Game machine

Abstract

To promptly find a fraudulent act.SOLUTION: A game machine comprises: detection means for detecting passage of game balls through a predetermined area; pattern determination means for determining a pattern including at least a small win pattern; pattern display means for displaying the determined pattern on a display section; small win game execution means for executing a small win game in which the large winning hole is opened and closed on the basis of display of the small win pattern on the display section; standby state setting means for setting a standby state in which detection of game balls by the detection means is waited when game balls entering the large winning hole enter a specific area during the small win game; large winning game execution means for executing a large winning game advantageous to a player when passage of game balls through the predetermined area is detected during the standby state; and fraudulence determination means capable of executing error processing for reporting occurrence of an error on the basis of entry of game balls into the large winning hole during the standby state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 55

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, there is a gaming machine that has multiple major prize openings, and when a series of operations from the start to the end of the operation of at least one major prize opening is controlled, an error is reported if it is determined that a gaming ball has entered an inactive major prize opening illegally, as shown in Patent Document 1. Also, Patent Document 2 discloses a device that counts gaming balls that have entered a major prize opening when the opening is closed, and determines that an abnormal state has occurred when the counted value reaches a predetermined value, and Patent Document 3 discloses a device that varies the predetermined value depending on the type of win. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-12359 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-231998 [Patent Document 3] Patent Publication No. 2021-090618 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In conventional fraud monitoring processes for large prize openings, the period from when the large prize opening is first opened to when it is finally opened may be excluded from the period subject to fraud monitoring. However, in this case, depending on the specifications of the gaming machine, even if no game balls are actually entering the large prize opening, it may be determined that the period is outside the period subject to fraud monitoring, making it difficult to detect fraudulent activity early.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that enables early detection of fraudulent activity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine of the present invention comprises a large prize opening provided in a gaming area, a specific area provided within the large prize opening, a predetermined area through which gaming balls flowing down the gaming area pass, detection means for detecting that the gaming ball has passed through the predetermined area, pattern determination means for determining patterns including at least a small prize pattern, pattern display means for displaying the determined patterns on a display unit, and a small prize game in which the large prize opening is opened or closed based on the small prize pattern being displayed on the display unit. A gaming machine comprising: a small win game execution means; a standby state setting means for setting a standby state in which the detection means waits for detection of the game ball when the game ball that entered the large prize opening enters the specific area during the small win game; a big win game execution means for executing a big win game that is advantageous to the player when passage of the game ball into the specified area is detected during the standby state; and a fraud determination means capable of executing error processing to notify the occurrence of an error based on the game ball entering the large prize opening during the standby state. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, fraudulent acts can be detected early. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of the gaming machine showing the door in an open state. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] This is an oblique view of the front of the accessory unit, viewed diagonally from above. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the route that the game ball takes in the bonus unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a first block diagram of the gaming machine. [Figure 8]FIG. 2 is a second block diagram of the gaming machine. [Figure 9] This is an address map of the memory area used by the main CPU. [Figure 10] 1A is a diagram illustrating a random number determination table for determining a small win for special 1, and FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating a random number determination table for determining a small win for special 2. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a winning symbol random number determination table. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a reach group determination random number determination table. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a reach mode determination random number determination table. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a fluctuation pattern random number determination table. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a variable time determination table. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a special electric accessory operation ram set table. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a game status setting table for setting the game status after the end of a major winning game. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a winning determination random number determination table. [Figure 19] 10A is a diagram illustrating a normal symbol fluctuation time data table, and FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating an opening / closing control pattern table. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a gaming machine status flag. [Figure 21] 10 is a first flowchart illustrating a CPU initialization process on the main control board. [Figure 22] 10 is a second flowchart illustrating the CPU initialization process on the main control board. [Figure 23] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a sub-command group setting process on the main control board. [Figure 24] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a power-off evacuation process in the main control board. [Figure 25]10 is a flowchart illustrating a timer interrupt process in the main control board. [Figure 26] 10 is a flowchart illustrating setting-related processing in the main control board. [Figure 27] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a switch management process in the main control board. [Figure 28] 10 is a flowchart illustrating gate passage processing in the main control board. [Figure 29] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the first start port passing process in the main control board. [Figure 30] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the second start port passing process in the main control board. [Figure 31] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the special pattern random number acquisition process on the main control board. [Figure 32] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a specific area passing process in the main control board. [Figure 33] 10 is a flowchart explaining the process of passing through the role-linked operation gate on the main control board. [Figure 34] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a special game management phase. [Figure 35] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the special game management process on the main control board. [Figure 36] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the special symbol change waiting process on the main control board. [Figure 37] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the special pattern variable number determination process on the main control board. [Figure 38] 10 is a flowchart explaining the processing during special pattern fluctuations on the main control board. [Figure 39] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the special symbol stop symbol display process on the main control board. [Figure 40] This is a flowchart explaining the processing before opening the large prize opening on the main control board. [Figure 41] This is a flowchart explaining the large prize opening / closing switching process on the main control board. [Figure 42] 10 is a flowchart explaining the control process for opening the large prize opening on the main control board. [Figure 43] This is a flowchart explaining the large prize opening closure validity processing on the main control board. [Figure 44] This is a flowchart explaining the large prize slot end wait processing on the main control board. [Figure 45] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the normal game management phase. [Figure 46] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the normal game management process on the main control board. [Figure 47] 10 is a flowchart explaining the normal pattern change waiting process on the main control board. [Figure 48] This is a flowchart explaining the processing during normal pattern fluctuations on the main control board. [Figure 49] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the normal symbol stop symbol display process on the main control board. [Figure 50] This is a flowchart explaining the pre-opening processing of a normal electric device winning slot on the main control board. [Figure 51] This is a flowchart explaining the normal electric role winning opening / closing switching process on the main control board. [Figure 52] This is a flowchart explaining the control process for opening the winning slot of a normal electric device on the main control board. [Figure 53] This is a flowchart explaining the normal electric device winning opening closure validity processing on the main control board. [Figure 54] This is a flowchart explaining the normal electric device winning slot end wait processing on the main control board. [Figure 55] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an error management process in the main control board. [Figure 56] 10 is a time chart illustrating the correspondence between the progress of the game and the special electric device designation flag. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0019] As will be described in detail later, a first starting area is provided within the first starting hole 120, and a second starting area is provided within the second starting hole 122. When a gaming ball enters the first starting hole 120 or the second starting hole 122 and enters the first starting area or the second starting area, a lottery is held to determine one of a plurality of pre-defined special symbols. Each special symbol is associated with various gaming benefits, such as whether or not a small jackpot game advantageous to the player can be executed and what kind of gaming state the subsequent game state will be. Therefore, when a gaming ball enters the first starting hole 120 or the second starting hole 122, the player not only acquires a predetermined prize ball, but also has the opportunity to acquire the right to receive various gaming benefits.

[0020] Two first starting openings 120 are provided at the bottom of the game area 116. Here, one first starting opening 120 is provided at a position where game balls flowing down the first game area 116a can enter, and one first starting opening 120 is provided at a position where game balls flowing down the second game area 116b can enter. In addition, the second starting opening 122 is arranged at a position where both game balls flowing down the first game area 116a and game balls flowing down the second game area 116b can enter.

[0021] This second start opening 122 is configured by a variable start opening (variable start winning device) having a movable piece 122b, and the ease with which the gaming ball can enter the second start opening 122 can be varied.

[0022] The movable piece 122b is normally maintained in a closed state. When the movable piece 122b is in a closed state, a structure provided vertically above the second starting hole 122 makes it impossible or difficult for a game ball to enter the second starting hole 122.

[0023] In contrast, when a gaming ball passes through a gate 124 provided in the first gaming area 116a, it is determined whether or not to execute an auxiliary game that makes it easier for the gaming ball to enter the second starting hole 122. More specifically, on the condition that the gaming ball has passed through the gate 124, a lottery for a normal symbol, which will be described later, is held, and if a winning symbol is selected in this normal symbol lottery, the movable piece 122b is controlled to an open state for a predetermined time. When the movable piece 122b is in the open state, the movable piece 122b functions as a tray that guides the gaming ball to the second starting hole 122, making it easier for the gaming ball to enter the second starting hole 122.

[0024] In addition, a first large prize opening 126 is disposed below the second starting opening 122. A movable piece 126b is provided in the first large prize opening 126 so that it can be opened and closed, and normally, the movable piece 126b closes the first large prize opening 126, making it impossible for game balls to enter the first large prize opening 126. When a major role game, which will be described later, starts, the movable piece 126b is opened, making it possible for game balls to enter the first large prize opening 126.

[0025] A role unit U is provided in approximately the center of the game board 108. The role unit U includes a second large prize opening 128. A movable piece 128b is provided in the second large prize opening 128 so that it can be opened and closed, and normally, the movable piece 128b closes the second large prize opening 128, making it impossible for a game ball to enter the second large prize opening 128.

[0026] When a small prize game described later is executed, the movable piece 128b is opened, allowing the game ball to enter the second large prize opening 128. An outlet 130 is provided at the bottom of the game board 108, and game balls that do not enter any of the general prize opening 118, the first start opening 120, the second start opening 122, the first large prize opening 126, and the second large prize opening 128 are discharged from the outlet 130 to the outside of the game area 116.

[0027] Fig. 4 is a front view of the bonus unit U, Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the front of the bonus unit U seen from diagonally above, and Fig. 6 is a diagram explaining the path of the gaming ball in the bonus unit U. As shown in Fig. 4, a pair of movable pieces 128b are provided at the top of the bonus unit U, spaced apart on the left and right. In addition, a structure 129 is provided above the pair of movable pieces 128b. The space partitioned by the pair of movable pieces 128b, the structure 129, and the partition wall that constitutes the bonus unit U becomes the second large winning opening 128.

[0028] 4, when the pair of movable pieces 128b are closed, the gap between the movable pieces 128b and the structure 129 is small, and it is impossible for a gaming ball to enter the second large winning opening 128. In this way, when the second large winning opening 128 is closed, a gaming ball flowing down the gaming area 116 collides with the pair of movable pieces 128b, the structure 129, and the partition wall that constitutes the accessory unit U, and flows down vertically around the accessory unit U.

[0029] On the other hand, when a gaming ball enters the first starting hole 120 or the second starting hole 122, a special symbol is determined. A small prize symbol is provided as a special symbol, and when the small prize symbol is determined, a small prize game is executed. In the small prize game, the movable pieces 128b are opened for a short time. A rotation axis is provided at the bottom of the movable pieces 128b, and in the figure, the left movable piece 128b rotates counterclockwise about 45 degrees around the rotation axis, and the right movable piece 128b rotates clockwise about 45 degrees around the rotation axis. This opens the second large prize opening 128, and the movable pieces 128b function as a tray to guide the gaming ball to the second large prize opening 128.

[0030] A plurality of role devices are provided within the second large prize opening 128. Here, the role devices provided are a first role device 400, a second role device 420, a third role device 430, a fourth role device 450, a fifth role device 460, and a sixth role device 470. The first role device 400 is provided in approximately the center of the width of the role unit U. The first role device 400 includes a movable motor 400c, which will be described later, and a distribution plate 402 connected to the movable motor 400c. The distribution plate 402 is made up of a plate-shaped member, and a game ball that enters the second large prize opening 128 rolls on the distribution plate 402.

[0031] The sorting plate 402 is positioned vertically below the pair of movable pieces 128b. A gaming ball that enters the second large winning opening 128 always falls onto the sorting plate 402. The output shaft of the movable motor 400c is connected to approximately the center of the width of the sorting plate 402, and the driving force of the movable motor 400c causes the sorting plate 402 to tilt within a predetermined angle range. Specifically, the sorting plate 402 switches between a first state in which the right end is positioned slightly vertically below the left end, and a second state in which the left end is positioned slightly vertically below the right end.

[0032] In the first state of the sorting board 402, a game ball that has fallen onto the sorting board 402 rolls and flows down toward the right side of the sorting board 402. In the second state of the sorting board 402, a game ball that has fallen onto the sorting board 402 rolls and flows down toward the left side of the sorting board 402.

[0033] In the initial state of the first role device 400, the distribution plate 402 is stationary and aligned horizontally. When a small prize game starts, the movable motor 400c is energized, causing the distribution plate 402 to swing. At this time, immediately after the second large prize opening 128 opens, the movable motor 400c is energized so that the distribution plate 402 is in the first state. Thereafter, the movable motor 400c is energized so that the distribution plate 402 is in the second state. The distribution plate 402 is in the first state only for a short time immediately after the second large prize opening 128 opens, and thereafter is maintained in the second state until the small prize game ends.

[0034] Therefore, a game ball that enters the second large prize opening 128 immediately after the start of a small prize game is distributed to the right side of the accessory unit U by the distribution board 402. On the other hand, a game ball that enters the second large prize opening 128 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of a small prize game is distributed to the left side of the accessory unit U by the distribution board 402.

[0035] However, the control of the first role device 400, i.e., the control of the attitude of the sorting board 402, is not limited to this. For example, the movable motor 400c may be energized and controlled so that the sorting board 402 periodically alternates between the first state and the second state. Furthermore, the ratio between the time during which the sorting board 402 is maintained in the first state and the time during which the sorting board 402 is maintained in the second state can be set appropriately.

[0036] A normal path 410 is provided below and to the left of the distribution plate 402. The normal path 410 is a path formed so that game balls can roll, and guides game balls that flow down from the left end of the distribution plate 402 vertically downward. The normal path 410 has a shape that snakes partially in the left-right and depth directions to reduce the speed at which the game balls flow down. The normal path 410 is also provided with a normal path detection switch 410s. The normal path detection switch 410s detects game balls flowing down the normal path 410. The normal path detection switch 410s is provided midway along the normal path 410, and game balls detected by the normal path detection switch 410s continue to flow vertically downward over a predetermined period of time.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 6, a second bonus device 420 is provided downstream of the normal passage 410. The second bonus device 420 includes a push solenoid 420c (see FIG. 7) and a push rod 422 connected to the push solenoid 420c. A through-hole 410a penetrating the gaming board 108 in the width direction is formed downstream of the normal passage 410. The push rod 422 is normally stationary in a retracted position retracted from the through-hole 410a. Meanwhile, the second bonus device 420 energizes the push solenoid 420c at predetermined intervals during a small win game. When the push solenoid 420c is energized, the push rod 422 protrudes into the through-hole 410a.

[0038] That is, during a small win game, the push rod 422 protrudes into the through-hole 410a at predetermined intervals. Of the gaming balls flowing down the normal passage 410, those that do not collide with the push rod 422 fall vertically down the normal passage 410, pass through the non-specific area 500, and are discharged to the outside of the second large prize opening 128. On the other hand, when the push rod 422 protrudes into the through-hole 410a, if a gaming ball flowing down the normal passage 410 collides with the push rod 422, the gaming ball is ejected from the through-hole 410a to the right side of the normal passage 410, i.e., toward the center of the width of the gaming board 108. The gaming ball ejected from the through-hole 410a by the push rod 422 is guided to the third bonus device 430.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 5, the third accessory device 430 is located approximately in the center of the width direction of the accessory unit U. The third accessory device 430 includes a first rotating body motor 430c (see FIG. 7) and a first rotating body 432 connected to the first rotating body motor 430c. The first rotating body 432 rotates at a constant speed in a constant direction at all times while the gaming machine 100 is in operation. However, the first rotating body 432 may rotate only during a small win game. Furthermore, the speed of the first rotating body 432 may change during rotation.

