main CPU 300a executes a special prize opening / closing switching process, which will be described later.

[0424] (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.

[0425] (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 S640-13.

[0426] (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.

[0427] (Step S640-13) 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.

[0428] FIG. 40 is a flowchart illustrating the special prize opening / closing switching process in the main control board 300.

[0429] (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.

[0430] (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.

[0431] (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.

[0432] (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.

[0433] (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.

[0434] (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.

[0435] 41 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".

[0436] (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.

[0437] (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.

[0438] (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.

[0439] (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.

[0440] (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.

[0441] (Step S650-9) The main CPU 300a saves the effective time (interval time) for closing the special winning port in the special game timer.

[0442] (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").

[0443] (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.

[0444] 42 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".

[0445] (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.

[0446] (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.

[0447] (Step S660-5) The main CPU300a updates the special game management phase to "07H". When the special game management phase is "05H", that is, during the control of the small win game, the number of rounds of the small win game is "1", so that the result of the determination in step S660-3 is YES and the process does not proceed to the step.

[0448] (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.

[0449] (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.

[0450] (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.

[0451] (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.

[0452] (Step S660-15) The main CPU 300a turns off the specific area entry flag.

[0453] (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.

[0454] (Step S660-19) The main CPU 300a sets the special game management phase to 07H, and ends the special prize opening closure validity processing.

[0455] (Step S660-21) The main CPU 300a executes an ending time setting process for saving the ending time in a special game timer.

[0456] (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").

[0457] (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.

[0458] 43 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".

[0459] (Step S670-1) The main CPU 300a judges whether the timer value of the special game timer saved in the above step S660-7 is "0". 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.

[0460] (Step S671) The main CPU 300a executes a state setting process for setting the game state after the end of the big prize game executed based on the game ball entering the specific area 140b in the small prize game. This state setting process will be described with reference to FIG. 44. Note that if the game ball does not enter the specific area 140b in the small prize game, that is, if the special game management phase is "0AH", the game state is not set in step S671.

[0461] (Step S670-3) 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 role game.

[0462] (Step S670-5) The main CPU 300a sets in the transmission buffer a number-designating command corresponding to the time-saving number saved in step S671.

[0463] (Step S670-7) 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.

[0464] FIG. 44 is a flowchart illustrating the state setting process in the main control board 300.

[0465] (Step S671-1) The main CPU300a judges whether the special game management phase is 0AH, that is, whether the big role game is over. If it is judged that the big role game is over, the process proceeds to step S671-3, and if it is judged that the big role game is not over (the small win is over), the state setting process is terminated.

[0466] (Step S671-3) The main CPU 300a judges whether the reference gaming state is the time-shortened gaming state. If it is judged that the reference gaming state is the time-shortened gaming state, the process proceeds to step S671-5. If it is judged that the reference gaming state is not the time-shortened gaming state, the process proceeds to step S671-21.

[0467] (Step S671-5) The main CPU 300a decrements a limiter counter that counts the number of big wins until the limiter is activated.

[0468] (Step S671-7) The main CPU 300a judges whether the counter value of the limiter counter updated in step S671-5 is 0. If it is judged that the counter value is 0, the process proceeds to step S671-9, and if it is judged that the counter value is not 0, the process proceeds to step S671-15.

[0469] (Step S671-9) The main CPU 300a sets the gaming state to a non-time-reduction gaming state.

[0470] (Step S671-11) The main CPU 300a resets the time-saving cut-off counter.

[0471] (Step S671-13) The main CPU 300a sets the non-time-shortened gaming state to the reference gaming state, and ends the state setting process.

[0472] (Step S671-15) The main CPU 300a sets the gaming state to a time-shortened gaming state.

[0473] (Step S671-17) The main CPU 300a sets the time-saving count off counter to 10,000 times.

[0474] (Step S671-19) The main CPU 300a sets the time-shortened gaming state to the reference gaming state, and ends the state setting process.

[0475] (Step S671-21) The main CPU 300a judges whether the special symbol Z2 has been won. If it is judged that the special symbol Z2 has been won, the process proceeds to step S671-23. If it is judged that the special symbol Z2 has not been won, the process proceeds to step S671-29.

[0476] (Step S671-23) The main CPU 300a sets the gaming state to a non-time-reduction gaming state.

[0477] (Step S671-25) The main CPU 300a resets the time-saving cut-off counter.

[0478] (Step S671-27) The main CPU 300a sets the non-time-shortened gaming state to the reference gaming state, and ends the state setting process.

[0479] (Step S671-29) The main CPU 300a sets the gaming state to a time-shortened gaming state.

[0480] (Step S671-31) The main CPU 300a sets the time-saving count off counter to 10,000 times.

[0481] (Step S671-33) The main CPU 300a sets the time-shortened gaming state to the reference gaming state.

