Gaming machine

Abstract

To achieve efficient control processing.SOLUTION: As one of periodic interrupt processes, a CPU executes test signal output processing comprising: outputting a normal symbol 1 variation time shortening state signal, a normal electric accessory 1 opening extension state signal, a special symbol 1 variation time shortening state signal, and a special symbol 2 variation time shortening state signal from a first output port as test signals; outputting a special symbol 1 stop symbol from a second output port as a test signal; and outputting a special symbol 2 stop symbol from a third output port as a test signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 194

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a gaming machine that performs game control processing triggered by winning of a game ball into a start port (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, there has been room for improvement in efficient control processing.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to realize efficient control processing.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve at least part of the above-described problems, and can be realized as the following application examples. Note that the reference numerals in parentheses and supplementary explanations in this column are shown for the purpose of assisting the understanding of the present invention, and do not limit the present invention in any way.

[0007] [Application Example 1] An outer frame (51) fixed to a gaming island, and a front frame (53) that is attached to the outer frame so as to be openable and closable and has an opening (54), and an inner frame (52) that is attached to the front frame so as to be openable and closable and is attached to the outer frame so as to be openable and closable A game board (2) that is detachably attached to the inner frame and in which a game area (3) that can be visually recognized through the opening is formed, A launching device (112) attached to the inner frame below the game board and capable of launching game balls toward the game area, A power supply board box (450) that houses a power supply board (162) attached to the rear side of the inner frame below the game board, A game control board box (430) that houses a game control board (80) attached to the rear side of the game board and on which a game control microprocessor (81) for controlling the progress of the game is mounted, An effect control board box (420) that houses an effect control board (90) attached to a position different from the game control board box on the rear side of the game board and on which an effect control microprocessor (91) capable of controlling the progress of effects based on commands from the game control board is mounted, A gaming machine (1) comprising: The game control microprocessor includes: A CPU (82), A ROM (83) that stores a program executed by the CPU and information referred to by the program, A RAM (84) capable of storing information updated by the program, A plurality of 1-byte output ports (89d) capable of outputting a plurality of types of test information, At least built-in, A test signal output connector (80mha) capable of outputting the plurality of types of test information output from the plurality of output ports as test signals can be mounted on the game control board, The CPU: A plurality of 1-byte general-purpose registers, A 1-byte flag register, At least having, The CPU: Execute a test signal output process (external - test signal process in FIGS. 192 to 196) that outputs a test signal as one process of a periodic interrupt process (one process of an external - fixed - period process called by the CALLEX instruction on the 15th line in the game control process of FIG. 136, where the address of the timer INT process table "TINTBL" is set by the LD instruction on the 9th line in the timer INT process of FIG. 139). In the test signal output process, the CPU A first LD instruction (the LD instruction on the 32nd line in the external - test signal process of FIG. 193) that sets a first predetermined value (00H) in a first register (D register) among the plurality of general - purpose registers, A first BIT instruction (the JBITQ instruction on the 33rd line in the external - test signal process of FIG. 193) that examines the value of the bit indicating the game state flag (WKKJFG) stored in the RAM, When the value of the zero flag in the flag register is not 1 in the first BIT instruction (when BIT0 is 1 and it is in the time - shortening state), a first SET instruction (the SET instruction on the 35th line in the external - test signal process of FIG. 194) that sets the bit (bit 1 of output port 4) of the first register (D register) for outputting the normal symbol 1 variation time - shortening state signal which is the test information, When the value of the zero flag in the flag register is not 1 in the first BIT instruction (when BIT0 is 1 and it is in the time - shortening state), a second SET instruction (the SET instruction on the 36th line in the external - test signal process of FIG. 194) that sets the bit (bit 2 of output port 4) of the first register (D register) for outputting the normal electric accessory 1 release extension state signal which is the test information, When the value of the zero flag in the flag register is not 1 in the first BIT instruction (when BIT0 is 1 and it is in the time - shortening state), a third SET instruction (the SET instruction on the 37th line in the external - test signal process of FIG. 194) that sets the bit (bit 3 of output port 4) of the first register (D register) for outputting the special symbol 1 variation time - shortening state signal which is the test information, When the value of the zero flag in the flag register is not 1 in the first BIT instruction (when BIT0 is 1 and in the time shortening state), a fourth SET instruction (the SET instruction on line 38 in the external - test signal processing of FIG. 194) for setting the bit (bit 5 of output port 4) of the first register (D register) for outputting the special symbol 2 variation time shortening state signal which is the test information. A fourth LD instruction (the LD instruction on line 44 in the external - test signal processing of FIG. 194) for setting the value of the first register (D register) in the second register (A register) among the plurality of general - purpose registers. A first OUT instruction (the OUT instruction on line 45 in the external - test signal processing of FIG. 194) for writing the value of the second register (A register) (the content of test signal 2) to the first output port (PT_WT4: output port 4) and outputting it as the test signal. A second LD instruction (the LDQ instruction on line 84 in the external - test signal processing of FIG. 196) for loading the special figure 1 stop symbol (WTSTZG) which is the test information stored in the RAM into the second register (A register). A second OUT instruction (the OUT instruction on line 85 in the external - test signal processing of FIG. 196) for writing the value of the second register (A register) (the content of test signal 5) to the second output port (PT_WT7: output port 7) and outputting it as the test signal. A third LD instruction (the LDQ instruction on line 86 in the external - test signal processing of FIG. 196) for loading the special figure 2 stop symbol (WUSTZG) which is the test information stored in the RAM into the second register (A register). A third OUT instruction (the OUT instruction on line 87 in the external - test signal processing of FIG. 196) for writing the value of the second register (A register) (the content of test signal 6) to the third output port (PT_WT8: output port 8) and outputting it as the test signal. At least execute the above. The CPU When the value of the zero flag in the flag register is 1 in the first BIT instruction (when BIT0 is 0 and not in the time shortening state), the first SET instruction, the second SET instruction, the third SET instruction, and the fourth SET instruction are not executed. A gaming machine characterized by the above.

Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, efficient control processing can be realized.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] <First Embodiment> 1. Structure of the gaming machine FIG. 1 is a front view of a gaming machine 1 as an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the left-right direction of the gaming machine 1 will be described as being the same as the left-right direction as viewed from a player facing the gaming machine 1. Also, the front direction of the gaming machine 1 will be described as the direction from the gaming machine 1 toward the player, and the rear direction of the gaming machine 1 will be described as the direction from the player toward the gaming machine 1.

[0011] The gaming machine 1 is a pachinko gaming machine that fires a game ball based on a player's firing operation, and when the game ball wins a specific winning device, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out to the player based on that win. The gaming machine 1 includes a gaming machine frame 50 and a game board 2, and the game board 2 is attached inside the gaming machine frame 50. The gaming machine frame 50 includes, in addition to a front frame (front frame portion) 53, an outer frame 51 (base frame portion) that forms the outer portion of the gaming machine, and an inner frame 52 to which the game board 2 is attached inside the outer frame 51. The outer frame 51 is fixed to a gaming island (hall) not shown in the drawing. The inner frame 52 is attached to the front frame 53 so as to be openable and closable, and is also attached to the outer frame 51 so as to be openable and closable. The front frame (front frame portion) 53 is a vertically rectangular unit disposed on the front side of the outer frame 51 and the inner frame 52, and includes a handle 60, a hitting ball supply tray (upper tray) 61, an excess ball receiving tray (lower tray) 62, an effect button 63, a sub-display screen 64 (right sub-display screen 64R, left sub-display screen 64L, and upper sub-display screen 64U), a sword member 65, a frame lamp 66, a speaker 67, and a frame movable body 69. An opening 54 is formed at the center of the front frame 53, and through the opening 54, the game area 3 of the game board 2 can be visually recognized.

[0012] The handle 60 is disposed at the lower right end of the front frame 53 and launches the game ball with a launch intensity corresponding to the rotation angle. On the right and left sides of the handle 60, there are provided movable so-called gimmicks, i.e., frame movable bodies 69 (also referred to as frame movable devices 69). The frame movable body 69 is configured such that two members respectively disposed on the left and right sides of the handle 60 are movable in the left-right direction. Each of the two members is formed of a flexible flat plate-like member and is configured such that the main surface approaches or moves away from the handle 60. The frame movable body 69 normally stands still at a retracted position (FIG. 1) away from the handle 60 on the left and right sides of the handle 60 respectively, and can move (advance) so as to approach each other from the retracted position toward the handle 60 and stand still at a position where it touches the handle 60. When in the advanced position, the frame movable body 69 touches the handle 60 or the right hand of the player operating the handle 60.

[0013] The ball supply tray (upper tray) 61 is provided below the front frame 53 and stores game balls. The surplus ball tray (lower tray) 62 is arranged below the ball supply tray (upper tray) 61 and stores game balls that cannot be fully accommodated in the ball supply tray 61. The effect button 63 is an operation unit arranged near the ball supply tray (upper tray) 61 and is operated (pressed) by the player during effects executed as the game progresses. A vibration motor is arranged inside the effect button 63, and the button itself is configured to vibrate vertically, horizontally, and diagonally according to effects and the like. The sword member 65 is an operation unit imitating the shape of a sword, and can be pushed downward by the player during effects executed as the game progresses. The sword member 65 is configured to be able to execute a first operation of pushing the entire sword member 65 downward and a second operation of pushing the entire sword member 65 upward. The sub-display screen 64 is the screen of a liquid crystal display device and includes a right sub-display screen 64R, a left sub-display screen 64L, and an upper sub-display screen 64U. The right sub-display screen 64R is provided on the right side of the front frame 53, the left sub-display screen 64L is provided on the left side of the front frame 53, and the upper sub-display screen 64U is provided on the upper side of the front frame 53. The right sub-display screen 64R and the left sub-display screen 64L are arranged at positions opposite to each other via the game board 2. The upper sub-display screen 64U is arranged above the game board 2. The right sub-display screen 64R, the left sub-display screen 64L, and the upper sub-display screen 64U are arranged so as to surround the opening 54 of the front frame 53. The sub-display screen 64 may be a liquid crystal display device, or may be other image display devices such as an organic EL display device, a plasma display, a projector, or a dot matrix. The frame lamp 66 includes a right frame lamp and a left frame lamp, is arranged above the front frame 53, and performs a light emission effect during the game and the like. The right frame lamp is a diagonal linear light emitting portion arranged between the upper sub-display screen 64U and the right sub-display screen 64R. The left frame lamp is a diagonal linear light emitting portion arranged between the upper sub-display screen 64U and the left sub-display screen 64L. The speaker 67 is composed of a left speaker 67a arranged in the upper left of the front frame 53 and a right speaker 67b arranged in the upper right, and performs a sound effect during the game and the like.

[0014] The game board 2 includes a game area 3, a rail member 4, a board lamp 5, an image display device 7, a first board movable body 14, a second board movable body 15, a fixed winning device (umbilicus) 19, a normal variable winning device (electric chew) 22, a gate (through chucker) 28, a first major winning device (first attacker) 31, a second major winning device (second attacker) 36, a major winning opening start port 17, a general winning port 27 (normal winning port 27), an out port 16, and display devices 40.

[0015] The game area 3 is composed of a transparent panel 2a and is an area where the game balls launched by operating the handle 60 flow down, and a plurality of game pins (also referred to as "obstacle pins", hereinafter may be referred to as "obstacle pins") for guiding the game balls are protrudingly provided. The rail member 4 is disposed at the left end of the game area 3 and guides the game balls launched by operating the handle 60 upward in the game area 3. An impact stopping member 4B is provided at the upper right of the game area 3, where the game balls rolling along the rail from the rail member 4 come into contact. The moving speed of the game balls can be suppressed by the impact stopping member 4B. The board lamp 5 is disposed on the back side of the game area 3 and irradiates light from the back side of the game area 3. Here, a part of the board lamp 5 is connected to the right frame lamp and the left frame lamp and is configured such that the form and light emission are continuous.

[0016] The image display device 7 is provided near the center of the gaming area 3 and includes a display screen 7a. The image display device 7 may be a liquid crystal display device, or may be other image display devices such as an organic EL display device, a plasma display, a projector, or a dot matrix. The display screen 7a of the image display device 7 has an effect symbol display area where effect symbols (decorative symbols) 8L, 8C, and 8R are variably displayed (also referred to as variable display), a hold image display area where hold images 9A and 9B are displayed, and a hold completion image display area (the said hold display area) where a hold completion image 9C is displayed. The hold images 9A and 9B are images representing a hold, and are also referred to as hold icons 9A and 9B. The hold completion image 9C is an image representing the said hold, and is also referred to as the said hold image 9C, the said hold icon 9C, the said variable icon 9C, or variable icon 9C. The said hold icon 9C may also simply be referred to as a hold icon.

[0017] The effect symbol display area includes three symbol display areas of "left", "center", and "right". The left effect symbol (left decorative symbol) 8L is displayed in the left symbol display area. The center effect symbol (center decorative symbol) 8C is displayed in the center symbol display area. The right effect symbol (right decorative symbol) 8R is displayed in the right symbol display area. The effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are composed of a plurality of symbols representing numbers from, for example, "1" to "9". The variable display of the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R is synchronized with the variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol described later. The image display device 7 can clearly display the results (big win lottery results) of the variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol displayed by the first special symbol display 41a and the second special symbol display 41b described later to the player according to the combination of the effect symbols displayed in the left, center, and right symbol display areas.

[0018] For example, when winning the jackpot, the winning symbol is stopped and displayed as a triple, such as "777". When losing, the losing symbol is stopped and displayed, such as "637". This makes it easier for the player to grasp the progress of the game. The player can grasp the jackpot lottery result not only on the first special symbol display 41a or the second special symbol display 41b, but also by the image display device 7. Note that the position of the symbol display area does not have to be fixed. Also, as the mode of the variable display of the performance symbol, it may be a mode of scrolling in the vertical direction or other modes. What combination of performance symbols is stopped and displayed according to each lottery result is not limited to the above and can be arbitrarily set. Hereinafter, the performance of displaying the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R is also referred to as "variable performance of performance symbols", "variable performance of decorative symbols", or simply "variable performance" or "variable display". Note that this variable performance of the decorative symbol counts the performance during the period from the start of the variation of the special symbol to the stop (also referred to as the special symbol variation period) as one variable performance (one cycle of variable performance). Therefore, even if the decorative symbol is temporarily stopped during the period from the start of the variation of the special symbol to the stop, the performance of the temporary stop is included in the variable performance of the decorative symbol.

[0019] In addition to the variable performance of the performance symbol, the image display device 7 can display on the display screen 7a a jackpot performance that is carried out in parallel with the jackpot game (an example of a special game), a demo performance for waiting customers, and the like. In the variable performance of the performance symbol, in addition to the performance symbol, performance images such as a background image and a character image may also be displayed. Also, in addition to the performance symbol, the image display device 7 may display on the display screen 7a an identification display (a fourth symbol, not shown) that can suggest that the special symbol is changing or suggest the lottery result of the special symbol. Note that the identification display (the fourth symbol) may be displayed by a light emitter such as an LED provided in the game area 3.

[0020] The reserved image display area includes a first reserved display area that displays the reserved image 9A according to the number of memories of the first special figure reservation described later, and a second reserved display area that displays the reserved image 9B according to the number of memories of the second special figure reservation described later. By displaying the reserved images 9A and 9B, the number of memories of the first special figure reservation displayed on the first special figure reservation display 43a described later and the number of memories of the second special figure reservation displayed on the second special figure reservation display 43b can be clearly displayed to the player. The reserved digestion image display area includes a reserved digestion display area that displays the reserved digestion image 9C. The reserved digestion image 9C corresponds to the production symbols (production symbols 8L, 8C, 8R) that are currently changing on the display screen 7a or the display screen 7b. By displaying the reserved digestion image 9C, it is possible to clearly display to the player that the first special figure reservation or the second special figure reservation is digested (the "digestion of the special figure reservation" described later).

[0021] On the left side of the image display device 7, a first board movable body 14 (also called the first movable accessory 14), which is a movable so-called gimmick, is provided. The first movable accessory 14 is configured such that a vertically long rod-shaped member can move in the left-right direction in front of (the front surface of) the image display device 7. The first movable accessory 14 is normally stationary at the retracted position on the left side of the image display device 7 (Fig. 1), and can move (advance) from the retracted position toward the right end of the display screen 7a and stationary at an arbitrary advanced position in front of the display screen 7a. The first movable accessory 14 is formed to have approximately the same length as the vertical direction of the image display device 7, and covers a part of the image display device 7 from above to below at the advanced position.

[0022] Above the image display device 7, a second board movable body 15 (also called the second movable accessory 15), which is a movable so-called gimmick, is provided. The second movable accessory 15 is configured such that a rectangular member (decoration part) described as "OARO" can move in the vertical direction. The second movable accessory 15 is normally stationary at the retracted position above the image display device 7 (Fig. 1), and can move (advance) downward from the retracted position toward the center of the display screen 7a and stationary at the advanced position in front of the display screen 7a. The second movable accessory 15 covers a part of the image display device 7 when it stops at the advanced position.

[0023] At the lower part of the image display device 7, a stage portion 11 is formed. The stage portion 11 has a shape capable of guiding a game ball rolling on the upper surface of the stage portion 11 to a first starting port 20 described later. A warp portion 12 is provided at the lower left of the image display device 7. The warp portion 12 includes an inlet portion into which the game ball flows and an outlet portion from which the game ball flows out, and allows the game ball flowing in from the inlet portion to flow out from the outlet portion to the stage portion 11.

[0024] The fixed winning device (umbilical cord) 19 is disposed below the image display device 7 in the game area 3 and includes a first starting port (first starting winning port, first ball entry port, fixed starting port) 20 where the ease of entry of the game ball never changes. The winning of the game ball into the first starting port 20 serves as an opportunity for the lottery of the first special symbol (big win lottery). In other words, the winning of the game ball into the first starting port 20 serves as an opportunity for obtaining a big win random number or the like and for making a big win determination.

[0025] The normal variable winning device (electric chute) 22 is disposed below the first starting port 20 in the game area 3 and includes a second starting port (second starting winning port, second ball entry port, variable starting port) 21. The winning of the game ball into the second starting port 21 serves as an opportunity for the lottery of the second special symbol (big win lottery). The electric chute 22 includes a movable member 23 (normal electric accessory) in front of the second starting port 21, and the second starting port 21 is opened and closed by the operation of the movable member 23 (normal electric accessory). The movable member 23 (normal electric accessory) is driven by an electric chute solenoid 24 (FIG. 3). The second starting port 21 allows the game ball to enter when the movable member 23 is in the open state. Note that the electric chute 22 only needs to make it easier for the game ball to enter the second starting port 21 when the movable member 23 is in the open state than when it is in the closed state, and the game ball may be able to enter the second starting port 21 when the movable member 23 is in the closed state.

[0026] The gate (through checker) 28 is arranged above the first big winning device (first attacker) 31 in the game area 3 and is configured to allow the game balls to pass through. The passage of the game balls through the gate 28 triggers the normal symbol lottery that determines whether to open the electric chute 22. In other words, the passage of the game balls through the gate 28 triggers the acquisition of the normal symbol random number (winning random number) and the opportunity for winning determination and the like.

[0027] Here, the "special symbol lottery" refers to the process of obtaining a random number for special symbol determination when a game ball wins the first start port 20 or the second start port 21, and comparing the obtained random number with a value corresponding to a predetermined "big win" to determine whether it is a big win. The lottery result of this "big win" is not immediately notified to the player. Instead, a variable display of the special symbol is performed on the first special symbol display 41a or the second special symbol display 41b described later. When a predetermined variable time has elapsed, the special symbol corresponding to the lottery result is stopped and displayed (confirmed display), and the player is notified of the lottery result. In the image display device 7, a symbol matching game is performed in which the production symbol is variably displayed in synchronization with the variable display of the special symbol. Through this symbol matching game, the lottery result of the big win is more effectively notified to the player.

[0028] Also, the "normal symbol lottery" refers to the process of obtaining a random number for normal symbol determination when a game ball passes through the gate 28, and comparing the obtained random number with a value corresponding to a predetermined "win" to determine whether it is a win. Regarding the lottery result of this normal symbol, the lottery result is not immediately notified when the game ball passes through the gate 28. Instead, a variable display of the normal symbol is performed on the normal symbol display 42 described later. When a predetermined variable time has elapsed, the normal symbol corresponding to the lottery result is confirmed and displayed (lit or extinguished), and the player is notified of the lottery result.

[0029] The first large prize winning device (first attacker, first special variable prize winning device) 31 is disposed above and to the right of the first starting hole 20 in the game area 3, and includes a first large prize winning hole (first special prize winning hole) 30, a V area 39, a non-V area 70, and a V opening and closing member 71. The first large prize winning hole 30 includes an opening and closing member (first special prize winning hole opening and closing member) 32 that allows or prevents the reception of game balls by a swing-type opening and closing action. The opening and closing member 32 is driven by a first large prize winning hole solenoid 33 (FIG. 3). When the opening and closing member 32 is in the open state, game balls can enter the first large prize winning hole 30.

[0030] The first big winning device 31 includes, inside thereof, a V region (specific region) 39, a V region sensor 39a (FIG. 3), a non-V region (non-specific region) 70, a non-V region sensor 70a (FIG. 3), a first big winning port sensor 30a (FIG. 3), a V opening / closing member 71, and a V opening / closing member solenoid 73 (FIG. 3). The V region (specific region) 39 and the non-V region (non-specific region) 70 are configured as regions through which the game balls that have passed through the first big winning port 30 can pass inside the first big winning device 31. The first big winning port sensor 30a is disposed upstream of the V region 39 and the non-V region 70, and detects the winning of a game ball into the first big winning port 30. The V region sensor 39a is disposed in the V region 39 and detects the passage of a game ball into the V region 39. The non-V region sensor 70a is disposed in the non-V region 70 and detects the passage of a game ball into the non-V region 70. The V opening / closing member 71 distributes the game balls that have passed through the first big winning port 30 to either the V region 39 or the non-V region 70. The V opening / closing member solenoid 73 drives the V opening / closing member 71. The V opening / closing member 71 is configured to rotate (clockwise and counterclockwise with respect to the game board 2), and when the V opening / closing member solenoid 73 is energized, it rotates counterclockwise from the origin position to enter a first state (rotating state) in which the game balls are distributed to the V region 39, and when the V opening / closing member solenoid 73 is not energized, it is located at the origin and enters a second state (stopping state) in which the game balls are distributed to the non-V region 70. Note that the V opening / closing member 71 is not limited to rotational movement, and it only needs to have a function of distributing the game balls that have passed through the first big winning port 30 to either the V region 39 or the non-V region 70. For example, it may be configured to move in the left-right direction with respect to the game board 2. That is, when the V opening / closing member solenoid 73 is energized, it enters a retracted state (first state) in which the game balls are distributed to the V region 39, and when the V opening / closing member solenoid 73 is not energized, it may be configured to enter an extended state (second state) in which the game balls are distributed to the non-V region 70. In the gaming machine 1, the passage of a game ball into the V region 39 triggers the transition to a high-probability state described later. That is, the V region 39 is a probability-variable operation port. On the other hand, the non-V region 70 is not a probability-variable operation port. The first big winning device 31 of the present embodiment further includes a first big winning device discharge sensor (not shown) that counts the number of game balls discharged from the first big winning device 31.The first big prize device discharge sensor is provided at the point where the V area 39 and the non-V area 70 join downstream, and counts the number of game balls that have passed the V area sensor 39a or the non-V area sensor 70a.

[0031] The second large prize winning device (second attacker, second special variable prize winning device) 36 is disposed above and to the right of the first large prize winning opening 30 in the game area 3, and is provided with a second large prize winning opening (second special prize winning opening) 35. The second large prize winning opening 35 is provided with an opening / closing member (second special prize winning opening opening / closing member, movable member) 37 that inhibits or allows the reception of game balls by swinging open and closed. The opening / closing member 37 is driven by a second large prize winning opening solenoid 38 (Fig. 3). When the opening / closing member 37 is in the open state, game balls can enter the second large prize winning opening 35.

[0032] The large prize opening start hole 17 is disposed above the first large prize opening 30 in the game area 3, and the first large prize opening 30 is opened when the game ball passes through. However, the game machine 1 does not have to be provided with the large prize opening start hole 17.

[0033] The general winning opening 27 is provided at the bottom of the game area 3. The outlet 16 is provided at the bottom of the game area 3, and ejects game balls that do not win in any of the winning openings out of the game area 3. The indicators 40 are located near the center of the right side of the game board 2. Details of the indicators 40 will be described later. The general winning opening 29 is located at the bottom right of the game area 3, adjacent to the right side of the first large winning opening 30.

[0034] The game area 3 has a left game area 3A on the left side of the center in the left-right direction, and a right game area 3B on the right side. A hitting style in which the game ball is shot so that it flows down the left game area 3A is called a "left hit". On the other hand, a hitting style in which the game ball is shot so that it flows down the right game area 3B is called a "right hit". The game machine 1 is configured so that a left hit can aim for winning at the first start gate 20. On the other hand, a right hit can aim for passing through the gate 28 and winning at the second start gate 21, the first large winning gate 30, and the second large winning gate 35.