[0040] The first rotor 432 is provided with a plurality of storage sections 434 that open in the radial direction. The plurality of storage sections 434 are arranged in the rotational direction, and a gaming ball ejected from the through-hole 410a by the push rod 422 is stored in one of the storage sections 434 of the first rotor 432. The gaming ball stored in the storage section 434 moves in the rotational direction of the first rotor 432.

[0041] Here, the storage section 434 is classified into a loss storage section 434a, a V storage section 434b, and a replay storage section 434c, as shown in Fig. 6. Here, one V storage section 434b and one replay storage section 434c are provided, and all other storage sections 434 are loss storage sections 434a.

[0042] Furthermore, a replay passage 440 is provided radially outward of the first rotating body 432, and a non-specific area 500 and a specific area 502, indicated by dashed lines in the figure, are provided vertically below the first rotating body 432. A gaming ball accommodated in the losing accommodating section 434a is always guided to the non-specific area 500. A gaming ball accommodated in the V accommodating section 434b is always guided to the specific area 502. A gaming ball accommodated in the replay accommodating section 434c is always guided to the replay passage 440.

[0043] For example, the losing ball accommodating portion 434a and the V accommodating portion 434b have different radial lengths. Furthermore, the non-specific region 500 and the specific region 502 have different radial positions on the first rotating body 432. The losing ball accommodating portion 434a is configured to pass through a position radially shifted from the specific region 502 and pass directly above the non-specific region 500. The V accommodating portion 434b is configured to pass directly above the specific region 502. In this way, the losing ball accommodating portion 434a is always guided to the non-specific region 500, and the V accommodating portion 434b is always guided to the specific region 502.

[0044] Furthermore, for example, the replay storage section 434c is formed to have a shallower vertical depth than the losing storage section 434a and the replay storage section 434c, and is configured so that the bottom surface of the replay storage section 434c is flush with the bottom surface of the replay passage 440. When the replay storage section 434c faces the replay passage 440, game balls roll down from the replay storage section 434c into the replay passage 440. On the other hand, game balls stored in the losing storage section 434a and the V storage section 434b pass through the replay passage 440 without rolling down due to the step between them. As a result, only game balls stored in the replay storage section 434c are guided to the replay passage 440.

[0045] The above-described configuration of the first rotating body 432 is merely an example. In any case, the configuration is not particularly limited as long as the gaming ball stored in the storage section 434 of the first rotating body 432 is guided to either the replay passage 440, the non-specific area 500, or the specific area 502. Here, the gaming ball is guided from the first rotating body 432 to the replay passage 440, but the replay passage 440 is not essential.

[0046] A fourth accessory device 450 is provided downstream of the replay passage 440. The fourth accessory device 450 includes a lifting motor 450c (see FIG. 7), a lifting member 452 connected to the lifting motor 450c, and a passage component 454. The passage component 454 is formed of a cylindrical member whose inner diameter is larger than the diameter of a gaming ball and extends in the vertical direction. The lifting member 452 is provided within the passage component 454, and moves the passage component 454 vertically upward by the driving force of the lifting motor 450c.

[0047] A hole that opens into the replay passage 440 is formed in the lower part of the passage forming member 454, and a gaming ball that is guided from the first rotating body 432 to the replay passage 440 enters the passage forming member 454. The lifting member 452 is normally stationary below the replay passage 440, and a gaming ball that enters the passage forming member 454 from the replay passage 440 is placed on the lifting member 452.

[0048] The fourth accessory device 450 is provided with a replay passage detection switch 450s that detects a gaming ball placed on the lifting member 452. When the replay passage detection switch 450s detects a gaming ball, the lifting motor 450c is driven to lift the lifting member 452 vertically upward. Then, when the lifting member 452 reaches the upper end of the passage component 454 as shown by the dashed line in the figure, the gaming ball on the lifting member 452 rolls toward the fifth accessory device 460.

[0049] The fifth role device 460 includes a second rotating body motor 460c (see FIG. 7) and a second rotating body 462 connected to the second rotating body motor 460c. The second rotating body 462 rotates at a constant speed in a constant direction at all times while the gaming machine 100 is in operation. However, the second rotating body 462 may rotate only during a small win game. Furthermore, the speed of the second rotating body 462 may change during rotation.

[0050] The second rotating body 462 is provided with a plurality of storage sections 464 that are open in the radial direction. The plurality of storage sections 464 are arranged in the rotational direction, and a gaming ball that rolls down from the lifting member 452 is stored in one of the storage sections 464 of the second rotating body 462. The gaming ball stored in the storage section 464 moves in the rotational direction of the second rotating body 462.

[0051] 6, the storage sections 464 are classified into loss storage sections 464a and V storage sections 464b. Here, one V storage section 464b is provided, and all the other storage sections 464 are loss storage sections 464a.

[0052] Furthermore, a non-specific area 500 and a specific area 502, indicated by dashed lines in the figure, are provided on the back side of the second rotating body 462. A gaming ball contained in the losing accommodating section 464a is always guided to the non-specific area 500. A gaming ball contained in the V accommodating section 464b is always guided to the specific area 502. The configuration in which a gaming ball contained in the losing accommodating section 464a is guided to the non-specific area 500 and a gaming ball contained in the V accommodating section 464b is guided to the specific area 502 is the same as above.

[0053] Here, in the small win game, if the game ball that entered the second large winning opening 128 enters the specific area 502, it will be a type 2 jackpot. If a type 2 jackpot is won, the large winning game can be played following the small win game. In the large winning game, multiple round games are played in which the first large winning opening 126 is opened. On the other hand, if the game ball enters the non-specific area 500, it will be a loss, and the small win game will end when all game balls have been discharged from the second large winning opening 128.

[0054] In this embodiment, two losing ball storage sections 464a and one V storage section 464b are provided on the second rotating body 462. Therefore, as described above, when a gaming ball is stored in the replay storage section 434c of the first rotating body 432, there is a 1 / 3 probability of a double jackpot.

[0055] Further, a sixth accessory device 470 is provided below and to the right of the distribution board 402 and above the fifth accessory device 460. The sixth accessory device 470 includes a gear motor 470c (see FIG. 7), and a first gear 472 and a second gear 474 connected to the gear motor 470c. The first gear 472 and the second gear 474 rotate at a constant speed at all times while the gaming machine 100 is in operation. However, the first gear 472 and the second gear 474 may rotate only during a small win game. Furthermore, the speed of the first gear 472 and the second gear 474 may change during rotation.

[0056] A plurality of grooves for accommodating game balls are formed on the outer peripheries of the first gear 472 and the second gear 474. A game ball that falls from the right end of the distribution plate 402 is guided to the first gear 472. The game ball guided to the first gear 472 moves in the rotational direction of the first gear 472 as the first gear 472 rotates. Then, a game ball that falls from the groove of the first gear 472 due to its own weight is accommodated in the groove of the second gear 474. The game ball guided to the second gear 474 moves in the rotational direction of the second gear 474 as the second gear 474 rotates. Then, a game ball that falls from the groove of the second gear 474 due to its own weight is accommodated in one of the accommodation sections 464 of the fifth role device 460.

[0057] Therefore, if the distribution board 402 distributes the gaming balls to the right side, the probability of winning a type 2 jackpot is 1 / 3. On the other hand, if the distribution board 402 distributes the gaming balls to the left side, the second accessory device 420 first distributes the gaming balls to the non-specific area 500 or the third accessory device 430. The probability that the second accessory device 420 distributes the gaming balls to the third accessory device 430 is, for example, 1 / 2 to 1 / 10.

[0058] The first rotating body 432 of the third accessory device 430 is provided with one V storage section 434b and one replay storage section 434c, while four loss storage sections 434a are provided. Therefore, in the third accessory device 430, the probability that a gaming ball will enter the specific area 502 and win a double jackpot is 1 / 6. Also, in the third accessory device 430, the probability that a gaming ball will be stored in the replay storage section 434c and that this gaming ball will enter the specific area 502 in the fifth accessory device 460 is 1 / 6 × 1 / 3 = 1 / 18.

[0059] As is clear from the above, in this embodiment, when the gaming ball is distributed to the right side by the first accessory device 400, the probability of winning a double jackpot is higher than when the gaming ball is distributed to the left side by the first accessory device 400. During a small jackpot game, the player watches the gaming ball, eagerly hoping that the gaming ball will enter the specific area 502, and the player's anticipation increases especially when the gaming ball is distributed to the right side by the first accessory device 400.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 3, the second game area 116b is provided with a combination of winning combination gates 125 through which the game ball can pass. As described above, in a small win game, when a game ball that has entered the second large winning opening 128 enters the specific area 502, a type 2 jackpot is awarded and the big win game becomes executable. The big win game starts when the game ball passes through the combination of winning combination gates 125. Specifically, when a type 2 jackpot is awarded, the game enters a standby state for the big win game, and when the game ball passes through the combination of winning combination gates 125 during this standby state, the big win game starts. The combination of winning combination gates 125 is provided with a combination of winning combination gate lamps 204a, and lighting up the combination of winning combination gate lamps 204a prompts the game ball to pass through the combination of winning combination gates 125, i.e., prompts a right hit.

[0061] 4, a hole penetrating in the depth direction of the gaming machine 100 is formed in the center of the accessory unit U. A main effect display section 200a of the effect display device 200 is provided on the back side of the accessory unit U. Therefore, the main effect display section 200a is arranged in the approximate center of the gaming board 108 so as to be visible from the front side of the gaming machine 100. Various effect images are displayed on this main effect display section 200a.

[0062] 2, the gaming machine 100 is also provided with an effect lighting device 204, an audio output device 206, and an effect button 208. The effect lighting device 204 is controlled to light up in accordance with various effects during play. The audio output device 206 is provided at the top of the front frame 106 or at the bottom of the outer frame 102, and outputs various sounds toward the front of the gaming machine 100 in accordance with images and the like displayed on the main effect display section 200a.

[0063] The effect button 208 is composed of a button that accepts pressing operations by the player, and is located in approximately the center of the width of the gaming machine 100, and below the transparent plate 110. This effect button 208 is activated in accordance with the images displayed on the main effect display unit 200a, and when an operation by the player is accepted within the effective operation time, various effects are executed according to the operation.

[0064] In the figure, reference numeral 132 denotes an upper tray to which prize balls paid out from the gaming machine 100 and game balls dispensed from the game ball dispenser are guided, and when this upper tray 132 is full of game balls, the game balls are guided to a lower tray 134. A ball ejection hole (not shown) is formed in the bottom surface of this lower tray 134 to eject game balls from the lower tray 134. This ball ejection hole is normally closed by an opening / closing plate (not shown), but by pushing in a ball ejection knob 134a, the opening / closing plate slides together with the ball ejection knob 134a, making it possible to eject game balls from the ball ejection hole to below the lower tray 134.

[0065] 3, the game board 108 is provided with a first special symbol display 160, a second special symbol display 162, a first special symbol reserved display 164, a second special symbol reserved display 166, a normal symbol display 168, and a normal symbol reserved display 170 at positions outside the game area 116 and visible to the player. Each of these displays 160 to 170 is a device for displaying various game-related situations, and details thereof will be described later.

[0066] (Internal configuration of control means) FIG. 7 is a first block diagram showing the internal configuration of the control means for controlling the progress of the game, and FIG. 8 is a second block diagram showing the internal configuration of the control means for controlling the progress of the game.

[0067] The main control board 300 controls the basic operations of the game. This main control board 300 is equipped with a main CPU 300a, a main ROM 300b, and a main RAM 300c. The main CPU 300a reads out programs stored in the main ROM 300b and performs arithmetic processing based on input signals from each detection switch and timer, and also directly controls each device and display, or sends commands to other boards depending on the results of the arithmetic processing. The main RAM 300c functions as a data work area during arithmetic processing by the main CPU 300a.

[0068] The gaming machine 100 is broadly divided into a special game that is started when a gaming ball enters the first start hole 120 or the second start hole 122, and a normal game that is started when a gaming ball passes through the gate 124. The main ROM 300b of the main control board 300 stores various programs for progressing the special game and the normal game, as well as data and tables required for various games.

[0069] The main control board 300 is provided with a general winning opening detection switch 118s for detecting that a gaming ball has entered the general winning opening 118, a first starting opening detection switch 120s for detecting that a gaming ball has entered the first starting opening 120, a second starting opening detection switch 122s for detecting that a gaming ball has entered the second starting opening 122, a gate detection switch 124s for detecting that a gaming ball has passed through the gate 124, a role-linked operation gate detection switch 125s for detecting that a gaming ball has passed through the role-linked operation gate 125, a first special winning opening detection switch 126s for detecting that a gaming ball has entered the first special winning opening 126, a second special winning opening detection switch 126s for detecting that a gaming ball has entered the first special winning opening 126, a first special winning opening detection switch 126s for detecting that a gaming ball has entered the first special winning opening 126, a second special winning opening detection switch 126s for detecting that a gaming ball has entered the first special winning opening 126, a first special winning opening detection switch 126s for detecting that a gaming ball has entered the first special winning opening 126, a second special winning opening detection switch 126s for detecting that a gaming ball has entered the second ... A first large prize opening detection switch 126s detects when a game ball enters the second large prize opening 128, a second large prize opening detection switch 128s detects when a game ball enters the second large prize opening 128, an out ball detection switch 130s detects when a game ball is ejected from the game area 116, a non-specific area detection switch 500s detects when a game ball enters the non-specific area 500, and a specific area detection switch 502s detects when a game ball enters the specific area 502, and detection signals are input from each of these detection switches to the main control board 300.

[0070] A junction passage is provided on the back of the game board 108, and game balls that enter the general winning opening 118, the first starting opening 120, the second starting opening 122, the first large winning opening 126, and the second large winning opening 128 and game balls that are guided to the back side from the discharge opening 130 join together in the junction passage and are guided to the equipment of the game parlor. The out ball detection switch 130s is provided in the junction passage, and all game balls that are discharged from the game area 116, in other words, all game balls that are shot into the game area 116, are detected by the out ball detection switch 130s.

[0071] The main control board 300 also includes a normal electric accessory solenoid 122c for actuating the movable piece 122b of the second starting opening 122, a first large prize opening solenoid 126c for actuating the movable piece 126b that opens and closes the first large prize opening 126, a second large prize opening solenoid 128c for actuating the movable piece 128b that opens and closes the second large prize opening 128, a movable motor 400c for swinging the sorting plate 402, a push solenoid 420c for actuating the push rod 422, a first rotating body 432 for rotating the first rotating body 432, and a second rotating body 432 for rotating the first large prize opening 126b. Motor 430c, lifting motor 450c for raising and lowering lifting member 452, second rotating body motor 460c for rotating second rotating body 462, and gear motor 470c for rotating first gear 472 are connected, and main control board 300 controls the opening and closing of second starting opening 122, first large winning opening 126, and second large winning opening 128, as well as the movement of sorting plate 402, push rod 422, first rotating body 432, lifting member 452, second rotating body 462, and first gear 472.