[0482] (Step S671-35) The main CPU 300a sets the limiter counter to 2, and ends the state setting process.

[0483] 45 is a diagram explaining the normal game management phase. As already explained, in this embodiment, the processing related to the normal game triggered by the passage of the game ball through the gate 124 is executed stepwise and repeatedly, but in the main control board 300, each processing related to such a normal game is managed by the normal game management phase.

[0484] 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.

[0485] FIG. 46 is a flow chart for explaining the normal game management process (step S700) in the main control board 300.

[0486] (Step S700-1) The main CPU 300a loads the normal game management phase.

[0487] (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.

[0488] (Step S700-5) The main CPU 300a calls the normal game control module selected in step S700-3 and starts processing.

[0489] (Step S700-7) The main CPU 300a loads a normal game timer that manages the control time of a normal game.

[0490] 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".

[0491] (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.

[0492] (Step S710-3) The main CPU 300a transfers the regular symbol reserve (win-determining random numbers) stored in the first to fourth storage sections of the regular symbol reserve storage area in blocks to the storage section with the next smaller ordinal number. Specifically, the regular symbol reserve stored in the second to fourth storage sections is transferred to the first to third storage sections. The main RAM 300c is also provided with a 0th storage section to be processed, and the regular symbol reserve stored in the 1st storage section is transferred to the 0th storage section. In addition, in this regular symbol storage area shift process, the counter value of the regular symbol reserved ball count counter is decremented by "1," and a regular symbol reserve decrement command indicating that the regular symbol reserve has been decremented by "1" is set in the transmission buffer.

[0493] (Step S710-5) The main CPU 300a loads the winning determination random number transferred to the 0th memory unit, selects a winning determination random number judgment table corresponding to the current game state, performs a regular symbol lottery, and executes a regular symbol winning determination process that stores the lottery result.

[0494] (Step S710-7) The main CPU300a saves the normal symbol stop symbol number corresponding to the result of the normal symbol lottery in step S710-5. In this embodiment, the normal symbol display 168 is composed of one LED lamp, and in the case of a win, the normal symbol display 168 is turned on, and in the case of a loss, the normal symbol display 168 is turned off. The normal symbol stop symbol number determined here indicates whether or not the normal symbol display 168 is ultimately turned on. For example, in the case of a win, "0" is determined as the normal symbol stop symbol number, and in the case of a loss, "1" is determined as the normal symbol stop symbol number.

[0495] (Step S710-9) The main CPU 300a checks the current game state, and selects and sets the corresponding normal symbol variation time data table.

[0496] (Step S710-11) The main CPU 300a determines the normal symbol variation time based on the winning determination random number transferred to the 0th memory unit in the above step S710-3 and the normal symbol variation time data table set in the above step S710-9.

[0497] (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.

[0498] (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.

[0499] (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.

[0500] (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.

[0501] (Step S710-21) The main CPU 300a updates the normal game management phase to "01H" and ends the normal symbol change waiting process.

[0502] 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".

[0503] (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.

[0504] (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.

[0505] (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.

[0506] (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.

[0507] (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. As a result, the normal symbol display 168 is finally controlled to be turned on or off, and the result of the normal symbol lottery is announced.

[0508] (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.

[0509] (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.

[0510] (Step S720-15) The main CPU 300a updates the normal game management phase to "02H" and ends the normal pattern variation processing.

[0511] 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".

[0512] (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.

[0513] (Step S730-3) The main CPU 300a checks the result of the regular drawing.

[0514] (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.

[0515] (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.

[0516] (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.

[0517] (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.

[0518] 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".

[0519] (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.

[0520] (Step S741) The main CPU 300a executes a normal electric accessory winning mouth opening / closing switching process, which will be described later.

[0521] (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.

[0522] 51 is a flowchart explaining the normal electric role winning opening opening / closing switching process in the main control board 300.

[0523] (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.

[0524] (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.

[0525] (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.

[0526] (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.

[0527] (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.

[0528] (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.

[0529] 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".

[0530] (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.

[0531] (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.

[0532] (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.

[0533] (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.

[0534] (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.

[0535] (Step S750-9) The main CPU 300a saves the normal power effective state time in the normal game timer.

[0536] (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.

[0537] 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".

[0538] (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.

[0539] (Step S760-3) The main CPU 300a saves the normal power end wait time in the normal game timer.

[0540] (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.

[0541] 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".

[0542] (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.

[0543] (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.

[0544] FIG. 55 is a diagram for explaining an example of the effects during a round game. When a small win game starts, as shown in FIG. 55(a), a round game effect starts in which a round game image and a round number display are displayed. The round game image may be a video that is played over a plurality of round games. The round number display displays the current round number.