[0035] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the display devices 40. The display devices 40 include a first special symbol display 41a, a second special symbol display 41b, a normal symbol display 42, a first special symbol hold display 43a, a second special symbol hold display 43b, a normal symbol hold display 44, a win display 46, a firing position display 47, and a game state display 48. The first special symbol display 41a variably displays a first special symbol (also referred to as "special symbol 1" or "special figure 1"). The first special symbol display 41a is composed of a total of 8 LEDs from special symbol 1 display LED 1 to special symbol 1 display LED 8. The second special symbol display 41b variably displays a second special symbol (also referred to as "special symbol 2" or "special figure 2"). The second special symbol display 41b is composed of a total of 8 LEDs from special symbol 2 display LED 1 to special symbol 2 display LED 8. The normal symbol display 42 variably displays a normal symbol. The normal symbol display 42 is composed of a total of 3 LEDs from normal symbol display LED 1 to normal symbol display LED 3. The first special figure hold display 43a displays the stored number of the operation hold (first special figure hold) of the first special symbol display 41a. The first special figure hold display 43a is composed of 2 LEDs, namely special symbol 1 memory display LED 1 and special symbol 1 memory display LED 2. The second special figure hold display 43b displays the stored number of the operation hold (second special figure hold) of the second special symbol display 41b. The second special figure hold display 43b is composed of 2 LEDs, namely special symbol 2 memory display LED 1 and special symbol 2 memory display LED 2. The normal symbol hold display 44 displays the stored number of the operation hold (normal symbol hold) of the normal symbol display 42. The normal symbol hold display 44 is composed of 2 LEDs, namely normal symbol memory display LED 1 and normal symbol memory display LED 2. The win display 46 displays a winning round. The win display 46 is composed of a total of 3 LEDs from round display LED 1 to round display LED 3. The firing position display 47 indicates that the game is a right-handed game. The firing position display 47 is composed of 2 LEDs, namely right-handed display LED 1 and right-handed display LED 2. The game state display 48 indicates that the game is in time-saving mode. The game state display 48 is composed of 2 LEDs, namely state display LED 1 and state display LED 2.The variable display of the first special symbol is triggered by the winning of a game ball in the first start port 20. The variable display of the second special symbol is triggered by the winning of a game ball in the second start port 21. Hereinafter, the first special symbol and the second special symbol are also collectively referred to as "special symbols". Also, the first special symbol display 41a and the second special symbol display 41b are also collectively referred to as "special symbol display 41". Also, the first special symbol hold display 43a and the second special symbol hold display 43b are also collectively referred to as "special symbol hold display 43".

[0036] After the special symbol display 41 variably displays (fluctuates) the special symbol (identification information) and then stops the display, it notifies the result of the lottery (special symbol hit lottery, jackpot lottery) based on the winning in the first start port 20 or the second start port 21. The special symbol to be stopped and displayed (stopped symbol (special symbol 1 stopped symbol, special symbol 2 stopped symbol), special symbol derived and displayed as the display result of the variable display) is one special symbol selected from a plurality of types of special symbols by the special symbol lottery. When the stopped symbol is a special symbol (jackpot symbol) in a predetermined jackpot stop mode, a special game (jackpot game) is conducted to open the first big winning port 30 or the second big winning port 35 in an opening pattern corresponding to the type of the stopped jackpot symbol (type of the winning jackpot). The opening patterns of the big winning ports (the first big winning port 30 and the second big winning port 35) in the special game will be described later.

[0037] The special symbol display 41 is composed of eight horizontally arranged LEDs (the first special symbol display 41a includes special symbol 1 display LEDs 1 to 8, and the second special symbol display 41b includes special symbol 2 display LEDs 1 to 8), and displays a special symbol corresponding to the result of the lottery for each special symbol according to its lighting mode. For example, when winning a jackpot (one of multiple types of jackpots described later), a jackpot symbol is displayed in which the LEDs at the 1st, 2nd, 5th, and 6th positions from the left are lit, such as "○○●●○○●●" (○: lit, ●: extinguished). In the case of a loss, for example, a losing symbol is displayed in which only the LED at the far right is lit, such as "●●●●●●●○". A mode in which all LEDs are extinguished may be adopted as the losing symbol. Before the special symbol stops being displayed, the special symbol is variably displayed (variable display) for a predetermined variable time. The mode of the variable display may be, for example, that each LED is lit so that light repeatedly flows from left to right. The mode of the variable display is not limited to the above mode and can be any lighting mode as long as each LED is not in a stop display (lighting display in a specific mode). For example, the mode of the variable display may be that all LEDs blink simultaneously.

[0038] In the gaming machine 1, when a game ball wins (enters) the first start port 20 or the second start port 21, the values (numerical information) of various random numbers such as jackpot random numbers obtained for the win are temporarily stored in the special figure retention memory area 85 (Fig. 5). Specifically, if it is a win at the first start port 20, it is stored in the first special figure retention memory area 85a (Fig. 5) as the first special figure retention, and if it is a win at the second start port 21, it is stored in the second special figure retention memory area 85b (Fig. 5) as the second special figure retention. There is an upper limit to the number of special figure retentions that can be stored in each special figure retention memory area 85, and the upper limit value in this embodiment is 4 for both the first special figure retention memory area 85a and the second special figure retention memory area 85b. The special figure retention stored in the special figure retention memory area 85 is consumed when the variable display of the special symbol based on the special figure retention becomes possible. "Consumption of the special figure retention" means determining the jackpot random number etc. corresponding to the special figure retention and executing the variable display of the special symbol to show the determination result. Therefore, in the gaming machine 1, when the variable display of the special symbol based on the entry of the game ball into the first start port 20 or the second start port 21 cannot be performed immediately after the win, that is, even when a win occurs during the execution of the variable display of the special symbol or during the execution of the special game, the right to conduct the jackpot lottery for the win can be reserved with a predetermined number as the upper limit. The number of special figure retentions is displayed on the special figure retention display 43. The first special figure retention display 43a is composed of 2 LEDs (special symbol 1 memory display LED1 and special symbol 1 memory display LED2), and displays the number of special figure retentions by its lighting pattern. The second special figure retention display 43b is composed of 2 LEDs (special symbol 2 memory display LED1 and special symbol 2 memory display LED2), and displays the number of special figure retentions by its lighting pattern.For example, in the first special drawing hold indicator 43a, as the number of special drawing holds, when the number of holds for special drawing 1 is 0, the special symbol 1 memory display LED 1 and the special symbol 1 memory display LED 2 turn off; when the number of holds for special drawing 1 is 1, the special symbol 1 memory display LED 1 turns on and the special symbol 1 memory display LED 2 turns off; when the number of holds for special drawing 1 is 2, the special symbol 1 memory display LED 1 and the special symbol 1 memory display LED 2 turn on; when the number of holds for special drawing 1 is 3, the special symbol 1 memory display LED 1 blinks and the special symbol 1 memory display LED 2 turns on; when the number of holds for special drawing 1 is 4, the special symbol 1 memory display LED 1 and the special symbol 1 memory display LED 2 blink.

[0039] The variable display of the normal symbol is triggered by the passage of the game ball through the gate 28. After variably displaying (fluctuating display) the normal symbol, the normal symbol display 42 stops the display to notify the result of the normal symbol lottery based on the passage of the game ball through the gate 28. The normal symbol to be stopped and displayed (the normal stop symbol, the normal symbol derived and displayed as the display result of the variable display) is one normal symbol selected from a plurality of types of normal symbols by the normal symbol lottery. When the normal stop symbol is a predetermined specific normal symbol (the normal symbol in a predetermined stop mode, that is, the normal winning symbol), an auxiliary game is performed to open the second start port 21 in an opening pattern corresponding to the current game state. The opening pattern of the second start port 21 will be described later.

[0040] The normal symbol display 42 is composed of three LEDs, and displays a normal symbol corresponding to the result of the normal symbol lottery according to its lighting mode. For example, when the lottery result is a win, it displays a normal win symbol where both LEDs are lit, such as "○○○" (○: lit, ●: extinguished). When the lottery result is a loss, it displays a normal loss symbol where only the right LED is lit, such as "●●○". It is also possible to adopt a mode where all LEDs are extinguished as the normal loss symbol. Before the normal symbol stops being displayed, the normal symbol is variably displayed for a predetermined variable time. The mode of variable display may be, for example, that all LEDs are lit in a mode of sliding movement. The mode of variable display is not limited to the above mode as long as each LED is not in a stop display (lighting display in a specific mode), and can be any lighting mode. For example, the mode of variable display may be that all LEDs blink simultaneously.

[0041] In the gaming machine 1, when a game ball passes through the gate 28, the value of the normal symbol random number (winning random number) obtained for the passage is temporarily stored as a normal symbol hold in the normal symbol hold memory area 86 (Fig. 5). There is an upper limit to the number of normal symbol holds that can be stored in the normal symbol hold memory area 86, and the upper limit value in this embodiment is four. The normal symbol hold stored in the normal symbol hold memory area 86 is consumed when the variable display of the normal symbol based on the normal symbol hold becomes possible. The consumption of the normal symbol hold means determining the normal symbol random number (winning random number) corresponding to the normal symbol hold and executing the variable display of the normal symbol to show the determination result. Therefore, in the gaming machine 1, when the variable display of the normal symbol based on the passage of the game ball through the gate 28 cannot be performed immediately after the passage, that is, even when a winning occurs during the execution of the variable display of the normal symbol or during the execution of the auxiliary game, the right to the normal symbol lottery for the passage can be retained with a predetermined number as the upper limit. The number of normal symbol holds is displayed on the normal symbol hold display 44. The normal symbol hold display 44 is composed of two LEDs (normal symbol memory display LED1 and normal symbol memory display LED2), and the number of normal symbol holds is displayed by lighting the LEDs by the number of normal symbol holds. For example, when the number of normal symbol holds is 0, the normal symbol memory display LED1 and the normal symbol memory display LED2 are turned off. When the number of normal symbol holds is 1, the normal symbol memory display LED1 is lit and the normal symbol memory display LED2 is turned off. When the number of normal symbol holds is 2, the normal symbol memory display LED1 and the normal symbol memory display LED2 are lit. When the number of normal symbol holds is 3, the normal symbol memory display LED1 blinks and the normal symbol memory display LED2 is lit. When the number of normal symbol holds is 4, the normal symbol memory display LED1 and the normal symbol memory display LED2 blink.

[0042] The winning display 46 is composed of three LEDs (round display LED1 to round display LED3), and displays the number of winning rounds (the number of big winning rounds) according to its lighting pattern. For example, when the number of big winning rounds is 16 rounds, 15 rounds, or 13 rounds, all of the round display LED1 to round display LED3 are lit when it is 16 rounds, the round display LED1 and the round display LED2 are lit and the round display LED3 is turned off when it is 15 rounds, and the round display LED1 is lit and the round display LED2 and the round display LED3 are turned off when it is 13 rounds.

[0043] The emission position display 47 is composed of two LEDs (right-handed display LED1 and right-handed display LED2), and displays that it is a game by right-handed play according to its lighting pattern. For example, when it is a game by right-handed play, the right-handed display LED1 and the right-handed display LED2 are lit, and when it is not a game by right-handed play, that is, when it is a game by left-handed play, the right-handed display LED1 and the right-handed display LED2 are turned off.

[0044] The game state display 48 is composed of two LEDs (state display LED1 and state display LED2), and displays that time is shortened according to its lighting pattern. For example, when time is not shortened, the state display LED1 and the state display LED2 are turned off, and when time is shortened, the state display LED1 and the state display LED2 are lit.

[0045] 2. Electrical Configuration of the Gaming Machine Based on FIGS. 3 and 4, the electrical configuration of the gaming machine 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration on the main control board side of the gaming machine 1. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration on the sub-control board side of the gaming machine 1. The gaming machine 1 includes a main control board 80 (FIG. 3), a sub-control board 90 (FIG. 4), an image control board 100 (FIG. 4), a lamp control board 107 (FIG. 4), an audio control board 106 (FIG. 4), and a payout control board 110 (FIG. 3). The main control board 80 is a game control board that performs control related to game benefits such as jackpot lottery and transition of game states, and constitutes the main control unit. The sub-control board 90 is an effect control board that performs control related to effects executed as the game progresses, and together with the image control board 100, the lamp control board 107, and the audio control board 106, constitutes the sub-control unit. Note that the sub-control unit can be configured as long as it includes at least the sub-control board 90.

[0046] The main control board 80 includes a game control microcomputer 81 which is a game control microprocessor, and an input / output circuit 87. The game control microcomputer 81 is a one-chip microcomputer mounted on the main control board 80, and controls the progress of the game of the gaming machine 1 according to a program. The game control microcomputer 81 stores a program (a program executed by the main CPU 82) for controlling the progress of the game and information referred to by the program, etc. (the program executed by the main CPU 82 and the information referred to by the program are stored) in a main ROM 83, a main RAM 84 used as a work memory and capable of storing information updated by the program, a main CPU 82 that executes the program stored in the main ROM 83, a random number circuit 89a as a circuit for generating random numbers, a watchdog timer (hereinafter, may be referred to as "WDT") 89b for monitoring the occurrence of runaway of the main CPU 82, a serial output port 89c for transmitting (outputting) data, which is the content of a data register, one bit at a time in order as a serial signal, a parallel output port 89d for transmitting (outputting) data simultaneously in parallel, a parallel input port 89e for receiving (inputting data simultaneously in parallel) data simultaneously in parallel, and a chip information transmission circuit 89f for transmitting the chip information of the game control microcomputer 81. Details of the data stored in the main ROM 83 and details of the storage areas provided in the main RAM 84 will be described later. The main ROM 83 may be configured as an external ROM. The game control microcomputer 81 performs data transmission and reception with other boards, etc. via the input / output circuit 87 composed of an input buffer circuit and an output buffer circuit.

[0047] The random number circuit 89a is a circuit that generates random numbers on an electric circuit. In the random number circuit 89a, as random numbers with a length of 2 bytes (16 bits), there are a random number circuit for random numbers per general drawing (RLF2 soft latch random number value register), a random number circuit for general drawing symbols (RLF1 soft latch random number value register), and a random number circuit for special drawing big wins (RL0 soft latch random number value register). As random numbers with a length of 1 byte (8 bits), there are a random number circuit for special drawing symbols (RS1 soft latch random number value register), a random number circuit for variable selection counter 1 (RS5 soft latch random number value register), a random number circuit for variable selection counter 2 (RS6 soft latch random number value register), and a random number circuit for variable selection counter 3 (RS7 soft latch random number value register). The random number circuit 89a is initialized in a state where the game control microcomputer 81 by the reset circuit 159 is reset and in a state where it is reset by the WDT89b, and automatically starts after the reset of the game control microcomputer 81 by the reset circuit 159 is released and after the reset by the WDT89b.

[0048] Using the initial value as the start value, the random number circuit 89a updates the random number value to a random value from the start value. When generating random number values without duplication within the range from the minimum value to the maximum value, it updates the start value and generates random number values without duplication within the range from the minimum value to the maximum value.

[0049] Based on confirming the detection of the entry of game balls by each sensor, the main CPU 82 latches the necessary random number circuits in the random number circuit 89a and acquires random number values from the soft latch random number value registers of these random number circuits.

[0050] The WDT89b monitors the occurrence of a runaway of the main CPU 82 and resets the game control microcomputer 81 if the timeout time is not cleared & restarted before the preset timeout time elapses.

[0051] Various sensors and solenoids are connected to the main control board 80 via the relay board 88. Signals output from each sensor input to the main control board 80 are input to the sensor input port (input port 1) at the parallel input port 89e of the game control microcomputer 81 via the input buffer circuit that constitutes the input / output circuit 87. The main control board 80 outputs signals to each solenoid from the solenoid output port (output port 1) at the parallel output port 89d of the game control microcomputer 81 via the output buffer circuit that constitutes the input / output circuit 87. Examples of the sensors connected via the relay board 88 include the big winning opening start port sensor 17a, the first start port sensor 20a, the second start port sensor 21a, the gate sensor 28a, the first big winning opening sensor 30a, the second big winning opening sensor 35a, the V region sensor 39a, the non-V region sensor 70a, and the normal winning opening sensors 27a and 29a. Examples of the solenoids connected via the relay board 88 include the electric chute solenoid 24, the first big winning opening solenoid 33, the second big winning opening solenoid 38, and the V opening / closing member solenoid 73. The big winning opening start port sensor 17a is provided inside the big winning opening start port 17 and detects game balls that have entered the big winning opening start port 17. The first start port sensor 20a is provided inside the first start port 20 and detects game balls that have won in the first start port 20. The second start port sensor 21a is provided inside the second start port 21 and detects game balls that have won in the second start port 21. The gate sensor 28a is provided inside the gate 28 and detects game balls that have passed through the gate 28. The first big winning opening sensor 30a is provided inside the first big winning opening 30 and detects game balls that have won in the first big winning opening 30. The second big winning opening sensor 35a is provided inside the second big winning opening 35 and detects game balls that have won in the second big winning opening 35. The V region sensor 39a is provided in the V region 39 inside the first big winning opening 30 and detects game balls that have passed through the V region 39. The non-V region sensor 70a is provided in the non-V region 70 inside the first big winning opening 30 and detects game balls that have passed through the non-V region 70. The normal winning opening sensor 27a is provided inside the normal winning opening 27 and detects game balls that have won in the normal winning opening 27. The normal winning opening sensor 29a detects game balls that have passed through the normal winning opening 29.The electric chewing solenoid 24 drives the movable member 23 of the electric chewing 22. The first big winning port solenoid 33 drives the opening and closing member 32 of the first big winning device 31. The second big winning port solenoid 38 drives the opening and closing member 37 of the second big winning device 36. The V opening and closing member solenoid 73 drives the V opening and closing member 71 of the first big winning device 31. The magnetic sensor 151a is provided on the back side of the game board 2 and detects that magnetism is generated near the magnetic sensor 151a. The radio wave sensor 152a is provided on the back side of the game board 2 and detects that radio waves are generated near the radio wave sensor 152a. The replenishment ball shortage sensor 153a is provided in the ball tank 400 provided on the back side of the gaming machine 1 and detects that the replenishment balls are insufficient.

[0052] The display devices 40 are connected to the main control board 80. The game control microcomputer 81 outputs data (serial data) from the serial output port for display devices (STU3 data register) in the serial output port 89c of the game control microcomputer 81, and performs display control for the first special symbol display 41a, the second special symbol display 41b, the normal symbol display 42, the first special symbol hold display 43a, the second special symbol hold display 43b, the normal symbol hold display 44, the winning display 46, the firing position display 47, and the game state display 48 via the output buffer circuit constituting the input / output circuit 87.

[0053] The payout control board 110 is connected to the main control board 80. The game control microcomputer 81 outputs data (serial data) from the frame serial output port (SCU0 data register) at the serial output port 89c of the game control microcomputer 81, and transmits various information and various commands to the payout control board 110 via the output buffer circuit that constitutes the input / output circuit 87. At the same time, for payout monitoring, various information and various commands are output from the payout control board 110 and received at the frame serial input port at the serial input port (not shown) of the game control microcomputer 81 via the input buffer circuit that constitutes the input / output circuit 87. Connected to the payout control board 110 are a prize ball payout device 120, a loan ball payout device 130, and a card unit 135, and a firing device 112 is connected via a firing control circuit 111. The prize ball payout device 120 performs the payout of prize balls. The payout control board 110 includes a payout control microcomputer 109, which is a payout control microprocessor, and an input / output circuit. The payout control microcomputer 109 is a one-chip microcomputer mounted on the payout control board 110, and based on a signal from the game control microcomputer 81, drives the prize ball motor 121 of the prize ball payout device 120 to perform the payout of prize balls. The payout prize balls are detected by the prize ball sensor 122 for counting. The loan ball payout device 130 performs the payout of loan balls. The payout control board 110 drives the loan ball motor 131 of the loan ball payout device 130 to perform the payout of loan balls based on a signal from the card unit 135 connected to the gaming machine 1. The payout loan balls are detected by the loan ball sensor 132 for counting. The card unit 135 is arranged adjacent to the gaming machine 1 and outputs information regarding ball lending based on information such as a prepaid card inserted. The firing device 112 includes a handle 60 (FIG. 1), a firing motor 113, a touch switch 114, and a firing volume 115. When the handle 60 is operated by the player, the firing device 112 detects the contact of the handle 60 by the touch switch 114 and detects the rotation amount of the handle 60 by the firing volume 115. Then, the firing motor 113 is driven so that the game ball is fired with a strength corresponding to the magnitude of the detection signal of the firing volume 115.

[0054] A sub-control board 90 (Fig. 4) is connected to the main control board 80. The game control microcomputer 81 outputs data (serial data) from the serial output port for the sub-control board (STU2 data register) in the serial output port 89c of the game control microcomputer 81, and transmits various commands to the sub-control board 90 via the output buffer circuit that constitutes the input / output circuit 87. The connection between the main control board 80 and the sub-control board 90 is a unidirectional communication connection that allows only the transmission of signals from the main control board 80 to the sub-control board 90. That is, a unidirectional circuit (for example, a circuit using a diode), not shown, as a communication direction regulating means is interposed between the main control board 80 and the sub-control board 90.

[0055] A disconnection monitoring device 155 is connected to the main control board 80 via the input / output circuit 87. The main control board 80 inputs the signal (disconnection signal) of the disconnection monitoring device 155 and determines whether the signal line monitored by the disconnection monitoring device 155 is disconnected. The disconnection monitoring device 155 monitors the signal lines connected to the relay board 88. Note that the disconnection monitoring device 155 may monitor not only the signal lines connected to the relay board 88 but also the signal lines connected to the main control board 80.

[0056] A power supply board 162 is connected to the main control board 80 via the input / output circuit 87. The main control board 80 inputs the signal of the power switch 163 of the power supply board 162 and determines whether the power switch 163 is ON.

[0057] The main control board 80 is equipped with a RAM clear switch 161 (which may also be referred to as the "RWM clear switch"). When resetting the information stored in the main RAM 84, the RAM clear switch 161 is pressed. When resetting the information stored in the main RAM 84, with the RAM clear switch 161 pressed, turn on the power switch 163 provided on the power supply board. When the power switch 163 is turned on, the main control board 80 resets the information stored in the main RAM 84 if the RAM clear switch 161 is pressed, and does not reset the information stored in the main RAM 84 if the RAM clear switch 161 is not pressed.

[0058] The main control board 80 further includes a performance indicator 158, a reset circuit 159, and an inspection connector 160. The performance indicator 158 is composed of four (4-digit) 7-segment indicators, and the game control microcomputer 81 calculates and displays the registered set value, so-called base ratio. The reset circuit 159 is a circuit that monitors whether the voltage supplied to the game control microcomputer 81 has reached an operating voltage higher than the control voltage of the game control microcomputer 81. When the voltage supplied to the game control microcomputer 81 is lower than the operating voltage, it maintains the reset to the game control microcomputer 81 and prevents the startup of the game control microcomputer 81. On the other hand, when the voltage supplied to the game control microcomputer 81 is higher than the operating voltage, it releases the reset to the game control microcomputer 81 and the game control microcomputer 81 starts up. The inspection connector 160 is a connector into which the dedicated connector of the inspection device is inserted when an inspector inspects the main control board 80. When the inspector inserts the dedicated connector of the inspection device into the inspection connector 160, chip information is transmitted from the chip information transmission circuit 89f of the game control microcomputer 81, acquired and displayed by the inspection device, and the chip information can be confirmed.

[0059] Here, the main CPU 82 will be briefly described. The main CPU 82 has general-purpose registers of 1 byte, namely the A register, B register, C register, D register, E register, H register, and L register, an extended register of 1 byte, the Q register, index registers of 2 bytes, namely the IX register and IY register, a flag register of 1 byte, an interrupt register of 1 byte, a program counter of 2 bytes, a stack pointer of 2 bytes (also referred to as the "SP register"), and so on.

[0060] In this embodiment, it is used as a 2-byte BC register which is a pair register composed of the B register and the C register, used as a 2-byte DE register which is a pair register composed of the D register and the E register, and used as a 2-byte HL register which is a pair register composed of the H register and the L register.

[0061] In the extended register Q register, the upper 1-byte address value of the address used in some instructions is stored. The main CPU 82 can access the main RAM 84 using the Q register. As a result, since it is possible to access the data in the main RAM 84 by specifying only the lower 1 byte in the instruction, when accessing the data in the main RAM 84, the program waste can be reduced by omitting the upper 1 byte and specifying the address. In this way, since the data in the main RAM 84 can be accessed using the Q register, efficient control processing can be realized.

[0062] In this embodiment, processing can be executed by switching between two register banks, namely the first register bank and the second register bank. By switching between the two register banks, the registers in the first register bank and the registers in the second register bank are switched.

[0063] The sub-control board 90 includes a game effect control microcomputer 91 which is an effect control microprocessor, and an input / output circuit 95. The game effect control microcomputer 91 is mounted on the sub-control board 90 and controls the game effects of the gaming machine 1 according to a program. The game effect control microcomputer 91 includes a sub-ROM 93 that stores programs and the like for controlling effects as the game progresses, a sub-RAM 94 used as a work memory, and a sub-CPU 92 that executes the programs stored in the sub-ROM 93. Details of the data stored in the sub-ROM 93 and details of the storage areas provided in the sub-RAM 94 will be described later. The sub-ROM 93 may be configured as an external ROM. The game effect control microcomputer 91 transmits and receives data to and from other boards and the like via the input / output circuit (I / O port section) 95. The input / output circuit 95 may be built into the game effect control microcomputer 91. Connected to the sub-control board 90 via the input / output circuit 95 are an image control board 100, an audio control board 106, a lamp control board 107, a relay board 108, and an air-cooling fan 172. Note that the game effect control microcomputer 91 may be a one-chip microcomputer.

[0064] The image control board 100 includes an image control microcomputer 101, an input circuit 105a, and an output circuit 105b. The image control microcomputer 101, which is an image control microprocessor, is mounted on the image control board 100 and performs display control of the image display device 7 and the sub-display screen 64 according to a program. The image control microcomputer 101 includes a CPU 102, a ROM 103, and a RAM 104. In the ROM 103, in addition to the program for performing display control, still image data and moving image data to be displayed on the image display device 7 and the sub-display screen 64, specifically, image data such as characters, items, graphics, characters, numbers, and symbols (including production designs) and background images are stored. The RAM 104 is used as a memory for expanding the image data. The CPU 102 executes the program stored in the ROM 103. The production control microcomputer 91 causes the image control microcomputer 101 to perform display control of the image display device 7 and the sub-display screen 64 based on the command received from the main control board 80. The image control microcomputer 101 reads out the image data from the ROM 103 based on the command from the production control microcomputer 91 and performs display control based on the read image data. Note that the image control microcomputer 101 may be a one-chip microcomputer.

[0065] A speaker 67 is connected to the audio control board 106. The production control microcomputer 91 causes the speaker 67 to output audio, music, sound effects, etc. via the audio control board 106 based on the command received from the main control board 80. The acoustic data such as the audio output from the speaker 67 is stored in the sub-ROM 93 of the sub-control board 90. Note that the audio control board 106 may mount a CPU, and the CPU may execute audio control based on a command. Further, the audio control board 106 may mount a ROM, and the ROM may store the acoustic data. Also, the speaker 67 may be connected to the image control board 100, and the CPU 102 of the image control board 100 may execute audio control. Further, the acoustic data may be stored in the ROM 103 of the image control board 100.