[0072] Furthermore, the main control board 300 is connected to a first special pattern display 160, a second special pattern display 162, a first special pattern reserved display 164, a second special pattern reserved display 166, a normal pattern display 168, and a normal pattern reserved display 170, and the display of each of these displays is controlled by the main control board 300.

[0073] In addition, the gaming machine 100 is provided with multiple abnormality detection sensors 174 that detect possible abnormalities or fraud, such as a radio wave detection sensor that detects radio waves, a magnetic detection sensor that detects magnetism, and a door open sensor that detects the open state of the middle frame 104 or the front frame 106, and is configured so that an abnormality detection signal is input from each abnormality detection sensor 174 to the main control board 300.

[0074] Furthermore, a setting change switch 180s is provided on the back of the gaming board 108. The setting change switch 180s is configured to be accessible with a dedicated key. When the setting change switch 180s is turned on, the setting values ​​can be changed and confirmed. As will be described in detail later, the gaming machine 100 stores one of six setting values ​​with different degrees of advantage as a registered setting value in a setting value buffer, and the game progresses according to the stored registered setting value. However, in this embodiment, although the gaming machine is provided with a function to change the registered setting value, only "1" was set as the registered setting value in the design stage, and it is assumed that the degree of advantage cannot be changed.

[0075] A RAM clear button is provided on the back of the game board 108 so that it can be pressed, and pressing of this RAM clear button is detected by a RAM clear switch 182s. The RAM clear switch 182s is connected to the main control board 300, and a RAM clear operation signal is input from the RAM clear switch 182s to the main control board 300. If a RAM clear operation signal is input from the RAM clear switch 182s when the power is turned on, the main CPU 300a clears the main RAM 300c.

[0076] A performance display monitor 184 is provided on the back of the game board 108. The main control board 300 causes the performance display monitor 184 to display the registered setting values ​​and the base ratio.

[0077] In addition, a dispensing control board 310 and a sub-control board 330 are connected to the main control board 300.

[0078] As shown in Figure 8, the payout control board 310 controls the firing of game balls and the payout of prize balls. This payout control board 310 also has a CPU, ROM, and RAM, and is connected to the main control board 300 so that it can communicate bidirectionally. A game information output terminal board 312 is connected to this payout control board 310, and various information on the progress of the game output from the main control board 300 is output to the hall computer of the gaming parlor via the payout control board 310 and the game information output terminal board 312.

[0079] A payout motor 314 is connected to the payout control board 310 to pay out the game balls stored in the storage section to the player as prize balls. The payout control board 310 controls the payout motor 314 based on a payout number designation command sent from the main control board 300 to control the motor 314 to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls to the player. At this time, the number of paid out game balls is detected by a payout ball counting switch 316s, and it is possible to determine whether the prize balls that should have been paid out have been paid out to the player.

[0080] Also connected to the payout control board 310 is a tray full detection switch 318s that detects the full state of the lower tray 134. This tray full detection switch 318s is provided in a passage that leads game balls paid out as prize balls to the lower tray 134, and a game ball detection signal is input to the payout control board 310 every time a game ball passes through the passage.

[0081] Then, when a predetermined amount or more of game balls are accumulated in the lower tray 134 and it reaches a full state, game balls accumulate in the passage leading to the lower tray 134, and game ball detection signals are continuously input from the tray full detection switch 318s to the payout control board 310. When the payout control board 310 receives game ball detection signals continuously for a predetermined period of time, it determines that the lower tray 134 is in a full state, and sends a tray full command to the main control board 300. On the other hand, when the continuous input of game ball detection signals stops after sending the tray full command, it determines that the full state has been released, and sends a tray full release command to the main control board 300.

[0082] A launch control circuit 320 is also connected to the payout control board 310 so as to be able to communicate bidirectionally. When the launch control circuit 320 receives launch control data from the payout control board 310, it authorizes launch. A touch sensor 112s, which is provided on the operating handle 112 and detects when a player touches the operating handle 112, and an operation volume 112a, which detects the operating angle of the operating handle 112, are connected to the launch control circuit 320. When signals are input from the touch sensor 112s and the operation volume 112a, the launch control circuit 320 controls the energization of a launch solenoid 112c provided on the gaming ball launcher to launch the gaming ball.

[0083] The sub-control board 330 mainly controls various effects during game play, standby, etc. The sub-control board 330 is equipped with a sub-CPU 330a, sub-ROM 330b, sub-RAM 330c, and RTC 330d, and is connected to the main control board 300 so that communication can be performed in one direction from the main control board 300 to the sub-control board 330. The sub-CPU 330a reads out programs stored in the sub-ROM 330b and performs arithmetic processing based on commands transmitted from the main control board 300, input signals from a timer, etc., and also controls the execution of effects. At this time, the sub-RAM 330c functions as a data work area during arithmetic processing by the sub-CPU 330a.

[0084] Specifically, the sub-control board 330 controls image display to display images on the main effect display unit 200a. The sub-ROM 330b stores a large number of various image data to be displayed on the main effect display unit 200a, and the sub-CPU 330a reads the image data from the sub-ROM 330b to a VRAM (not shown) and controls the image display on the main effect display unit 200a.

[0085] The sub-control board 330 also operates the performance prop device 202, which is a movable device for performance, controls the lighting of the performance lighting device 204 and the role-linked operation gate lamp 204a, and performs audio output control to output audio from the audio output device 206. Furthermore, when an operation detection signal is input from the performance button detection switch 208s, which detects that the performance button 208 has been pressed, a predetermined performance is executed.

[0086] In addition, the sub-control board 330 is connected to a normal path detection switch 410s, a replay path detection switch 450s, and an SP route detection switch 470s. The normal path detection switch 410s is provided on the normal path 410 and detects game balls guided to the normal path 410. The replay path detection switch 450s detects game balls guided to the replay path 440. The replay path detection switch 450s may be provided in a position where it can detect game balls rolling on the replay path 440. For example, it may be provided on the replay path 440 or in the path component 454. The SP route detection switch 470s detects game balls that have fallen to the right of the distribution board 402, i.e., toward the sixth role device 470 (see FIG. 6). The SP route detection switch 470s may be provided in a position where it can detect game balls that have fallen to the fifth role device 460 via the sixth role device 470.

[0087] Here, the normal path detection switch 410s, the replay path detection switch 450s, and the SP route detection switch 470s are connected to the sub-control board 330. However, the normal path detection switch 410s, the replay path detection switch 450s, and the SP route detection switch 470s may be connected to the main control board 300.

[0088] Each board is connected to a power supply board (not shown), and power is supplied to each board from a commercial power source via the power supply board. The power supply board is also provided with a backup power supply consisting of a capacitor. The RTC 330d provided on the sub-control board 330 receives power from the backup power supply and keeps track of the current time.

[0089] Fig. 9 is an address map of the memory area used by the main CPU 300a. In Fig. 9, addresses are shown in hexadecimal, with "H" indicating a hexadecimal number. As shown in Fig. 9, the memory area used by the main CPU 300a includes a memory area (0000H to 2FFFH) allocated to the main ROM 300b and a memory area (F000H to F3FFH) allocated to the main RAM 300c.

[0090] The memory area of ​​the main ROM 300b is divided into a used area (0000H to 1A7AH) that stores programs and data for controlling the progress of the game, and an unused area (2000H to 2BFFH) that is an area other than the used area and stores programs and data for performing processes for conducting tests specified in the gaming machine regulations and processes for displaying the performance display monitor 184 (including processes for calculating the base ratio to be displayed on the performance display monitor 184).

[0091] The used area of ​​the main ROM 300b includes a program area (0000H-0A89H) for storing programs for controlling the progress of games, an unused area (0A8AH-0FFFH), and a data area (1000H-1A7AH) for storing data other than programs. Note that the used area may not include the unused area (0A8AH-0FFFH).

[0092] The unused area of ​​the main ROM 300b includes a program area (2000H to 27FFH) that stores programs for executing processes for conducting tests stipulated by gaming machine regulations and processes for displaying the performance display monitor 184, and a data area (2800H to 2BFFH) that stores data other than these programs.

[0093] In addition to the used area and unused area, the memory area of ​​the main ROM 300b also includes an unused area (1A7BH to 1DFFH), a ROM comment area (1E00H to 1EFFH) in which arbitrary data such as the program title and version is stored, an unused area (1F00H to 1FFFH), an unused area (2C00H to 2FBFH), and a program management area (2FC0H to 2FFFH) in which information necessary for the main CPU 300a to execute a program is stored.

[0094] The memory area of ​​the main RAM 300c is divided into a used area (F000H to F1FFH) that is temporarily used when a program for controlling the progress of the game is being executed, and an unused area (F210H to F228H) that is an area other than the used area and is temporarily used when a program for performing processing for performing tests specified in the gaming machine regulations or processing for displaying the performance display monitor 184 is being executed.

[0095] The used area of ​​the main RAM 300c includes a work area (F000H-F12AH) that is temporarily used when a program for controlling the progress of a game is being executed, an unused area (F12BH-F1D7H), and a stack area (F1D8H-F1FFH) that temporarily saves data while a program for controlling the progress of a game is being executed. Note that the used area may not include the unused area (F12BH-F1D7H).

[0096] The unused area of ​​the main RAM 300c includes a work area (F210H to F21FH) that is temporarily used when programs for processing tests stipulated in gaming machine regulations and for displaying the performance display monitor 184 are being executed, and a stack area (F220H to F228H) that temporarily stores data when these programs are being executed.

[0097] In addition to the used area and unused area, the memory area of ​​the main RAM 300c also includes an unused area (F200H to F20FH) and an unused area (F229H to F3FFH).

[0098] In this way, the main ROM 300b and the main RAM 300c are provided with separate areas: a used area used to control the progress of the game, and a non-used area used to execute processes for conducting tests stipulated by gaming machine regulations and for controlling the display of the performance display monitor 184.

[0099] In the main RAM 300c, a 16-byte unused area (F200H-F20FH) is provided between the used area and the unused area. This unused area (F200H-F20FH) is set as a boundary area that separates the used area and the unused area, making the boundary between the used area and the unused area clear and preventing the unused area from being used when a program for controlling the progress of a game is being executed, and preventing the used area from being used when a program for performing a test specified by the gaming machine regulations or a program for performing a display control of the performance display monitor 184 is being executed.

[0100] The unused area between the used area and the unused area only needs to be at least 1 byte, and from the viewpoint of preventing fraud, it is preferable that it be 4 bytes or more, and more preferably 16 bytes or more. Furthermore, writing and reading of data into the unused area is prohibited, but from the viewpoint of preventing fraud, it may be cleared at a predetermined timing.

[0101] Next, the game in the gaming machine 100 will be explained together with various tables stored in the main ROM 300b.

[0102] As mentioned above, the gaming machine 100 allows two types of games, special games and normal games, to proceed in parallel, and when these two games are being played, the game proceeds in either a non-time-saving game state or a time-saving game state.

[0103] The details of each gaming state will be described later, but the non-time-shortening gaming state is a gaming state in which the movable piece 122b is less likely to be in the open state and it is more difficult for a gaming ball to enter the second starting hole 122, and the time-shortening gaming state is a gaming state in which the movable piece 122b is more likely to be in the open state than in the non-time-shortening gaming state and it is more likely for a gaming ball to enter the second starting hole 122. The initial state of the gaming machine 100 is set to the non-time-shortening gaming state.

[0104] When a player operates the operating handle 112 to launch a gaming ball into the gaming area 116 and the gaming ball flowing down the gaming area 116 enters the first starting hole 120 or the second starting hole 122, a lottery (hereinafter referred to as a "big prize lottery") is held to determine whether or not the player will receive a gaming profit. If a small prize is won in this big prize lottery, the second big prize opening 128 is opened and a small prize game is executed in which a gaming ball can enter the second big prize opening 128. The big prize lottery method will be described below.

[0105] As will be described in more detail later, when a gaming ball enters the first start port 120 or the second start port 122, various random number values ​​related to the big role lottery (small win determination random number, winning symbol random number, reach group determination random number, reach mode determination random number, and variable pattern random number) are obtained, and these random number values ​​are stored in a special symbol reserve memory area of ​​the main RAM 300c. Hereinafter, the various random numbers stored in the special symbol reserve memory area when a gaming ball enters the first start port 120 will be collectively referred to as special 1 reserve, and the various random numbers stored in the special symbol reserve memory area when a gaming ball enters the second start port 122 will be collectively referred to as special 2 reserve.

[0106] The special symbol reservation memory area of ​​the main RAM 300c includes a first special symbol reservation memory area and a second special symbol reservation memory area. The first special symbol reservation memory area and the second special symbol reservation memory area each have four memory sections (first to fourth memory sections). When a gaming ball enters the first starting hole 120, the special symbol 1 reservation is stored in order from the first memory section of the first special symbol reservation memory area, and when a gaming ball enters the second starting hole 122, the special symbol 2 reservation is stored in order from the first memory section of the second special symbol reservation memory area.

[0107] For example, when a gaming ball enters the first starting hole 120, if no reservation is stored in any of the first to fourth storage sections of the first special chart reservation storage area, a special 1 reservation is stored in the first storage section. Also, for example, when a gaming ball enters the first starting hole 120 in a state where a special 1 reservation is stored in the first to third storage sections, the special 1 reservation is stored in the fourth storage section. Also, when a gaming ball enters the second starting hole 122, similarly to the above, a special 2 reservation is stored in the storage section with the smallest number (ordinal number) among the first to fourth storage sections of the second special chart reservation storage area, in which a special 2 reservation is not stored.

[0108] However, the number of special 1 reserves (X1) and the number of special 2 reserves (X2) that can be stored in the first special chart reserve memory area and the second special chart reserve memory area are each set to four. Therefore, for example, when a gaming ball enters the first starting hole 120, if four special 1 reserves are already stored in the first special chart reserve memory area, no new special 1 reserves will be stored by the entry of the gaming ball into the first starting hole 120. Similarly, when a gaming ball enters the second starting hole 122, if four special 2 reserves are already stored in the second special chart reserve memory area, no new special 2 reserves will be stored by the entry of the gaming ball into the second starting hole 122.

[0109] Fig. 10(a) is a diagram explaining the small win determination random number judgment table for special 1, and Fig. 10(b) is a diagram explaining the small win determination random number judgment table for special 2. When a gaming ball enters the first start hole 120 or the second start hole 122, one small win determination random number is obtained from the range of 0 to 65535. Then, a small win determination random number judgment table is selected according to the reserve type read out when the big win lottery is started, and the big win lottery is held using the selected small win determination random number judgment table and the obtained small win determination random number.

[0110] When starting the lottery for the special 1 reserved large role, the special 1 small win determination random number judgment table shown in Figure 10 (a) is referenced, and when starting the lottery for the special 2 reserved large role, the special 2 small win determination random number judgment table shown in Figure 10 (b) is referenced. According to the special 1 small win determination random number judgment table, if the small win determination random number is 20001 to 20555, it is determined to be a small win, and if it is any other small win determination random number, it is determined to be a miss. Therefore, the probability of a small win in this case is approximately 1 / 118.0.

[0111] In addition, according to the special 2 small win determination random number judgment table, if the small win determination random number is between 20001 and 25461, it is judged as a small win, and if it is any other small win determination random number, it is judged as a miss. Therefore, the small win probability in this case is approximately 1 / 12.0.