[0545] When the special symbol Z2 or Z3 is won in (3) of FIG. 17 described above, and when the special symbol Z2 or Z3 is won in (5) of FIG. 17, the following effects are executed. When the round game progresses and the seventh round game starts, the sub-control board 330 receives a command to specify the opening of the large prize opening. The sub-RAM 330c of the sub-control board 330 is provided with a second pre-determination information storage unit corresponding to the second special symbol reservation memory area. The second pre-determination information storage unit has four storage units, the first storage unit to the fourth storage unit, and the first storage unit to the fourth storage unit of the second pre-determination information storage unit correspond to the first storage unit to the fourth storage unit of the second special symbol reservation memory area, respectively. Then, the pre-determination information is stored in the storage unit corresponding to the storage unit in which the new reservation is stored, among the first storage unit to the fourth storage unit of the second special symbol reservation memory area of ​​the main control board 300. Then, the pre-judgment information stored in the second pre-judgment information storage unit is read out from the first storage unit in sequence to judge whether the special condition is established. Specifically, the special condition is established when the number of prize balls guaranteed to be acquired by the player is 6000 or more as a result of sequentially reading out the pre-judgment information stored in the second pre-judgment information storage unit from the first storage unit, and it is guaranteed that the game will finally be set to the time-saving game state. The method of judging whether the special condition is established will be described in detail below.

[0546] FIG. 56 is a diagram for explaining the additional value set for each special symbol type and whether or not to terminate pre-reading. As shown in FIG. 56, in this embodiment, information on the "additional value" and "whether or not to terminate pre-reading" is set for each type of special symbol. The "additional value" indicates the number of prize balls that the player is guaranteed to acquire. Also, "termination of pre-reading" indicates that the process of reading the pre-reading information of the next storage unit and adding the additional value is terminated. That is, when a special symbol type set to "with pre-reading termination" is read, the process of reading the pre-reading information of the next storage unit and adding the additional value is terminated. On the other hand, when a special symbol type set to "without pre-reading termination" is read, the process of reading the pre-reading information of the next storage unit and adding the additional value is executed again.

[0547] When the seventh round of play starts, the sub-control board 330 first reads out the pre-judgment information stored in the first storage unit of the second pre-judgment information storage unit, and then adds an additional value, which is defined in FIG. 56 according to the type of special symbol corresponding to the read pre-judgment information, to an additional value counter indicating the number of winning balls that the player is guaranteed to obtain.

[0548] In addition, when the type of special pattern corresponding to the read-out advance judgment information is special pattern Z2 or Z3, that is, when it is a small win pattern, the sub-control board 330 adds 1 to the value of the stock number counter indicating the number of small wins guaranteed to be won.

[0549] Then, if the type of special pattern corresponding to the read pre-judgment information is a special pattern type for which "no advance reading termination" is set, specifically, if it is special pattern Z2, Y, the pre-judgment information stored in the second memory unit is read, and the above processing is executed for the next pre-judgment information.

[0550] On the other hand, if the type of special pattern corresponding to the read pre-judgment information is a special pattern type for which "pre-reading terminated" is set, specifically, if it is the special pattern Z3, Y1, or Y2, the next pre-judgment information is not read, and the above process of updating the addition value counter and the stock number counter is terminated.

[0551] Then, if, as a result of the above processing, the value of the addition value counter is 6000 or more, and the type of special pattern corresponding to the last pre-determination information read is a special pattern type for which "pre-reading termination available" is set, it is determined that a special condition is met.

[0552] FIG. 57 is a diagram showing an example of the storage status of the special 2 reservation when the special condition is established. FIG. 57(a) shows a case where the pre-determination information corresponding to the special symbol Z2 is stored in the first storage section to the third storage section of the second pre-determination information storage section, and the pre-determination information corresponding to the special symbol Y1 is stored in the fourth storage section. In this case, all the pre-determination information in the first storage section to the fourth storage section is read out, and the value of the addition value counter finally becomes 6000, and the value of the stock number counter becomes 3. In this case, the value of the addition value counter is 6000 or more, and the type of the special symbol corresponding to the pre-determination information that was last read out is the special symbol Y1, so the special condition is established.

[0553] FIG. 57(b) shows a case where the pre-determination information corresponding to the special symbol Z2 is stored in the first storage section and the second storage section of the second pre-determination information storage section, and the pre-determination information corresponding to the special symbol Y2 is stored in the third storage section. In this case, the pre-determination information in the first storage section to the third storage section is read, and the pre-determination information in the fourth storage section is not read. Then, the value of the addition value counter finally becomes 6000, and the value of the stock number counter becomes 2. In this case, the value of the addition value counter is 6000 or more, and the type of the special symbol corresponding to the pre-determination information that was last read is the special symbol Y2, so that the special condition is established.