[0066] The frame lamp 66, the panel lamp 5, the first movable member 14, the second movable member 15, and the frame movable member 69 are connected to the lamp control board 107 and are controlled thereby. The effect control microcomputer 91 controls the lighting of lamps such as the frame lamp 66 and the panel lamp 5 via the lamp control board 107 based on the command received from the main control board 80. That is, the effect control microcomputer 91 creates light emission pattern data (data that determines the light emission mode of lamps such as the frame lamp 66 and the panel lamp 5, also referred to as lamp data), which determines the lighting / extinguishing and light emission color, etc., and controls the light emission of lamps such as the frame lamp 66 and the panel lamp 5 according to the light emission pattern data. The data stored in the sub-ROM 93 of the sub-control board 90 is used to create the light emission pattern data. The effect control microcomputer 91 operates the first movable member 14, the second movable member 15, and the frame movable member 69 based on the command received from the main control board 80. The effect control microcomputer 91 creates operation pattern data (drive data) that determines the respective operation modes of the first movable member 14, the second movable member 15, and the frame movable member 69, and controls the operations of the first movable member 14, the second movable member 15, and the frame movable member 69 according to the operation pattern data. The data stored in the sub-ROM 93 is used to create the operation pattern data. Note that the lamp control board 107 may be equipped with a CPU, and the CPU may execute the lighting control of the lamp based on the command and the operation control of the movable members 14 and 15. In this case, the lamp control board 107 may be equipped with a ROM, and the ROM may store data related to the light emission pattern and the operation pattern.

[0067] The relay board 108 is connected to an effect button detection switch 63a, a select button detection switch 68a, a first movable accessory 14 detection sensor 14a, a second movable accessory 15 detection sensor 15a, and a gaming machine frame opening sensor 50a. The effect button detection switch 63a detects that the effect button 63 (Fig. 1) has been pressed. When the effect button 63 is pressed, a switch signal is output from the effect button detection switch 63a to the sub-control board 90 via the relay board 108. Further, a vibration motor is attached to the effect button detection switch 63a, and it can be driven according to a signal from the relay board 108 to vibrate the effect button 63. The select button detection switch 68a detects that the select button 68 has been pressed. The first movable accessory 14 detection sensor 14a detects that the first movable accessory 14 exists in the origin area. The second movable accessory 15 detection sensor 15a detects that the second movable accessory 15 exists in the origin area. The gaming machine frame opening sensor 50a detects that the gaming machine frame 50 is open. That the gaming machine frame 50 is open means that the front frame (front frame part) 53 is separated from the game board 2. Also, the game board 2 may be in a state of being separated from the outer frame 51 of the gaming machine. In addition, a sword member detection switch for detecting that the sword member 65 has been inspected is also connected to the relay board 108.

[0068] 3. Data Configuration of the Gaming Machine Based on Figs. 5 and 6, the data configuration of the gaming machine 1 will be described. Fig. 5(A) is a diagram for explaining the table stored in the main ROM 83. Fig. 5(B) is a diagram for explaining the storage area provided in the main RAM 84. Fig. 6(A) is a diagram for explaining the table stored in the sub-ROM 93. Fig. 6(B) is a diagram for explaining the storage area provided in the sub-RAM 94.

[0069] In the main ROM 83 (Fig. 5(A)), a jackpot determination table T1, a reach determination table T2, a normal symbol hit determination table T3, a normal symbol variation pattern determination table T4, a jackpot type determination table T5, a variation pattern determination table T6, an electric chew opening pattern determination table T7, a big winning opening pattern determination table T8, and a V opening / closing member opening pattern determination table T9 are stored. These determination tables are referred to by the game control microcomputer 81 in the main control main process (described later) executed by the game control microcomputer 81. The specific contents of each determination table will be described later.

[0070] In the main RAM 84 (Fig. 5(B)), there are provided a command set area 84a, a flag set area 84b, a counter set area 84c, a special operation status set area 84d, a special drawing reservation memory area 85, and a general drawing reservation memory area 86. The command set area 84a is an area (output buffer) where commands output from the main control unit side to the sub-control unit side are set in the main control main process (described later). A pre-determination command, a reserved ball number command, a variation start command, a variation stop command, an opening command, a round designation command, an ending command, a game state designation command, a V-pass command, a customer waiting standby command, etc. are set. The flag set area 84b is an area where flags indicating the state of the gaming machine and the game state are set in the main control main process (described later). A big win flag, a big win end flag, a first winning flag, a second winning flag, a ceiling flag, a V flag, a probability variation flag, a time shortening flag, etc. are set. The counter set area 84c is an area where counters used in the main control main process (described later) are set. A random number counter, a round counter, a ceiling counter, a probability variation counter, a time shortening counter, etc. are set. The special operation status set area 84d is an area where statuses in the special operation process described later are set. The special drawing reservation memory area 85 includes a first special drawing reservation memory area 85a for storing the first special drawing reservation and a second special drawing reservation memory area 85b for storing the second special drawing reservation. In the first special drawing reservation memory area 85a, a first storage area, a second storage area, a third storage area, and a fourth storage area are provided for storing random number value groups (reservation information) such as random numbers for each special symbol hit corresponding to the first, second, third, and fourth of the first special drawing reservation. In the second special drawing reservation memory area 85b, a first storage area, a second storage area, a third storage area, and a fourth storage area are provided for storing random number value groups (reservation information) corresponding to the first, second, third, and fourth of the second special drawing reservation. The general drawing reservation memory area 86 is provided with a first storage area, a second storage area, a third storage area, and a fourth storage area for storing random number value groups (reservation information) such as normal symbol random numbers (hit random numbers) corresponding to the first, second, third, and fourth of the general drawing reservation.In addition to the above regions, the main RAM 84 is provided with a winning type setting buffer in which stop symbol data for special figure stop symbols is set, a drive data buffer in which drive data for driving the movable accessories 14 and 15 and the frame movable body 600 is set, and the like. The information stored in the main RAM 84 is not cleared but maintained as it is even when the power of the gaming machine 1 is turned off and on. That is, the states of the above commands, flags, counters, status information, and pending information do not change even when the power is turned off and on, and the information is maintained. On the other hand, the information stored in the main RAM 84 is reset by the RAM clear of the gaming machine 1. When reset, as the initial state of the flag, the ceiling flag is set to "ON", and the other flags are set to "OFF". Also, as the initial state of the counter, "500" is set for the ceiling counter, and "0" is set for the other counters.

[0071] The sub-ROM 93 (Fig. 6(A)) stores a pre-reading effect pattern determination table T51, a main effect pattern determination table T52, a chance-up effect pattern determination table T53, and a stop symbol pattern determination table T54. These determination tables are referred to by the effect control microcomputer 91 in the sub-control main process (described later) executed by the effect control microcomputer 91. The specific contents of each determination table will be described later.

[0072] In the sub-RAM 94 (Fig. 6(B)), there are provided a command storage area 94a, a production command set area 94b, a preliminary determination information storage area 94c, and a counter set area 94d. The command storage area 94a is an area (input buffer) where commands input from the main control unit side are stored in the sub-control main process (described later), and stores a preliminary determination command, a reserved ball number command, a variation start command, a variation stop command, an opening command, a round designation command, an ending command, a game state designation command, a V-pass command, a customer waiting standby command, etc. The production command set area 94b is an area (output buffer) where commands output from the sub-control board 90 to the image control board 100, the audio control board 106, the lamp control board 107, and the relay board 108 are set in the sub-control main process (described later), and sets a variation production start command, a command before variation end, a variation production end command, an opening production start command, a round production start command, an ending production start command, etc. The preliminary determination information storage area 94c stores preliminary determination information in the sub-control main process (described later). The counter set area 94d is an area where counters used in the sub-control main process (described later) are set, and sets a random number counter, a first special figure reserved production counter, a second special figure reserved production counter, a normal figure reserved production counter, a ceiling production counter, an overnight production counter, a probability variation production counter, a time shortening production counter, etc. Among the information stored in the sub-RAM 94, except for the overnight production counter, it is not cleared by turning off and on the power of the gaming machine 1 and is maintained as it is. That is, for the above commands, counters other than the overnight production counter, and preliminary determination information, the state does not change even when the power is turned off and on, and the information is maintained. The overnight production counter is reset by turning off and on the power of the gaming machine 1, and 0 is set as the initial state. The information stored in the sub-RAM 94 is reset by a RAM clear of the gaming machine 1. When reset, 500 is set as the initial state of the ceiling production counter, and 0 is set for the other counters.

[0073] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining various random numbers used in the gaming machine 1. FIG. 7(A) shows the random numbers acquired by the game control microcomputer 81 on the main control unit side, and FIG. 7(B) shows the random numbers acquired by the effect control microcomputer 91 on the sub-control unit side. The game control microcomputer 81 is configured to acquire a "big win random number", a "big win type random number", a "reach random number", a "variation pattern random number", and a "normal symbol random number (winning random number)" at timings described later. The "big win random number" is a random number used for a lottery (big win determination) of whether or not a big win occurs, and takes a value in the range from 0 to 65535. The "big win type random number" is a random number used for a lottery (big win type determination) of the type of the winning big win, and takes a value in the range from 0 to 127. The "reach random number" is a random number used to determine whether or not to generate a reach in an effect symbol variation effect showing the result when the big win determination fails, and takes a value in the range from 0 to 127. A reach is a state in which among a plurality of effect symbols (decoration symbols), the effect symbol being variably displayed remains one, and depending on which symbol the variably displayed effect symbol stops and is displayed as, it becomes a combination of effect symbols indicating a big win (for example, the state of "7↓7"). Note that the effect symbol stopped and displayed in the reach state may be displayed as swaying within the display screen 7a. The "variation pattern random number" is a random number used to determine a variation pattern including a variation time, and takes a value in the range from 0 to 127. The "normal symbol random number (winning random number)" is used for a lottery (normal symbol lottery) of whether or not to perform an auxiliary game for releasing the electric chew 22. The normal symbol random number takes a value in the range from 0 to 65535. The "big win random number", the "big win type random number", the "reach random number", and the "variation pattern random number" are acquired based on the ball entry into the start port (the first start port 20 or the second start port 21). The group of random number values acquired based on the ball entry into the first start port 20 is stored in the first special figure holding memory area 85a, and the group of random number values acquired based on the ball entry into the second start port 21 is stored in the second special figure holding memory area 85b. The "normal symbol random number (winning random number)" is acquired based on the passage through the gate 28. The acquired normal symbol random number value is stored in the normal symbol holding memory area 86.

[0074] The dedicated microcomputer 91 for performance control is configured to obtain a "pre-reading performance random number" and a "chance-up random number" at the timings described later. The "pre-reading performance random number" is a random number used to determine the pre-reading performance during variable performance, and takes a value in the range of 0 to 127. The "chance-up random number" is a random number used to determine the chance-up performance during variable performance, and takes a value in the range of 0 to 127. The "pre-reading performance random number" is obtained based on the output of a pre-judgment command from the main control unit side to the sub-control unit side. The obtained random number value group is stored in the sub-RAM 94. The "chance-up random number" is obtained based on the output of a variable start command from the main control unit side to the sub-control unit side. The obtained random number value is stored in the sub-RAM 94.

[0075] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the determination tables T1 to T4. FIG. 8(A) shows a diagram for explaining the jackpot determination table T1, FIG. 8(B) shows a diagram for explaining the reach determination table T2, FIG. 8(C) shows a diagram for explaining the normal symbol hit determination table T3, and FIG. 8(D) shows a diagram for explaining the normal symbol variation pattern determination table T4.

[0076] The jackpot determination table T1 is a table referred to by the game control microcomputer 81 in the main control main process (described later) to determine whether the obtained jackpot random number value (any value from 0 to 65535) corresponds to "jackpot" or "loss". In FIG. 8(A), in the "normal probability state", when the jackpot random number value is "100 to 304 (0064H to 0130H (where "H" indicates that the value is in hexadecimal. The same applies hereinafter))" (here, the lower limit value is 100 to 304 (0064H) and the upper limit value is 304 (0130H)), it is determined as "jackpot", and when the jackpot random number value is "a value other than 100 to 304 (0064H to 0130H) (0 to 99, 305 to 65535)", it is shown that it is determined as "loss". Also, in the "high probability state", when the jackpot random number value is "100 to 749 (0064H to 02EDH)" (here, the lower limit value is 100 to 304 (0064H) and the upper limit value is 749 (02EDH)), it is determined as "jackpot", and when the jackpot random number value is "a value other than 100 to 749 (0064H to 02EDH) (0 to 99, 750 to 65535)", it is shown that it is determined as "loss". The contents of the "normal probability state" and the "high probability state" will be described later.

[0077] The reach determination table T2 is a table referred to by the game control microcomputer 81 in the main control main process (described later) to determine whether the obtained reach random number value (any of 0 to 127) corresponds to "reach" or "no reach". In FIG. 8(B), in the "non-time-short state", when the reach random number value is "0 to 13", it is determined as "reach", and when the reach random number value is "a number other than 0 to 13 (14 to 127)", it is shown that it is determined as "no reach". Also, in the "time-short state", when the reach random number value is "0 to 5", it is determined as "reach", and when the reach random number value is "a number other than 0 to 5 (6 to 127)", it is shown that it is determined as "no reach". The contents of the "time-short state" and the "non-time-short state" will be described later. In the reach determination table T2, it is less likely to get a reach when off-target in the time-short state than in the non-time-short state. This is to speed up the digestion speed of the special figure reservation by selecting more off-target no-reach cases with a short variation time in the time-short state.

[0078] The normal symbol hit determination table T3 is a table referred to by the game control microcomputer 81 in the main control main process (described later) to determine whether the obtained normal symbol random number value (any of 0 to 65535) corresponds to "hit" or "miss". In FIG. 8(C), in the "non-time-short state", when the normal symbol random number value is "10256 to 10512 (2810H to 2910H)" (here, the lower limit value is 10256 (2810H) and the upper limit value is 10512 (2910H)), it is determined as "hit", and when the normal symbol random number value is "a number other than 10256 to 10512 (2810H to 2910H) (0 to 10255, 10513 to 65535)", it is shown that it is determined as "miss". Also, in the "time-short state", when the normal symbol random number value is "125 to 65404 (007DH to FF7CH)" (here, the lower limit value is 125 (007DH) and the upper limit value is 65404 (FF7CH)), it is determined as "hit", and when the normal symbol random number value is "0 to 124, 65405 to 65535", it is shown that it is determined as "miss".

[0079] The normal symbol variation pattern determination table T4 is a table that is referred to by the game control microcomputer 81 in the main control main process (described later) to determine for how many seconds the variation time of the normal symbol is according to the game state (non-time-short state or time-short state). In FIG. 8(D), it is shown that when in the "non-time-short state", the variation time of the normal symbol is determined to be "30 seconds", and when in the "time-short state", the variation time of the normal symbol is determined to be "1 second".

[0080] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the jackpot type determination table T5. The jackpot type determination table T5 is a table referred to by the game control microcomputer 81 in the main control main process (described later) to determine the "jackpot type" and the "type of special symbol" according to the acquired jackpot type random number value (any of 0 to 127). In FIG. 9, when winning in the lottery of the first special symbol (special figure 1), if the jackpot type random number value is "0 to 24", the jackpot type is determined to be "16RV scheduled passing jackpot", and the stop symbol of the special figure 1 (special figure stop symbol) is determined to be "jackpot symbol 1". If the jackpot type random number value is "25 to 49", the jackpot type is determined to be "16RV scheduled passing jackpot", and the special figure stop symbol is determined to be "jackpot symbol 2". If the jackpot type random number value is "50 to 55", the jackpot type is determined to be "16R (substantially 15R)V scheduled passing jackpot", and the special figure stop symbol is determined to be "jackpot symbol 3". If the jackpot type random number value is "56 to 67", the jackpot type is determined to be "16R (substantially 13R)V scheduled passing jackpot", and the special figure stop symbol is determined to be "jackpot symbol 4". If the jackpot type random number value is "68 to 127", the jackpot type is determined to be "16R (substantially 13R)V non-scheduled passing jackpot", and the special figure stop symbol is determined to be "jackpot symbol 5". On the other hand, when winning in the lottery of the second special symbol (special figure 2), if the jackpot type random number value is "0 to 82", the jackpot type is determined to be "16RV scheduled passing jackpot", and the stop symbol of the special figure 2 (special figure stop symbol) is determined to be "jackpot symbol 1". If the jackpot type random number value is "83 to 127", the jackpot type is determined to be "16R (substantially 13R)V non-scheduled passing jackpot", and the special figure stop symbol is determined to be "jackpot symbol 5". By referring to the jackpot type determination table T5, the "special figure stop symbol data" corresponding to the special figure stop symbol, the "opening (OP) command", the "round designation command", and the "ending (ED) command" of the special game can also be specified. The specific contents of "16RV scheduled passing jackpot", "16R (substantially 15R)V scheduled passing jackpot", "16R (substantially 13R)V scheduled passing jackpot", and "16R (substantially 13R)V non-scheduled passing jackpot" will be described later.

[0081] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the variation pattern determination table T6 in the non-time-saving state. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the variation pattern determination table T6 in the time-saving state. The variation pattern determination table T6 is a table referred to by the game control microcomputer 81 to determine the variation pattern according to the acquired variation pattern random number value (0 to 127) in the main control main process (described later). In FIG. 10, for example, when winning at the first start port 20 in the non-time-saving state, being determined as "loss" in the big win determination table T1, being determined as "with reach" in the reach determination table T2, the number of held balls being "1 to 2", and the variation pattern random number value being "0 to 60", it is shown that the variation pattern is determined as "P7". In FIG. 11, for example, when winning at the second start port 21 in the time-saving state, being determined as "big win" in the big win determination table T1, being determined as "big win with 16RV passing scheduled" in the big win type determination table T5, and the variation pattern random number value being "0 to 10", it is shown that the variation pattern is determined as "P61". As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, when the variation pattern is determined, the variation time is also determined. Also, when a reach occurs, it is determined whether the reach is a normal reach or a super reach (SP reach). A super reach is a reach effect in which the variation time after the reach is longer than that of a normal reach. Here, five types of super reaches (SP1, SP2, SP3, SP4, SP5) with different variation times are set. In SP1 to SP3, they are executed developmentally through a normal reach. The difference between SP1 to SP5 may be, for example, the presence or absence of pseudo-consecutive.

[0082] FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the electric chute opening pattern determination table T7. The electric chute opening pattern determination table T7 is a table referred to by the game control microcomputer 81 in the main control main process (described later) to determine the opening pattern of the electric chute 22 according to the game state (non-time-limited state or time-limited state). In FIG. 12(A), when in the "non-time-limited state", the opening pattern of the electric chute 22 is determined to be "opening pattern 11", and when in the "time-limited state", the opening pattern is determined to be "opening pattern 12". FIG. 12(B) shows the contents of opening pattern 11 and opening pattern 12. In opening pattern 11, the electric chute 22 is opened once with an opening time of 0.2 seconds. In opening pattern 12, the electric chute 22 is opened three times, with an opening time of 2.0 seconds per time and an interval (opening interval) of 1.0 second. However, the opening of this electric chute 22 is closed even if there is remaining opening time when there is a winning of a predetermined number of game balls (specified winning number, maximum 10).

[0083] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a big winning opening pattern determination table T8. The big winning opening pattern determination table T8 is a table referred to by a game control microcomputer 81 in main control main processing (described later) to determine the opening patterns of the first big winning opening 30 and the second big winning opening 35 according to special figure stop symbol data (FIG. 9). In FIG. 13(A), when the special figure stop symbol data is "11H", "12H", or "21H", the opening patterns of the first big winning opening 30 and the second big winning opening 35 are determined to be "opening pattern 21", and when the special figure stop symbol data is "14H", "15H", "22H", the opening pattern is determined to be "opening pattern 22", and when the special figure stop symbol data is "13H", the opening pattern is determined to be "opening pattern 23". FIG. 13(B) shows the contents of opening pattern 21, opening pattern 22, and opening pattern 23. In opening pattern 21, at positions 1 to 13 and 15R, the first big winning opening 30 is opened (long opening) once with an opening time of 29.5 seconds, and at positions 14 and 16R, the second big winning opening 35 is opened (long opening) once with an opening time of 29.5 seconds. In opening pattern 22, at positions 1 to 13R, the first big winning opening 30 is opened (long opening) once with an opening time of 29.5 seconds, at positions 14 and 16R, the second big winning opening 35 is opened (short opening) once with an opening time of 0.1 second, and at position 15R, the first big winning opening 30 is opened (short opening) once with an opening time of 0.1 second. In opening pattern 23, at positions 1 to 13 and 15R, the first big winning opening 30 is opened (long opening) once with an opening time of 29.5 seconds, at position 14R, the second big winning opening 35 is opened (short opening) once with an opening time of 0.1 second, and at position 16R, the second big winning opening 35 is opened (long opening) once with an opening time of 29.5 seconds. However, the openings of the first big winning opening 30 and the second big winning opening 35 are closed even if there is remaining opening time when there are winnings of a predetermined number of game balls (the specified winning number, maximum 9).

[0084] FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the V-opening member opening pattern determination table T9. The V-opening member opening pattern determination table T9 is a table referred to by the game control microcomputer 81 in the main control main process (described later) to determine the opening pattern of the V-opening member 71 according to the special figure stop symbol data (FIG. 9). In FIG. 14(A), when the special figure stop symbol data is "11H", "12H", or "21H", the opening pattern of the V-opening member 71 is determined to be "opening pattern 31". When the special figure stop symbol data is "13H", the opening pattern is determined to be "opening pattern 32". When the special figure stop symbol data is "14H", the opening pattern is determined to be "opening pattern 33". When the special figure stop symbol data is "15H" or "22H", it is shown that the opening pattern is determined to be "opening pattern 34". FIG. 14(B) shows the contents of opening pattern 31, opening pattern 32, opening pattern 33, and opening pattern 34. In opening pattern 31, at the 2nd, 4th, 6th, and 8th R positions, when the first winning occurs at the first large winning opening 30, a short opening of the V-opening member 71 with an opening time of 0.1 second is performed. At the 10th and 12th R positions, when the first winning occurs at the first large winning opening 30, a short opening of the V-opening member 71 with an opening time of 0.1 second is performed, and when the second winning occurs, a long opening of the V-opening member 71 with a maximum opening time of 31.5 seconds is performed. In opening pattern 32, at the 2nd, 4th, 6th, and 12th R positions, when the first winning occurs at the first large winning opening 30, a short opening of the V-opening member 71 with an opening time of 0.1 second is performed. At the 8th and 10th R positions, when the first winning occurs at the first large winning opening 30, a short opening of the V-opening member 71 with an opening time of 0.1 second is performed, and when the second winning occurs, a long opening of the V-opening member 71 with a maximum opening time of 31.5 seconds is performed. In opening pattern 33, at the 2nd and 6th R positions, when the first winning occurs at the first large winning opening 30, a short opening of the V-opening member 71 with an opening time of 0.1 second is performed, and when the second winning occurs, a long opening of the V-opening member 71 with a maximum opening time of 31.5 seconds is performed. At the 4th, 8th, 10th, and 12th R positions, when the first winning occurs at the first large winning opening 30, a short opening of the V-opening member 71 with an opening time of 0.1 second is performed.In the open pattern 34, when there is a first winning at the first big winning opening 30 at the 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 10th, and 12th reels, a short opening of the V opening / closing member 71 with an opening time of 0.1 second is performed.

[0085] 4. Explanation of Jackpots etc. In the gaming machine 1, there are "jackpots" and "loses" as the results of jackpot lotteries (special symbol lotteries). In the case of a "jackpot", a "jackpot symbol" is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display 41. When it is a "lose", a "losing symbol" is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display 41. When winning a jackpot, a "jackpot game" is executed to open the big winning openings (the first big winning opening 30 and the second big winning opening 35) in an opening pattern corresponding to the type of the stopped and displayed special symbol (the type of jackpot). The jackpot game is an example of a special game. The jackpot game includes a plurality of rounds of round games (unit opening games), an opening (OP) before the first round game starts, and an ending (ED) after the last round game ends. Each round game starts by the end of the opening or the end of the previous round game and ends by the start of the next round game. The closing time (interval time) of the big winning openings between round games is included in the opening round game before the closing.

[0086] There are multiple types of big wins. The types of big wins are as shown in FIG. 9. Here, the types of big wins are roughly divided into two types: "big win with V passing scheduled" and "big win with V not passing scheduled". The "big win with V passing scheduled" is a big win that operates the opening / closing member 32, the opening / closing member 37, and the V opening / closing member 71 with an opening pattern (V passing scheduled opening pattern) that allows the game ball to pass through to the V area 39 during the big win game. Here, the big wins where the special figure stop symbol data is 11H to 14H, 21H correspond to the "big win with V passing scheduled (certain change big win)". When the combination of the opening pattern of the opening / closing member 32 and the opening / closing member 37 shown in FIG. 13 and the opening pattern of the V opening / closing member 71 shown in FIG. 14 is (opening pattern 21: opening pattern 31), (opening pattern 22: opening pattern 33), or (opening pattern 23: opening pattern 32), the game ball can pass through to the V area 39 during the big win game. The "big win with V not passing scheduled (normal big win)" is a big win that operates the opening / closing member 32, the opening / closing member 37, and the V opening / closing member 71 with an opening pattern (V not passing scheduled opening pattern) that does not allow the game ball to pass through to the V area 39 during the big win game. Here, the big wins where the special figure stop symbol data is 15H, 22H correspond to the "big win with V not passing scheduled". When the combination of the opening pattern of the opening / closing member 32 and the opening / closing member 37 shown in FIG. 13 and the opening pattern of the V opening / closing member 71 shown in FIG. 14 is (opening pattern 22: opening pattern 34), the game ball cannot pass through to the V area 39 during the big win game. As described above, the opening pattern 22 of the opening / closing member 32 and the opening / closing member 37 serves both as the V passing scheduled opening pattern and the V not passing scheduled opening pattern.