[0112] 11 is a diagram illustrating the winning symbol random number determination table. When a gaming ball enters the first starting hole 120 or the second starting hole 122, one winning symbol random number is obtained from the range of 0 to 99. Then, when the determination result of the big role lottery is derived as "small win," the type of special symbol is determined by the obtained winning symbol random number and the winning symbol random number determination table.

[0113] At this time, if a "small win" is won by the special 1 reservation, the special 1 winning symbol random number determination table is selected as shown in Figure 11 (a). Also, if a "small win" is won by the special 2 reservation, the special 2 winning symbol random number determination table is selected as shown in Figure 11 (b). Hereinafter, the special symbol determined by the winning symbol random number, that is, the special symbol determined when a small win determination result is obtained, is called the small win symbol, and the special symbol determined when a loss determination result is obtained is called the loss symbol.

[0114] According to the special 1 winning symbol random number determination table shown in Figure 11 (a) and the special 2 winning symbol random number determination table shown in Figure 11 (b), the type of special symbol (small winning symbol) is determined as shown in the figure according to the value of the acquired winning symbol random number. Specifically, when a small winning symbol is won by special 1 reservation, the special symbols Z1, Z2, and Z3, which are small winning symbols, are determined with a probability of 50%, 25%, and 25%, respectively. Also, when a small winning symbol is won by special 2 reservation, the special symbols Z1, Z2, and Z3, which are small winning symbols, are determined with a probability of 25%, 25%, and 50%, respectively.

[0115] On the other hand, when the result of the big role lottery is "miss", if the result of the lottery is derived by special 1 reservation, special pattern X is determined as the losing pattern without drawing a lottery. Also, when the result of the big role lottery is "miss", if the result of the lottery is derived by special 2 reservation, special pattern Y is determined as the losing pattern without drawing a lottery.

[0116] In other words, the winning symbol random number determination table is referenced only when the result of the big role lottery is a "small win," and is not referenced when the result of the big role lottery is a "miss." Here, different small win symbols are determined in the special 1 winning symbol random number determination table and the special 2 winning symbol random number determination table. However, the same small win symbol may be determined in both tables, or the type of special symbol (small win symbol) may be determined by referring to the winning symbol random number determination table 1 regardless of the reserved type.

[0117] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a reach group determination random number judgment table. A plurality of reach group determination random number judgment tables are provided, and a preset table is selected depending on the reserved type, reserved number, game status, and variable status associated with the game status. When a game ball enters the first start opening 120 or the second start opening 122, one reach group determination random number is obtained from the range of 0 to 10006. As described above, when the big role lottery result is derived, a process is performed to determine a variable performance pattern (variation mode number, variable pattern number) that notifies the big role lottery result. In the embodiment, when the big role lottery result is a "miss," in determining the variable performance pattern, the group type is first determined by the reach group determination random number and the reach group determination random number judgment table. Note that the variable status specifies which table is referenced to determine the variable performance pattern, and is a concept set separately from the game status.

[0118] For example, when the game state is set to a non-time-saving game state, if a "miss" big role lottery result is derived based on the special 1 reserve, and the number of reserved special 1s (hereinafter simply referred to as the "reserved number") when the big role lottery is performed is 0, then the reach group determination random number judgment table 1 is selected, as shown in FIG. 12(a). Similarly, when the game state is set to a non-time-saving game state, if a "miss" big role lottery result is derived based on the special 1 reserve, and the number of reserved special 1s when the big role lottery is performed is 1, then the reach group determination random number judgment table 2 is selected, as shown in FIG. 12(b). If the number of reserved special 1s is 2 to 3, then the reach group determination random number judgment table 3 is selected, as shown in FIG. 12(c). Note that in FIG. 12, the group x listed in the group type column indicates an arbitrary group number. Therefore, various group numbers are determined as the group type depending on the acquired reach group determination random number and the type of reach group determination random number judgment table referenced.

[0119] Here, we have explained the reach group determination random number judgment table that is referenced when a ``miss'' major role lottery result is derived based on special 1 reserve in a non-time-saving game state, but the main ROM 300b also stores many other reach group determination random number judgment tables.

[0120] In addition, if the result of the big role lottery is a "small win," the group type is not determined when determining the variable performance pattern. In other words, the reach group determination random number judgment table is referenced only when the result of the big role lottery is a "miss," and is not referenced when the result of the big role lottery is a "small win."

[0121] 13 is a diagram illustrating the reach mode determination random number judgment table. This reach mode determination random number judgment table is roughly divided into a reach mode determination random number judgment table at the time of loss, which is selected when the big role lottery result is a "loss," and a reach mode determination random number judgment table at the time of small win, which is selected when the big role lottery result is a "small win." Note that the reach mode determination random number judgment table at the time of loss is provided for each group type determined as described above, and the reach mode determination random number judgment table at the time of small win is provided for each reserve type.

[0122] In addition, each reach mode determination random number judgment table is also provided for each game state and type of symbol. Here, an example of a reach mode determination random number judgment table for group x when a miss is made, which is referenced in a predetermined game state and type of symbol, is shown in Figure 13(a), an example of a reach mode determination random number judgment table for special 1 when a small win is made is shown in Figure 13(b), and an example of a reach mode determination random number judgment table for special 2 when a small win is made is shown in Figure 13(c).

[0123] When a game ball enters the first start hole 120 or the second start hole 122, one reach mode determination random number is obtained from the range of 0 to 250. If the result of the big role lottery is a "lose", as shown in Figure 13(a), a reach mode determination random number judgment table at the time of a miss corresponding to the group type determined by the lottery of the group type is selected, and a variation mode number is determined based on the selected reach mode determination random number judgment table at the time of a miss and the reach mode determination random number.

[0124] Furthermore, if the result of the above-mentioned big prize lottery is a "small prize," as shown in Figures 13(b) and (c), a random number judgment table for determining the reach mode at the time of a small prize corresponding to the read-out hold type is selected, and a variable mode number is determined based on the selected random number judgment table for determining the reach mode at the time of a small prize and the reach mode determination random number.

[0125] Furthermore, in each reach mode determination random number determination table, the reach mode determination random number is associated with a variation pattern random number determination table, which will be described later, along with a variation mode number. The variation pattern random number determination table is determined at the same time that the variation mode number is determined. In FIG. 13, the table x listed in the variation pattern random number determination table column indicates an arbitrary table number. Therefore, the variation mode number and the table number of the variation pattern random number determination table are determined according to the acquired reach group determination random number and the type of reach mode determination random number determination table being referenced. In the embodiment, the variation mode number and the variation pattern number, which will be described later, are set in hexadecimal. Hereinafter, hexadecimal numbers are indicated by the letter "H," but the notation ○○H in FIGS. 13 to 15 indicates an arbitrary value expressed in hexadecimal.

[0126] As described above, when the result of the big role lottery is a "miss," first, the group type is determined by the reach group determination random number judgment table and reach group determination random number shown in Fig. 12. Then, according to the determined group type and the game state, the variation mode number and variation pattern random number judgment table are determined by the reach mode determination random number judgment table when a miss is shown in Fig. 13(a) and the reach mode determination random number.

[0127] On the other hand, if the result of the big prize lottery is a "small prize," the small prize reach mode determination random number judgment table shown in Figure 13, which corresponds to the determined small prize pattern (type of special pattern), will be referenced, and the reach mode determination random number will be used to determine the fluctuation mode number and fluctuation pattern random number judgment table.

[0128] 14 is a diagram illustrating a fluctuation pattern random number determination table. Here, a fluctuation pattern random number determination table x for a predetermined table number x is shown, but in addition to this, many other fluctuation pattern random number determination tables are provided for each table number.

[0129] When a game ball enters the first starting hole 120 or the second starting hole 122, one fluctuation pattern random number is acquired from the range of 0 to 238. Then, based on the fluctuation pattern random number determination table determined at the same time as the above fluctuation mode number and the acquired fluctuation pattern random number, a fluctuation pattern number is determined as shown in the figure.

[0130] In this way, when the big role lottery is performed, a variation mode number and a variation pattern number are determined according to the big role lottery result, the determined symbol type, the game state, the number of reserved symbols, the reserved symbol type, etc. These variation mode numbers and variation pattern numbers specify the variation performance pattern, and each of them is associated with the mode and time of the variation performance.

[0131] Fig. 15 is a diagram illustrating a fluctuation time determination table. Once the fluctuation mode number is determined as described above, fluctuation time 1 is determined according to the fluctuation time 1 determination table shown in Fig. 15(a). According to this fluctuation time 1 determination table, fluctuation time 1 is associated with each fluctuation mode number, and the corresponding fluctuation time 1 is determined according to the determined fluctuation mode number.

[0132] Furthermore, as described above, once the fluctuation pattern number is determined, fluctuation time 2 is determined according to the fluctuation time 2 determination table shown in Figure 15(b). According to this fluctuation time 2 determination table, fluctuation time 2 is associated with each fluctuation pattern number, and the corresponding fluctuation time 2 is determined according to the determined fluctuation pattern number. The total time of fluctuation times 1 and 2 determined in this way is the time of the fluctuation performance that notifies the result of the big role lottery, that is, the fluctuation time.

[0133] When the variation mode number is determined in the above manner, a variation mode command corresponding to the determined variation mode number is sent to the sub-control board 330, and when the variation pattern number is determined, a variation pattern command corresponding to the determined variation pattern number is sent to the sub-control board 330. The sub-control board 330 determines mainly the first half of the variation performance based on the received variation mode command, and mainly determines the second half of the variation performance based on the received variation pattern command, details of which will be described later. Note that, hereinafter, the variation mode number and variation pattern number will be collectively referred to as variation information, and the variation mode command and variation pattern command will be collectively referred to as variation command.

[0134] 16 is a diagram illustrating the special electric accessory activation ram set table. The special electric accessory activation ram set table stores various data for controlling small win games and big win games, and during small win games and big win games, the first large win opening solenoid 126c and the second large win opening solenoid 128c are controlled to be energized by referring to this special electric accessory activation ram set table.

[0135] According to the special electric device operation ram set table, the opening time (waiting time until the first round play starts), the maximum number of times the special electric device operates (the number of round play times executed during one small win game or one big win game), the opening large prize opening (the first large prize opening 126 and the second large prize opening 128 opened in each round play), the number of times the special electric device opens and closes (the number of times the first large prize opening 126 and the second large prize opening 128 are opened during one round play), the solenoid energization time (the first large prize opening solenoid 126c and the second large prize opening solenoid 126c for each number of times the first large prize opening 126 and the second large prize opening 128 are opened), The power supply time of the prize port solenoid 128c, i.e., the opening time of the first large prize port 126 and the second large prize port 128 in one play), the specified number (the maximum number of prizes that can be won in the first large prize port 126 and the second large prize port 128 in one round of play), the effective time for closing the large prize port (the closing time of the first large prize port 126 and the second large prize port 128 between rounds of play, i.e., the interval time between rounds), and the ending time (the waiting time from the end of the last round of play until the normal special play is resumed) are pre-stored as control data for the big prize game for each type of small prize pattern as shown in the figure.

[0136] In this embodiment, when the special symbol Z1, which is the small prize symbol, is determined, a small prize game consisting of one round of play is first executed. When the special symbol Z1 is determined, in the small prize game, the second large prize opening 128 is opened twice for 0.1 seconds. As described above, the second large prize opening 128 has a specific area 502 and a non-specific area 500 inside, and a game ball that enters the second large prize opening 128 always enters either the specific area 502 or the non-specific area 500. Then, in the small prize game, if the game ball that enters the second large prize opening 128 enters the specific area 502, a large prize game is executed following the small prize game, in which the first large prize opening 126 is opened.

[0137] If the special symbol Z1 is won, three rounds (R2 to R4) are played in the big prize game. In each round of the big prize game, the first large prize opening 126 is opened once every 29.0 seconds. The end conditions for each round of the small prize game and the big prize game are set as either the maximum opening time of the first large prize opening 126 or the second large prize opening 128, or the specified number of game balls entering the first large prize opening 126 or the second large prize opening 128. When the end condition is met, the small prize game or the big prize game ends. In this case, the specified number is set to 10, and the small prize game or the big prize game ends when 10 game balls enter the first large prize opening 126 or the second large prize opening 128.

[0138] Similarly, when the special symbols Z2 and Z3, which are small win symbols, are determined, a small win game is executed in which the second large winning port 128 is opened 0.1 seconds x 2 times. Then, when the game ball enters the specific area 502 in the small win game and a type 2 jackpot is won, a big prize game is executed in which the first large prize winning port 126 is opened. When the special symbol Z2 is won, a round game is executed 5 times (2R to 6R) in the big prize game, and when the special symbol Z3 is won, a round game is executed 10 times (2R to 11R) in the big prize game.

[0139] 16 are merely examples of the number of times and opening time of the first large prize opening 126 and the second large prize opening 128. For example, the number of times and opening time of the second large prize opening 128 in a small prize game may differ depending on the type of small prize symbol.

[0140] 17 is a diagram illustrating a game state setting table for setting the game state after the end of the big role game. As described above, when a type 2 big win is won in the small role game and the big role game is executed, the game state after the end of the big role game is set. Here, after the big role game, it is always set to a time-saving game state. In this embodiment, the game state is provided with a non-time-saving game state and a time-saving game state.

[0141] The non-time-shortened gaming state is the initial state of the gaming machine 100, and the time-shortened gaming state is a state in which the second start opening 122 is easier to open than the non-time-shortened gaming state. In other words, an opening condition for opening the second start opening 122 is set for each gaming state, and an opening condition for opening the second start opening 122 is set for the time-shortened gaming state in which it is easier to open than the non-time-shortened gaming state.

[0142] Furthermore, when the game state after the big win game is set to a time-saving game state, a time-saving end condition for ending the time-saving game state is also set. Here, the number of time-saving times is set as the time-saving end condition. The number of time-saving times is the number of times the special symbol changes until the time-saving game state ends, and here, the number of time-saving times is set to 10 for all small win symbols. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed 10 times on the first special symbol display device 160 or the second special symbol display device 162 in the time-saving game state, the time-saving game state ends and the game state is set to a non-time-saving game state.

[0143] Here, the game state and the number of time-saving times after the big win are set uniformly. However, depending on the special symbol, i.e., the type of small win symbol, or the game state at the time of winning the small win, either the game state set after the big win or the number of time-saving times may be different.

[0144] 18 is a diagram illustrating the winning determination random number judgment table. When the game ball flowing down the game area 116 passes through the gate 124, a normal symbol judgment process (hereinafter referred to as "normal symbol lottery") is performed, which is associated with whether or not to control the energization of the movable piece 122b of the second starting port 122.

[0145] As will be described in more detail later, when a gaming ball passes through gate 124, one winning determination random number is obtained from the range of 0 to 99, and this random number value is stored in the general map reserve memory area of ​​main RAM 300c, up to a maximum of four. In other words, the general map reserve memory area has four memory sections for saving winning determination random numbers. Therefore, if a gaming ball passes through gate 124 with winning determination random numbers stored in all four memory sections of the general map reserve memory area, no winning determination random number will be stored based on the passage of that gaming ball. Hereinafter, the winning determination random number stored in the general map reserve memory area after a gaming ball passes through gate 124 will be referred to as the general map reserve.