[0554] FIG. 57(c) shows a case where pre-judgment information corresponding to a normal miss is stored in the first storage section and the second storage section of the second pre-judgment information storage section, pre-judgment information corresponding to the special symbol Z2 is stored in the third storage section, and pre-judgment information corresponding to the special symbol Z3 is stored in the fourth storage section. In this case, all pre-judgment information in the first storage section to the fourth storage section is read out, and the value of the addition value counter finally becomes 6000, and the value of the stock number counter becomes 2. In this case, the value of the addition value counter is 6000 or more, and the type of the special symbol corresponding to the pre-judgment information that was last read out is the special symbol Z3, so that the special condition is established.

[0555] FIG. 57(d) shows a case where the pre-determination information corresponding to the special symbol Z2 is stored in the first to third storage sections of the second pre-determination information storage section, and the pre-determination information corresponding to the special symbol Z3 is stored in the fourth storage section. In this case, all the pre-determination information in the first to fourth storage sections is read out, and the value of the addition value counter finally becomes 9000, and the value of the stock number counter becomes 4. In this case, the value of the addition value counter is 6000 or more, and the type of the special symbol corresponding to the pre-determination information that was last read out is the special symbol Z3, so that the special condition is established.

[0556] On the other hand, if the result of the above processing is that the value of the addition value counter is less than 6000, or if the type of special pattern corresponding to the last pre-determination information read is a special pattern type for which "no pre-reading termination" is set, it is determined that the special condition is not met.

[0557] FIG. 58 is a diagram showing an example of the storage status of special 2 reservation when the special condition is not established. FIG. 58(a) shows a case where pre-determination information corresponding to the special symbol Z2 is stored in the first storage unit to the fourth storage unit of the second pre-determination information storage unit. In this case, all pre-determination information in the first storage unit to the fourth storage unit is read out, and the value of the addition value counter finally becomes 6000, and the value of the stock number counter becomes 4. In this case, although the value of the addition value counter is 6000 or more, the type of the special symbol corresponding to the pre-determination information that was last read out is the special symbol Z2, so the special condition is not established.

[0558] FIG. 58(b) shows a case where pre-determination information corresponding to a normal miss is stored in the first to third storage sections of the second pre-determination information storage section, and pre-determination information corresponding to the special symbol Z2 is stored in the fourth storage section. In this case, all pre-determination information in the first to fourth storage sections is read out, and the value of the addition value counter finally becomes 1500, and the value of the stock number counter becomes 1. In this case, the value of the addition value counter is less than 6000, and the type of the special symbol corresponding to the pre-determination information that was last read out is the special symbol Z2, so that the special condition is not established.

[0559] FIG. 58(c) shows a case where pre-judgment information corresponding to a normal miss is stored in the first storage section and the second storage section of the second pre-judgment information storage section, and pre-judgment information corresponding to the special symbol Z3 is stored in the third storage section. In this case, the pre-judgment information in the first storage section and the third storage section is read, and the pre-judgment information in the fourth storage section is not read. Then, the value of the addition value counter finally becomes 4500, and the value of the stock number counter becomes 1. In this case, although the type of the special symbol corresponding to the pre-judgment information last read is the special symbol Z3, the value of the addition value counter is less than 6000, so that the special condition is not established.

[0560] FIG. 58(d) shows a case where the pre-determination information corresponding to the special symbol Z2 is stored in the first storage section of the second pre-determination information storage section, and the pre-determination information corresponding to the special symbol Y1 is stored in the second storage section. In this case, the pre-determination information in the first storage section and the second storage section is read, and the pre-determination information in the third storage section and the fourth storage section is not read. Then, the value of the addition value counter finally becomes 3000, and the value of the stock number counter becomes 1. In this case, although the type of the special symbol corresponding to the pre-determination information last read is the special symbol Y1, the value of the addition value counter is less than 6000, so that the special condition is not established.

[0561] FIG. 58(e) shows a case where the pre-determination information corresponding to the special symbol Z2 is stored in the first storage section of the second pre-determination information storage section, and the pre-determination information corresponding to the special symbol Y2 is stored in the second storage section. In this case, the pre-determination information in the first storage section and the second storage section is read, and the pre-determination information in the third storage section and the fourth storage section is not read. Then, the value of the addition value counter finally becomes 4500, and the value of the stock number counter becomes 1. In this case, although the type of the special symbol corresponding to the pre-determination information last read is the special symbol Y2, the value of the addition value counter is less than 6000, so that the special condition is not established.

[0562] If the above special condition is met, a premium effect is executed in which a special image shown in FIG. 55(b) is displayed when the eighth round of play starts. The premium effect is executed only when it is guaranteed that 6000 or more prize balls will be won. In other words, the premium effect notifies the player that it is guaranteed that 6000 or more prize balls will be won. This makes it possible to give the player a sense of happiness and improve the presentation effect.