[0087] "V-pass scheduled jackpot" includes "16R V-pass scheduled jackpot", "16R (substantially 13R) V-pass scheduled jackpot", and "16R (substantially 15R) V-pass scheduled jackpot". In the "16R V-pass scheduled jackpot", the substantial total number of rounds is 16R. From 1R to 13R and 15R, the first major winning opening 30 is opened for a maximum of 29.5 seconds per round. 14R and 16R open the second major winning opening 35 for a maximum of 29.5 seconds per round (Figure 13: Opening pattern 21). In 10R and 12R, the V-opening / closing member 71 is long-opened (Figure 14: Opening pattern 31), and it is easy to pass through to the V area 39 in the first major winning opening 30.

[0088] In the "16R (substantially 13R) V-pass scheduled jackpot", although the total number of rounds is 16R, the substantial total number of rounds is 13R. That is, from 1R to 13R, the first major winning opening 30 is opened for a maximum of 29.5 seconds per round, but in 15R, the first major winning opening 30 is only opened for 0.1 seconds per round, and in 14R and 16R, the second major winning opening 35 is also only opened for 0.1 seconds per round (Figure 13: Opening pattern 22). Therefore, in this "16R (substantially 13R) V-pass scheduled jackpot", from 14R to 16R, the opening time of the major winning opening is extremely short, and these rounds are rounds where winning balls cannot be expected. That is, the "16R (substantially 13R) V-pass scheduled jackpot" is a jackpot equivalent to a substantial 13R. In 2R and 6R, the V-opening / closing member 71 is long-opened (Figure 14: Opening pattern 33), and it is easy to pass through to the V area 39 in the first major winning opening 30.

[0089] "16R (substantially 15R) V-pass expected jackpot" means that although the total number of rounds is 16R, the actual total number of rounds is 15R. That is, from 1R to 13R and 15R, the first big winning opening 30 is opened for a maximum of 29.5 seconds per round, and in 16R, the second big winning opening 35 is opened for a maximum of 29.5 seconds per round, but in 14R, the second big winning opening 35 is opened for only 0.1 second per round (Figure 13: opening pattern 23). Therefore, in this "16R (substantially 15R) V-pass expected jackpot", 14R has a very short opening time of the big winning opening and is a round where winning balls are not expected. That is, "16R (substantially 15R) V-pass expected jackpot" is a jackpot of substantially 15R. In 8R and 10R, the V opening / closing member 71 is opened for a long time (Figure 14: opening pattern 32), and it is easy for the ball to pass into the V area 39 in the first big winning opening 30.

[0090] "V-non-pass expected jackpot" means that although the total number of rounds is 16R, it is the "16R (substantially 13R) V-non-pass expected jackpot" with an opening pattern 22 where the actual total number of rounds is 13. That is, from 1R to 13R, the first big winning opening 30 is opened for a maximum of 29.5 seconds per round, but in 15R, the first big winning opening 30 is opened for only 0.1 second per round, and in 14R and 16R, the second big winning opening 35 is also opened for only 0.1 second per round (Figure 13: opening pattern 22). Therefore, in this "16R (substantially 13R) V-non-pass expected jackpot", from 14R to 16R, the opening time of the big winning opening is very short and is a round where winning balls are not expected. That is, "16R (substantially 13R) V-non-pass expected jackpot" is a jackpot of substantially 13R. In 2R, 4R, 6R, 8R, 10R, and 12R, although the V opening / closing member 71 is opened, the opening is a short opening (Figure 14: opening pattern 34), and it is almost impossible for the game balls to pass into the V area 39 in the first big winning opening 30.

[0091] As is clear from the above description, the "16R (substantially 13R) V non-pass scheduled jackpot" and the "16R (substantially 13R) V pass scheduled jackpot" have the same opening pattern for the first major winning port 30 and the second major winning port 35 (opening and closing members 32 and 37) (opening pattern 22), and only the opening pattern of the V opening and closing member 71 is different (opening pattern 34 and opening pattern 33). As will be described later, after the jackpot game ends, a time-saving game (100 times in this example) is to be carried out for both the "16R (substantially 13R) V non-pass scheduled jackpot" and the "16R (substantially 13R) V pass scheduled jackpot". That is, in the "16R (substantially 13R) V non-pass scheduled jackpot", it is almost impossible for the game ball to pass through the V area 39 in the first major winning port 30, and the game state after the jackpot becomes a low-probability time-saving state (low-probability high-base state). On the other hand, in the "16R (substantially 13R) V pass scheduled jackpot", it is easily possible for the game ball to pass through the V area 39 in the first major winning port 30, and the game state after the jackpot becomes a high-probability time-saving state (high-probability high-base state). For this reason, it becomes difficult for the player to distinguish between the "16R (substantially 13R) V non-pass scheduled jackpot" and the "16R (substantially 13R) V pass scheduled jackpot", and it becomes difficult to determine whether the game state after the jackpot will be a low-probability time-saving state (low-probability high-base state) or a high-probability time-saving state (high-probability high-base state). Also, after the time-saving game ends, in the case of the "16R (substantially 13R) V non-pass scheduled jackpot", the game state becomes a low-probability low-base state (normal state), and in the case of the "16R (substantially 13R) V pass scheduled jackpot", the game state becomes a high-probability low-base state that appears to be the normal state. That is, in the case of the "16R (substantially 13R) V pass scheduled jackpot", when the game ball passes through the V area 39 in the first major winning port 30, when the time-saving state after the jackpot game ends, the game state becomes a state where, although it is a high-probability low-base state, there is a latent high-probability state (latent probability change state), and this latent probability change state is difficult for the player to distinguish.That is, "16R (substantially 13R) V non-pass scheduled big win", "16R (substantially 13R) V pass scheduled big win", the low-probability short state (low-probability high-base state) after the big win game of "16R (substantially 13R) V non-pass scheduled big win" and the high-probability short state (high-probability high-base state) after the big win game of "16R (substantially 13R) V pass scheduled big win", and the low-probability low-base state after the end of the short time of "16R (substantially 13R) V non-pass scheduled big win" and the high-probability low-base state after the end of the short time of "16R (substantially 13R) V pass scheduled big win" are carried out in a manner that is difficult for the player to distinguish.

[0092] Also, as shown in FIG. 9, the big win allocation rate in the lottery of the first special symbol (special figure 1) is such that the V pass scheduled big win is 68 / 128 (about 53%) and the V non-pass scheduled big win is 60 / 128 (about 47%). In contrast, the big win allocation rate in the lottery of the second special symbol (special figure 2) is such that the V pass scheduled big win is 83 / 128 (about 64.8%) and the V non-pass scheduled big win is 45 / 128 (about 35.2%). Thus, in the gaming machine 1, the big win lottery (lottery of the second special symbol) in which the game ball wins in the second start port 21 is set to be more advantageous to the player than the big win lottery (lottery of the first special symbol) in which the game ball wins in the first start port 20.

[0093] 5. Explanation of the gaming state The gaming state of the gaming machine 1 will be described. The game control microcomputer 81 can execute "probability variation control" and "variation time shortening control" for the special symbols displayed on the special symbol display 41 and the normal symbols displayed on the normal symbol display 42, respectively. Here, the state in which the game control microcomputer 81 performs probability variation control on the special symbols of the special symbol display 41 is called the "high probability state (high prob. state, probability variation state, prob. var. state)", and the state in which probability variation control is not performed is simply called the "normal probability state (non-high prob. state, low prob. state, normal state)". As probability variation control of the special symbols, the game control microcomputer 81 performs a jackpot determination using a jackpot determination table (Fig. 8(A)) in which the number of jackpot random values determined as a jackpot is larger in the high probability state than in the normal probability state, thereby realizing the high probability state. Therefore, the probability of a jackpot is higher in the high probability state than in the normal probability state. That is, when the game control microcomputer 81 executes probability variation control on the special symbols of the special symbol display 41, the probability that the display result (stopped symbol) of the variable display of the special symbols by the special symbol display 41 becomes a jackpot symbol is higher than when probability variation control is not executed.

[0094] In addition, the state in which the game control microcomputer 81 performs variable time shortening control on the special symbol of the special symbol display 41 is referred to as the "time shortening state", and the state in which the variable time shortening control is not performed is simply referred to as the "non-time shortening state". In the time shortening state, the variable time of the special symbol (the time from the start of variable display to the derived display of the display result) is shorter than that in the non-time shortening state. The game control microcomputer 81 determines the variable pattern using the variable pattern determination table T6 (Figs. 10 and 11) defined such that a variable pattern with a shorter variable time is selected more frequently in the time shortening state than in the non-time shortening state. That is, when the game control microcomputer 81 performs variable time shortening control on the special symbol of the special symbol display 41, a shorter variable time is more likely to be selected as the variable time of the variable display of the special symbol than when the variable time shortening control is not performed. As a result, in the time shortening state, the pace of consuming the special symbol hold increases, and a valid winning (a winning that can be stored as a special symbol hold) at the start port is likely to occur. Thereby, it is possible to aim for a big win under smooth progress of the game. Note that the game control microcomputer 81 may perform probability variation control and variable time shortening control on the special symbol of the special symbol display 41 simultaneously, or may perform only one of them.

[0095] The game control microcomputer 81 executes the probability variation control and the variation time shortening control for the normal symbols of the normal symbol display 42 in synchronization with the variation time shortening control for the special symbols of the special symbol display 41. That is, the game control microcomputer 81 executes the probability variation control and the variation time shortening control for the normal symbols in the time shortening state, and does not execute them in the non-time shortening state. As the probability variation control for the normal symbols, the game control microcomputer 81 uses the normal symbol winning determination table T3 (Fig. 8(C)) in which the number of normal symbol random values (winning random values) determined as winning is larger in the time shortening state than in the non-time shortening state to perform the winning determination (determination of normal symbols). Therefore, in the time shortening state, the winning probability becomes higher than that in the normal symbol normal probability state. That is, when the game control microcomputer 81 executes the probability variation control for the normal symbols of the normal symbol display 42, the probability that the display result (stopped symbol) of the variable display of the normal symbols by the normal symbol display 42 becomes a winning symbol is higher than when the probability variation control is not executed. In the time shortening state, the variation time of the normal symbols is shorter than that in the non-time shortening state. Here, the variation time of the normal symbols is 30 seconds in the non-time shortening state, but 1 second in the time shortening state (Fig. 8(D)). Furthermore, in the time shortening state, the opening time of the electric chute 22 in the auxiliary game is longer than that in the non-time shortening state (Fig. 12). That is, the game control microcomputer 81 executes the opening time extension control for the electric chute 22. In addition, in the time shortening state, the number of opening times of the electric chute 22 in the auxiliary game is larger than that in the non-time shortening state (Fig. 12). That is, the game control microcomputer 81 executes the opening times increase control for the electric chute 22. In the situation where the game control microcomputer 81 executes the probability variation control and the variation time shortening control for the normal symbols of the normal symbol display 42, and the opening time extension control and the opening times increase control for the electric chute 22, compared with the case where these controls are not executed, the electric chute 22 is frequently opened, and the game balls frequently win the second start port 21. As a result, the base, which is the ratio of the number of winning balls to the number of launched balls, becomes higher. Therefore, the state in which these controls are executed is called the "high base state", and the state in which they are not executed is called the "low base state". In the high base state, it is possible to aim for a big win without significantly reducing the number of game balls in hand.Note that the high-base state is a state in which so-called electric assist control (control to support winning at the second start port 21 by the electric chute 22) is being executed. The high-base state (electric assist control state) does not necessarily need to execute all of the above controls. That is, by executing one or more of the probability variation control for the normal symbol of the normal symbol display 42, the variation time shortening control for the normal symbol of the normal symbol display 42, the opening time extension control for the electric chute 22, and the opening times increase control for the electric chute 22, it is sufficient that the electric chute 22 is more likely to be opened than when that control is not being executed. Also, the high-base state (electric assist control state) may be controlled independently without being accompanied by the time shortening state.

[0096] In the gaming machine 1, the gaming state after a jackpot game due to winning a jackpot with a scheduled V-pass is, if the V area 39 has been passed during the jackpot game, a high-probability state, a time-saving state, and a high-base state. This gaming state is particularly referred to as the "high-probability high-base state" or the "high-probability time-saving state". Specifically, the jackpots for which the gaming state after the jackpot game becomes the high-probability high-base state are, among the jackpot types shown in FIG. 9, the "16RV scheduled-pass jackpot", the "16R (substantially 15R) V scheduled-pass jackpot", and the "16R (substantially 13R) V scheduled-pass jackpot". For the "16RV scheduled-pass jackpot" and the "16R (substantially 15R) V scheduled-pass jackpot", the high-probability high-base state ends when winning the next jackpot (the next jackpot) and executing the jackpot game. For the "16R (substantially 13R) V scheduled-pass jackpot", the high-probability high-base state becomes a high-probability low-base state (latent probability change state) after a predetermined number of times (here, 100 times) of variable display of special symbols are executed after the jackpot game, or ends when winning the next jackpot (the next jackpot) and executing the jackpot game. Also, the gaming state after a jackpot game due to winning a jackpot with a non-scheduled V-pass is, if the V area 39 has not been passed during the jackpot game (almost never happens), a normal-probability state (non-high-probability state, i.e., a low-probability state), a time-saving state, and a high-base state. This gaming state is particularly referred to as the "low-probability high-base state" or the "low-probability time-saving state". Specifically, the jackpot for which the gaming state after the jackpot game becomes the low-probability high-base state is, among the jackpot types shown in FIG. 9, the "16R (substantially 13R) V non-scheduled-pass jackpot". In this jackpot, the low-probability high-base state ends when a predetermined number of times (here, 100 times) of variable display of special symbols are executed after the jackpot game, or when winning the next jackpot (the next jackpot) and executing the jackpot game. When starting to play the gaming machine 1 for the first time, the gaming state after power-on is a normal-probability state, a non-time-saving state, and a low-base state (non-power support control state). This gaming state is particularly referred to as the "low-probability low-base state". The low-probability low-base state may also be referred to as the "normal gaming state" or the "low-probability non-time-saving state (simply referred to as the non-time-saving state)".In addition, the state during the execution of a special game (big win game) may also be referred to as the "special game state (big win game state)". Furthermore, the state controlled to be at least one of the high probability state and the high base state may also be referred to as the "specific game state".

[0097] In high base states such as the high probability high base state and the low probability high base state, it is more advantageous to make the game balls enter the right game area 3B (Fig. 1) by hitting the ball to the right to progress the game. This is because, under the electric assist control, the electric chute 22 is more likely to be opened compared to the low base state, and it is easier to win at the second start port 21 than to win at the first start port 20. Therefore, in the high base state, while passing the game balls through the gate 28 which is the trigger for the normal symbol lottery, a right hit is performed to make the game balls win at the second start port 21. By doing this, more start wins (wins at the start ports) can be obtained compared to hitting the ball to the left. Note that in the gaming machine 1, the game is also played by hitting the ball to the right even during the big win game. On the other hand, in the low base state, it is more advantageous to make the game balls enter the left game area 3A (Fig. 1) by hitting the ball to the left to progress the game. This is because the electric assist control is not executed, so the electric chute 22 is less likely to be opened compared to the high base state, and it is easier to win at the first start port 20 than to win at the second start port 21. Therefore, in the low base state, a left hit is performed to make the game balls win at the first start port 20. By doing this, more start wins can be obtained compared to hitting the ball to the right.

[0098] 6. Operations of the game control microcomputer 81 Based on Figs. 15 to 34, the operations of the game control microcomputer 81 provided on the main control board 80 (Fig. 3) will be described. The counters, flags, statuses, buffers, etc. that appear in the description of the operations of the game control microcomputer 81 are provided in the main RAM 84. The game control microcomputer 81 corresponds to the success / failure determination means (Fig. 23) and the success / failure pre-determination means (Figs. 18 and 19).

[0099] [Main control main process] FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the main control main process. When the power of the gaming machine 1 is turned on, the game control microcomputer 81 reads out a program for executing the main control main process from the main ROM 83. In the main control main process, the game control microcomputer 81 first performs initial settings (step S001). In the initial settings, for example, settings of the main CPU 82, reset of various flags, statuses, counters, etc. are performed. The initial value of the flag is that the ceiling flag is "1", that is, "ON", and the initial values of the other flags are "0", that is, "OFF". The initial value of the status is "1". The initial value of the counter is that the ceiling counter is "500", and the other counters are "0". Also, in the initial settings, the timeout time of the watchdog timer (WDT) 89b is set. In this embodiment, 32.8 milliseconds (ms) is set as the timeout time of the watchdog timer (WDT) 89b. When the game control microcomputer 81 sets the timeout time of the watchdog timer (WDT) 89b, it starts the watchdog timer (WDT) 89b. Note that the initial settings are executed only once after the power is turned on and are not executed thereafter.

[0100] After the initial settings, the game control microcomputer 81 performs power-on processing (step S006). In the power-on processing, it is determined whether to perform RAM clear or power-off recovery, and corresponding processing is performed for each. Details will be described later in the power-on processing.

[0101] After the power-on processing, the game control microcomputer 81 prohibits interrupts of the interrupt processing (step S002) and performs frame control reception processing (step S003a). In the frame control reception processing, various information and various commands from the payout control board 110 are received. After the frame control reception processing, the game control microcomputer 81 performs external - remaining processing (step S003b). In the external - remaining processing, initialization of a predetermined area in the main RAM 84 is performed.

[0102] After the external-remainder process, the game control microcomputer 81 permits the interruption of the interruption process (step S004). While the interruption is permitted, the execution of the main-side timer interruption process (step S005) becomes possible. The main-side timer interruption process is executed based on interruption pulses repeatedly input to the main CPU 82 at a predetermined period (for example, a 4 msec period). That is, the main-side timer interruption process is executed at a predetermined period (in this embodiment, it is executed every 4 milliseconds (ms)). When an interruption pulse is input to the main CPU 82 while the interruption is prohibited, the main-side timer interruption process is not immediately started and is started after the interruption is permitted.

[0103] [Main-side timer interruption process] FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the main-side timer interruption process (FIG. 15: step S005). In the main-side timer interruption process, the game control microcomputer 81 first performs a random number update process (step S101). Specifically, the game control microcomputer 81 updates various random number counter values shown in FIG. 7(A). This random number update process is the same as the normal symbol and special symbol main random number update process performed in the main control main process (FIG. 15) described above. That is, the update process of various random number counter values is performed in both the execution period of the main-side timer interruption process and the other period (the period after the end of the main-side timer interruption process until the next main-side timer interruption process is started).

[0104] After the random number update process, the game control microcomputer 81 performs an input process (step S102). In the input process, the game control microcomputer 81 reads detection signals detected by various sensors attached to the gaming machine 1 and sets payout data for paying out prize balls according to the type of winning opening in the output buffer of the main RAM 84. The various sensors are, for example, the first start opening sensor 20a, the second start opening sensor 21a, the first large winning opening sensor 30a, the second large winning opening sensor 35a, the normal winning opening sensor 27a, and the normal winning opening sensor 29a (FIG. 3).

[0105] After the input process, the game control microcomputer 81 performs a process related to the complete function (step S102a). In this process, a process of obtaining the so-called "difference ball count" obtained by subtracting the "safe ball" from the "out ball" (the "difference ball count" = "out ball" - "safe ball")) is performed, and the previously obtained "difference ball count" and the currently obtained "difference ball count" are compared, and the smaller "difference ball count" is updated as the minimum value of the "difference ball count". Then, a determination is made as to whether the difference between the "difference ball count" and the minimum value of the "difference ball count" has reached a predetermined upper limit value (a predetermined upper limit number of balls, in this embodiment, "95000"). When the difference between the "difference ball count" and the minimum value of the "difference ball count" has reached the predetermined upper limit value (predetermined upper limit number of balls), it is determined that "the game stop condition is satisfied", and the game state is shifted to the game stop state. After performing the launch stop process, the process proceeds to step S108. On the other hand, when the difference between the "difference ball count" and the minimum value of the "difference ball count" has not reached the predetermined upper limit value (predetermined upper limit number of balls), it is determined that "the game stop condition is not satisfied", and the game state is not shifted to the game stop state, and the process proceeds to step S103.

[0106] When shifting to step S103, the game control microcomputer 81 executes a start port sensor detection process, and then sequentially executes a normal operation process (step S104), a special operation process (step S105), a V region sensor detection process (step S106), and a reserved ball number process (step S107). Details of these processes will be described later. After the reserved ball number process, the game control microcomputer 81 performs a display control process (step S107a). In the display control process, display output data for various displays in the display devices 40 of FIG. 2 is created. After the display control process, the game control microcomputer 81 performs an output process (step S108). In the output process, the game control microcomputer 81 outputs the display output data created in the display control process to the display devices 40 (output in a serial manner), and outputs data for operating each solenoid (output in a parallel manner) when operating each solenoid. In this embodiment, when the game control microcomputer 81 sets in the command set area 84a of the main RAM 84 in each of the above processes, it appropriately outputs commands and the like to the sub-control board 90, but commands and the like may be output collectively in the output process. After the output process, the game control microcomputer 81 performs other processes (step S109). Other processes include, for example, frame communication control processes, ball feeding setting processes, and the like.

[0107] After other processes, the game control microcomputer 81 performs error monitoring processing (step S110). Details will be described later in the error monitoring processing. After the error monitoring processing, the game control microcomputer 81 performs power-off monitoring processing (step S111). Details will be described later in the power-off monitoring processing. After the power-off monitoring processing, the game control microcomputer 81 clears and restarts the watchdog timer (WDT) 89b (step S112) and ends this process. The watchdog timer (WDT) 89b can be cleared and restarted by writing a predetermined value (55H (where "H" indicates that the value is in hexadecimal)) to the command register of the watchdog timer (WDT) 89b. As a result, the timeout time is reset and restarted. In this embodiment, 32.8 milliseconds (ms) is set as the timeout time, and since the main-side timer interrupt processing, which is this process, is repeated every 4 milliseconds (ms), if the watchdog timer (WDT) 89b is not cleared and restarted in the main-side timer interrupt processing, which is this process, for 8 consecutive times after the watchdog timer (WDT) 89b is cleared and restarted, the watchdog timer (WDT) 89b will reset the game control microcomputer 81. After the reset, the game control microcomputer 81 will restart.

[0108] [Start Port Sensor Detection Processing] FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the start port sensor detection process (FIG. 16: step S103). The game control microcomputer 81 first determines whether a game ball has passed through the gate 28 (step S201). This determination is made based on whether the game ball is detected by the gate sensor 28a. If the game ball has not passed through the gate 28 (step S201: NO), the process skips to step S205. If the game ball has passed through the gate 28 (step S201: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the number of normal symbol hold balls is "4 (upper limit)" (step S202). The number of normal symbol hold balls is the number of normal symbol holds. More specifically, it is the value of a counter that counts the number of normal symbol holds provided in the main RAM 84. If the number of normal symbol hold balls is "4" (step S202: YES), the process skips to step S205. If the number of normal symbol hold balls is "3" or less (step S202: NO), after adding "1" to the number of normal symbol hold balls (step S203), a normal symbol random number acquisition process is performed (step S204). Here, the game control microcomputer 81 latches the random number circuit for normal symbol per random number in the random number circuit 89a, and acquires a random number value (normal symbol random number) (FIG. 7: value of label - TRND - H) for determining the success or failure of normal symbol lottery from the RLF2 soft latch random number value register, and stores the acquired random number value in the memory area corresponding to the current number of normal symbol hold balls among the first to fourth memory areas of the normal symbol hold storage area 86 in the main RAM 84.

[0109] In step S205, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether a game ball has won a prize at the second start port 21. This determination is made based on whether a game ball is detected by the second start port sensor 21a. If no game ball has won a prize at the second start port 21 (step S205: NO), the process skips to step S210. If a game ball has won a prize (step S205: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the number of reserved balls in the second special figure is "4 (upper limit value)" (step S206). The number of reserved balls in the second special figure is the number of reserved balls in the second special figure. More specifically, it is the value of a counter that counts the number of reserved balls in the second special figure provided in the main RAM 84. If the number of reserved balls in the second special figure is "4" (step S206: YES), the process skips to step S210. If the number of reserved balls in the second special figure is "3" or less (step S206: NO), after adding "1" to the number of reserved balls in the second special figure (step S207), a random number acquisition process related to the second special figure is performed (step S208). Here, for example, the random number circuit for the big win random number in the random number circuit 89a is latched, and the corresponding random number circuits in the random number circuit 89a are latched so as to obtain a random number value for big win determination (big win random number value) (Figure 7: value of label - TRND - A), a random number value for determining the type of big win (big win type random number value) (Figure 7: value of label - TRND - AS), a random number value for determining the presence or absence of a reach (reach random number value) (Figure 7: value of label - TRND - RC), and a random number value for determining the variation pattern (variation pattern random number value) (Figure 7: value of label - TRND - T1) from the soft latch random number value register. The game control microcomputer 81 stores the acquired group of random number values in the storage area corresponding to the current number of reserved balls in the second special figure among the first to fourth storage areas of the second special figure reserved storage area 85b. The game control microcomputer 81 also temporarily stores (holds) the acquired group of random number values in a buffer (pre - determination buffer) different from the second special figure reserved storage area 85b for the later - described second special figure pre - determination process (Figure 18). After the random number acquisition process related to the second special figure, the game control microcomputer 81 performs the second special figure pre - determination process (step S209). Details of the second special figure pre - determination process will be described later.