[0146] When the normal symbol lottery is started in the non-time-saving game state, a win determination random number determination table for the non-time-saving game state is referenced, as shown in Figure 18(a). According to this win determination random number determination table for the non-time-saving game state, if the win determination random number is 0, a winning symbol is determined as the type of normal symbol, and if the win determination random number is 1 to 99, a losing symbol is determined as the type of normal symbol. Therefore, the probability of determining a winning symbol in the non-time-saving game state, i.e., the probability of winning, is 1 / 100. As will be described in detail later, if a winning symbol is determined in this normal symbol lottery, the second start opening 122 is controlled to an open state, and if a losing symbol is determined, the second start opening 122 is maintained in a closed state.

[0147] Also, when the normal symbol lottery is started in the time-saving gaming state, a time-saving gaming state winning determination random number determination table is referenced, as shown in Figure 18(b). According to this time-saving gaming state winning determination random number determination table, if the winning determination random number is 0 to 98, a winning symbol is determined as the type of normal symbol, and if the winning determination random number is 99, a losing symbol is determined as the type of normal symbol. Therefore, the probability of determining a winning symbol in the time-saving gaming state, i.e., the probability of winning, is 99 / 100.

[0148] FIG. 19(a) is a diagram illustrating a normal symbol variation time data table, and FIG. 19(b) is a diagram illustrating an opening / closing control pattern table. As described above, when a normal symbol lottery is conducted, the normal symbol variation time is determined. The normal symbol variation time data table is referenced when determining the normal symbol variation time when a winning symbol or a losing symbol is determined by the normal symbol lottery. According to this normal symbol variation time data table, when the game state is set to a non-time-saving game state, the variation time is determined to be 10 seconds, and when the game state is set to a time-saving game state, the variation time is determined to be 0.1 seconds. Once the variation time is determined in this manner, the normal symbol display 168 displays a variable (blinking) display for the determined time. When a winning symbol is determined, the normal symbol display 168 lights up, and when a losing symbol is determined, the normal symbol display 168 turns off.

[0149] Then, when a winning symbol is determined by the normal symbol lottery and the normal symbol display 168 lights up, the movable piece 122b of the second starting hole 122 is controlled to energize by referring to the opening / closing control pattern table, as shown in Fig. 19(b). Note that, in reality, an opening / closing control pattern table is provided for each game state, and depending on the game state when the normal symbol is determined, the corresponding table is set when energization of the normal electric role solenoid 122c begins, but here, for convenience of explanation, the control data corresponding to each game state is shown in one table.

[0150] When a winning symbol is determined, the second starting hole 122 is controlled to open and close with reference to the opening and closing control pattern table, as shown in FIG. 19(b). According to this opening / closing control pattern table, the time before normal power is released (waiting time until the second start port 122 begins to open), the maximum number of times the normal electric role device is switched on and off (number of times the second start port 122 is opened), the solenoid power supply time (power supply time of the normal electric role device solenoid 122c for each number of times the second start port 122 is opened, i.e., the opening time of the second start port 122 once), the specified number (the maximum number of winning entries into the second start port 122 while it is fully open), the normal power closing effective time (the closing time between each opening of the second start port 122, i.e., the pause time), the normal power active state time (waiting time from the end of the last opening of the second start port 122), and the normal power end waiting time (waiting time until the variable display of the normal pattern described below is resumed after the normal power active state time has elapsed) are pre-stored as control data for the second start port 122 for each game state, as shown in the figure.

[0151] In this way, the non-time-saving game state and the time-saving game state are each associated with an opening / closing control condition for opening and closing the second start port 122 as a game progress condition, and in the time-saving game state, it is easier for a game ball to enter the second start port 122 than in the non-time-saving game state. In other words, in the time-saving game state, as long as a game ball passes through the gate 124, regular lotteries are held one after another, and the second start port 122 is frequently opened, so the player can hold big role lotteries while reducing the consumption of game balls.

[0152] The opening / closing conditions for the second start opening 122 prescribe three elements: the probability of winning a normal symbol, the time for which the normal symbol is displayed in a variable manner, and the opening time of the second start opening 122. In this embodiment, two of these elements are set to be more advantageous for the time-saving game state than for the non-time-saving game state, so that a game ball is more likely to enter the second start opening 122 in the time-saving game state than in the non-time-saving game state. However, one or three of the three elements may be set to be more advantageous for the time-saving game state than the non-time-saving game state. In any case, by making the time-saving game state more advantageous than the non-time-saving game state in at least one element, it is possible to make it easier for a game ball to enter the second start opening 122 in the time-saving game state than in the non-time-saving game state overall. In other words, when the game state is set to a non-time-shortened game state, the movable piece 122b is controlled to open and close in accordance with a first condition, and when the game state is set to a time-shortened game state, the movable piece 122b is controlled to open and close in accordance with a second condition that is more likely to be in the open state than the first condition.

[0153] Next, the main processing of the main control board 300 as the game progresses in the gaming machine 100 will be described.

[0154] 20 is a diagram illustrating the gaming machine status flag. In the main control board 300, the gaming machine status flag is used to manage whether or not a game can be played. One of six flag values ​​from 00H to 05H is set to the gaming machine status flag. A flag value of 00H indicates a playable state, and when the gaming machine status flag is 00H, the game is controlled to proceed, and when the gaming machine status flag is other than 00H, the game is stopped.

[0155] A flag value of 01H for the gaming machine status flag indicates a setting change state, and when the gaming machine status flag is 01H, it is possible to change the registered setting value. A flag value of 02H for the gaming machine status flag indicates a setting confirmation state, and when the gaming machine status flag is 02H, the registered setting value can be confirmed by displaying it on the performance display monitor 184, for example. A flag value of 03H for the gaming machine status flag indicates a setting abnormality state, and when the gaming machine status flag is 03H, the registered setting value is considered abnormal and game play is stopped. A flag value of 04H for the gaming machine status flag indicates a RAM abnormality state, and when the gaming machine status flag is 04H, game play is stopped. A flag value of 05H for the gaming machine status flag indicates a checksum abnormality state, and when the gaming machine status flag is 05H, game play is stopped. When the power is turned on, the gaming machine status flag is set to one of the flag values, and processing according to the gaming machine status flag is performed.

[0156] (CPU initialization process of main control board 300) FIG. 21 is a first flowchart illustrating the CPU initialization process in main control board 300, and FIG. 22 is a second flowchart illustrating the CPU initialization process in main control board 300.

[0157] When power is supplied from the power supply board, a system reset occurs in the main CPU 300a, and the main CPU 300a performs the following CPU initialization process (S100).

[0158] (Step S100-1) When the power is turned on, the main CPU 300a reads a boot program from the main ROM 300b as an initial setting process, and also performs setting processes required to execute various processes.

[0159] (Step S100-3) The main CPU 300a sets a wait processing time in a timer counter.

[0160] (Step S100-5) The main CPU 300a determines whether a power-off warning signal has been detected. The main control board 300 is provided with a power-off detection circuit, which outputs a power-off warning signal when the power supply voltage drops below a predetermined value. If a power-off warning signal has been detected, the process proceeds to step S100-3, and if a power-off warning signal has not been detected, the process proceeds to step S100-7.

[0161] (Step S100-7) The main CPU 300a determines whether the wait time set in step S100-3 has elapsed. If it is determined that the wait time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S100-9. If it is determined that the wait time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S100-5.

[0162] (Step S100-9) The main CPU 300a executes the processing required to permit access to the main RAM 300c.

[0163] (Step S100-11) The main CPU 300a loads the flag value of the gaming machine status flag before the power is turned off into the D register.

[0164] (Step S100-13) The main CPU 300a calculates the checksum and determines whether the calculated checksum matches the checksum saved at the time of power-off (is normal) and whether the backup flag is normal. If the main CPU 300a determines that the backup flag and checksum are normal, it proceeds to step S100-15. If it determines that either or both of them are abnormal, it proceeds to step S100-25.

[0165] (Step S100-15) The main CPU 300a sets an address that does not include a setting value or a gaming machine status flag as the first address to be cleared in the main RAM 300c.

[0166] (Step S100-17) The main CPU 300a determines whether a RAM clear operation signal has been input from the RAM clear switch 182s (whether the RAM clear button has been pressed). If it is determined that a RAM clear operation signal has been input, the main CPU 300a proceeds to step S100-31, and if it is determined that a RAM clear operation signal has not been input, the main CPU 300a proceeds to step S100-19.

[0167] (Step S100-19) The main CPU 300a determines whether the flag value of the gaming machine status flag loaded in step S100-11 is 00H (playable state), the setting change switch 180s is on, and the middle frame 104 is open. If it is determined that all three conditions are met, the process proceeds to step S100-21. If it is determined that any one of the three conditions is not met, the process proceeds to step S100-23.

[0168] (Step S100-21) The main CPU 300a sets the gaming machine status flag to 02H (setting confirmation status). That is, when the power is turned on normally with the middle frame 104 open, the setting change switch 180s on, and the RAM clear button not pressed, the setting confirmation status is entered.

[0169] (Step S100-23) The main CPU 300a executes initialization processing to clear the areas of the main RAM 300c that are to be cleared when the power is restored, which are areas after the start address set in step S100-15, and then proceeds to step S100-49.

[0170] (Step S100-25) The main CPU 300a sets 05H (checksum abnormal state) in the D register.

[0171] (Step S100-27) The main CPU 300a performs an outside area read / write check process that checks and clears the read / write memory in the unused area.

[0172] (Step S100-29) The main CPU 300a sets an address including the set value and the gaming machine status flag as the first address to be cleared in the main RAM 300c.

[0173] (Step S100-31) The main CPU 300a checks and clears the read / write memory of the used area.

[0174] (Step S100-33) The main CPU 300a determines whether the check result of the read / write memory in step S100-31 is normal. If it is determined to be normal, the process proceeds to step S100-37. If it is determined to be abnormal, the process proceeds to step S100-35.

[0175] (Step S100-35) The main CPU 300a sets 04H (RAM abnormal state) in the D register and moves the process to step S100-45.

[0176] (Step S100-37) The main CPU 300a determines whether 02H (setting confirmation state) is set in the D register. If it is determined that 02H is set, the process proceeds to step S100-39. If it is determined that 02H is not set, the process proceeds to step S100-41.

[0177] (Step S100-39) The main CPU 300a sets 00H (playable state) in the D register.

[0178] (Step S100-41) The main CPU 300a determines whether the setting change conditions are met. If it is determined that the setting change conditions are met, the process proceeds to step S100-43. If it is determined that the setting change conditions are not met, the process proceeds to step S100-45. Note that the setting change conditions here include at least the following: the setting change switch 180s is on; the middle frame 104 is open; and a RAM clear operation signal is input from the RAM clear switch 182s.

[0179] (Step S100-43) The main CPU 300a sets 01H (setting changed state) in the D register.

[0180] (Step S100-45) The main CPU 300a saves the value set in the D register in the gaming machine status flag.

[0181] (Step S100-47) The main CPU 300a executes initialization processing to clear the items in the main RAM 300c that are to be cleared when the RAM is cleared, and then proceeds to step S100-49.

[0182] (Step S100-49) The main CPU 300a performs a transmission process (storing the RAM clear command in a transmission buffer) of a dispensing command (RAM clear command) to notify the dispensing control board 310 that the main RAM 300c has been cleared.

[0183] (Step S100-51) The main CPU 300a loads the gaming machine status flag.

[0184] (Step S100-53) The main CPU 300a determines whether the gaming machine status flag loaded in step S100-51 is 00H (playable state). If it is determined that the flag is 00H, the process proceeds to step S110. If it is determined that the flag is not 00H, the process proceeds to step S100-55.

[0185] (Step S110) The main CPU 300a performs a sub-command group set process, which will be described later.

[0186] (Step S100-55) The main CPU 300 a performs sub-command set processing for transmitting a predetermined command to the sub-control board 330 .

[0187] (Step S100-57) The main CPU 300a sets the timer interrupt period.

[0188] (Step S100-59) The main CPU 300a performs processing to disable interrupts.

[0189] (Step S100-61) The main CPU 300a updates the initial value update random number for the winning symbol random number. The initial value update random number for the winning symbol random number is used to determine the initial value and the end value of the winning symbol random number. In other words, when the winning symbol random number goes through one cycle from the initial value update random number for the winning symbol random number to the initial value update random number for the winning symbol random number - 1 by the update process of the winning symbol random number described later, the winning symbol random number will be updated to the initial value update random number for the winning symbol random number at that time.

[0190] (Step S100-63) The main CPU 300a analyzes the received data (main command) received from the dispensing control board 310, and executes various processes according to the received data.

[0191] (Step S100-65) The main CPU 300 a performs processing to transmit the sub-commands stored in the transmission buffer to the sub-control board 330 .

[0192] (Step S100-67) The main CPU 300a performs processing to permit an interrupt.

[0193] (Step S100-69) The main CPU 300a updates the reach group determination random number, reach mode determination random number, and variation pattern random number, and thereafter repeats the process from step S100-59. Note that, hereinafter, the reach group determination random number, reach mode determination random number, and variation pattern random number for determining the variation presentation pattern are collectively referred to as variation presentation random numbers.

[0194] FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating the sub-command group setting process (S110) in the main control board 300.

[0195] (Step S110-1) The main CPU 300a loads the flag value of the gaming machine status flag.

[0196] (Step S110-3) The main CPU 300 a performs sub-command set processing for transmitting a predetermined command to the sub-control board 330 .

[0197] (Step S110-5) The main CPU 300a performs a model command setting process to set a model command indicating model information of the gaming machine 100 in a transmission buffer.

[0198] (Step S110-7) The main CPU 300a performs a setting value designation command setting process for setting a setting value designation command indicating a registered setting value in a transmission buffer.

[0199] (Step S110-9) The main CPU 300a performs a special chart 1 reservation designation command setting process that sets a special chart 1 reservation designation command indicating the special chart 1 reservation number in the transmission buffer.

[0200] (Step S110-11) The main CPU 300a performs a special 2 reserve designation command setting process to set a special 2 reserve designation command indicating the special 2 reserve number in the transmission buffer.

[0201] (Step S110-13) The main CPU 300a performs a count command setting process for setting a count command indicating the remaining number of times in the time-shortened gaming state in a transmission buffer.

[0202] (Step S110-15) The main CPU 300a performs a fluctuation pattern selection state designation command setting process for setting a fluctuation pattern selection state designation command indicating a fluctuation pattern selection state in a transmission buffer.

[0203] (Step S110-17) The main CPU 300a performs a special game phase designation command setting process to set a special game phase designation command indicating a special game management phase in a transmission buffer. The special game management phase will be described later.

[0204] (Step S110-19) The main CPU 300a determines whether the special game management phase is in a special symbol change waiting state. If it is determined that the special symbol change waiting state is in effect, the main CPU 300a proceeds to step S110-21, and if it is determined that the special symbol change waiting state is not in effect, the sub-command group set process is terminated.

[0205] (Step S110-21) The main CPU 300a sets the customer waiting designation command in the transmission buffer, and ends the sub-command group setting process.

[0206] Next, a description will be given of interrupt processing in the main control board 300. Here, a description will be given of power-off save processing (XINT interrupt processing) and timer interrupt processing.