[0563] On the other hand, if the special condition is not satisfied, when the eighth round of play starts, a stock number notification effect is executed in which a stock number image shown in FIG. 55(c) is displayed. However, if the value of the stock number counter is 0, the stock number notification effect is not executed. By displaying the stock number image, the number of small wins that are guaranteed to be won is notified, so it is possible to give the player a sense of happiness and improve the presentation effect.

[0564] Next, the processing in the sub-control board 330 for executing the above-mentioned effects will be described. Note that, in the following, of the processing in the sub-control board 330, the processing unrelated to the above-mentioned effects will not be described.

[0565] (Sub-CPU initialization process of the sub-control board 330) FIG. 59 is a flowchart illustrating the sub-CPU initialization process (S1000) of the sub-control board 330.

[0566] (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.

[0567] (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.

[0568] (Sub-timer interrupt processing of the sub-control board 330) 60 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.

[0569] (Step S1100-1) The sub CPU 330a saves the registers.

[0570] (Step S1100-3) The sub CPU 330a performs a process for permitting an interrupt.

[0571] (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.

[0572] (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.

[0573] (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.

[0574] (Step S1100-9) The sub CPU 330a restores the register and ends the sub timer interrupt process.

[0575] Fig. 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 is set in the main control board 300 in step S535-17 in Fig. 29, and then transmitted to the sub-control board 330 by the sub-command transmission process in step S100-65 (see Fig. 20).

[0576] (Step S1210-1) The sub CPU 330a first analyzes the received read-ahead designation command.

[0577] (Step S1210-3) The sub-CPU330a stores the advance judgment information based on the analysis result of the above step S1210-1. The sub-RAM330c of the sub-control board 330 is provided with a first advance judgment information storage unit corresponding to the first special chart reserved storage area of ​​the main control board 300, and a second advance judgment information storage unit corresponding to the second special chart reserved storage area. The first advance judgment information storage unit has four storage units, the first storage unit to the fourth storage unit. The first storage unit to the fourth storage unit of the first advance judgment information storage unit correspond to the first storage unit to the fourth storage unit of the first special chart reserved storage area, respectively. Similarly, the second advance judgment information storage unit has four storage units, the first storage unit to the fourth storage unit, and the first storage unit to the fourth storage unit of the second advance judgment information storage unit correspond to the first storage unit to the fourth storage unit of the second special chart reserved storage area, respectively. Here, the pre-judgment information is stored in the memory section corresponding to the memory section in which the newly reserved item is stored, among the first memory section to the fourth memory section of the first special chart reservation memory area or the second special chart reservation memory area of ​​the main control board 300.

[0578] Fig. 62 is a flow chart explaining the special prize opening command reception process executed when the special prize opening command is received, among the command analysis processes. As described above, the special prize opening command is set in the main control board 300 in step S640-5 of Fig. 39, and then transmitted to the sub-control board 330 by the sub-command transmission process of step S100-65 (see Fig. 20).

[0579] (Step S1230-1) The sub-CPU 330a judges whether the first round of play has started. If it is judged that the first round of play has started, the process proceeds to step S1230-3. If it is judged that the first round of play has not started, the process proceeds to step S1230-5.

[0580] (Step S1230-3) The sub-CPU 330a executes a mid-round performance start process for starting the execution of a mid-round performance in which the round game image and the round number display shown in FIG. 55(a) are displayed, and ends the large prize opening opening designation command reception process.

[0581] (Step S1230-5) The sub-CPU 330a updates the number of rounds shown in the round number display.

[0582] (Step S1230-7) The sub-CPU330a judges whether a preset predetermined condition has been established. In this embodiment, when the special symbol Z2 or Z3 is won in (3) of FIG. 17, and when the special symbol Z2 or Z3 is won in (5) of FIG. 17, the predetermined condition is established. That is, when a small win is won in (3) or (5) of FIG. 17, and there is a possibility of transition to (4) of FIG. 17, the predetermined condition is established. However, the condition for the establishment of the predetermined condition is not limited to the above example. As a result, when the predetermined condition is established, the process is moved to step S1230-9, and when the predetermined condition is not established, the process for receiving the command for opening the large prize opening is terminated.

[0583] (Step S1230-9) The sub-CPU 330a judges whether the seventh round game is started. If it is judged that the seventh round game is started, the process proceeds to step S1230-11. If it is judged that the seventh round game is not started, the process proceeds to step S1230-27.

[0584] (Step S1230-11) The sub-CPU330a judges whether the pre-judgment information is stored in the second pre-judgment information storage section. If the pre-judgment information is stored in the second pre-judgment information storage section, the sub-CPU330a advances the process to step S1230-13. If the pre-judgment information is not stored in the second pre-judgment information storage section, the sub-CPU330a ends the process of receiving the command to open the big prize opening.