[0110] In step S210, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether a game ball has won a prize at the first start port 20. This determination is made based on whether a game ball is detected by the first start port sensor 20a. If no game ball has won a prize at the first start port 20 (step S210: NO), this process ends. If a game ball has won a prize at the first start port 20 (step S210: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the number of reserved balls in Special Figure 1 is "4 (upper limit value)" (step S211). The number of reserved balls in Special Figure 1 is the number of reserved balls in the first special figure. More specifically, it is the value of a counter that counts the number of reserved balls in the first special figure provided in the main RAM 84. If the number of reserved balls in Special Figure 1 is "4" (step S211: YES), this process ends. If the number of reserved balls in Special Figure 1 is "3" or less (step S211: NO), after adding "1" to the number of reserved balls in Special Figure 1 (step S212), a random number acquisition process related to Special Figure 1 is performed (step S213). Here, similar to the above-described random number acquisition process related to Special Figure 2 (step S208), a random number value for jackpot determination, a random number value for jackpot type determination, a random number value for determining the presence or absence of a reach, and a random number value for variation pattern determination are acquired. The game control microcomputer 81 stores the acquired group of random number values in the memory area corresponding to the current number of reserved balls in Special Figure 1 among the first to fourth memory areas of the first special figure reserved memory area 85a. The game control microcomputer 81 also temporarily stores (holds) the acquired group of random number values in a buffer (preliminary determination buffer) different from the first special figure reserved memory area 85a for the subsequent Special Figure 1 preliminary determination process (Fig. 19). After the random number acquisition process related to Special Figure 1, the game control microcomputer 81 performs the Special Figure 1 preliminary determination process (step S214). Details of the Special Figure 1 preliminary determination process will be described later.

[0111] [Special Figure 2 Preliminary Determination Process] FIG. 18 is a flowchart of the special figure 2 pre-determination process (FIG. 17: step S209). The game control microcomputer 81 first determines whether the probability variation flag is ON (step S301). If the probability variation flag is OFF (step S301: NO), this process ends. That is, when the probability variation flag is OFF, the pre-determination is not performed. On the other hand, when the probability variation flag is ON, the game control microcomputer 81 refers to the high-probability state table in the jackpot determination table T1 (FIG. 8) to perform a jackpot pre-determination (step S302). Specifically, the game control microcomputer 81 first obtains the jackpot random number value as the determination value temporarily stored in the pre-determination buffer by the special figure 2 related random number acquisition process (FIG. 17: step S208). Next, the game control microcomputer 81 uses the reference jackpot determination table T1 (FIG. 8) and the jackpot random number value to perform a pre-determination of whether it is a jackpot. Here, since it is in the high-probability state (the probability variation flag is ON), the game control microcomputer 81 refers to the high-probability state table (jackpot determination value is "0" to "649") in the jackpot determination table T1 to pre-determine whether it is a jackpot. That is, when the jackpot random number value is "0" to "649", it is pre-determined as "jackpot", and when it is other values, it is pre-determined as "miss". In this embodiment, the pre-determination is performed using the jackpot determination table T1 used in the jackpot determination process (FIG. 23) described later. However, as another embodiment, the pre-determination may be performed using a jackpot determination table for pre-determination different from the jackpot determination table T1.

[0112] When the result of the jackpot pre-determination is "loss" (step S304: NO), the process skips to step S306. On the other hand, when the result of the jackpot pre-determination is "jackpot" (step S304: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 performs a jackpot type pre-determination (step S305). In the jackpot type pre-determination, the game control microcomputer 81 first obtains a jackpot type random number value as a determination value temporarily stored in the pre-determination buffer by the special drawing 2 related random number acquisition process (FIG. 17: step S208). Next, the game control microcomputer 81 performs a pre-determination of the jackpot type based on the obtained jackpot type random number value and the jackpot type determination table T5 (FIG. 9). Here, regardless of whether the jackpot type random number value is any of "0" to "127", it is pre-determined as a "16RV passing scheduled jackpot". In the present embodiment, the pre-determination is performed using the jackpot type determination table T5 used in the jackpot determination process (FIG. 23) described later. However, as another embodiment, the pre-determination may be performed using a jackpot type determination table for pre-determination different from the jackpot type determination table T5.

[0113] In step S306, the game control microcomputer 81 performs a variation pattern pre-judgment. Specifically, the game control microcomputer 81 first obtains the variation pattern random number value and the reach random number value as judgment values temporarily stored in the pre-judgment buffer by the special figure 2 related random number acquisition process (Figure 17: step S208). Next, here, since it is in the time shortening state (the time shortening flag is ON), the game control microcomputer 81 refers to the variation pattern judgment table T6 for the time shortening state (Figure 11), and determines the presence or absence of a reach obtained from the jackpot pre-judgment result in step S304, the reach random number value, and the variation pattern from the variation pattern random number value. Note that in the variation pattern judgment table T6 of Figure 11, the selected variation patterns may be different depending on the difference in the number of hold balls. Here, it is assumed that all possible variation patterns that may be selected depending on the difference in the number of hold balls are selected. For example, if a non-reach with a reach is pre-judged from the jackpot pre-judgment result and the reach presence / absence pre-judgment result, and the variation pattern random number value is "60", the game control microcomputer 81 selects two variation patterns, "P64" selected if the number of hold balls is "1 to 2" and "P68" selected if the number of hold balls is "3 to 4". Note that in this embodiment, the pre-judgment is performed using the variation pattern judgment table T6 used in the variation pattern selection process (Figures 24 and 25) described later. However, as another embodiment, the pre-judgment may be performed using a variation pattern judgment table for pre-judgment different from the variation pattern judgment table T6.

[0114] In step S307, the game control microcomputer 81 creates a pre-judgment command. The pre-judgment command includes the jackpot pre-judgment result, (in the case of a win, the jackpot type pre-judgment result), and the variation pattern pre-judgment result. The game control microcomputer 81 sets the created pre-judgment command in the command set area 84a of the main RAM 84 (step S308) and ends this process.

[0115] [Special Figure 1 Pre-Judgment Process] FIG. 19 is a flowchart of the pre-determination process (FIG. 17: step S214) of the special figure 1. The game control microcomputer 81 first determines whether or not the probability change flag is ON (step S401). Contrary to the above-described pre-determination process of the special figure 2, when the probability change flag is ON (step S401: YES), this process ends. That is, when the probability change flag is ON, the pre-determination is not performed. On the other hand, when the probability change flag is OFF (step S401: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 refers to the table for the normal probability state in the jackpot determination table T1 (FIG. 8) and performs a jackpot pre-determination (step S402). Specifically, the game control microcomputer 81 first obtains the jackpot random number value as the determination value temporarily stored in the pre-determination buffer by the special figure 1 related random number acquisition process (FIG. 17: step S213). Next, here, since it is in the normal probability state (the probability change flag is OFF), the game control microcomputer 81 pre-determines whether or not it is a jackpot based on the table for the normal probability state (the jackpot determination value is "0" to "164") in the jackpot determination table T1. That is, when the jackpot random number value is "0" to "164", it is pre-determined as "jackpot", and when it is other values, it is pre-determined as "loss". Note that the jackpot pre-determination may be performed using a jackpot determination table for pre-determination different from the jackpot determination table T1. Hereinafter, the processes of steps S404 to S408 are the same as those of steps S304 to S308 in the above-described pre-determination process of the special figure 2 (FIG. 18), and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0116] [Normal operation process] Figure 20 is a flowchart of normal operation processing (Figure 16: Step S104). The game control microcomputer 81 first determines whether the electric chewing gum 22 is operating (Step S501). If the electric chewing gum 22 is operating (Step S501: YES), the process proceeds to Step S520. If the electric chewing gum 22 is not operating (Step S501: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the normal symbol is changing (Step S502). If the normal symbol is changing (Step S502: YES), the process skips to Step S508. If the normal symbol is not changing (Step S502: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the number of hold balls for the normal symbol is "0" (Step S503). If the number of hold balls is "0" (Step S503: YES), this process ends. If the number of hold balls is 1 or more (Step S503: NO), the number of hold balls for the normal symbol is decremented by 1 (Step S504). Therefore, when a game ball passes through the gate 28 with the number of hold balls for the normal symbol being "0", in Step S203 of the start port sensor detection process (Figure 17), once the number of hold balls for the normal symbol becomes "1", and then in this Step S504, the hold is consumed and immediately the number of hold balls for the normal symbol becomes "0". This is the same for the number of hold balls for the special symbol. That is, in Step S207 and Step S212 of the start port sensor detection process (Figure 17), once the number of holds for the special symbol becomes "1", and then in Step S1404 and Step S1410 in the special symbol standby process (Figure 22) described later, the hold is consumed and the number of hold balls for the special symbol becomes "0". Next, the game control microcomputer 81 performs a hit determination by referring to the normal symbol hit determination table T3 (Figure 8(C)) (Step S505). Specifically, the game control microcomputer 81 first reads out the normal symbol random number value (hit random number value) as the determination value stored in the first storage area of the normal symbol hold memory area 86 (corresponding to the first of the normal symbol holds). Then, using the normal symbol random number value, the game state (whether it is in the time-saving state or not), and the normal symbol hit determination table T3, it determines whether it is a hit or not.For example, in the non-time-saving state, when the normal symbol random value is between "10256" and "10512", it is determined as a "win", and when the normal symbol random value is other than that, it is determined as a "loss" (see Fig. 8(C)).

[0117] Next, the game control microcomputer 81 selects a variation pattern by referring to the normal symbol variation pattern determination table T4 (Fig. 8(D)) (step S506). Specifically, the game control microcomputer 81 first determines the game state (whether it is the time-saving state or not), and uses the determination result of the game state and the normal symbol variation pattern determination table T4 to select the variation time of the normal symbol as the normal symbol variation pattern. Here, in the non-time-saving state, the variation time of the normal symbol is determined to be "30 seconds", and in the time-saving state, the variation time of the normal symbol is determined to be "1 second" (see Fig. 8(D)). The game control microcomputer 81 starts the variation display of the normal symbol by setting the selected normal symbol variation pattern (step S507).

[0118] In step S508, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not the variation time of the normal symbol has elapsed and ended. The variation time of the normal symbol is the variation time selected in step S506 (see FIG. 8(D)). If the variation time has not ended (step S508: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 ends this process. That is, the variation display of the normal symbol continues. On the other hand, if the variation time has ended (step S508: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 stops the variation display (step S509). If it is a "miss" in the above-mentioned winning determination (step S505) (step S510: NO), this process ends. On the other hand, if it is a "win" in the above-mentioned winning determination (step S510: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 sets the release pattern of the electric chew (step S511). The release pattern of the electric chew 22 is selected with reference to the electric chew release pattern determination table T7 (FIG. 12(A)). Specifically, the game control microcomputer 81 determines the game state (whether it is a time-saving state or not), and uses the determination result of the game state and the electric chew release pattern determination table T7 to select the release pattern of the electric chew 22. Here, when it is not in the time-saving state, "release pattern 11" is selected, and when it is in the time-saving state, "release pattern 12" is selected. After selecting the release pattern, the game control microcomputer 81 starts the electric chew operation according to the selected release pattern (step S512) and ends this process.

[0119] In the above step S501, when the electric chewing gum 22 is in operation (step S501: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the closing condition of the electric chewing gum 22 is satisfied (step S520). The closing condition here is that either the number of winning times for the electric chewing gum 22 has reached the specified maximum number of winning times (for example, 6 times), or the operating time of the electric chewing gum 22 has elapsed and it has reached the time to close the electric chewing gum 22. The operating time of the electric chewing gum 22 is the operating time corresponding to the opening pattern selected in step S511. When the closing condition of the electric chewing gum 22 is not satisfied (step S520: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 ends this process. On the other hand, when the closing condition of the electric chewing gum 22 is satisfied (step S520: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 closes (blocks) the electric chewing gum 22 to stop its operation (step S521) and ends this process.

[0120] [Special operation process] FIG. 21 is a flowchart of the special operation process (FIG. 16: step S105). Here, the processing related to the special symbol display 41 and the big winning devices (the first big winning device 31 and the second big winning device 36) is divided into four stages, and each stage is called "1", "2", "3", and "4" of the "special operation status", respectively. When the "special operation status" is "1" (step S1301: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 performs the special symbol standby process (step S1302). In the special symbol standby process, jackpot determination, variable pattern selection, etc. are executed. When the "special operation status" is "2" (step S1301: NO, step S1303: YES), the special symbol variation process is performed (step S1304). In the special symbol variation process, after the elapse of the variation time, the output of the variation stop command, etc. are executed. When the "special operation status" is "3" (step S1301, S1303: NO, step S1305: YES), the special symbol determination process is performed (step S1306). In the special symbol determination process, the output of the opening command, etc. are executed at the time of jackpot. When the "special operation status" is "4" (step S1301, S1303, S1305: NO), the special electric accessory process is performed (step S1308). In the special electric accessory process, the jackpot game is executed. The details of each of the above processes will be described later. Note that the special operation status is "1" in the initial setting.

[0121] [Special symbol standby process] FIG. 22 is a flowchart of a special symbol standby process (FIG. 21: step S1302). In the special symbol standby process, the game control microcomputer 81 first determines whether the number of special figure 2 reserved balls is "0" (step S1401). If the number of special figure 2 reserved balls is "0" (step S1401: YES), that is, when there is no storage of the random number value group acquired due to winning in the second start port 21 in the second special figure reserved memory area 85b, the process proceeds to step S1407. If the number of special figure 2 reserved balls is "1" or more (step S1401: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 executes a big win determination process (step S1402) and a variation pattern selection process (step S1403). Details of these processes will be described later. After the variation pattern selection process, the number of special figure 2 reserved balls is decremented by one (step S1404). Next, the game control microcomputer 81 shifts the storage location of the reserved information (various random number values) stored in the first to fourth storage areas of the second special figure reserved memory area 85b by one to the side to be read from the current position, and clears the reserved information stored in the location farthest from the side to be read in the second special figure reserved memory area 85b (step S1405). For example, when the reserved information is stored in the first to third storage areas, the reserved information stored in the third storage area is cleared, and when the reserved information is stored in the first to fourth storage areas, the reserved information stored in the fourth storage area is cleared. By the above steps, the second special figure reservations are consumed in the order in which they are reserved. In this case, on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7, the reserved image 9B corresponding to the first storage area of the second special figure reserved memory area 85b (the leftmost reserved image 9B among the four reserved images 9B) shifts to the reserved consumption image display area side and is displayed as the reserved consumption image 9C. Also, the reserved images 9B corresponding to the second to fourth storage areas of the second special figure reserved memory area 85b (the second, third, and fourth reserved images 9B from the left among the four reserved images 9B) each shift one to the left (FIG. 1). Thereby, the player can recognize that one second special figure reservation has been consumed. Next, the game control microcomputer 81 performs a special figure 2 variation start process (step S1406).In the special figure 2 variation start process, a variation start command is set in the command set area 84a of the main RAM 84, the variation display of the second special symbol is started, and the variation time timer is set. The variation time timer is set with a variation time determined according to the variation pattern selected in the variation pattern selection process. Also, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the special operation status to "2". Note that the variation start command (special figure 2 variation start command) set in the special figure 2 variation start process includes information regarding the special figure stop symbol data set in the big hit determination process (step S1402) and information regarding the variation pattern set in the variation pattern selection process (step S1403) (including information regarding the variation time).

[0122] In step S1401, when the number of reserved balls in Special Figure 2 is "0" (step S1401: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the number of reserved balls in Special Figure 1 is "0" (step S1407). When the number of reserved balls in Special Figure 1 is "0" (step S1407: YES), that is, when there is no storage of the random number value group acquired due to winning in the first start port 20 in the first special figure reserved memory area 85a, the process proceeds to step S1413. When the number of reserved balls in Special Figure 1 is "1" or more (step S1407: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 executes a big win determination process (step S1408) and a variation pattern selection process (step S1409). Details of these processes will be described later. After the variation pattern selection process, the number of reserved balls in Special Figure 1 is decremented by one (step S1410). Next, the game control microcomputer 81 shifts the storage location of each random number value stored in the first to fourth storage areas of the first special figure reserved memory area 85a by one to the side to be read from the current position, and clears the reserved information stored in the location farthest from the side to be read in the first special figure reserved memory area 85a (step S1411). By the above steps, the first special figure reservations are consumed in the order in which they were reserved. In this case, on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7, the reserved image 9A corresponding to the first storage area of the first special figure reserved memory area 85a (the rightmost reserved image 9A among the four reserved images 9A) shifts to the reserved consumption image display area side and is displayed as the reserved consumption image 9C. Also, the reserved images 9A corresponding to the second to fourth storage areas of the first special figure reserved memory area 85a (the second, third, and fourth reserved images 9A from the left among the four reserved images 9A) each shift one position to the right (Fig. 1). Thereby, the player can recognize that one first special figure reservation has been consumed. Next, the game control microcomputer 81 performs a first special figure variation start process (step S1412). In the first special figure variation start process, a variation start command is set in the command set area 84a of the main RAM 84, the variation display of the first special symbol is started, and a variation time timer is set. The variation time timer is set with a variation time determined according to the variation pattern selected in the variation pattern selection process.Further, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the special operation status to "2" (step S1406). Note that the variation start command (special figure 1 variation start command) set in the special figure 1 variation start process includes information regarding the special figure stop symbol data set in the jackpot determination process (step S1408) and information regarding the variation pattern set in the variation pattern selection process (step S1409) (including information regarding the variation time).

[0123] In step S1407, when the number of held balls of special figure 1 is "0" (step S1407: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the display screen 7a of the image display device 7 is a standby screen (step S1413). The standby screen is a demo screen for waiting for customers. The game control microcomputer 81 may determine, for example, based on the ON / OFF of the customer waiting demo screen display flag. If it is a standby screen (step S1413: YES), this process ends. If it is not a standby screen (step S1413: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 waits for a predetermined standby time to elapse and sets a customer waiting standby command for displaying a waiting scene in the command set area 84a of the main RAM 84 (step S1414), and ends this process. As described above, according to the special symbol waiting process of this embodiment, the variable display of the special symbol based on the first special figure hold is executed only when the second special figure hold is "0". That is, the consumption of the second special figure hold is executed with priority over the consumption of the first special figure hold. Also, according to the jackpot type determination table T5 of this embodiment, the lottery based on the second special figure hold is more likely to win a jackpot (V-pass scheduled jackpot) that is more profitable for the player than the lottery based on the first special figure hold.

[0124] [Jackpot Determination Process] FIG. 23 is a flowchart of the jackpot determination process (FIG. 22: Steps S1402, S1408). Since the jackpot determination processes in FIGS. 2 (Step S1402) and 1 (Step S1408) have the same flow, they will be described together. In the jackpot determination process, first, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the probability variation flag is ON (Step S1501). If the probability variation flag is ON (Step S1501: YES), a jackpot determination is made by referring to the high-probability state table in the jackpot determination table T1 (FIG. 8) (Step S1502). Specifically, the game control microcomputer 81 first reads out a jackpot random number value as a determination value. For example, in the jackpot determination process of FIG. 2, the jackpot random number value stored in the first storage area of the second special figure reserved storage area 85b (corresponding to the first of the second special figure reserves) is read out. In the jackpot determination process of FIG. 1, the jackpot random number value stored in the first storage area of the first special figure reserved storage area 85a (corresponding to the first of the first special figure reserves) is read out. Next, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether it is a jackpot using the reference jackpot determination table T1 and the jackpot random number value. Here, since it is in the high-probability state (the probability variation flag is ON), a determination is made as to whether it is a jackpot based on the high-probability state table (jackpot determination value is "0" to "649") in the jackpot determination table T1.

[0125] In Step S1501, if the probability variation flag is OFF (Step S1501: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 makes a jackpot determination by referring to the normal-probability state table in the jackpot determination table T1 (FIG. 8) (Step S1504). Specifically, the game control microcomputer 81 first reads out a jackpot random number value in the same manner as in Step S1502. Next, here, since it is in the normal-probability state (the probability variation flag is OFF), a determination is made as to whether it is a jackpot based on the normal-probability state table (jackpot determination value is "100" to "304") in the jackpot determination table T1.

[0126] When the result of the jackpot determination is "jackpot" (Steps S1503, S1505: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 turns on the jackpot flag (Step S1506) and determines the jackpot type (Step S1507). Specifically, the game control microcomputer 81 first reads out the jackpot type random number value as the determination value. For example, in the jackpot determination process of FIG. 2, the jackpot type random number value stored in the first storage area of the second FIG. reserved storage area 85b is read out. In the jackpot determination process of FIG. 1, the jackpot type random number value stored in the first storage area of the first FIG. reserved storage area 85a is read out. Next, the game control microcomputer 81 determines the jackpot type based on the read jackpot type random number value and the jackpot type determination table T5 (FIG. 9). After the determination of the jackpot type, the special figure stop symbol data (FIG. 9) corresponding to the specified jackpot type is set in the jackpot type buffer provided in the main RAM 84 (Step S1520), and this process ends. On the other hand, in Step S1503 or Step S1505, when the result of the jackpot determination is "loss", the special figure stop symbol data (01H) corresponding to the loss symbol is set in the jackpot type buffer provided in the main RAM 84 (Step S1520), and this process ends.

[0127] [Variable Pattern Selection Process] Figs. 24 and 25 are flowcharts of the variable pattern selection process (Figs. 22: Steps S1403, S1409). Since the flow of the variable pattern selection process in Fig. 2 (Step S1403) and the variable pattern selection process in Fig. 1 (Step S1409) are the same, they will be described together. In the variable pattern selection process, first, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the game state is a time-saving state (Step S1600). The determination of whether it is a time-saving state is made based on whether the time-saving flag is ON. If it is in the time-saving state (Step S1600: YES), the process proceeds to Step S1612. If it is not in the time-saving state (Step S1600: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the jackpot flag is ON (Step S1602). If the jackpot flag is OFF (Step S1602: NO), the process proceeds to Step S1607. If the jackpot flag is ON (Step S1602: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the jackpot is for Fig. 2 (Step S1603). If the jackpot is for Fig. 2 (Step S1603: YES), since the jackpot type will always be a V-pass scheduled jackpot, the process skips to Step S1605. If the jackpot is for Fig. 1 (Step S1603: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the jackpot type is a V-pass scheduled jackpot (Step S1604). The determination of the jackpot type is made based on the special stop symbol data set in the main RAM 84.

[0128] When the jackpot type is a V-pass jackpot (step S1604: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 selects a variation pattern by referring to the table for non-time-limit state V-pass jackpots in the variation pattern determination table T6 (Fig. 10) (step S1605). Specifically, the game control microcomputer 81 first reads out the variation pattern random number value as the determination value. For example, in the variation pattern selection process of Fig. 2 of the special drawing, the variation pattern random number value stored in the first storage area of the second special drawing reserved storage area 85b (corresponding to the first one of the second special drawing reservations) is read out. In the variation pattern selection process of Fig. 1 of the special drawing, the variation pattern random number value stored in the first storage area of the first special drawing reserved storage area 85a (corresponding to the first one of the first special drawing reservations) is read out. Next, the game control microcomputer 81 selects a variation pattern using the variation pattern determination table T6 and the variation pattern random number value. Here, as the table for non-time-limit state V-pass jackpots, the part corresponding to the V-pass jackpot in the non-time-limit state variation pattern determination table T6 shown in Fig. 10 (the part where the variation pattern is "P1" to "P3" in Fig. 1 of the special drawing, and the part where the variation pattern is "P21" to "P23" in Fig. 2 of the special drawing) is referred to (the address is set). From the read variation pattern random number value, either "P1" to "P3" as the variation pattern in Fig. 1 of the special drawing or "P21" to "P23" in Fig. 2 of the special drawing is selected.

[0129] When the jackpot type is a V-non-pass jackpot (step S1604: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 selects a variation pattern by referring to the table for non-time-limit state V-non-pass jackpots in the variation pattern determination table T6 (Fig. 10) (step S1606). Here, as the table for non-time-limit state V-non-pass jackpots, the part corresponding to the V-non-pass jackpot in the non-time-limit state variation pattern determination table T6 shown in Fig. 10 (the part of "P4" to "P6") is referred to. From the read variation pattern random number value, either "P4" to "P6" as the variation pattern is selected.

[0130] In step S1602, when the jackpot flag is OFF (step S1602: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the reach random value is a reach establishment random value (step S1607). Specifically, the game control microcomputer 81 first reads the reach random value as a determination value. In the variation pattern selection process of the second special figure, the reach random value stored in the first storage area of the second special figure reserved storage area 85b (corresponding to the first of the second special figure reservations) is read. In the variation pattern selection process of the first special figure, the reach random value stored in the first storage area of the first special figure reserved storage area 85a (corresponding to the first of the first special figure reservations) is read. Next, the game control microcomputer 81 determines the presence or absence of a reach using the reach determination table T2 (Fig. 8(B)) and the reach random value. Here, since it is a non-time shortening state, the presence or absence of a reach is determined based on the table for the non-time shortening state (the part where the reach presence determination value (reach establishment random value) is from "0" to "13") in the reach determination table T2.

[0131] When the reach random value is the reach establishment random value (step S1607: YES), that is, in the case of a losing reach with a reach, the game control microcomputer 81 refers to the table for losing reaches with a reach in the non-time-short state in the variation pattern determination table T6 (FIG. 10) to select a variation pattern (step S1608). Here, as the table for losing reaches with a reach in the non-time-short state, the part corresponding to losing reaches with a reach in the variation pattern determination table T6 for the non-time-short state shown in FIG. 10 (the part where the variation pattern is "P7" to "P14" in the special figure 1, and the part where the variation pattern is "P24" to "P31" in the special figure 2) is referred to. In the special figure 1, one of "P7" to "P14" is selected as the variation pattern from the read variation pattern random value and the current number of held balls in the special figure 1 (1 to 4). In the special figure 2, one of "P24" to "P31" is selected as the variation pattern from the read variation pattern random value and the current number of held balls in the special figure 2 (1 to 4). Since the variation pattern selected depends on the number of held balls, a function of shortened variation according to the number of held balls works. That is, in both the special figure 1 and the special figure 2, when the number of held balls is "3" to "4", more variation patterns with shorter variation times are selected compared to when the number of held balls is "1" to "2". As a result, when the number of held balls is large, the digestion speed of the special figure hold can be increased.

[0132] When the reach random value is not the reach establishment random value (step S1607: NO), that is, in the case of a non-reach losing combination, the game control microcomputer 81 selects a variation pattern with reference to the table for non-time-short state non-reach losing combinations in the variation pattern determination table T6 (FIG. 10) (step S1609). Here, as the table for non-time-short state non-reach losing combinations, the portion corresponding to non-reach losing combinations in the variation pattern determination table T6 for non-time-short state shown in FIG. 10 (the portion where the variation pattern is "P15" to "P16" in FIG. 1 of the special drawing, and the portion where the variation pattern is "P32" to "P33" in FIG. 2 of the special drawing) is referred to. In FIG. 1 of the special drawing, either "P15" or "P16" is selected as the variation pattern from the read variation pattern random value and the current number of reserved balls in FIG. 1 of the special drawing (1 to 4). In FIG. 2 of the special drawing, either "P32" or "P33" is selected as the variation pattern from the read variation pattern random value and the current number of reserved balls in FIG. 2 of the special drawing (1 to 4). Also here, since the variation pattern selected depends on the number of reserved balls, the function of shortened variation according to the number of reserved balls works.