[0207] (Main control board 300 power off evacuation process (XINT interrupt process)) 24 is a flowchart explaining the power-off save processing (XINT interrupt processing) in the main control board 300. The main CPU 300a monitors the power-off detection circuit, and when the power supply voltage drops below a predetermined value, it interrupts the CPU initialization processing and executes the power-off save processing.

[0208] (Step S300-1) When the power-off warning signal is input, the main CPU 300a saves the registers.

[0209] (Step S300-3) The main CPU 300a checks the power-off warning signal.

[0210] (Step S300-5) The main CPU 300a determines whether a power-off warning signal has been detected. If it is determined that a power-off warning signal has been detected, the process proceeds to step S300-11. If it is determined that a power-off warning signal has not been detected, the process proceeds to step S300-7.

[0211] (Step S300-7) The main CPU 300a restores the register.

[0212] (Step S300-9) The main CPU 300a performs processing to permit an interrupt, and then ends the power-off save processing.

[0213] (Step S300-11) The main CPU 300a executes an output port clear process to stop the output of the output port.

[0214] (Step S300-13) The main CPU 300a executes a checksum setting process that calculates and stores a checksum.

[0215] (Step S300-15) The main CPU 300a executes RAM protection setting processing required to prohibit access to the main RAM 300c.

[0216] (Step S300-17) The main CPU 300a sets the counter value of the loop counter to a predetermined number of times the power interruption detection signal has been detected, in order to set the power interruption occurrence monitoring time.

[0217] (Step S300-19) The main CPU 300a checks the power-off warning signal.

[0218] (Step S300-21) The main CPU 300a determines whether a power-off warning signal has been detected. If it is determined that a power-off warning signal has been detected, the process proceeds to step S300-17. If it is determined that a power-off warning signal has not been detected, the process proceeds to step S300-23.

[0219] (Step S300-23) The main CPU 300a subtracts one from the value of the loop counter set in step S300-17.

[0220] (Step S300-25) The main CPU 300a determines whether the counter value of the loop counter is 0. If it is determined that the counter value is not 0, the process proceeds to step S300-19, and if it is determined that the counter value is 0, the process proceeds to the CPU initialization process (step S100) described above.

[0221] In addition, if a power outage actually occurs, the operation of the gaming machine 100 will stop while steps S300-17 to S300-25 are being looped.

[0222] (Timer interrupt processing of main control board 300) 25 is a flowchart explaining the timer interrupt process in the main control board 300. The main control board 300 is provided with a reset clock pulse generating circuit that generates a clock pulse every predetermined period (4 milliseconds in this embodiment, hereinafter referred to as "4 ms"). When a clock pulse is generated by the reset clock pulse generating circuit, an interrupt occurs in the CPU initialization process (step S100), and the following timer interrupt process is executed.

[0223] (Step S400-1) The main CPU 300a saves the registers.

[0224] (Step S400-3) The main CPU 300a performs processing to permit an interrupt.

[0225] (Step S400-5) The main CPU 300a outputs the common data set in the common output buffer to the output port and executes dynamic port output processing that controls the lighting of the first special pattern display 160, the second special pattern display 162, the first special pattern reserve display 164, the second special pattern reserve display 166, the normal pattern display 168, the normal pattern reserve display 170, the right hit notification display 172, and the performance display monitor 184.

[0226] (Step S400-7) The main CPU 300a reads various types of input port information and executes port input processing to accurately obtain the latest switch status.

[0227] (Step S400-9) The main CPU 300a loads the flag value of the gaming machine status flag.

[0228] (Step S400-11) The main CPU 300a determines whether the flag value loaded in step S400-9 is 00H (playable state). If it is determined that the flag value is 00H, the process proceeds to step S400-15. If it is determined that the flag value is not 00H, the process proceeds to step S400-13.

[0229] (Step S400-13) The main CPU 300a determines whether the flag value loaded in step S400-9 is equal to or greater than 03H (abnormal setting state). If it is determined that the flag value is equal to or greater than 03H, the process proceeds to step S400-27. If it is determined that the flag value is not equal to or greater than 03H, the process proceeds to step S450.

[0230] (Step S450) The main CPU 300a executes the setting-related processing and moves the process to step S400-27, which will be described later.

[0231] (Step S400-15) The main CPU 300a performs a timer update process to update various timer counters. Here, unless otherwise specified, the timer counters are decremented each time the main control board 300 executes a timer interrupt process, and the decrement stops when the counter reaches 0.

[0232] (Step S400-17) The main CPU 300a executes the update process of the initial value update random number for the winning symbol random number, similar to the above step S100-61.

[0233] (Step S400-19) The main CPU 300a performs a process to update the winning symbol random number. Specifically, the random number counter is updated by adding 1, and if the result of the addition exceeds the maximum value of the random number range, the random number counter is reset to 0, and if the random number counter has completed one cycle, the random number is updated from the value of the initial value update random number for the winning symbol random number at that time.

[0234] Although a detailed explanation will be omitted, in this embodiment, the small win determination random number and the win determination random number use hardware random numbers updated by a hardware random number generator built into the main control board 300. The hardware random number generator updates both the small win determination random number and the win determination random number according to a set rule, automatically changing the random number sequence every time the random number sequence completes one cycle, and changing the start value every time the system is reset.

[0235] (Step S500) The main CPU 300a executes a switch management process to determine whether or not a signal has been input from the first start hole detection switch 120s, the second start hole detection switch 122s, the gate detection switch 124s, the first large prize hole detection switch 126s, the second large prize hole detection switch 128s, the specific area detection switch 502s, and the out ball detection switch 130s. Details of this switch management process will be described later.

[0236] (Step S600) The main CPU 300a executes a special game management process for controlling the progress of the special game, which will be described in detail later.

[0237] (Step S700) The main CPU 300a executes a normal game management process for controlling the progress of the normal game. Details of this normal game management process will be described later.

[0238] (Step S800) The main CPU 300a executes an error management process for determining various errors and making settings according to the error determination results, which will be described in detail later.

[0239] (Step S400-23) The main CPU 300a checks the general prize opening detection switch 118s, the first start opening detection switch 120s, the second start opening detection switch 122s, the first large prize opening detection switch 126s, and the second large prize opening detection switch 128s, and executes prize opening switch processing to increment the corresponding counters for prize ball control, etc.

[0240] (Step S400-25) The main CPU 300a executes a payout control management process to create and send a payout command based on the counter value of the counter for controlling the winning balls set in step S400-23.

[0241] (Step S400-26) The main CPU 300a executes a role control process that controls the role devices in the role unit U. Here, the actuators of each role device are energized and controlled based on the operating conditions that are preset for each role device. The operating conditions may include causing the role device to perform a certain operation when the gaming machine 100 is energized, causing the role device to perform a predetermined operation during a small win game, causing the role device to perform a predetermined operation when a predetermined sensor detects a gaming ball, and so on.

[0242] (Step S400-27) The main CPU 300a executes an external information management process for setting output data for external information to be output from the game information output terminal board 312 to the outside.

[0243] (Step S400-29) The main CPU 300a executes an LED display setting process that sets display data for controlling the lighting of various indicators (LEDs), such as the first special pattern indicator 160, the second special pattern indicator 162, the first special pattern reserved indicator 164, the second special pattern reserved indicator 166, the normal pattern indicator 168, the normal pattern reserved indicator 170, and the right-hit notification indicator 172, in an output buffer corresponding to each common.

[0244] (Step S400-31) The main CPU 300a executes a solenoid output image synthesis process to synthesize the solenoid output images of the normal electric role solenoid 122c, the first large prize opening solenoid 126c, the second large prize opening solenoid 128c and the movable member drive solenoid 142c and store them in an output port buffer.

[0245] (Step S400-33) The main CPU 300a executes a port output process for outputting the values ​​of the common output buffers stored in the respective output port buffers to the output ports.

[0246] (Step S400-35) The main CPU 300a performs processing to disable interrupts.

[0247] (Step S400-37) The main CPU 300a uses the unused area of ​​the main RAM 300c to perform processing for calculating a base ratio to be displayed on the performance display monitor 184, and executes a performance display monitor control processing for setting common data for displaying the calculated base ratio on the performance display monitor 184 in a common output buffer. In the performance display monitor control processing, the base ratio is calculated for each predetermined period. Here, the performance display monitor 184 may alternate between displaying the base ratio for the current period and the base ratio for the previous period at predetermined time intervals. Furthermore, the base ratio displayed on the performance display monitor 184 may be switched in response to a predetermined operation.

[0248] (Step S400-39) The main CPU 300a restores the register and ends the timer interrupt process.

[0249] FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating the setting-related processing (S450) described above.

[0250] (Step S450-1) The main CPU 300a determines whether the flag value of the gaming machine status flag is 01H (setting change status). If it is determined that the flag value is 01H, the process proceeds to step S450-3. If it is determined that the flag value is not 01H, the process proceeds to step S450-15.

[0251] (Step S450-3) The main CPU 300a loads the registered setting values ​​stored in the setting value buffer into a predetermined processing area.

[0252] (Step S450-5) The main CPU 300a determines whether the RAM clear switch 182s has been pressed (whether a RAM clear operation signal has been input). If it is determined that the RAM clear switch 182s has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S450-7, and if it is determined that the RAM clear switch 182s has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S450-9.

[0253] (Step S450-7) The main CPU 300a adds 1 to the setting value of the processing area.

[0254] (Step S450-9) Main CPU 300a determines whether the setting value of the processing region is in the range of 1 to 6. As a result, if it is determined that the setting value is in the range of 1 to 6, it proceeds to step S450-13, and if it is determined that the setting value is not in the range of 1 to 6, it proceeds to step S450-11.

[0255] (Step S450-11) The main CPU 300a sets the setting value of the processing area to 1.

[0256] (Step S450-13) The main CPU 300a sets the setting value of the processing area in the setting value buffer.

[0257] (Step S450-15) The main CPU 300a determines whether the setting change switch 180s is on. If it is determined that the setting change switch 180s is on, the setting-related processing ends, but if it is determined that the setting change switch 180s is not on, the processing proceeds to step S450-17.

[0258] (Step S450-17) The main CPU 300a sets a setting-related end designation command indicating the end of the setting-related processing in the transmission buffer.

[0259] (Step S110) The main CPU 300a executes the sub-command group set process of Fig. 23. That is, when the setting-related process is executed, at the end of the process, the model command, the setting value designation command, the special chart 1 hold designation command, the special chart 2 hold designation command, the number of times command, the variable pattern selection state designation command, the special chart phase designation command, and the customer waiting designation command are transmitted to the sub-control board 330.

[0260] (Step S450-19) The main CPU 300a sets the gaming machine state flag to 00H (playable state), and ends the setting-related processing.

[0261] As described above, according to the embodiment, when the power is turned on normally with the middle frame 104 open, the setting change switch 180s turned on, and the RAM clear button pressed, the gaming machine status flag is set to 01H (setting change status) in the CPU initialization process (Fig. 21). After that, the timer interrupt process is executed, but since the gaming machine status flag is set to 01H (setting change status), all processes related to the progress of the game (steps S400-15 to S400-25 in Fig. 25) are stopped, and setting-related processes are executed.

[0262] The setting-related process is repeatedly executed while the setting change switch 180s is on, and during this setting-related process, pressing the RAM clear button is accepted as a setting change operation for the registered setting value. That is, during the setting change process (S450-1 to S450-13) that accepts the setting change operation, the registered setting value stored in the setting value buffer is switched to one of multiple stages of setting values ​​in accordance with the setting change operation.

[0263] Then, when the setting change switch 180s is switched off while the gaming machine status flag is set to 01H (setting change status), the setting change process ends and the gaming machine status flag is set to 00H (playable status). This allows the process related to the progress of the game to be executed from the next timer interrupt process.

[0264] Here, in the setting-related processing, after the RAM clear button is pressed, i.e., after the acceptance of the setting change operation of the registered setting value has finished, the sub-command group set processing transmits a setting value designation command corresponding to the registered setting value to the sub-control board 330. On the other hand, while the setting change operation is being accepted, the setting value designation command is not transmitted to the sub-control board 330. In this way, while the setting change operation is being accepted, the setting value designation command is not transmitted, and when the acceptance of the setting change operation has finished and the state has shifted to one in which game progress can be made, the risk of the registered setting value being obtained fraudulently can be reduced.

[0265] In addition, in the embodiment, a plurality of flag values ​​including at least 01H (setting change state) are switched. Then, when the gaming machine state flag is set to 01H (setting change state), setting-related processing becomes executable, and progress of the game is stopped. In this way, since setting-related processing is not executed while a game is in progress, a setting value designation command is not sent while a game is in progress, and the risk of the registered setting value being obtained fraudulently is reduced.

[0266] Next, among the above-mentioned timer interrupt processing, the switch management processing in step S500, the special game management processing in step S600, and the normal game management processing in step S700 will be described in detail.

[0267] FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating the switch management process (step S500) in the main control board 300.

[0268] (Step S500-1) The main CPU 300a determines whether the gate detection switch is on, that is, whether the game ball has passed through the gate 124 and the detection signal from the gate detection switch 124s has been turned on. As a result, if it is determined that the gate detection switch is on, the process proceeds to step S510, and if it is determined that the gate detection switch is not on, the process proceeds to step S500-3.

[0269] (Step S510) The main CPU 300a executes gate passing processing based on the passage of the gaming ball through the gate 124. Details of this gate passing processing will be described later.

[0270] (Step S500-3) The main CPU 300a determines whether the first start hole detection switch is on, that is, whether a game ball has entered the first start hole 120 and a detection signal has been input from the first start hole detection switch 120s. If it is determined that the first start hole detection switch is on, the process proceeds to step S520, and if it is determined that the first start hole detection switch is not on, the process proceeds to step S500-5.

[0271] (Step S520) The main CPU 300a executes first start opening passage processing based on the entry of the gaming ball into the first start opening 120. Details of this first start opening passage processing will be described later.

[0272] (Step S500-5) The main CPU 300a determines whether the second start hole detection switch is on, that is, whether a game ball has entered the second start hole 122 and a detection signal has been input from the second start hole detection switch 122s. If it is determined that the second start hole detection switch is on, the process proceeds to step S530, and if it is determined that the second start hole detection switch is not on, the process proceeds to step S500-7.

[0273] (Step S530) The main CPU 300a executes second start opening passage processing based on the entry of the gaming ball into the second start opening 122. Details of this second start opening passage processing will be described later.

[0274] (Step S500-7) The main CPU 300a determines whether it is the time when the special prize opening detection switch is detected as being on, that is, whether a gaming ball has entered the first special prize opening 126 and the second special prize opening 128 and a detection signal has been input from the first special prize opening detection switch 126s and the second special prize opening detection switch 128s. If it is determined as a result that it is the time when the special prize opening detection switch is detected as being on, the process proceeds to step S500-9, and if it is determined that it is not the time when the special prize opening detection switch is detected as being on, the process proceeds to step S500-11.

[0275] (Step S500-9) The main CPU 300a determines whether a big win game or a small win game is currently in progress, and determines whether the game balls have entered the first large win port 126 and the second large win port 128 properly. If it is determined that a big win game or a small win game is not in progress, a predetermined fraud detection process is executed, and if it is determined that a big win game or a small win game is in progress and the game balls have entered the first large win port 126 and the second large win port 128 properly, the main CPU 300a increments the large win port winning ball counter by 1, and sets a large win port winning designation command in the transmission buffer.