[0585] (Step S1230-13) Sub CPU 330a specifies a target storage unit to be subjected to the processes of steps S1230-13 to S1230-19. As described later, the process of step S1230-13 may be repeated in one timer interrupt process, but when this process is performed for the first time, the first storage unit is specified as the target storage unit, and thereafter, the target storage unit moves in the order of the second storage unit, the third storage unit, and the fourth storage unit.

[0586] (Step S1230-15) The sub-CPU 330a updates the addition value counter based on the pre-determination information stored in the target storage unit specified in the above step S1230-13. Specifically, if the pre-determination information corresponding to the special symbol Z2 is stored in the target storage unit specified in the above step S1230-13, add 1500 to the addition value counter. Also, if the pre-determination information corresponding to the special symbol Z3 is stored in the target storage unit specified in the above step S1230-13, add 4500 to the addition value counter. Also, if the pre-determination information corresponding to the special symbol Y1 is stored in the target storage unit specified in the above step S1230-13, add 1500 to the addition value counter. Also, if the pre-determination information corresponding to the special symbol Y2 is stored in the target storage unit specified in the above step S1230-13, add 3000 to the addition value counter.

[0587] (Step S1230-17) The sub-CPU 330a updates the stock number counter based on the pre-determination information related to the special 2 reservation stored in the target storage unit specified in the above step S1230-13. Specifically, when the pre-determination information corresponding to the special symbol Z2 or Z3 is stored in the target storage unit specified in the above step S1230-13, the sub-CPU 330a adds 1 to the stock number counter.

[0588] (Step S1230-19) The sub-CPU 330a judges whether or not the pre-determination information corresponding to any of the special symbols Z2, Y1, and Y2 is stored in the target storage unit specified in the above step S1230-13. If the pre-determination information corresponding to any of the special symbols Z2, Y1, and Y2 is stored as a result, the process proceeds to step S1230-23, and if the pre-determination information corresponding to none of the special symbols Z2, Y1, and Y2 is stored, the process proceeds to step S1230-21.

[0589] (Step S1230-21) The sub-CPU 330a judges whether there is the next pre-determination information. If there is no next pre-determination information, the sub-CPU 330a ends the big prize opening command reception process. If there is the next pre-determination information, the sub-CPU 330a moves the process to step S1230-13.

[0590] (Step S1230-23) The sub-CPU 330a judges whether the value of the additional value counter updated in the above step S1230-15 is equal to or greater than 6000. If the value of the additional value counter is equal to or greater than 6000, the sub-CPU 330a advances the process to step S1230-25. If the value of the additional value counter is not equal to or greater than 6000, the sub-CPU 330a ends the process of receiving the command to open the large prize opening.

[0591] (Step S1230-25) The sub-CPU 330a turns on a premier effect execution flag for executing the premier effect shown in FIG. 55(b), and ends the large prize opening opening designation command reception process.

[0592] (Step S1230-27) The sub-CPU330a judges whether the eighth round game is started. If it is judged that the eighth round game is started, the process proceeds to step S1230-29. If it is judged that the eighth round game is not started, the process ends the big prize opening command reception process.

[0593] (Step S1230-29) The sub CPU 330a determines whether the premiere effect execution flag is on or not. If the premiere effect execution flag is on, the process proceeds to step S1230-31. If the premiere effect execution flag is off, the process proceeds to step S1230-33.

[0594] (Step S1230-31) The sub CPU 330a executes a premiere effect execution process for executing the premiere effect shown in FIG. 55(b), and moves the process to step S1230-35.

[0595] (Step S1230-33) The sub-CPU 330a executes a stock number notification effect execution process for executing the stock number notification effect shown in Fig. 55(c) based on the value of the stock number counter updated in the above step S1230-17. However, if the value of the stock number counter is 0, the stock number notification effect is not executed.

[0596] (Step S1230-35) The sub-CPU 330a executes a reset process for turning off the value of the addition value counter, the value of the stock number counter, and the premium effect execution flag, and ends the large prize opening opening designation command reception process.

[0597] 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 clear 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 these also naturally belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

[0598] In the above embodiment, an example of the case where the present invention is applied to a second type gaming machine has been described, but the gameplay of the gaming machine to which the present invention can be applied is not limited to this. For example, it goes without saying that the present invention can also be applied to a first type gaming machine and a first type / second type mixed machine. Therefore, in the above embodiment, a case where a big win symbol is not provided has been described, but a big win symbol may be provided separately from a small win symbol. When a big win symbol is stopped and displayed, a big role game is executed without going through a small win game. For example, in the special 1 reservation, a small win symbol may not be provided and only a big win symbol may be provided. When a big win symbol is provided, the processing such as setting a reserve area and setting a game state that is executed when a small win symbol is won in the above embodiment may also be applied to a big win symbol.