[0133] In step S1600, when it is determined that the game state is the time shortening state, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the jackpot flag is ON (Fig. 25: step S1612). Thereafter, the processes of steps S1613 to S1619 are the same as the processes of steps S1603 to S1609 described above except for the following points, so the description is omitted. The difference between the processes of steps S1613 to S1619 and the processes of steps S1603 to S1609 is that in steps S1615, S1616, S1618, and S1619, the portions of the variable pattern determination table T6 to be referred to are different from those in the aforementioned steps S1605, S1606, S1608, and S1609. Specifically, in S1605, S1606, S1608, and S1609, the variable pattern determination table T6 for the non-time shortening state (Fig. 10) is referred to, whereas in steps S1615, S1616, S1618, and S1619, the variable pattern determination table T6 for the time shortening state (Fig. 11) is referred to. For example, in the case of step S1615, that is, when the jackpot type is the V-pass-through expected jackpot, the portion corresponding to the V-pass-through expected jackpot in the variable pattern determination table T6 for the time shortening state shown in Fig. 11 (the portion where the variable pattern is "P41" to "P43" in the special figure 1, and the portion where the variable pattern is "P61" to "P63" in the special figure 2) is referred to. From the read variable pattern random number value, either "P41" to "P43" as the variable pattern in the special figure 1 or "P61" to "P63" in the special figure 2 is selected. Also, for example, in the case of step S1616, that is, when the jackpot type is the V-non-pass-through expected jackpot, the portion corresponding to the V-non-pass-through expected jackpot in the variable pattern determination table T6 for the time shortening state shown in Fig. 11 (the portion of "P44" to "P46") is referred to. From the read variable pattern random number value, either "P44" to "P46" as the variable pattern is selected.

[0134] After selecting the variation pattern as described above, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the selected variation pattern (step S1630) and ends this process. The information on the set variation pattern is included in the variation start command and transmitted to the sub-control board 90 in the output process (FIG. 16: step S108). Thereby, the variable display of the special symbol is started.

[0135] [Processing during special symbol variation] FIG. 26 is a flowchart of the processing during special symbol variation (FIG. 21: step S1304). The game control microcomputer 81 first determines whether or not the variation time of the special symbol has elapsed and ended (step S1701). The variation time of the special symbol is the variation time determined according to the variation pattern selected in the above-described variation pattern selection process (FIGS. 24 and 25). If the variation time has not ended (step S1701: NO), this process ends. That is, the variable display of the special symbol started in step S1406 or S1412 of the special symbol standby process (FIG. 22) continues. On the other hand, if the variation time has ended (step S1701: YES), a variation stop command is set (step S1702), and the special operation status is set to "3" (step S1703). Further, the game control microcomputer 81 performs other processes associated with the variation stop (step S1704). For example, the game control microcomputer 81 performs a process of stopping the variable display of the special symbol with a symbol corresponding to the set special symbol stop symbol data. Thereafter, the game control microcomputer 81 ends this process.

[0136] [Special symbol determination process] Figure 27 is a flowchart of the special symbol determination process (Figure 21: Step S1306). The game control microcomputer 81 first performs a game state management process (Step S1801). The game state management process is a process for managing the ST count and the time shortening count, and the details will be described later. After the game state management process, it is determined whether the big win flag is ON (Step S1802). When the big win flag is OFF (Step S1802: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 sets the special operation status to "1" (Step S1808) and ends this process. As a result, the big win game is not started, and the process shifts to the special symbol standby process (Figure 22) again, and the big win determination for the next reservation is executed.

[0137] When the big win flag is ON (Step S1802: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 sets the opening patterns of the big winning port and the V opening / closing member according to the type of the selected big win (Step S1803). Specifically, the game control microcomputer 81 refers to the big winning port opening pattern determination table T8 (Figure 13), determines the opening pattern of the big winning port from the special symbol stop symbol data, and sets the determined opening pattern. For example, when the special symbol stop symbol data is "11H", "opening pattern 21" is set as the opening pattern of the big winning port. Also, the game control microcomputer 81 refers to the V opening / closing member opening pattern determination table T9 (Figure 14), determines the opening pattern of the V opening / closing member 71 from the special symbol stop symbol data, and sets the determined opening pattern. For example, when the special symbol stop symbol data is "11H", "opening pattern 31" is set as the opening pattern of the V opening / closing member 71. Together with the setting of the opening patterns of the big winning port and the V opening / closing member, the value of the round counter is set to the number of rounds corresponding to the type of the selected big win. The round counter is for counting the number of unit opening games (round games) executed during the big win game. Here, "16" is set in the round counter (Figure 13(B)).

[0138] After setting the open pattern set, the game control microcomputer 81 performs game state reset processing (step S1804). The game state reset processing is processing for resetting (returning to OFF) the sure-win flag and the time-shortening flag, and the details will be described later. After the game state reset processing, in order to start a big win game, a big win opening command is set (step S1805), and the opening is started (step S1806). Thereafter, the special operation status is set to "4" (step S1807), and this processing is terminated.

[0139] [Game State Management Processing] FIG. 28 is a flowchart of the game state management processing (FIG. 27: step S1801). The game control microcomputer 81 first determines whether the sure-win flag is ON (step S2001). If the sure-win flag is OFF (step S2001: NO), the processing skips to step S2010. If the sure-win flag is ON (step S2001: YES), the value of the sure-win counter is decremented by 1 (step S2002). The sure-win counter counts the number of times the special symbol has fluctuated during the high-probability state. Here, "100" is set in the sure-win counter when shifting to the high-probability state. The game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the value of the sure-win counter has become "0" as a result of decrementing the sure-win counter by 1 (step S2003). If the value of the sure-win counter is not "0" (step S2003: NO), the processing skips to step S2005. If the value of the sure-win counter is "0" (step S2003: YES), the sure-win flag is switched to OFF (step S2004).

[0140] In step S2005, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the time shortening flag is ON. If the time shortening flag is OFF (step S2005: NO), the process skips to step S2009. If the time shortening flag is ON (step S2005: YES), the value of the time shortening counter is decremented by 1 (step S2006). The time shortening counter counts the number of fluctuations of the special symbol executed during the time shortening state. Here, when shifting to the time shortening state, "100" is set in the time shortening counter. The game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the value of the counter has become "0" as a result of decrementing the time shortening counter by 1 (step S2007). If the value of the time shortening counter is not "0" (step S2007: NO), the process skips to step S2009. If the value of the time shortening counter is "0" (step S2007: YES), the time shortening flag is switched to OFF (step S2008).

[0141] In step S2009, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the game state designation command in the command set area (output buffer) 84a of the main RAM 84 and ends this process. The game state designation command includes information regarding the set current game state (whether the ceiling flag is ON, the ceiling counter value, whether it is a probability variation state, the probability variation counter value, whether it is a time shortening state, the time shortening counter value, etc.).

[0142] In step S2010, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the ceiling flag is ON. If the ceiling flag is OFF (step S2010: NO), the process skips to step S2005. If the ceiling flag is ON (step S2010: YES), the value of the ceiling counter is decremented by 1 (step S2011). The ceiling counter is for counting the specified number of rotations until the short time (play time) b is reached, and counts the number of fluctuations of the special symbol executed when the ceiling flag is ON (during the low probability state). Here, when the ceiling flag is set to ON, "500" as the specified number of rotations is set in the ceiling counter. The game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the value of the ceiling counter has become "0" as a result of decrementing the ceiling counter by 1 (step S2012). That is, it determines whether the specified number of rotations until the short time (play time) b is reached has elapsed. If the value of the ceiling counter is not "0" (step S2012: NO), the process skips to step S2005. If the value of the probability change counter is "0" (step S2012: YES), the short time flag is switched to ON (step S2013), and "700" is set in the short time counter as the short time count (number of times granted). Then, the ceiling flag is switched to OFF (step S2015). After that, the process of step S2009 is executed.

[0143] [Game state reset process] FIG. 29 is a flowchart of a game state reset process (FIG. 27: step S1804). The game control microcomputer 81 first determines whether the high probability flag is ON (step S2101). If the high probability flag is OFF (step S2101: NO), the process skips to step S2103. If the high probability flag is ON (step S2101: YES), the high probability flag is switched to OFF (step S2102). In step S2103, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the time shortening flag is ON. If the time shortening flag is OFF (step S2103: NO), the process skips to 2105. If the time shortening flag is ON (step S2103: YES), the time shortening flag is switched to OFF (step S2104). In step S2105, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the ceiling flag is ON. If the ceiling flag is OFF (step S2105: NO), this process ends. If the ceiling flag is ON (step S2105: YES), the ceiling flag is switched to OFF (step S2106). That is, during the execution of the jackpot game, the ceiling flag is OFF in the non-high probability state and non-time shortening state. In the gaming machine 1, since it is always in the low base state during the non-time shortening state, it is in the low base state during the execution of the jackpot game.

[0144] [Special Electric Device Processing] Figure 30 is a flowchart of special electric accessory processing (Figure 21: Step S1308). The game control microcomputer 81 first determines whether the jackpot end flag is ON (Step S2200). The "jackpot end flag" is a flag indicating that all openings of the big winning devices (the first big winning device 31 and the second big winning device 36) based on the opening pattern have ended in the ongoing jackpot game. If the jackpot end flag is ON (Step S2200: YES), the process proceeds to Step S2230. If the jackpot end flag is OFF (Step S2200: NO), V opening / closing member operation processing for operating the V opening / closing member 71 is performed (Step S2201). The V opening / closing member 71 of this embodiment is configured to operate when a predetermined number of game balls are won at the first big winning opening 30. In the V opening / closing member operation processing, the V opening / closing member 71 is opened for a predetermined period when the predetermined game ball is won according to the V opening / closing member opening pattern T9. Details of the V opening / closing member operation processing will be described later. After the V opening / closing member operation processing, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the big winning openings (the first big winning opening 30 and the second big winning opening 35) are open (Step S2202). If they are open (Step S2202: YES), the process proceeds to Step S2210.

[0145] If the big winning openings are not open (Step S2202: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether it is time to open the big winning openings (Step S2203). The time to open the big winning openings includes, for example, when the time of the jackpot opening has elapsed and it reaches the opening start time in the first round game, or when the interval time (closing time) until the big winning opening that was temporarily closed after opening is reopened has elapsed and it reaches the time of reopening again. If it is not time to open the big winning openings (Step S2203: NO), the process proceeds to Step S2220.

[0146] When it is the time (timing) to open the big winning opening (step S2203: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 performs the big winning opening release process (step S2207). Specifically, the game control microcomputer 81 opens the big winning opening (the first big winning opening 30 or the second big winning opening 35) according to the opening pattern (FIG. 13) corresponding to the type of jackpot. After the big winning opening release process, the game control microcomputer 81 sets a round designation command (step S2208). The round designation command includes information regarding the number of rounds of the ongoing jackpot game, and the game control microcomputer 81 sets the round designation command in the output buffer of the main RAM 84. In this embodiment, the big winning opening is not opened multiple times during one round game. However, as another embodiment, when the big winning opening is opened multiple times during one round game, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the opening of the big winning opening is the first opening in one round, and may set the round designation command only in the case of the first opening. After setting the round designation command, this process ends.

[0147] In step S2202 described above, when the big winning opening is open (step S2202: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the closing condition of the big winning opening is satisfied (step S2210). The closing condition here is that either the number of winning times to the big winning opening in that round game has reached the specified maximum number of winning times (for example, 9 times per round), or the time to close the big winning opening has arrived (that is, a predetermined opening time (FIG. 13) has elapsed since the big winning opening was opened). If the closing condition of the big winning opening is not satisfied (step S2210: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 ends this process. On the other hand, when the closing condition of the big winning opening is satisfied (step S2210: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 closes (blocks) the big winning opening (step S2211).

[0148] In the above step S2203, if it is not the time (timing) to open the big winning port, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the round game has ended (step S2220). Here, one round ends after a predetermined time (here, 2 seconds) has elapsed since the big winning port was closed. As described above, this is because the closing time (interval time) of the big winning port between round games is included in the opening round game before the closing. The game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the round game has ended based on whether a predetermined interval time has elapsed since the big winning port was closed. If the round game has not ended (step S2220: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 ends this process.

[0149] When the round game has ended (step S2220: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 decrements the value of the round counter by 1 (step S2221), and determines whether the value of the round counter is "0" (step S2226). If the value of the round counter is not "0" (step S2226: NO), that is, if the specified number of round games has not yet been completed, this process ends to start the next round game. On the other hand, if the value of the round counter is "0", as a jackpot end process for ending the jackpot game, a jackpot ending command is set (step S2227), and the jackpot ending is started (step S2228). In this embodiment, the ending time (for example, 18 seconds) when there is a passage of the game ball to the V area 39 in the "16R (substantially 13R) V passing expected jackpot" is the same length as the ending time when there is no passage of the game ball to the V area 39 in the "16R (substantially 13R) V non - passing expected jackpot". Thereby, even when there is a passage of the game ball to the V area 39 in the "16R (substantially 13R) V passing expected jackpot", the player can be made to recognize that there is no passage of the game ball to the V area 39 in the "16R (substantially 13R) V non - passing expected jackpot". Note that the ending time when there is no passage of the game ball to the V area 39 in the "16R (substantially 13R) V passing expected jackpot" is also the same length as these. After starting the jackpot ending, the jackpot end flag is set to ON (step S2229), and this process ends.

[0150] In the above step S2200, when the jackpot end flag is ON (step S2200: YES), since the final round has ended, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the time for the jackpot ending has elapsed (step S2230). If the ending time has not elapsed (step S2230: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 ends this process. On the other hand, if the ending time has elapsed (step S2230: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 turns off the jackpot end flag (step S2231), turns off the jackpot flag (step S2232), and sets the special operation status to "1" (step S2233). As a result, in the next special operation process, the special symbol standby process (step S1302) is executed again. Then, the game state setting process (step S2234) described later is executed and this process ends.

[0151] [V Opening / Closing Member Operation Process] FIG. 31 is a flowchart of the V opening / closing member operation process (FIG. 30: step S2201). The game control microcomputer 81 first determines whether the current round game (the current round) is the opening round of the V opening / closing member 71 (step S2501). Here, the second round, the fourth round, the sixth round, the eighth round, the tenth round, and the twelfth round correspond to the opening rounds of the V opening / closing member 71. The game control microcomputer 81 can determine that it is the opening round when the value of the round counter is "15", "13", "11", "9", "7", "5". If it is not the opening round of the V opening / closing member 71 (step S2501: NO), this process ends because it is not necessary to operate the V opening / closing member 71 in the current round.

[0152] When it is the open round of the V opening / closing member 71 (step S2501: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not the first winning flag is ON (step S2502). The "first winning flag" is a flag indicating that a first winning of the first major winning opening 30 has occurred in the round. When the first winning flag is ON (step S2502: YES), the process proceeds to step S2520. When the first winning flag is OFF (step S2502: NO), it is determined whether or not a winning of the first ball has been detected (step S2503). When a winning of the first ball has not been detected (step S2503: NO), this process ends. This is because there has not yet been a winning in the first major winning opening 30 in the round and it is not necessary to operate the V opening / closing member 71.

[0153] When a winning of the first ball is detected (step S2503: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 short - opens the V opening / closing member 71 and performs V valid period setting processing (step S2504). The reason for short - opening the V opening / closing member 71 is that in the opening pattern of the V opening / closing member 71 (Fig. 14(B)), regardless of whether it is "short - opening" or "long - opening", short - opening (here, 0.1 second) is executed at the time of winning of the first ball. In the short - opening of the V opening / closing member 71, since the opening time of the V opening / closing member 71 is very short, the first game ball that wins the first major winning opening 30 is configured to pass through the non - V area 70 without passing through the V area 39. In the V valid period setting processing, the period during which the V opening / closing member 71 is open and several seconds after the V opening / closing member 71 is closed are set as the V valid period during which the detection of the game ball by the V area sensor 39a is valid. Here, the game control microcomputer 81 short - opens the V opening / closing member 71 (here, 0.1 second) according to the opening pattern of the V opening / closing member 71 (Fig. 14(B)), and sets the period during which the V opening / closing member 71 is open and 1 second after it is closed as the V valid period. The game control microcomputer 81 sets the period other than the V valid period (including when the jackpot game is not being executed) as the V invalid period during which it is determined that the detection of the game ball by the V area sensor 39a is invalid. Here, "determining that the detection of the game ball by the V area sensor 39a is valid" means turning on the V flag based on the detection of the game ball by the V area sensor 39a (see the V area sensor detection processing (Fig. 33) described later). Also, "determining that the detection of the game ball by the V area sensor 39a is invalid" means not turning on the V flag even if there is a detection of the game ball by the V area sensor 39a. The reason for including several seconds (the ball scoop period) after the closing of the V opening / closing member 71 in the V valid period is that there is a physical distance between the V opening / closing member 71 and the V area sensor 39a, and it takes into account the period until a game ball that enters the V area 39 side immediately before the closing of the V opening / closing member 71 is detected by the V area sensor 39a. That is, here, the V flag is turned on only when a V passing (the passing of the game ball through the V area 39) during the V valid period is detected, and the V flag is not turned on when a V passing is detected outside the V valid period (V invalid period).Note that when the V flag is ON, the probability change flag is turned ON, that is, the game state after the big win game is set to the high probability state (see the game state setting process (Fig. 32) described later). By doing so, it is ensured that the V flag is not turned ON and set to the high probability state based on V passing due to fraud. After the short circuit release of the V opening / closing member 71 and the V valid period setting process, the game control microcomputer 81 switches the first winning flag to ON (step S2505) and proceeds to step S2540.

[0154] In step S2502, when the first winning flag is ON, that is, when there has already been a winning in the first ball (step S2502: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the second winning flag is ON (step S2520). The "second winning flag" is a flag indicating that there has been a winning of the second ball in the first big winning opening 30 when the opening pattern of the V opening / closing member 71 in the current round is long opening. When the second winning flag is ON (step S2520: YES), the process proceeds to step S2540. When the second winning flag is OFF (step S2520: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the opening pattern of the V opening / closing member 71 in the current round is long opening (step S2521). If it is not long opening (step S2521: NO), that is, if it is short opening, the process proceeds to step S2540. On the other hand, if it is long opening (step S2521: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether a winning of the second ball has been detected (step S2522). If a winning of the second ball has not been detected (step S2522: NO), the process proceeds to step S2540.

[0155] When the winning of the second ball is detected (step S2522: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 long-opens the V opening / closing member 71 and performs V valid period setting processing (step S2523). The reason for long-opening the V opening / closing member 71 is that in the opening pattern of the V opening / closing member 71 (Fig. 14(B)), in the case of "long opening", long opening (here, up to 31.5 seconds) is executed at the time of winning of the second ball. Here, since the maximum round game time is 31.5 seconds (the maximum opening time of the big winning port is 29.5 seconds + the interval closing time is 2 seconds), generally, the time from the winning of the second ball to the end of the round is shorter than 31.5 seconds. As described later, since the V opening / closing member 71 is forcibly closed at the end of the round, the opening time of the long opening of the V opening / closing member 71 is shorter than 31.5 seconds. However, since the long opening of the V opening / closing member 71 has a relatively long opening time of the V opening / closing member 71, at least a part of the game balls after the second ball that have won in the first big winning port 30 are configured to pass through the V area 39. In the V valid period setting processing, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the period during which the V opening / closing member 71 is open as the V valid period, and sets the V invalid period at the same time as the closing of the V opening / closing member 71 at the end of the round. After the long opening of the V opening / closing member 71 and the V valid period setting processing, the game control microcomputer 81 switches the second winning flag to ON (step S2524) and proceeds to step S2540.

[0156] In step S2540, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the V opening / closing member 71 is open. When the V opening / closing member 71 is open (step S2540: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the round game has ended (step S2550). As described above, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the round game has ended based on whether a predetermined interval time (here, 2 seconds) has elapsed after closing the big winning port.

[0157] When the round game has ended (step S2550: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 switches the first winning flag and the second winning flag to OFF (step S2551), and performs a V opening / closing member closing process and a V invalid period setting process (step S2552). Here, when the round game ends, the game control microcomputer 81 forcibly closes the V opening / closing member 71, sets a V invalid period after several seconds (here, 1 second) have elapsed after the V opening / closing member 71 is closed, and ends this process.

[0158] When the round game has not ended (step S2550: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the closing condition of the V opening / closing member 71 is satisfied (step S2560). Examples of the closing condition of the V opening / closing member 71 include, for example, in the case of short release, that a predetermined period (for example, 0.1 second) has elapsed after the V opening / closing member 71 is opened. When the closing condition is satisfied (step S2560: YES), a V opening / closing member closing process and a V invalid period setting process are performed (step S2552), and this process ends. When the closing condition is not satisfied (step S2560: NO), the V opening / closing member 71 is left in the open state, and this process ends while continuing the V valid period.

[0159] In step S2540, when the game control microcomputer 81 determines that the V opening / closing member 71 is closed (step S2540: NO), it determines whether the round game has ended (step S2571). When the round has ended (step S2571: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 switches the first winning flag and the second winning flag to OFF (step S2572), and ends this process. When the round has not ended (step S2571: NO), this process ends as it is.

[0160] [Game state setting process] FIG. 32 is a flowchart of the game state setting process (FIG. 30: step S2234). The game control microcomputer 81 first determines whether the V flag is ON (step S2301). When the V flag is OFF (step S2301: NO), the time shortening flag is turned ON (step S2302), and "100" is set in the time shortening counter (step S2303). As a result, the game state after this jackpot game becomes "non-high probability state" and "time shortening state" and "high base state" (that is, low probability high base). This low probability high base state ends when either the variable display of the special symbol is performed 100 times or the next jackpot is won.

[0161] On the other hand, in step S2301, when the V flag is ON (step S2301: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 turns on the probability variation flag (step S2304), sets "100" in the probability variation counter (step S2305), and turns off the V flag (step S2306). Further, the game control microcomputer 81 turns on the time shortening flag (step S2307) and sets "100" in the time shortening counter (step S2308). As a result, the game state after this jackpot game becomes "high probability state" and "time shortening state" and "high base state" (that is, high probability high base). This high probability high base state ends when either the variable display of the special symbol is performed 100 times or the next jackpot is won.

[0162] In step S2310, the game control microcomputer 81 turns on the ceiling flag, and sets "500", which is the specified number of rotations until reaching the short time b (game time), in the ceiling counter (step S2311). As a result, when the probability variation flag is OFF after a big win game, it enters the short time b (game time) after 500 rotations. In step S2309, the game control microcomputer 81 sets a game state designation command in the command set area (output buffer) 84a of the main RAM 84, and ends this process. The game state designation command includes information regarding the set game state (short time flag, short time counter, probability variation flag, probability variation counter, ceiling flag, ceiling counter).

[0163] [V Area Sensor Detection Process] Figure 33 is a flowchart of the V area sensor detection process (Figure 16: step S106). The game control microcomputer 81 first determines whether a game ball has been detected by the V area sensor 39a (step S2601). If no game ball has been detected by the V area sensor 39a (step S2601: NO), this process ends. On the other hand, if a detection is made (step S2601: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether it is during the V valid period (step S2602). The V valid period is a period set by the V valid period setting process (steps S2504, S2523) of the V opening / closing member operation process (Figure 31). The V valid period is set during the opening or several seconds after closing (ball scooping period) of the V opening / closing member 71 during the 2nd round, 4th round, 6th round, 8th round, 10th round, and 12th round. If it is not during the V valid period (step S2602: NO), this process ends. On the other hand, if it is during the V valid period (step S2602: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 turns on the V flag (step S2603), sets a V passing command (step S2604), and ends this process.

[0164] [Held Ball Number Process] FIG. 34 is a flowchart of the held ball number process (FIG. 16: step S107). The game control microcomputer 81 first reads the special drawing 1 held ball number, the special drawing 2 held ball number, and the normal symbol held ball number stored in the main RAM 84 (step S2701). Next, the game control microcomputer 81 sets a held ball number command in the command set area (output buffer) 84a of the main RAM 84 (step S2702). The held ball number command is a command for notifying the sub-control board 90 of the held ball number and includes information regarding the special drawing 1 held ball number, the special drawing 2 held ball number, and the normal symbol held ball number. After setting the held ball number command, the game control microcomputer 81 ends this process.

[0165] 7. Operation of the effect control microcomputer 91 The operation of the effect control microcomputer 91 provided on the sub-control board 90 (FIG. 4) will be described based on FIGS. 35 to 45. The counters, flags, statuses, buffers, etc. that appear in the description of the operation of the effect control microcomputer 91 are provided in the sub-RAM 94.

[0166] [Sub-control main process] FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing the sub-control main process. When the power of the gaming machine 1 is turned on, the effect control microcomputer 91 reads a program for executing the sub-control main process from the sub-ROM 93. In the sub-control main process, the effect control microcomputer 91 first performs CPU initialization processing (step S4000). In the CPU initialization processing, for example, settings of the sub-CPU 92, reset of various flags, statuses, counters, etc. are performed. The initial value of the flag is "0", that is, "OFF", the initial value of the status is "1", and the initial value of the counter is "0". Note that the CPU initialization processing is executed only once after the power is turned on and is not executed thereafter.

[0167] After the CPU initialization process, the effect control microcomputer 91 prohibits interrupts for interrupt processing (step S4015) and performs a random number update process (step S4020). In this random number update process, the effect control microcomputer 91 adds 1 to the random number counter value shown in FIG. 7(B) and updates it. When each random number counter value reaches the set upper limit value, it returns to "0" and is added again. Note that the initial value of each random number counter may be a value other than "0" or may be randomly changed. Also, instead of adding 1 each time, a value of 2 or more may be added. Each random number may be a so-called hardware random number.