[0276] (Step S500-11) The main CPU 300a determines whether the specific area detection switch is on, that is, whether a gaming ball has entered the specific area 502 and a detection signal has been input from the specific area detection switch 502s. As a result, if it is determined that the specific area detection switch is on, the process proceeds to step S540, and if it is determined that the specific area detection switch is not on, the process proceeds to step S500-13.

[0277] (Step S540) The main CPU 300a executes a specific area passing process based on the entry of the gaming ball into the specific area 502, and ends the switch management process. Details of this specific area passing process will be described later.

[0278] (Step S500-13) The main CPU 300a determines whether the general winning opening detection switch is on, that is, whether a gaming ball has entered the general winning opening 118 and a detection signal has been input from the general winning opening detection switch 118s. As a result, if it is determined that the general winning opening detection switch is on, the process proceeds to step S500-15, and if it is determined that the general winning opening detection switch is not on, the process proceeds to step S500-17.

[0279] (Step S500-15) The main CPU 300a sets the general prize slot winning designation command in the transmission buffer.

[0280] (Step S500-17) The main CPU 300a determines whether the out ball detection switch is on, i.e., whether a detection signal has been input from the out ball detection switch 130s. If it is determined that the out ball detection switch is on, the process proceeds to step S500-19, and if it is determined that the out ball detection switch is not on, the process proceeds to step S500-21.

[0281] (Step S500-19) The main CPU 300a sets the out ball detection designation command in the transmission buffer.

[0282] (Step S500-21) The main CPU 300a determines whether the combination gate detection switch is on, that is, whether a detection signal is input from the combination gate detection switch 125s. If it is determined that the combination gate detection switch is on, the process proceeds to step S550, and if it is determined that the combination gate detection switch is not on, the switch management process is terminated.

[0283] (Step S550) The main CPU 300a executes the combination operation gate passing process and ends the switch management process. The combination operation gate passing process will be described in detail later.

[0284] FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating the gate passage process (step S510) in the main control board 300.

[0285] (Step S510-1) The main CPU 300a loads the winning determination random number updated by the hardware random number generator.

[0286] (Step S510-3) The main CPU 300a determines whether the counter value of the normal symbol reserved ball counter is equal to or greater than the maximum value, that is, whether the counter value of the normal symbol reserved ball counter is equal to or greater than 4. As a result, if it is determined that the counter value of the normal symbol reserved ball counter is equal to or greater than the maximum value, the gate passing process is terminated, and if it is determined that the normal symbol reserved ball counter is not equal to or greater than the maximum value, the process proceeds to step S510-5.

[0287] (Step S510-5) The main CPU 300a updates the counter value of the normal symbol reserved ball number counter to a value obtained by adding "1" to the current counter value.

[0288] (Step S510-7) The main CPU 300a determines which of the four storage units in the general reserve storage area is the target storage unit in which to save the acquired winning determination random number.

[0289] (Step S510-9) The main CPU 300a saves the winning determination random number acquired in the above step S510-1 in the target storage unit calculated in the above step S510-7.

[0290] (Step S510-11) The main CPU 300a sets a general map reservation designation command indicating the number of general map reservations stored in the general map reservation memory area in the transmission buffer, and terminates the gate passing process.

[0291] FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating the first start port passage process (step S520) in the main control board 300.

[0292] (Step S520-1) The main CPU 300a sets "00H" as the special symbol identification value. The special symbol identification value is used to identify whether the reserved type is special 1 reserved or special 2 reserved, and the special symbol identification value (00H) indicates special 1 reserved, and the special symbol identification value (01H) indicates special 2 reserved.

[0293] (Step S520-3) The main CPU 300a sets the address of the special symbol 1 reserved ball number counter.

[0294] (Step S535) The main CPU 300a executes the special symbol random number acquisition process and ends the first start gate passing process. Note that this special symbol random number acquisition process is executed using a module common to the second start gate passing process (step S530). Therefore, the details of the special symbol random number acquisition process will be explained after the explanation of the second start gate passing process.

[0295] FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating the second start port passage process (step S530) in the main control board 300.

[0296] (Step S530-1) The main CPU 300a sets "01H" as the special symbol identification value.

[0297] (Step S530-3) The main CPU 300a sets the address of the special symbol 2 reserved ball number counter.

[0298] (Step S535) The main CPU 300a executes a special symbol random number acquisition process, which will be described later.

[0299] (Step S530-5) The main CPU 300a loads the normal game management phase. Note that, as will be described in detail later, the normal game management phase indicates the stage of the execution process of the normal game, i.e., the progress status of the normal game, and is updated according to the stage of the execution process of the normal game.

[0300] (Step S530-7) The main CPU 300a determines whether the normal game management phase loaded in step S530-5 is "04H." The normal game management phase "04H" indicates that the normal electric device prize opening control process is in progress. In this normal electric device prize opening control process, the normal electric device solenoid 122c is energized and the movable piece 122b is controlled to the open state, so here, it is determined whether the second start opening 122 is in a state in which it can be properly opened. If it is determined that the normal game management phase is not "04H," the second start opening passage process is terminated. If it is determined that the normal game management phase is "04H," the process proceeds to step S530-9.

[0301] (Step S530-9) The main CPU 300a updates the counter value of the normal electric device winning ball number counter to a value obtained by adding "1" to the current counter value, and ends the second start port passage process.

[0302] 31 is a flowchart explaining the special symbol random number acquisition process (step S535) in the main control board 300. This special symbol random number acquisition process is executed using a common module in the first start port passing process (step S520) and the second start port passing process (step S530) described above.

[0303] (Step S535-1) The main CPU 300a loads the special symbol identification value set in step S520-1 or step S530-1.

[0304] (Step S535-3) The main CPU 300a loads the number of reserved balls for the target special symbol. Here, if the special symbol identification value loaded in the above step S535-1 is "00H", the counter value of the special symbol 1 reserved ball counter, i.e., the special 1 reserved number, is loaded. Also, if the special symbol identification value loaded in the above step S535-1 is "01H", the counter value of the special symbol 2 reserved ball counter, i.e., the special 2 reserved number, is loaded.

[0305] (Step S535-5) The main CPU 300a loads the small win determination random number updated by the hardware random number generation unit.

[0306] (Step S535-7) The main CPU 300a determines whether the number of reserved balls for the target special symbol loaded in step S535-3 is equal to or greater than the upper limit. If it is determined that the number is equal to or greater than the upper limit, the process proceeds to step S535-23. If it is determined that the number is not equal to or greater than the upper limit, the process proceeds to step S535-9.

[0307] (Step S535-9) The main CPU 300a updates the counter value of the target special symbol reserved ball number counter to a value obtained by adding "1" to the current counter value.

[0308] (Step S535-11) The main CPU 300a determines a target memory section among the eight memory sections of the special chart reservation memory area in which the acquired small win determination random number is to be saved.

[0309] (Step S535-13) The main CPU 300a obtains the small win determination random number loaded in step S535-5, the winning pattern random number updated in step S400-19, the reach group determination random number updated in step S100-69, the reach mode determination random number, and the variation pattern random number, and stores them in the target memory unit calculated in step S535-11.

[0310] (Step S535-15) The main CPU 300a performs a special symbol reserved ball winning order setting process for updating and storing the winning order of the special 1 reserved and special 2 reserved balls stored in the special symbol reserved storage area.

[0311] (Step S535-17) The main CPU 300a executes an acquisition time effect determination process to perform a provisional big role lottery, provisional winning symbol determination, and provisional variable information determination based on the various random numbers stored in the target memory unit in step S535-13. In this acquisition time effect determination process, a pre-reading designation command indicating variable information to be determined when a newly stored reserved symbol is read out is transmitted to the sub-control board 330.

[0312] (Step S535-19) The main CPU 300a loads the counter values ​​of the special symbol 1 reserved ball number counter and the special symbol 2 reserved ball number counter.

[0313] (Step S535-21) The main CPU 300a sets the special symbol reservation designation command in the transmission buffer based on the counter value loaded in step S535-19 above. Here, the special symbol 1 reservation designation command is set based on the counter value (special 1 reservation number) of the special symbol 1 reservation ball number counter, and the special symbol 2 reservation designation command is set based on the counter value (special 2 reservation number) of the special symbol 2 reservation ball number counter. As a result, each time a special symbol 1 reservation or special symbol 2 reservation is stored, the special symbol 1 reservation number and the special symbol 2 reservation number are transmitted to the sub-control board 330.

[0314] (Step S535-23) The main CPU 300a loads the normal game management phase.

[0315] (Step S535-25) The main CPU 300a checks the normal game management phase loaded in step S535-23 and determines whether it is below the normal electric device winning opening control state described later. If it is determined that it is below the normal electric device winning opening control state, the process proceeds to step S535-27, and if it is determined that it is not below the normal electric device winning opening control state, the special symbol random number acquisition process is terminated.

[0316] (Step S535-27) The main CPU 300a determines whether or not an abnormal winning has occurred, and if it determines that an abnormal winning has occurred, executes a start port abnormal winning error process to perform a predetermined process, and terminates the special pattern random number acquisition process (step S535).

[0317] FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating the specific area passing process in step S540.

[0318] (Step S540-1) If the main CPU 300a determines in step S500-11 that the specific area detection switch has been turned on, it determines whether the valid period flag is on. If it determines that the valid period flag is on, it proceeds to step S540-3, and if it determines that the valid period flag is not on, it proceeds to step S540-9.

[0319] As will be described in more detail later, this validity period flag is used to determine whether the entry of a game ball into the specific area 502 is considered valid, and in this embodiment, it is turned on at the start of a small win game (first round of game).

[0320] (Step S540-3) In the above step S540-1, if it is determined that the valid period flag is on, the main CPU 300a determines whether the specific area entry flag is on. The specific area entry flag identifies that the gaming ball has already validly entered the specific area 502. If it is determined that the specific area entry flag is on, the specific area passing process is terminated, and if it is determined that the specific area entry flag is not on, the process proceeds to step S540-5.

[0321] (Step S540-5) The main CPU 300a turns on the specific area entry flag.

[0322] (Step S540-7) The main CPU 300a sets a specific area entry command in the transmission buffer to notify the sub-control board 330 that the gaming ball has validly entered the specific area 502, and ends the specific area passing process.

[0323] (Step S540-9) The main CPU 300a executes a predetermined error process.

[0324] (Step S540-11) The main CPU 300a sets an error command indicating that an error has been detected in the transmission buffer, and ends the specific area passing process.

[0325] FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating the process of passing through the role-linked operation gate in the main control board 300.

[0326] (Step S550-1) The main CPU 300a determines whether the waiting flag for passing through the combination operation gate is on. As will be described in detail later, the waiting flag for passing through the combination operation gate is turned on at the end of a small win game when a gaming ball enters the specific area 502 during the small win game and a type 2 jackpot is won. The waiting flag for passing through the combination operation gate is turned on during a standby state until the start of the large win game after a type 2 jackpot is won during the small win game. That is, the waiting flag for passing through the combination operation gate indicates a standby state. Therefore, in this step, it is determined whether the gaming ball passed through the combination operation gate 125 during the standby state. If it is determined that the waiting flag for passing through the combination operation gate is on, the process proceeds to step S550-3. If it is determined that the waiting flag for passing through the combination operation gate is not on, the process for passing through the combination operation gate is terminated.

[0327] (Step S550-3) The main CPU 300a turns on the combination operation gate passing flag. The combination operation gate passing flag is information indicating that the gaming ball has passed through the combination operation gate 125 during the standby state.

[0328] (Step S550-5) The main CPU 300a sets the combination operation gate passage designation command in the transmission buffer and ends the combination operation gate passage process.

[0329] 34 is a diagram illustrating the special game management phase. As already explained, in this embodiment, a special game triggered by a game ball entering the first start gate 120 or the second start gate 122 and a normal game triggered by a game ball passing through the gate 124 proceed simultaneously in parallel. The processing related to the special game is executed stepwise and repeatedly, and the main control board 300 manages each processing related to such special games by the special game management phase.

[0330] As shown in FIG. 34, the main ROM 300b stores a plurality of special game control modules for controlling the execution of special games, and each of these special game control modules is associated with a special game management phase. Specifically, when the special game management phase is "00H", a module for executing "special symbol change waiting processing" is called, when the special game management phase is "01H", a module for executing "special symbol change in progress processing" is called, when the special game management phase is "02H", a module for executing "special symbol stop symbol display processing" is called, when the special game management phase is "03H" or "07H", a module for executing "large prize opening pre-processing" is called, when the special game management phase is "04H" or "08H", a module for executing "large prize opening opening control processing" is called, when the special game management phase is "05H" or "09H", a module for executing "large prize opening closure valid processing" is called, and when the special game management phase is "06H" or "0AH", a module for executing "large prize opening end wait processing" is called.

[0331] FIG. 35 is a flowchart illustrating the special game management process (step S600) in the main control board 300.

[0332] (Step S600-1) The main CPU 300a loads the special game management phase.

[0333] (Step S600-3) The main CPU 300a selects the special game control module corresponding to the special game management phase loaded in step S600-1.

[0334] (Step S600-5) The main CPU 300a calls the special game control module selected in step S600-3 and starts processing.

[0335] (Step S600-7) The main CPU 300a loads a special game timer that manages the control time of the special game, and ends the special game management process.

[0336] 36 is a flowchart illustrating the special symbol change waiting process in the main control board 300. This special symbol change waiting process is executed when the special game management phase is "00H".

[0337] (Step S610-1) The main CPU 300a determines whether the counter value of the special symbol 2 reserved ball counter, that is, the special 2 reserved number (X2) is "1" or more. As a result, if it is determined that the special 2 reserved number (X2) is "1" or more, the process moves to step S610-7, and if it is determined that the special 2 reserved number (X2) is not "1" or more, the process moves to step S610-3.

[0338] (Step S610-3) The main CPU 300a determines whether the counter value of the special symbol 1 reserved ball counter, that is, the special 1 reserved number (X1), is greater than or equal to 1. As a result, if it is determined that the special 1 reserved number (X1) is greater than or equal to 1, the process proceeds to step S610-7, and if it is determined that the special 1 reserved number (X1) is not greater than or equal to 1, the process proceeds to step S610-5.

[0339] (Step S610-5) The main CPU 300a sets the customer waiting designation command in the transmission buffer, executes customer waiting setting processing for setting the state to customer waiting, and ends the special symbol change waiting processing.

[0340] (Step S610-7) The main CPU300a transfers the special 2 reserve stored in the first to fourth storage units of the second special symbol reserve storage area, or the special 1 reserve stored in the first to fourth storage units of the first special symbol reserve storage area, to a storage unit with a smaller ordinal number by one. Specifically, in the above step S610-1, when it is determined that the number of special symbol 2 reserved balls is "1" or more, the special 2 reserve stored in the second to fourth storage units of the second special symbol reserve storage area is transferred to the first to third storage units. In addition, the main RAM300c is provided with a 0th storage unit to be processed, and the special 2 reserve stored in the 1st storage unit is block-transferred to the 0th storage unit. Also, in the above step S610-3, if it is determined that the number of reserved balls for special symbol 1 is "1" or more, the special symbol 1 reserved balls stored in the second to fourth memory units of the first special symbol reserved memory area are transferred to the first to third memory units, and the special symbol 1 reserved balls stored in the first memory unit are block-transferred to the 0th memory unit. In addition, in this special symbol memory area shift process, the counter value of the target special symbol reserved ball number counter corresponding to the reserved type transferred to the 0th memory unit is subtracted by "1", and a reserved reduction designation command indicating that the special symbol 1 reserved or special symbol 2 reserved has been subtracted by "1" is set in the transmission buffer.