[0599] The game progress conditions in the non-time-saving game state and the time-saving game state shown in the above embodiment are examples, and the game progress conditions are not limited to these. For example, the progress conditions may be set by providing a low-probability game state in which the probability of winning is low, and a high-probability game state in which the probability of winning is higher than that in the low-probability game state. In addition, the game may progress in any game state that combines either the low-probability game state or the high-probability game state with either the non-time-saving game state or the time-saving game state.

[0600] In the above embodiment, the case where the premium performance of Fig. 55(b) and the stock number notification performance of Fig. 55(c) are executed during the big role game is shown, but the execution timing is not limited to this. For example, during the variable performance, especially during the variable performance that is first executed based on the special 2 remaining reserve when moving from Fig. 17(3) or (5) to Fig. 17(4), it may be during the variable performance.

[0601] In the above embodiment, when the special condition is not satisfied and the value of the stock number counter is 1 or more, the stock number notification effect in FIG. 55(c) is always executed when the eighth round of play starts. However, the execution of the stock number notification effect is not essential. Also, for example, when the special condition is not satisfied and the value of the stock number counter is 1 or more, the stock number notification effect may be executed only when the player presses the effect button 208 once or multiple times after the start of the eighth round of play. At this time, a promotion effect may be executed to prompt the player to press the effect button 208, or the stock number notification effect may be executed as a so-called back button effect without executing the promotion effect. Also, for example, after the start of the eighth round of play, whether or not to execute the stock number notification effect each time the player presses the effect button 208 may be determined by lottery. At this time, the probability of winning the execution of the stock number notification effect may be increased each time the effect button 208 is pressed. Also, the stock number notified in the stock number notification effect may be equal to or less than the value of the stock number counter. That is, the stock number notified in the stock number notification effect may not necessarily match the value of the stock number counter. Also, when the stock number counter has a plurality of values, the stock number notification effect may be executed in a plurality of separate times. For example, when the value of the stock number counter is 3, when the effect button 208 is pressed once, a stock number image notifying that the stock number is 1 may be displayed, when the effect button 208 is pressed twice, a stock number image notifying that the stock number is 2 may be displayed, and when the effect button 208 is pressed three or more times, a stock number image notifying that the stock number is 3 may be displayed. In other words, the more times the effect button 208 is pressed, the more accurate the value of the stock number notified becomes, that is, the closer it becomes to the value of the stock number counter.

[0602] In the above embodiment, the case where the pre-reading command includes information on the type of the special symbol is shown, but the pre-reading command does not have to include information on the type of the special symbol. In this case, the sub-control board 330 may specify the type of the special symbol based on the fluctuation information (fluctuation pattern) included in the advance judgment information.

[0603] In the above embodiment, when a small win is won by the special 2 reservation, the special pattern Z2 is determined with a probability of 99% and the special pattern Z3 is determined with a probability of 1%, but the probability of determining the special patterns Z2 and Z3 may be changed. For example, when a small win is won by the special 2 reservation, the probability of determining the special pattern Z2 (for example, 40%) may be lower than the probability of determining the special pattern Z3 (for example, 60%). Also, when a small win is won by the special 2 reservation, the probability of determining the special pattern Z2 (for example, 50%) and the probability of determining the special pattern Z3 (for example, 50%) may be equal.

[0604] In the above embodiment, when a specific miss is won by the special 2 reservation, the special pattern X1 is determined with a probability of 99% and the special pattern X2 is determined with a probability of 1%, but the probability of determining the special patterns X1 and X2 may be changed. For example, when a specific miss is won by the special 2 reservation, the probability of determining the special pattern X1 (for example, 40%) may be lower than the probability of determining the special pattern X2 (for example, 60%). Also, when a specific miss is won by the special 2 reservation, the probability of determining the special pattern X1 (for example, 50%) may be equal to the probability of determining the special pattern X2 (for example, 50%).

[0605] In addition, in the above embodiment, the time-saving end condition for the time-saving game state is set to the time-saving number of times of 10,000, but the specific number of times is not limited to the above number of times.

[0606] In any case, the present invention provides an information acquiring means (main CPU300a for executing the process of FIG. 29) for acquiring predetermined information based on the entry of a gaming ball into a start area, a pattern determining means (main CPU300a for executing the process of step S610-11) for determining one of a plurality of types of stop patterns based on the acquired predetermined information when a start condition is established, and a change processing means (main CPU300a for executing the process of step S610-11) for executing change processing including a process of displaying a stop pattern on a pattern display unit after a predetermined change time has elapsed (special pattern change waiting process, special pattern hit determination process, special pattern change number determination process, special pattern change in progress process, special pattern stop pattern ... The display control unit 61 is provided with a main CPU 300a which executes display processing, and an effect execution means (sub-CPU 330a which executes the processing of FIG. 62) which executes effects, and the stopping patterns include a first stopping pattern (small winning pattern) which satisfies a first condition, and a second stopping pattern (specific losing pattern) which satisfies a second condition, and the effect execution means is capable of executing a special effect (premium effect) when a third condition (special condition) is established, which includes execution of multiple variable processes including a first variable process in which the first stopping pattern (small winning pattern) is displayed on the pattern display unit, and a second variable process in which the second stopping pattern (specific losing pattern) is displayed on the pattern display unit.