[0168] After the random number update process, the effect control microcomputer 91 permits interrupts for interrupt processing (step S4025). While interrupts are permitted, execution of the sub-side timer interrupt process (step S4035) becomes possible. The sub-side timer interrupt process is executed based on an interrupt pulse that is repeatedly input to the sub-CPU 92 at a predetermined period. That is, the sub-side timer interrupt process is executed at every predetermined period. Then, the random number update process is repeatedly executed between the end of the sub-side timer interrupt process and the start of the next sub-side timer interrupt process.

[0169] [Sub-side Timer Interrupt Process] FIG. 36 is a flowchart of sub-side timer interrupt processing (FIG. 35: step S4035). The effect control microcomputer 91 first performs received command analysis processing (step S4300). Details of the received command analysis processing will be described later. After the received command analysis processing, the effect control microcomputer 91 performs variable effect in-progress processing (step S4305). The variable effect in-progress processing is processing for setting a pre-ending command at a specific timing during the variable effect and causing a specific display effect to be executed on the display screen 7a, and details thereof will be described later. After the variable effect in-progress processing, the effect control microcomputer 91 performs switch processing (step S4310). In the switch processing, the effect control microcomputer 91 makes settings such as the display content of the display screen 7a based on switch data (edge data and level data) output based on a detection signal from the effect button detection switch 63a. After the switch processing, the effect control microcomputer 91 performs command transmission processing (step S4315). In the command transmission processing, the effect control microcomputer 91 transmits various commands set in the effect command set area 94b (output buffer) of the sub-RAM 94 to the image control board 100, the audio control board 106, the lamp control board 107, and the relay board 108 through received command analysis processing and the like. The image control board 100 that has received various commands uses the image display device 7 to execute a display effect corresponding to the received command. Also, the audio control board 106 that has received various commands executes an audio effect of outputting audio from the speaker 67 according to the received command. The lamp control board 107 that has received various commands executes a lamp effect of performing light emission control of the panel lamp 5 and the frame lamp 66 according to the received command. After the command transmission processing, the effect control microcomputer 91 performs other processing (step S4320).

[0170] After other processing, the performance control microcomputer 91 performs a sub-side RAM clearing process (step S4325). In the sub-side RAM clearing process, the performance control microcomputer 91 performs processing in the case where the game control microcomputer 81 judges that a RAM clear is to be performed. The details of the sub-side RAM clearing process will be described later. After the sub-side RAM clearing process, the performance control microcomputer 91 performs a sub-side power interruption recovery process (step S4330). In the sub-side power interruption recovery process, the performance control microcomputer 91 performs processing in the case where the game control microcomputer 81 judges that a power interruption recovery is to be performed. The details of the sub-side power interruption recovery process will be described later. After the sub-side power interruption recovery process, the performance control microcomputer 91 performs an error notification process 1 (step S4335). In the error notification process 1, the performance control microcomputer 91 manages the error state and performs processing to determine whether or not to notify an error. The details of the error notification process 1 will be described later. After the error notification process 1, the performance control microcomputer 91 performs the error notification process 2 (step S4340). In the error notification process 2, the performance control microcomputer 91 performs a process to determine whether or not to perform an error notification for an error for which the game control microcomputer 81 manages the error state. The details of the error notification process 2 will be described later. After the error notification process 2, the performance control microcomputer 91 performs a role error release process (step S4345). In the role error release process, the performance control microcomputer 91 performs a process to determine whether or not to release the role error state when a role error state occurs when a predetermined condition is established. The details of the role error release process will be described later. After the role error release process, the performance control microcomputer 91 performs a movable role scenario execution process (step S4350). In the movable role scenario execution process, the performance control microcomputer 91 operates the movable role according to the scenario data of the movable role. The scenario data of the movable role is data for performing a predetermined operation of the movable role. The performance control microcomputer 91 is stored in the sub-ROM 93 of the sub-control board 90. After the movable role scenario execution process, the performance control microcomputer 91 performs the movable role origin return process (step S4355).In the movable prop origin return process, the production control microcomputer 91 performs a process of setting scenario data for moving the movable prop to the origin area. Also, even if the scenario for moving to the origin area is executed, if the movable prop cannot be moved to the origin area, a process of setting the prop error state is performed. Details of the movable prop origin return process will be described later. After the movable prop origin return process, the production control microcomputer 91 performs the movable prop initial operation process (step S4360). In the movable prop initial operation process, the production control microcomputer 91 performs a process of setting scenario data for performing an initial operation on the movable prop. The initial operation performed by the movable prop is an operation for confirming whether the movable prop operates normally. Details of the movable prop initial operation process will be described later. After performing the movable prop initial operation process, this process ends.

[0171] [Received Command Analysis Process] Figure 37 is a flowchart of the received command analysis process (Figure 36: step S4300). The production control microcomputer 91 first determines whether a pre-judgment command has been received from the main control board 80 (step S4415). If received (step S4415: YES), a pre-reading production determination process is performed (step S4420). The "pre-reading production determination process" is a process of determining whether to execute the pre-reading production and the pre-reading production pattern in the case of execution. Details of the pre-reading production determination process will be described later. On the other hand, if not received (step S4415: NO), the above-mentioned pre-reading production determination process is skipped. The pre-reading production is a production that suggests a high possibility that a jackpot is included in the reservation information newly stored in the special figure reservation memory area 85, and is executed during the variable production.

[0172] Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 91 determines whether it has received a hold ball count command from the main control board 80 (step S4445). If it has received the command (step S4445: YES), it performs hold display processing (step S4450). In the hold display processing, based on the information regarding the special drawing 1 hold ball count, special drawing 2 hold ball count, and normal symbol hold ball count included in the hold ball count command, the values of the first special drawing hold effect counter, the second special drawing hold effect counter, and the normal symbol hold effect counter provided in the counter set area 94d of the sub-RAM 94 are updated. As a result, not only on the main control board 80 side but also on the sub-control board 90 side, the information on each hold ball count can be retained. Also, the effect control microcomputer 91 updates the hold images 9A and 9B displayed on the display screen 7a based on the values of the first special drawing hold effect counter, the second special drawing hold effect counter, and the normal symbol hold effect counter. On the other hand, if it has not received the hold ball count command (step S4445: NO), the above-described hold display processing is skipped.

[0173] Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 91 determines whether it has received a variation start command from the main control board 80 (step S4455). If it has received the command (step S4455: YES), it performs variation effect start processing (step S4460). The "variation effect start processing" is a process of selecting a variation effect pattern (content) to be executed during the special symbol variation. The details of the variation effect start processing will be described later. On the other hand, if it has not received the command (step S4455: NO), the above-described variation effect start processing is skipped.

[0174] Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 91 determines whether or not it has received a variation stop command from the main control board 80 (step S4465). If it has received the command (step S4465: YES), it performs variation effect end processing (step S4470). The "variation effect end processing" is processing for stopping the variation effects executed during the special symbol variation. In the variation effect end processing, the effect control microcomputer 91 sets a counter and the like based on the analysis result of the variation stop command, and sets a variation effect end command for ending the variation effect. As a result, the decorative symbol corresponding to the special symbol 1 or the special symbol 2 during variation is stopped from being displayed. Further, the effect control microcomputer 91 performs a pre-determination information shift process (FIG. 39), which will be described later. If the variation stop command has not been received (step S4465: NO), the above-described variation effect end processing is skipped.

[0175] Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 91 determines whether it has received an opening command from the main control board 80 (step S4475). If it has received the command (step S4475: YES), it performs an opening effect pattern determination process (step S4480). The "opening effect pattern determination process" is a process of selecting an opening effect pattern (content) to be executed at the start of a special game (big win game). In the opening effect pattern determination process, the effect control microcomputer 91 first analyzes the opening command and sets information regarding the special symbol stop symbol data set at the time of big win winning determination, which is included in the opening command, in the sub-RAM 94. Then, it selects an opening effect pattern preset corresponding to the winning type indicated by the special symbol stop symbol data, and sets an opening effect start command for starting the selected opening effect in the effect command setting area 94b of the sub-RAM 94. When the opening effect start command set in the effect command setting area 94b is transmitted to the image control board 100 in the command transmission process (FIG. 36: step S4315), the CPU 102 of the image control board 100 reads a predetermined opening effect image from the ROM 103 and displays it on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7. In step S4475, if the opening command has not been received (step S4475: NO), the above-described opening effect pattern determination process is skipped.

[0176] Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 91 determines whether it has received a round designation command from the main control board 80 (step S4485). If it has received the command (step S4485: YES), it performs round effect pattern determination processing (step S4490). The "round effect pattern determination processing" is processing for selecting an opening game effect pattern (content) to be executed during the opening of the big winning opening or during the interval between openings in a special game (big win game). In the round effect pattern determination processing, the effect control microcomputer 91 first analyzes the round designation command and sets information regarding the special figure stop symbol data and information regarding the number of rounds included in the round designation command in the sub-RAM 94. Then, it selects a round effect pattern preset corresponding to the winning type and the number of rounds indicated by the special figure stop symbol data, and sets a round effect start command for starting the selected round effect in the effect command set area 94b of the sub-RAM 94. When the round effect start command set in the effect command set area 94b is transmitted to the image control board 100, the CPU 102 reads a predetermined round effect image from the ROM 103 and displays it on the display screen 7a. In step S4485, if the round designation command has not been received (step S4485: NO), the above-described round effect pattern determination processing is skipped.

[0177] Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 91 determines whether or not it has received an ending command from the main control board 80 (step S4495). If it has received the command (step S4495: YES), it performs an ending effect pattern determination process (step S4500). The "ending effect pattern determination process" is a process of selecting an ending effect pattern (content) to be executed during the ending of a special game (a big win game or a small win game). In the ending effect pattern determination process, the effect control microcomputer 91 first analyzes the ending command and sets information regarding the special symbol stop symbol data included in the ending command in the sub-RAM 94. Then, it selects an ending effect pattern corresponding to the winning type indicated by the special symbol stop symbol data, and sets an ending effect start command for starting the selected ending effect in the output buffer of the sub-RAM 94. When the ending effect start command set in the effect command set area 94b is transmitted to the image control board 100, the CPU 102 reads a predetermined ending effect image from the ROM 103 and displays it on the display screen 7a. If the ending command has not been received (step S4495: NO), the above-described ending effect pattern determination process is skipped.

[0178] Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 91 performs other processes (step S4535). In the other processes, for example, when the effect control microcomputer 91 receives a game state designation command, it causes the sub-RAM 94 to hold information regarding the game state included in the game state designation command (time shortening flag, time shortening counter, probability variation flag, probability variation counter, ceiling flag, ceiling counter, etc.). Specifically, based on the information included in the game state designation command, the values of the time shortening effect counter, probability variation effect counter, and ceiling effect counter provided in the counter set area 94d of the sub-RAM 94 are updated. For example, the remaining number of variations (number of games) during time shortening is set in the time shortening effect counter, the remaining number of variations during probability variation is set in the probability variation effect counter, and the remaining number of variations until reaching the ceiling is set in the ceiling effect counter. As a result, not only on the main control board 80 side but also on the sub-control board 90 side, information on the number of times of time shortening, probability variation, and ceiling can be held. Also, when the effect control microcomputer 91 receives a V-pass command, it causes the sub-RAM 94 to hold the information that V has passed. Further, the effect control microcomputer 91 performs processing based on commands other than the above (customer waiting standby command, RAM clear notification command, etc.) and ends this processing. In this embodiment, when the effect control microcomputer 91 receives a customer waiting command and sets the display screen 7a of the image display device 7 as a standby screen which is a demo screen for customer waiting, if the command from the main control board 80 is not received even after a predetermined period has elapsed, it may be determined that it is in a customer waiting standby state, and control may be performed to set the display screen 7a as a standby screen.

[0179] [Anticipatory effect determination process] FIG. 38 is a flowchart of the anticipatory effect determination process (FIG. 37: step S4420). The effect control microcomputer 91 first performs a pre-determination information rewriting process (step S4601). Specifically, the effect control microcomputer 91 stores the jackpot pre-determination result (jackpot determination information), jackpot type pre-determination result (jackpot type information), and variation pattern pre-determination result (variation pattern information) included in the pre-determination command received from the main control board 80 in the pre-determination information storage area 94c.

[0180] FIG. 39 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the preliminary determination information storage area 94c. In the preliminary determination information storage area 94c, in addition to the above-described jackpot determination information, jackpot type information, and variation pattern information, the preview effect pattern information is stored. The preview effect pattern information is information indicating the content of the preview effect executed during the variation effect, and is selected in step S4604 described later. FIG. 39(A) shows that as the preliminary determination results respectively corresponding to the first to third of the reserved FIG. 2, the jackpot determination information "loss" and the variation pattern information "P72" and "P73" are stored in the first to third storage areas, and the state where the preliminary determination result corresponding to the variation is stored in the area is shown. FIG. 39(B) shows the state where, from the state of FIG. 39(A), there is a winning in FIG. 2, and the preliminary determination information included in the preliminary determination command received from the main control board 80 is stored in the fourth storage area corresponding to the fourth of the reserved FIG. 2. Here, as the preliminary determination information, the jackpot determination information "jackpot", the jackpot type information "21H", and the variation pattern information "P61" are stored. Also, together, "pattern A" is set as the preview effect pattern information in each of the first to fourth storage areas corresponding to the first to fourth of the reserved FIG. 2 and the area corresponding to the variation. FIG. 39(C) shows the state where the variation is completed from the state of FIG. 39(B) and the preliminary determination information shift process is executed. Specifically, the preliminary determination information stored in the first storage area is shifted to the area, the preliminary determination information stored in the second to fourth storage areas is shifted to the first to third storage areas, and the preliminary determination information in the fourth storage area is cleared. The preliminary determination information shift process is executed in the variation effect end process (FIG. 37: step S4470).

[0181] Returning to FIG. 38, subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 91 determines whether or not pre-reading effect pattern information is stored in the pre-determination information storage area 94c (step S4602). Specifically, the effect control microcomputer 91 determines whether or not the pre-reading effect pattern information is not stored in any of the areas of the pre-determination information storage area 94c and the first to fourth storage areas. If the pre-reading effect pattern information is stored (step S4602: YES), this process ends. That is, if the pre-reading effect pattern information is stored in any of the areas of the pre-determination information storage area 94c and the first to fourth storage areas, the pre-reading effect pattern information is not newly selected and stored. On the other hand, if the pre-reading effect pattern information is not stored in the pre-determination information storage area 94c (step S4602: NO), the effect control microcomputer 91 determines whether or not the pre-determination result included in the received pre-determination command is "big win" or "near miss with reach" (step S4603). Whether it is "big win" or "near miss with reach" can be determined, for example, by the variable pattern pre-determination result (variable pattern information). If the pre-determination result included in the received pre-determination command is "miss without reach" (step S4603: NO), the effect control microcomputer 91 ends this process. This is because there is no need to perform the pre-reading effect. On the other hand, if the pre-determination result included in the received pre-determination command is "big win" or "near miss with reach" (step S4603: YES), a pre-reading effect execution determination for determining whether or not to execute the pre-reading effect and a pre-reading effect pattern selection are performed (step S4604). Specifically, the effect control microcomputer 91 acquires the value of the pre-reading effect random number counter, and refers to the pre-reading effect pattern determination table T51 stored in the sub-ROM 93 to determine whether or not to perform the pre-reading effect, and determines the pre-reading effect pattern when performing the pre-reading effect.

[0182] FIG. 40 is a diagram for explaining a pre-reading effect pattern determination table T51. In FIG. 40, when the pre-judgment result is "big win" and the pre-reading effect random number value is "0 to 55", the pre-reading effect is "none"; when the pre-reading effect random number value is "56 to 67", "Pattern A" is selected as the pre-reading effect; when the pre-reading effect random number value is "68 to 127", "Pattern B" is selected as the pre-reading effect. Also, when the pre-judgment result is "near miss with a reach" and the pre-reading effect random number value is "0 to 107", the pre-reading effect is "none"; when the pre-reading effect random number value is "108 to 114", "Pattern A" is selected as the pre-reading effect; when the pre-reading effect random number value is "115 to 127", "Pattern B" is selected as the pre-reading effect. Note that the types, contents, and ranges of the random number values for selecting the pre-reading effect patterns can be arbitrarily set.

[0183] Returning to FIG. 38, if it is determined in step S4604 that the preview effect is to be executed (step S4605: YES), the selected preview effect pattern is stored in the pre-judgment information storage area 94c (step S4606). Here, when storing the preview effect pattern in the pre-judgment information storage area 94c, not only the storage area corresponding to the received pre-judgment command among the first to fourth storage areas, but also the storage areas before and including the corresponding storage area are stored with the preview effect pattern. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 39(B), not only is "Pattern A" set in the fourth storage area corresponding to the received pre-judgment command, but also "Pattern A" is set in the first to third storage areas and this area. Thereby, the preview effect pattern A is also executed in the variable effects (the variable effects corresponding to this area and the first to third storage areas) that are executed before the variable effect corresponding to the fourth storage area is executed. Note that whether the preview effect is executed in the variable effect corresponding to this area depends on the progress status of the variable effect. That is, in the variable effect, if the timing for executing the preview effect has already passed, the preview effect is not executed, but if it is before the timing for executing the preview effect, it is executed at that timing. This will be described later. If it is determined in step S4604 that the preview effect is not to be executed (step S4605: NO), the process ends.

[0184] [Variable effect start process] FIG. 41 is a flowchart of the variable effect start process (FIG. 37: step S4460). The effect control microcomputer 91 first analyzes the variable start command (step S5000). Here, the effect control microcomputer 91 sets in the sub-RAM 94 the information regarding the special figure stop symbol data and the information regarding the variable pattern included in the variable start command. The set information includes game state information indicating the current game state, symbol information indicating the symbol as the determination result of the hit determination process of special figure 1 or special figure 2, and the like. The game state information and symbol information obtained here can be appropriately referred to by the effect control microcomputer 91.

[0185] Subsequently, the production control microcomputer 91 performs a basic production pattern determination process (step S5010). The basic production pattern determination process is a process for determining the basic configuration of variable production (for example, display and switching of background images on the image display device 7, display and operation of predetermined characters, output of melodies and sound effects using the speaker 67, lighting control of lamps, etc.). The variable production is completed by superimposing additional productions such as chance-up productions and pre-reading productions on this basic production. The production control microcomputer 91 determines the basic production pattern by referring to the basic production pattern determination table T52 stored in the sub-ROM 93.

[0186] FIG. 42 is a diagram for explaining the basic production pattern determination table T52. In FIG. 42, a plurality of types of basic production patterns for performing a normal reach production, a plurality of types of basic production patterns for performing an SP1 production, a plurality of types of basic production patterns for performing an SP2 production, a plurality of types of basic production patterns for performing an SP3 production, and a plurality of types of basic production patterns for performing a reachless miss production are set. The types of basic production patterns can be arbitrarily set. Here, for example, when the variation pattern included in the variation start command is "P1", the basic production pattern for performing the SP1 production is selected. Also, when the variation pattern included in the variation start command is "P72", the basic production pattern for performing the reachless miss production is selected.

[0187] Returning to FIG. 41, after determining the basic production pattern, the production control microcomputer 91 performs a chance-up production pattern determination process (step S5015). The chance-up production pattern determination process is a process for determining additional productions to be superimposed on the variable production. The production control microcomputer 91 acquires the value of the chance-up random number counter, and determines the chance-up production pattern by referring to the acquired random number value and the chance-up production pattern determination table T53 stored in the sub-ROM 93.

[0188] FIG. 43 is a diagram for explaining the chance-up effect pattern determination table T53. Here, only the part that determines the variation effect pattern of FIG. 1 in the non-time-short state in the chance-up effect pattern determination table T53 is shown. That is, FIG. 43 shows the chance-up effect patterns executed when the variation patterns included in the variation start command are "P1" to "P16". Note that the chance-up effect pattern determination table T53 may or may not include a part that determines the chance-up effect patterns executed when the variation patterns are "P21" to "P33", "P41" to "P56", and "61" to "73".

[0189] In FIG. 43, "2-NO", "2-SP1", "2-SP2", "2-SP3", "3-NO", "3-SP1", "3-SP2", "3-SP3", "4-NO", "4-SP1", "4-SP2", "4-SP3", and "ANO" are set as the chance-up effect patterns. These chance effect patterns correspond to various chance-up effects described later.

[0190] Returning to FIG. 41, after determining the chance-up effect pattern, the effect control microcomputer 91 performs a count effect pattern determination process (step S5016). Here, the count effect pattern determination process is a process for displaying on the display screen 7a the remaining number of variations (number of games) at the time of certain probability variation, the remaining number of variations during time shortening, the remaining number of variations until reaching the ceiling, the number of variations since power-on, the number of variations since the big win game, etc. The effect control microcomputer 91 causes the remaining number of certain probability variations to be displayed on the display screen 7a based on the value of the certain probability effect counter at the time of certain probability variation. Also, the effect control microcomputer 91 causes the remaining number of certain probability variations to be displayed based on the value of the time shortening effect counter during time shortening.

[0191] In addition, the effect control microcomputer 91 can execute various effects based on the value of the ceiling effect counter and the value of the overnight effect counter. The remaining number of fluctuations until reaching the ceiling is stored in the ceiling effect counter, and the number of fluctuations since power-on is recorded in the overnight effect counter. For example, each time the effect control microcomputer 91 receives a fluctuation effect end command from the main control board 80, it can set the number of fluctuations since power-on by incrementing the overnight effect counter. The effect control microcomputer 91 determines whether the value of the ceiling effect counter is less than or equal to TH2 (for example, TH2 = 200) when the value of the overnight effect counter is TH1 (for example, TH1 = 10). When the value of the ceiling effect counter is less than or equal to TH2, a predetermined chance image is displayed. When the value of the ceiling effect counter is greater than TH2, the chance image is not displayed. Thereby, a player who has seen the chance image can recognize that the gaming machine 1 has carried over the number of games from the previous day and that no RAM clear has been performed. In addition, the effect control microcomputer 91 may display the value of the ceiling effect counter when the value of the overnight effect counter is TH3 (for example, TH3 = 50). Further, the effect control microcomputer 91 may cancel the display or the chance image representing the value of the ceiling effect counter when the value of the overnight effect counter is TH4 (for example, TH4 = 100). Also, the effect control microcomputer 91 may redisplay the value of the ceiling effect counter when the value of the overnight effect counter is TH5 (for example, TH5 = 200). The effect control microcomputer 91 may determine whether to display the value of the ceiling effect counter based on the value of the overnight effect counter as described above, or based on the value of the ceiling effect counter. For example, the effect control microcomputer 91 may display the value of the ceiling effect counter when the value of the ceiling effect counter is TH6 (for example, TH6 = 100), cancel the display of the value of the ceiling effect counter when the value of the ceiling effect counter is TH7 (for example, TH7 = 70), and redisplay the value of the ceiling effect counter when the value of the ceiling effect counter is TH8 (for example, TH8 = 50).

[0192] After the count effect pattern determination process, the effect control microcomputer 91 may refer to the random number value and the stop symbol pattern determination table T54 to determine combinations of the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R to be stopped and displayed. Based on these, what kind of effect is to be performed as the variable effect is determined.

[0193] The effect control microcomputer 91 sets a variable effect start command in the effect command set area 94b (output buffer) of the sub-RAM 94 so that the variable effect based on the variable effect pattern determined in the above steps S5010 to S5016 is realized (step S5020). When the variable effect start command set in the effect command set area 94b of the sub-RAM 94 is transmitted to the image control board 100 in the command transmission process (FIG. 36: step S4315), the CPU 102 of the image control board 100 reads the variable effect image from the ROM 103 and displays it on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7.

[0194] Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 91 sets a variable effect timer (step S5030) and ends this process. The variable effect timer is set with a variable time (FIG. 42) corresponding to the variable pattern included in the variable start command. For example, when the variable pattern is "P1", "40 seconds" is set in the variable effect timer.

[0195] [During Variable Effect Processing] FIG. 44 is a flowchart of the processing during variable presentation (FIG. 36: step S4305). The presentation control microcomputer 91 determines whether it is during variable presentation (step S4701). Whether it is during variable presentation can be determined, for example, by whether the variable presentation timer has reached zero. If it is not during variable presentation (step S4701: NO), this process ends. On the other hand, if it is during variable presentation (step S4701: YES), the presentation control microcomputer 91 determines whether it is the timing to set the pre-change end command in the presentation command set area 94b of the sub-RAM 94 (step S4702). The pre-change end command is a command for the presentation control microcomputer 91 to notify the image control board 100, etc. of a specific timing during variable presentation. When the image control board 100 receives the pre-change end command, it performs switching of the presentation content, display of a specific image, etc. according to the information included in the pre-change end command.

[0196] If it is not the timing to set the pre-change end command (step S4702: NO), this process ends. On the other hand, if it is the timing to set the pre-change end command (step S4702: YES), it is determined whether there is pre-reading effect pattern information in the corresponding area of the pre-judgment information storage area 94c (step S4703). If there is pre-reading effect pattern information in the corresponding area (step S4703: YES), the pre-change end command including the pre-reading effect pattern information is set in the effect command setting area 94b of the sub-RAM 94 (step S4704). On the other hand, if there is no pre-reading effect pattern information in the corresponding area (step S4703: NO), the pre-change end command not including the pre-reading effect pattern information is set in the effect command setting area 94b of the sub-RAM 94 (step S4705). As a result, if there is pre-reading effect pattern information in the corresponding area, the pre-change end command including the pre-reading effect pattern information is transmitted to the image control board 100 2 seconds before the end of the corresponding change effect. Then, the image control microcomputer 101 starts a pre-reading effect to display a pre-reading effect image on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7. On the other hand, even if there is no pre-reading effect pattern information in the corresponding area, the pre-change end command is transmitted to the image control board 100 2 seconds before the end of the corresponding change. Here, if a preview image is already displayed on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7, the image control microcomputer 101 starts a preview fade effect to fade the preview image.