[0607] The game device may also be provided with advantageous game execution means (main CPU300a which executes the processes of Figures 39 to 43) for executing an advantageous game (round game) in which a winning port (large winning port) is opened when a first stop pattern (small winning pattern) is displayed on the pattern display section, payout control means (payout CPU310a of payout control board 310) for paying out prize balls based on the entry of game balls into the winning port, and game state setting means (main CPU300a which executes the processes of steps S100-47, S631-7, S632-7, S632-13, S671-9, S671-15, S671-23, S671-29) for setting the game state to one of a plurality of game states including a first game state (non-time-saving game state) and a second game state (time-saving game state) which is more advantageous than the first game state.

[0608] The first condition may include that the first number (1500 balls) or more of prize balls can be acquired by the advantageous play (round play). In the above embodiment, the case where 1500 prize balls can be acquired by winning the small prize is shown, but the number of prize balls that can be acquired may be different depending on the type of the small prize pattern.

[0609] The second condition may include being set to a second gaming state (a time-shortened gaming state).

[0610] The third condition (special condition) may include that the number of prize balls that can be acquired is equal to or greater than the second number (6000 balls), which is greater than the first number (1500 balls). In the above embodiment, the second number is 6000 balls, but the second number may be any number greater than the first number. Specifically, for example, the number of prize balls that can be acquired by winning multiple small jackpots may be set as the second number.

[0611] Also, a pre-determination means (main CPU 300a that executes the process of step S535-17) may be provided that pre-determines the stop symbols to be displayed on the symbol display unit based on the acquired predetermined information before the start condition is satisfied.

[0612] In the above embodiment, the case where the special condition is established when the number of prize balls guaranteed to be acquired by the player is 6000 balls and the time-saving game state is finally set as a result of sequentially reading out the pre-judgment information stored in the second pre-judgment information storage unit from the first storage unit is shown, but the specific establishment condition of the special condition is not limited to this. For example, the establishment of the special condition may be determined based on the number of small winning symbols and the number of specific losing symbols as a result of sequentially reading out the pre-judgment information stored in the second pre-judgment information storage unit from the first storage unit. Also, for example, the establishment of the special condition may be determined based on the total number of the number of small winning symbols and the number of specific losing symbols as a result of sequentially reading out the pre-judgment information stored in the second pre-judgment information storage unit from the first storage unit.

[0613] In other words, the performance execution means may be capable of determining whether or not the third condition is established based on the number of first stopping patterns (small winning patterns) that have been pre-determined and the number of second stopping patterns (specific losing patterns) that have been pre-determined. [Explanation of symbols]

[0614] 100 Gaming Machines 300 Main control board 300a Main CPU 300b Main ROM 300c Main RAM 330 Sub-control board 330a Sub CPU 330b Sub ROM 330c Sub RAM

Claims

1. An information acquisition means for acquiring predetermined information based on the entry of the gaming ball into the starting area; A symbol determination means for determining one of a plurality of types of stop symbols based on the acquired predetermined information when the start condition is satisfied; A variable processing means for executing a variable process including a process of displaying the stopped symbols on a symbol display unit after a predetermined variable time has elapsed; A performance execution means for executing a performance; Equipped with The stop symbols include a first stop symbol that satisfies a first condition and a second stop symbol that satisfies a second condition, The performance execution means includes: A gaming machine capable of executing a special effect when a third condition is satisfied, the third condition including the execution of a plurality of variable processes including a first variable process in which the first stop pattern is displayed on the pattern display section and a second variable process in which the second stop pattern is displayed on the pattern display section.

2. an advantageous game execution means for executing an advantageous game in which a winning hole is opened when the first stop symbol is displayed on the symbol display section; A payout control means for paying out prize balls based on the entry of game balls into the winning opening; a game state setting means for setting one of a plurality of game states including a first game state and a second game state having a higher advantage than the first game state; Equipped with The first condition is: The advantageous game includes a first number or more of the prize balls being obtainable, The second condition is: The second gaming state is set, The third condition is:

2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the prize balls can be obtained in a second number or more that is greater than the first number.

3. a pre-determination means for pre-determining the stop symbol to be displayed on the symbol display unit based on the acquired predetermined information before the start condition is satisfied; Equipped with The performance execution means includes:

3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein it is possible to determine whether the third condition is met based on the number of the first stop symbols that have been pre-determined and the number of the second stop symbols that have been pre-determined.

Images