[0197] 8. Operation of the Image Control Microcomputer 101 Based on FIG. 45, the operation of the image control microcomputer 101 provided on the image control board 100 (FIG. 4) will be described. Buffers and the like that appear in the operation description of the image control microcomputer 101 are provided in the RAM 104. FIG. 45 is a flowchart of the display control process. When the power of the gaming machine 1 is turned on, the image control microcomputer 101 reads a program from the ROM 103, and after the CPU initialization process, the display control process is repeatedly executed. In the display control process, first, the image control microcomputer 101 determines whether it has received a variation effect start command from the sub-control board 90 (step S5001). If it has received it (step S5001: YES), the image control microcomputer 101 starts the variation effect display (step S5002). Specifically, the image control microcomputer 101 analyzes the received variation effect start command, reads out a predetermined variation effect image indicated in the variation effect start command from the ROM 103, and displays it on the image display device 7. On the other hand, if it has not received it (step S5001: NO), the above-described process is skipped.

[0198] Subsequently, the image control microcomputer 101 determines whether it has received a pre-end variation command from the sub-control board 90 (step S5003). If it has received it (step 5003: YES), the image control microcomputer 101 starts the pre-reading effect display (step S5004). On the other hand, if it has not received it (step S5003: NO), the image control microcomputer 101 skips the above-described process.

[0199] Subsequently, the image control microcomputer 101 determines whether it has received a variation effect end command from the sub-control board 90 (step S5005). If it has received it (step 5005: YES), the image control microcomputer 101 reads out the image with the variation effect stopped display from the ROM 103 and performs a variation effect stop display to be displayed on the image display device 7 (step S5006). On the other hand, if it has not received it (step S5005: NO), the image control microcomputer 101 skips the above-described process.

[0200] Subsequently, the image control microcomputer 101 performs other processes (step S5007). In the other processes, the image control microcomputer 101 reads a predetermined image instructed in various commands from the ROM 103 in addition to the above-described commands and causes the image display device 7 to display it. For example, when the image control microcomputer 101 receives an opening production start command, it reads a predetermined opening production image instructed in the opening production start command from the ROM 103 and causes the image display device 7 to display it. Also, when the round production start command is received, it reads a predetermined round production image instructed in the round production start command from the ROM 103 and causes the image display device 7 to display it. Further, when the ending production start command is received, it reads a predetermined ending production image instructed in the ending production start command from the ROM 103, causes the image display device 7 to display it, and ends this process.

[0201] 9. Operation of the movable body and display production of the sub-display screen 64 With reference to FIGS. 46 to 50, the operations of the board movable bodies (the first movable accessory 14 and the second movable accessory 15), the frame movable body (the frame movable accessory 69), and the display production of the sub-display screen 64 (the right sub-display screen 64R, the left sub-display screen 64L, and the upper sub-display screen 64U) will be described. The production control microcomputer 91 performs drive control to operate the first movable accessory 14, the second movable accessory 15, and the frame movable accessory 69 during game productions (display productions) or during initial operations at power-on. Also, the production control microcomputer 91 performs a display production to display a specific image on the sub-display screen 64 during game productions (display productions) or during initial operations at power-on.

[0202] FIG. 46 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the movement mode of the first movable component 14. FIG. 47 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the second mode of the first movable component 14. The first movable component 14 is a vertically long rod-shaped member, the upper end of which is located near the upper end of the image display device 7, and the lower end of which is located near the lower end of the image display device 7. The upper end and the lower end of the first movable component 14 are difficult to view, and the vicinity of the central portion is visible in front of (the front surface of) the image display device 7. As shown in FIG. 1, the first movable component 14 can be stationary at the retracted position (home position) on the left side of the image display device 7 (the first mode). In the retracted position, only a part of the first movable component 14 may be stored and the remaining part may be visible, or the whole may be stored and difficult to view. As shown in FIG. 46, the first movable component 14 is configured to be movable in the left-right direction in front of the image display device 7. It is configured to move (advance) from the retracted position toward the right end of the display screen 7a and be movable in the left-right direction on the front surface of the display screen 7a. Further, it can be stationary at an arbitrary advanced position in front of the display screen 7a. The movement mode of the first movable component 14 can be arbitrarily set. Also, as shown in FIG. 47, the first movable component 14 can move to the right end of the display screen 7a and be stationary at that position (the second mode). The first movable component 14 may have a decorative portion formed on at least a part thereof, or may have transparency.

[0203] FIG. 48 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a second aspect of the second movable accessory 15. The second movable accessory 15 includes a rectangular decorative portion described as "OARO" and is configured to be movable up and down. As shown in FIG. 1, the second movable accessory 15 can be stationary at a retracted position (home position) above the display screen 7a (first aspect). At this time, a part of the second movable accessory 15 is in a state where it is difficult to visually recognize. The second movable accessory 15 can move downward from the state of FIG. 1 toward the center of the display screen 7a and can be stationary at an advanced position (deployed position) shown in FIG. 48 (second aspect). In this second aspect, the decorative portion stops so as to cover the vicinity of the center of the display screen 7a in front of (the front surface of) the image display device 7. The second movable accessory 15 can move (retract) upward from the advanced position of FIG. 48 to move to the retracted position shown in FIG. 1 and can be stationary there.

[0204] FIG. 49 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a second aspect of the frame movable accessory 69. The frame movable accessory 69 is composed of a pair of flat plate-like members arranged on both the left and right sides of the handle 60 and is configured to be movable in the left-right direction respectively. The two members are formed of flexible members, and one main surface of each member is configured to approach or move away from the handle 60. As shown in FIG. 1, the two members of the frame movable accessory 69 are normally stationary at retracted positions (home positions) away from the handle 60 on the left and right sides of the handle 60 respectively (first aspect). As shown in FIG. 49, the two members of the frame movable accessory 69 move (advance) in a direction approaching the handle 60 from the retracted positions, that is, move so as to approach each other, and can be stationary at positions where they touch the handle 60 respectively (second aspect). The frame movable accessory 69 touches the handle 60 or the right hand of the player operating the handle 60 at the advanced position. The frame movable accessory 69 can move in a direction in which the two members move away from each other so as to change from the second aspect to the first aspect.

[0205] FIG. 50 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the display effects of the sub-display screens 64 (right sub-display screen 64R, left sub-display screen 64L, and upper sub-display screen 64U). The right sub-display screen 64R, the left sub-display screen 64L, and the upper sub-display screen 64U can each independently display an image. Also, an effect linked to the image on the display screen 7a can be performed.

[0206] [Sensor position] FIG. 51 is a diagram for explaining the position of the sensor. The first movable component 14 detection sensor 14a is arranged such that the signal of the first movable component 14 detection sensor 14a becomes ON when the first movable component 14 is in the origin region. The first movable component 14 detection sensor 14a detects that the first movable component 14 is in the origin region. The effect control microcomputer 91 determines whether the first movable component 14 is in the origin region based on the signal of the first movable component 14 detection sensor 14a.

[0207] The origin region of the movable component is a region that includes the storage position (origin position) of the movable component and can be detected by the detection sensor of the movable component. Since the origin region is all the regions that can be detected by the detection sensor of the movable component, the detection sensor of the movable component detects the position of the boundary of the detectable region and the position moved in the direction in which the detection sensor can detect from the boundary of the detectable region in the same way. Therefore, even when the detection sensor of the movable component detects, the movable component may not be in the same position.

[0208] The second movable component 15 detection sensor 15a is arranged such that the signal of the second movable component 15 detection sensor 15a becomes ON when the second movable component 15 is in the origin region. The second movable component 15 detection sensor 15a detects that the second movable component 15 is in the origin region. The effect control microcomputer 91 determines whether the second movable component 15 is in the origin region based on the signal of the second movable component 15 detection sensor 15a.

[0209] The gaming machine frame opening sensor 50a detects that the gaming machine frame 50 is open. When the gaming machine frame 50 is open, the signal of the gaming machine frame opening sensor 50a becomes ON. The gaming machine frame opening sensor 50a is disposed between the front frame (front frame portion) 53 and the game board 2. That the gaming machine frame 50 is open means that the front frame 53 is separated from the game board 2. The gaming machine frame opening sensor 50a detects the state where the front frame 53 is separated from the game board 2. The effect control microcomputer 91 determines whether the gaming machine frame 50 is open or not based on the signal of the gaming machine frame opening sensor 50a.

[0210] Note that the gaming machine frame opening sensor 50a may detect a state where the game board 2 is separated from the outer frame of the gaming machine. In this case, the gaming machine frame opening sensor 50a is disposed between the game board 2 and the outer frame of the gaming machine. Further, the gaming machine frame opening sensor 50a may detect both the state where the front frame 53 is separated from the game board 2 and the state where the game board 2 is separated from the outer frame of the gaming machine. In this case, the gaming machine frame opening sensor 50a is disposed between the front frame 53 and the game board 2 and between the game board 2 and the outer frame of the gaming machine. The signals for the state where the front frame 53 is separated from the game board 2 and the state where the game board 2 is separated from the outer frame of the gaming machine may be the same, or may be separately detected for each state.

[0211] The magnetic sensor 151a detects magnetism and detects that there is a magnet near the gaming machine 1. When the magnetic sensor 151a detects magnetism, the signal of the magnetic sensor 151a becomes ON. The magnetic sensor 151a detects that a magnet has approached the gaming machine 1. The magnetic sensor 151a is disposed at a position where a GOT action is likely to occur. In the gaming machine 1, the magnetic sensor 151a is disposed at a position close to the V region 39 and the non-V region 70. Note that the magnetic sensor 151a may be disposed at a position near the first start port 20, the second start port 21, and the first big winning port 30. The game control microcomputer 81 determines whether there is a magnet near the gaming machine 1 based on the signal of the magnetic sensor 151a.

[0212] The radio wave sensor 152a detects radio waves. When the radio wave sensor 152a detects magnetism, the signal of the radio wave sensor 152a turns ON. The radio wave sensor 152a is arranged at a position where cheating behavior is likely to occur. In the gaming machine 1, it is arranged at a position close to the first start port 20 and the second start port 21. Note that the radio wave sensor 152a may be arranged at a position near the first big winning port 30. The game control microcomputer 81 determines whether radio waves are being generated near the gaming machine 1 based on the signal of the radio wave sensor 152a.

[0213] The replenishment ball shortage sensor 153a detects a shortage of replenishment balls. The replenishment ball shortage sensor 153a is arranged in the ball tank 400 provided on the back side of the gaming machine 1. When the gaming balls have not accumulated up to the position where the replenishment ball shortage sensor 153a is arranged in the ball tank 400 provided on the back side of the gaming machine 1, the signal of the replenishment ball shortage sensor 153a turns ON. The game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the replenishment balls are in shortage based on the signal of the replenishment ball shortage sensor 153a.

[0214] [Power-on process] FIG. 52 is a flowchart of the power-on process (FIG. 15: step S006). Here, when the power is turned on to the gaming machine 1, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether to clear the RAM or to resume from power-off, and performs corresponding processes for each case.

[0215] The game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the RAM clear switch 161 is ON (step S601). The RAM clear switch 161 is provided on the main control board 80, and when pressed, the RAM clear button press signal to the main control board 80 turns ON. The game control microcomputer 81 makes a determination based on the RAM clear button press signal.

[0216] When the RAM clear switch 161 is ON (step S601: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 transfers the process to step S608. When the RAM clear switch 161 is OFF (step S601: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 creates a sum value (step S602). This sum value is the total value of the values in the RAM of the game control microcomputer 81. If the sum value created at power-on matches the sum value created at power-off, it is determined that the values in the RAM of the game control microcomputer 81 are normal. When the values in the RAM of the game control microcomputer 81 are normal, power-off recovery is possible. If the sum value created at power-on does not match the sum value created at power-off, it is determined that the values in the RAM of the game control microcomputer 81 are not normal. In this case, since it cannot recover in the state at power-off, the game control microcomputer 81 does not perform power-off recovery and clears the RAM. Clearing the RAM means clearing (resetting) the information stored in the main RAM 84. The main RAM 84 stores information such as the game state information controlled by the game control microcomputer 81.

[0217] The game control microcomputer 81 compares the created sum value with the sum value created at power-off stored therein (step S603). When the sum values do not match (step S604: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 transfers the process to step S608. When the sum values match (step S604: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 determines to perform power-off recovery. The game control microcomputer 81 sets a power-off recovery command in order to send a power-off recovery command to the effect control microcomputer 91 (step S605). The set command is output by the game control microcomputer 81 to the sub-control board 90 in the output process (S108 in FIG. 16) of the game control microcomputer 81. The power-off recovery command contains information on in which game state the power-off recovery is to be performed.

[0218] The game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the game state to which power is restored is the customer waiting state (step S606). When the game state to which power is restored is not the customer waiting state (step S606: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 ends this process. When the game state to which power is restored is the customer waiting state (step S606: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 sets a customer waiting state command (step S607) and ends this process.

[0219] In step S608, in order to set the game state to the initial state, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the value in the RAM of the game control microcomputer 81 to "0" or the initial value (step S608). The game control microcomputer 81 sets a RAM clear command 1 in order to transmit the RAM clear command 1 to the effect control microcomputer 91 (step S609). The RAM clear command 1 is a command that is transmitted when the gaming machine 1 transitions to the state (the ball entry port operation confirmation state) before transitioning to the game state. When the effect control microcomputer 91 receives the RAM clear command 1, it displays an image of the ball entry port operation confirmation state on the display screen 7a. The image of the ball entry port operation confirmation state will be described later.

[0220] After setting the RAM clear command 1, the game control microcomputer 81 transitions the state to the ball entry port operation confirmation state and performs an operation confirmation of the movable object related to the ball entry of the gaming machine 1 (step S610). Specifically, it repeatedly opens and closes the movable objects that open the ball entry port, for example, the first large winning device 31 (the first attacker), the second large winning device (the second attacker) 36, and the normal variable winning device (electric chew) 22, and performs an operation confirmation. The opening time and the closing time are, for example, 1 second each. This ball entry port operation confirmation state continues until the RAM clear switch 161 is pressed. Note that the ball entry port operation confirmation state may also continue until a certain period of time has elapsed.

[0221] The game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the RAM clear switch 161 has been turned on (step S611). When the game control microcomputer 81 determines that the RAM clear switch 161 has not been turned on (step S611: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 determines again whether the RAM clear switch 161 has been turned on (step S611), and repeats this determination until it is determined that the RAM clear switch 161 has been turned on.

[0222] When the game control microcomputer 81 determines that the RAM clear switch 161 has been turned on (step S611: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 shifts the state to the initial operation confirmation state (step S612). Thereafter, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the RAM clear command 2 in order to transmit the RAM clear command 2 to the effect control microcomputer 91. The RAM clear command 2 is a command transmitted when the gaming machine 1 shifts to the initial operation confirmation state. When the effect control microcomputer 91 receives the RAM clear command 2, it displays an image of the initial operation confirmation state on the display screen 7a. The image of the initial operation confirmation state will be described later. Thereafter, the effect control microcomputer 91 ends this process. In this embodiment, the ball entry port operation confirmation is performed. However, the processes from step S608 to S611 may not be performed without performing the ball entry port operation confirmation, and the game state may be shifted. Also, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the state shifts to the initial operation confirmation state. However, the state may not shift to the initial operation confirmation state, and the game state may be shifted.

[0223] [Power-off monitoring process] FIG. 53 is a flowchart of the power-off monitoring process (FIG. 16: step S111). Here, when the power switch 163 of the power supply board 162 is turned off, the game control microcomputer 81 prepares for power-off. Preparing for power-off means creating and storing information for determining whether the value of the RAM of the game control microcomputer 81 is normal when the power switch 163 is turned on after power-off.

[0224] The game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the power switch 163 on the power supply board 162 is OFF (step S701). When the game control microcomputer 81 determines that the power switch 163 is not OFF (step S701: NO), it ends this process. When the game control microcomputer 81 determines that the power switch 163 is OFF (step S701: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 creates a checksum value (step S702). The game control microcomputer 81 sums up the values in the RAM of the game control microcomputer 81 and uses the lower two digits as the checksum value. Note that the checksum value may be the lower one digit, or the lower three digits, or four digits.

[0225] After that, the game control microcomputer 81 stores the checksum value (step S703). The stored checksum value is referred to when determining whether to perform a power-off recovery when the power is turned on. After that, the game control microcomputer 81 does not execute the process until the power switch 163 is turned on again. Note that the main control board 80 of the gaming machine 1 is supplied with a certain amount of power even during a power-off, and it is highly likely that the values in the RAM are maintained during the power-off.

[0226] [Sub-side RAM Clear Process] FIG. 54 is a flowchart of the sub-side RAM clear process (FIG. 36: step S4325). Here, when the game control microcomputer 81 determines to clear the RAM, the effect control microcomputer 91 performs a process for performing an effect corresponding to the RAM clear.

[0227] The effect control microcomputer 91 determines whether it has received the RAM clear command 1 (step S6001). When the effect control microcomputer 91 has not received the RAM clear command 1 (step S6001: NO), the process proceeds to step S6003. When the effect control microcomputer 91 has received the RAM clear command 1 (step S6001: YES), it sets the in-ball port operation confirmation screen display command (step S6002), and the process proceeds to step S6003.

[0228] The command for performing the set image display control is transmitted by the effect control microcomputer 91 to the image control microcomputer 101 in the command transmission process (S4315 in FIG. 36). In the case of a command for performing the lighting control of the LED, it is transmitted to the lamp control board 107. In the case of a command for performing the voice control, it is transmitted to the voice control board 106. When the screen for confirming the operation of the ball entry port is being displayed, on the game board 2, the operation of the movable object related to the ball entry is being confirmed. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the operation of the ball entry port is being confirmed, but it may not be confirmed.

[0229] In step S6003, the effect control microcomputer 91 determines whether or not it has received the RAM clear command 2. When the effect control microcomputer 91 has not received the RAM clear command 2 (step S6003: NO), this process ends. When the effect control microcomputer 91 has received the RAM clear command 2 (step S6003: YES), it sets the left decorative symbol to "1", the middle decorative symbol to "2", and the right decorative symbol to "3" (step S6004). In the present embodiment, the decorative symbols set when the RAM clear command 2 is received and when the power-off recovery command is received are made different, but they may be the same.

[0230] The effect control microcomputer 91 sets the decorative symbol designation command with the left decorative symbol as "1", the middle decorative symbol as "2", and the right decorative symbol as "3" (step S6005). When this command is transmitted to the image control microcomputer 101, when the image control microcomputer 101 displays the decorative symbol, the decorative symbol to be displayed is such that the left decorative symbol is "1", the middle decorative symbol is "2", and the right decorative symbol is "3".

[0231] Thereafter, the effect control microcomputer 91 sets the initial screen display command (step S6006). When this command is transmitted to the image control microcomputer 101, an image indicating that the operation is being confirmed is displayed on the display screen 7a.

[0232] On the display screen 7a, an image indicating that the operation is being confirmed is displayed. After a certain period of time (e.g., 30 seconds) has elapsed since the display of this image indicating that the operation is being confirmed, or when the variation starts or the operation means is operated, it becomes the background for the game. The transition to the game background is achieved by the effect control microcomputer 91 sending a command to the image control microcomputer 101. Here, the decorative symbols are such that the left decorative symbol is "1", the middle decorative symbol is "2", and the right decorative symbol is "3". Note that the background displayed during RAM clear is predetermined, and a predetermined background image is displayed on the display screen 7a.

[0233] When the image indicating that the operation is being confirmed is displayed, the initial operations of the lamp LEDs, the speaker, and the movable accessory described later are performed.

[0234] In this embodiment, it is assumed that an image indicating that the operation is being confirmed is displayed. However, it is also possible that the image indicating that the operation is being confirmed is not displayed and the game background is displayed.

[0235] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the ball entry port operation confirmation and the display of the image indicating that the operation is being confirmed are performed. However, it is also possible that the ball entry port operation confirmation and the display of the image indicating that the operation is being confirmed are not performed.

[0236] Thereafter, the effect control microcomputer 91 turns on the lamp initial operation flag (step S6007). When the lamp initial operation flag is turned on, the initial operation of the lamp LEDs is performed. The initial operation of the lamp LEDs will be described later.

[0237] Thereafter, the effect control microcomputer 91 turns on the speaker initial operation flag (step S6008). When the speaker initial operation flag is turned on, the initial operation of the speaker is performed. The initial operation of the speaker will be described later.

[0238] Thereafter, the effect control microcomputer 91 turns on the movable accessory initial operation flag (step S6009). When the movable accessory initial operation flag is turned on, the initial operation of the movable accessory is performed. The initial operation of the movable accessory will be described later. Thereafter, the effect control microcomputer 91 ends this process.

[0239] [Sub-side power-off restoration process] FIG. 55 is a flowchart of the sub-side power-off restoration process (FIG. 36: step S4330). Here, when the game control microcomputer 81 determines that the power has been restored after a power-off, the effect control microcomputer 91 performs a process for performing an effect corresponding to the power-off restoration.

[0240] The effect control microcomputer 91 determines whether it has received a power-off restoration command (step S6201). When the effect control microcomputer 91 has not received a power-off restoration command (step S6201: NO), it ends this process. When the effect control microcomputer 91 has received a power-off restoration command (step S6201: YES), it sets the left decorative symbol to "1", the middle decorative symbol to "2", and the right decorative symbol to "3" (step S6203).

[0241] In this embodiment, the decorative symbols displayed when the RAM is cleared and when the power is restored after a power-off are made different, but they may be the same. For example, when the RAM is cleared and when the power is restored after a power-off, the left decorative symbol may be "7", the middle decorative symbol may be "8", and the right decorative symbol may be "9". Also, the decorative symbols displayed when the RAM is cleared and when the power is restored after a power-off may be arranged in a different order. For example, when the RAM is cleared, the decorative symbols may be set such that the left decorative symbol is "1", the middle decorative symbol is "2", and the right decorative symbol is "3", and when the power is restored after a power-off, the decorative symbols may be set such that the left decorative symbol is "3", the middle decorative symbol is "2", and the right decorative symbol is "1".

[0242] Also, the effect control microcomputer 91 sets a decoration pattern designation command with the left decoration pattern as "7", the middle decoration pattern as "8", and the right decoration pattern as "9" (step S6203). Further, the effect control microcomputer 91 sets a power-off restoration screen display command (step S6204). When the power-off restoration screen display command is transmitted to the image control microcomputer 101, an image indicating that the power has been restored is displayed on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7. The image indicating that the power has been restored will be described later.

[0243] Thereafter, the effect control microcomputer 91 turns on the movable accessory initial operation flag (step S6205). When the movable accessory initial operation flag is turned on, the initial operation of the movable accessory is performed. The initial operation of the movable accessory will be described later.

[0244] Thereafter, the effect control microcomputer 91 determines whether it is in the right-handed state (step S6206). The determination of whether it is in the right-handed state is performed using the power-off restoration command. The power-off restoration command is a command that allows the restored game state to be known. If the effect control microcomputer 91 is not in the right-handed state (step S6206: NO), this process ends. If the effect control microcomputer 91 is in the right-handed state (step S6206: YES), the effect control microcomputer 91 sets a right-handed suggestion display command (step S6207). When the right-handed suggestion display command is transmitted to the image control microcomputer 101, a right-handed suggestion image is displayed on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7. When the power is restored in the right-handed state, the image indicating that the power has been restored and the right-handed suggestion image will be displayed together. Thereafter, the effect control microcomputer 91 ends this process.

[0245] [Effect during RAM ...

Claims

[Claim 1] An outer frame fixed to the game island; A front frame is attached to the outer frame so as to be openable and closable, and has an opening; An inner frame that is attached to the front frame so as to be openable and closable and that is attached to the outer frame so as to be openable and closable; A game board that is detachably attached to the inner frame and has a game area that is visible through the opening; A launching device attached to the inner frame below the game board and capable of launching game balls toward the game area; A power supply board box that houses a power supply board attached to the rear side of the inner frame below the game board; A game control board box is attached to the rear side of the game board and houses a game control board on which a game control microprocessor that controls the progress of the game is mounted; A performance control board box is attached to the rear side of the game board at a position different from the game control board box, and houses a performance control board on which a performance control microprocessor capable of controlling the progress of a performance based on a command from the game control board is implemented; A gaming machine comprising: The gaming control microprocessor includes: A CPU, a ROM in which a program to be executed by the CPU and information referenced by the program are stored; A RAM capable of storing information updated by the program; A plurality of 1-byte output ports capable of outputting a plurality of types of test information; At least one A test signal output connector can be mounted on the game control board to output the plurality of types of test information output from the plurality of output ports as a test signal; The CPU includes: A plurality of 1-byte general-purpose registers; A one-byte flag register; and The CPU includes: A test signal output process for outputting a test signal is executed as one process of a periodic interrupt process; The CPU, in the test signal output process, a first LD instruction for setting a first predetermined value in a first register of the plurality of general purpose registers; A first BIT instruction for checking a value of a bit indicating a game status flag stored in the RAM; a first SET instruction for setting a bit of the first register for outputting a normal symbol 1 variable time shortening state signal, which is the test information, when the value of the zero flag of the flag register is not 1 by the first BIT instruction; a second SET instruction for setting a bit of the first register for outputting a normal electric feature 1 open extension state signal, which is the test information, when the value of the zero flag of the flag register is not 1 by the first BIT instruction; a third SET instruction for setting a bit of the first register for outputting a special symbol 1 variable time shortening state signal, which is the test information, when the value of the zero flag of the flag register is not 1 by the first BIT instruction; A fourth SET instruction for setting a bit of the first register for outputting a special symbol 2 variable time shortening state signal, which is the test information, when the value of the zero flag of the flag register is not 1 by the first BIT instruction; a fourth LD instruction for setting a value of the first register to a second register of the plurality of general purpose registers; a first OUT instruction for writing the value of the second register to a first output port and outputting the value as the test signal; A second LD command for loading the special 1 stop pattern, which is the test information stored in the RAM, into the second register; a second OUT instruction for writing the value of the second register to a second output port and outputting the value as the test signal; A third LD command for loading the special 2 stop pattern, which is the test information stored in the RAM, into the second register; a third OUT instruction for writing the value of the second register to a third output port and outputting the value as the test signal; At a minimum, The CPU includes: when the value of the zero flag of the flag register is 1 in the first BIT instruction, the first SET instruction, the second SET instruction, the third SET instruction, and the fourth SET instruction are not executed; A gaming machine characterized by:

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