[0341] (Step S610-9) The main CPU 300a loads the small win determination random number and reservation type transferred to the 0th memory unit, selects the corresponding small win determination random number judgment table, draws a big role lottery, and executes a special symbol win judgment process that stores the lottery result.

[0342] (Step S610-11) The main CPU 300a executes a special symbol determination process to determine the special symbol. Here, if the result of the major role lottery in step S610-9 above is a small win, the winning symbol random number and reserve type transferred to the 0th memory unit are loaded, the corresponding winning symbol random number determination table is selected to extract the special symbol determination data, and the extracted special symbol determination data (small win symbol type) is saved. Also, if the result of the major role lottery in step S610-9 above is a loss, the special symbol determination data for the loss corresponding to the reserve type (losing symbol type) is saved. Specifically, if the reserve type is special 1 reserve, special symbol X is saved as the losing symbol, and if the reserve type is special 2 reserve, special symbol Y is saved as the losing symbol. In this way, after the special symbol determination data is saved, a symbol type designation command corresponding to the special symbol determination data is set in the transmission buffer.

[0343] (Step S610-13) The main CPU 300a saves the special symbol stop symbol number corresponding to the special symbol determination data extracted in step S610-11. Note that the first special symbol display 160 and the second special symbol display 162 are each composed of 7 segments, and each segment constituting the 7 segments is associated with a number (counter value). The special symbol stop symbol number determined here indicates the number (counter value) of the segment that will ultimately light up.

[0344] (Step S612) The main CPU 300a executes a special symbol variable number determination process for determining a variable mode number and a variable pattern number. The details of this special symbol variable number determination process will be described later.

[0345] (Step S610-15) The main CPU 300a loads the fluctuation mode number and fluctuation pattern number determined in step S612, and refers to the fluctuation time determination table to determine fluctuation time 1 and fluctuation time 2. Then, the total time of the determined fluctuation times 1 and 2 is set in the special symbol fluctuation timer.

[0346] (Step S610-17) The main CPU 300a performs a spare area setting process for storing the type of small winning symbol (special symbol determination data) and the like in the spare area of ​​the main RAM 300c.

[0347] (Step S610-19) The main CPU 300a executes a process of setting a special symbol display symbol counter in order to start the variable display of special symbols in the first special symbol display device 160 or the second special symbol display device 162. A counter value is associated with each of the 7-segment segments constituting the first special symbol display device 160 and the second special symbol display device 162, and the segments corresponding to the counter value set in the special symbol display symbol counter are controlled to light up. Here, the counter value corresponding to the segment to be lit when the variable display of the special symbol starts is set in the special symbol display symbol counter. Note that the special symbol display symbol counter is provided separately as a special symbol 1 display symbol counter corresponding to the first special symbol display device 160 and a special symbol 2 display symbol counter corresponding to the second special symbol display device 162, and here, a counter value is set in the counter corresponding to the hold type.

[0348] (Step S610-21) The main CPU 300a loads the counter values ​​of the special symbol 1 reserved ball counter and the special symbol 2 reserved ball counter and sets a special symbol reserved command in the transmission buffer. Here, the special symbol 1 reserved command is set based on the counter value of the special symbol 1 reserved ball counter (special symbol 1 reserved number), and the special symbol 2 reserved command is set based on the counter value of the special symbol 2 reserved ball counter (special symbol 2 reserved number). Also, here, the special symbol winning order command corresponding to the winning order of the special symbol 1 reserved and special symbol 2 reserved stored in step S610-7 above is set in the transmission buffer. As a result, each time the special symbol 1 reserved or special symbol 2 reserved is consumed, the number of special symbol 1 reserved and special symbol 2 reserved, as well as the winning order of each reserved symbol, are transmitted to the sub-control board 330.

[0349] (Step S610-23) The main CPU 300a updates the special game management phase to "01H" and ends the special symbol change waiting process.

[0350] FIG. 37 is a flowchart illustrating the special symbol variable number determination process in the main control board 300.

[0351] (Step S612-1) The main CPU 300a determines whether the result of the big role lottery in step S610-9 is a small win. If it is determined to be a small win, the process proceeds to step S612-3, and if it is determined not to be a small win (a loss), the process proceeds to step S612-5.

[0352] (Step S612-3) The main CPU 300a sets a reach mode determination random number judgment table corresponding to the current game state, the type of small win symbol, the reserved type, and the variable state.

[0353] (Step S612-5) If the hold type of the read hold is special 2 hold, the main CPU 300a checks the counter value of the special pattern 2 hold ball number counter, and if the hold type of the read hold is special 1 hold, the main CPU 300a checks the counter value of the special pattern 1 hold ball number counter.

[0354] (Step S612-7) The main CPU 300a sets the corresponding reach group determination random number judgment table based on the current game state, the reserved number and reserved type confirmed in the above step S612-5. Then, based on the set reach group determination random number judgment table and the reach group determination random number transferred to the 0th storage unit in the above step S610-7, the reach group (group type) is determined.

[0355] (Step S612-9) The main CPU 300a sets a random number judgment table for determining a reach mode when losing, which corresponds to the group type determined in step S612-7.

[0356] (Step S612-11) The main CPU 300a determines a variation mode number based on the reach mode determination random number judgment table set in the above step S612-3 or step S612-9 and the reach mode determination random number transferred to the 0th storage unit in the above step S610-7. Here, a variation pattern random number judgment table is determined together with the variation mode number.

[0357] (Step S612-13) The main CPU 300a sets the fluctuation mode command corresponding to the fluctuation mode number determined in step S612-11 in the transmission buffer.

[0358] (Step S612-15) The main CPU 300a determines a variation pattern number based on the variation pattern random number determination table determined in step S612-11 above and the variation pattern random number transferred to the 0th storage unit in step S610-7 above.

[0359] (Step S612-17) The main CPU 300a sets the variation pattern command corresponding to the variation pattern number determined in the above step S612-15 in the transmission buffer, and ends the special symbol variation number determination process.

[0360] 38 is a flowchart for explaining the special symbol variation process in the main control board 300. This special symbol variation process is executed when the special game management phase is "01H".

[0361] (Step S620-1) The main CPU 300a executes a process to update the special symbol variation base counter. The counter value of the special symbol variation base counter is set so that it completes one cycle in a predetermined cycle (for example, 100 ms). Specifically, if the counter value of the special symbol variation base counter is "0", a predetermined counter value (for example, 25) is set, and if the counter value is "1" or more, the counter value is updated to a value obtained by subtracting "1" from the current counter value.

[0362] (Step S620-3) The main CPU 300a determines whether the counter value of the special symbol variation base counter updated in step S620-1 is 0. If the counter value is 0, the process proceeds to step S620-5. If the counter value is not 0, the process proceeds to step S620-9.

[0363] (Step S620-5) The main CPU 300a performs a special symbol fluctuation timer update process to subtract a predetermined value from the timer value of the special symbol fluctuation timer set in step S610-15.

[0364] (Step S620-7) The main CPU 300a determines whether the timer value of the special symbol fluctuation timer updated in step S620-5 is 0. If the timer value is 0, the process proceeds to step S620-15. If the timer value is not 0, the process proceeds to step S620-9.

[0365] (Step S620-9) The main CPU 300a updates the special symbol display timer that measures the lighting time of each of the 7-segment displays that make up the first special symbol display device 160 and the second special symbol display device 162. Specifically, if the timer value of the special symbol display timer is "0", a predetermined timer value is set, and if the timer value is "1" or greater, the timer value is updated to a value obtained by subtracting "1" from the current timer value.

[0366] (Step S620-11) The main CPU 300a determines whether the timer value of the special symbol display timer is "0." If it is determined that the timer value of the special symbol display timer is "0," the process proceeds to step S620-13. If it is determined that the timer value of the special symbol display timer is not "0," the process during the special symbol variation is terminated.

[0367] (Step S620-13) The main CPU 300a updates the counter value of the special symbol display symbol counter to be updated and ends the special symbol variation process. As a result, each segment constituting the 7-segment display lights up in sequence at predetermined time intervals.

[0368] (Step S620-15) The main CPU 300a updates the special game management phase to "02H".

[0369] (Step S620-17) The main CPU 300a saves the special symbol stop symbol number (counter value) determined in step S610-13 in the target special symbol display symbol counter. As a result, the determined special symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display device 160 or the second special symbol display device 162.

[0370] (Step S620-19) The main CPU 300a sets a special symbol stop designation command, which indicates that a special symbol has been stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display device 160 or the second special symbol display device 162, in the transmission buffer.

[0371] (Step S620-21) The main CPU 300a sets the special symbol variation stop time, which is the time for which the special symbol is stopped and displayed, in the special game timer, and ends the special symbol variation process.

[0372] 39 is a flowchart illustrating the special symbol stop symbol display process in the main control board 300. This special symbol stop symbol display process is executed when the special game management phase is "02H".

[0373] (Step S630-1) The main CPU 300a determines whether the timer value of the special game timer set in step S620-21 is 0. If it is determined that the timer value of the special game timer is not 0, the main CPU 300a ends the special symbol stop symbol display process, and if it is determined that the timer value of the special game timer is 0, the process proceeds to step S630-3.

[0374] (Step S630-3) The main CPU 300a executes a count cut-off management process. Here, when the game state is a time-shortened game state, the counter value of a time-shortened game counter that counts the remaining number of time-shortened games is decremented. Then, when the counter value becomes 0, the game state is changed from the time-shortened game state to a non-time-shortened game state.

[0375] (Step S630-5) The main CPU 300a sets a number command indicating the remaining number of time-saving times in the transmission buffer.

[0376] (Step S630-7) The main CPU 300a sets a game state confirmation designation command at the time of special symbol determination, which indicates the game state when the special symbol is determined, in a transmission buffer.

[0377] (Step S630-9) The main CPU 300a checks the result of the big role lottery.

[0378] (Step S630-11) The main CPU 300a determines whether the result of the big role lottery is a small win. If it is determined to be a small win, the process proceeds to step S630-15. If it is determined not to be a small win, the process proceeds to step S630-13.

[0379] (Step S630-13) The main CPU 300a updates the special game management phase to "00H" and ends the special symbol stop symbol display process. This ends the special game management process based on the reservation of 1, and if special 1 reservation or special 2 reservation is stored, processing to start the variable display of the special symbol based on the next reservation will be performed.

[0380] (Step S630-15) The main CPU 300a sets data in the special electric accessory operation RAM set table according to the type of the determined special symbol.

[0381] (Step S630-17) The main CPU 300a performs a process for setting the maximum number of times a special electric device is operated. Specifically, the data set in step S630-15 above is referenced, and a predetermined number (the counter value corresponding to the type of special symbol = the number of rounds) is set as the counter value in the maximum number of times a special electric device is operated counter. This maximum number of times a special electric device is operated counter indicates the number of rounds ("1") that can be executed in the small prize game that is about to start. Meanwhile, the main RAM 300c is provided with a special electric device number counter, and the current number of rounds is managed by adding "1" to the counter value of the continuous special electric device operation counter at the start of each round of play. Here, with the start of the small prize game, a process for resetting (updating to "0") the counter value of this continuous special electric device operation counter is also executed.

[0382] (Step S630-19) The main CPU 300a refers to the data set in step S630-17 and saves a predetermined opening time as a timer value in the special game timer.

[0383] (Step S630-21) The main CPU 300a sets in the transmission buffer an opening designation command for transmitting the start of a small win game to the sub-control board 330. This opening designation command is provided for each opening time, and here, the opening designation command corresponding to the opening time saved in the above step S630-19 is set in the transmission buffer.

[0384] (Step S630-23) The main CPU 300a updates the special game management phase to "07H" and ends the special symbol stop symbol display process, thereby starting a small win game.

[0385] 40 is a flowchart illustrating the process before the opening of the special prize opening in the main control board 300. This process before the opening of the special prize opening is executed when the special game management phase is "03H" or "07H".

[0386] (Step S640-1) The main CPU 300a determines whether the waiting flag for passing through the combination operation gate is on, that is, whether the waiting state is in a state of waiting until the start of the big role game after winning the type 2 big win. As a result, if it is determined that the waiting flag for passing through the combination operation gate is on, the process proceeds to step S640-3, and if it is determined that the waiting flag for passing through the combination operation gate is not on, the process proceeds to step S640-9.

[0387] (Step S640-3) The main CPU 300a determines whether the combination operation gate passing flag is on, that is, whether the gaming ball has passed through the combination operation gate 125 during the standby state. As a result, if it is determined that the combination operation gate passing flag is on, the process proceeds to step S640-5, and if it is determined that the combination operation gate passing flag is not on, the process before opening the large prize opening is terminated.

[0388] (Step S640-5) The main CPU 300a turns off the combination operation gate passing flag.

[0389] (Step S640-7) The main CPU 300a turns off the waiting flag for passing through the combination operation gate, and moves the process to step S640-11, which will be described later. This ends the waiting state, and the big role game starts.

[0390] (Step S640-9) The main CPU 300a sets the special electric device designation flag to 01H. As a result, with the start of the big prize game, the entry of game balls into the first large prize opening 126 is validated. The special electric device designation flag designates the large prize opening into which the entry of game balls is deemed valid. Specifically, 01H of the special electric device designation flag indicates that the entry of game balls into the first large prize opening 126 is valid, that is, the first large prize opening 126 is valid and the second large prize opening 128 is invalid. Furthermore, 02H of the special electric device designation flag indicates that the entry of game balls into the second large prize opening 128 is valid, that is, the second large prize opening 128 is valid and the first large prize opening 126 is invalid. Furthermore, 00H of the special electric device designation flag indicates that entry of game balls into both the first major prize opening 126 and the second major prize opening 128 is invalid, that is, the first major prize opening 126 and the second major prize opening 128 are invalid. When a game ball enters an invalid major prize opening, the value of the fraud monitoring target counter is incremented.

[0391] (Step S640-11) The main CPU 300a determines whether the timer value of the special game timer is 0. If it is determined that the timer value of the special game timer is not 0, the main CPU 300a ends the pre-opening process of the special winning port, and if it is determined that the timer value of the special game timer is 0, the main CPU 300a proceeds to step S640-13.

[0392] (Step S640-13) The main CPU 300a updates the counter value of the special electric accessory continuous operation number counter to a value obtained by adding "1" to the current counter value.

[0393] (Step S640-15) The main CPU 300a sets in the transmission buffer a special prize opening designation command for transmitting to the sub-control board 330 the start of opening of the first special prize opening 126 and the second special prize opening 128 (start of a round game).

[0394] (Step S641) The main CPU 300a executes a special prize opening / closing switching process, which will be described later.

[0395] (Step S640-17) The main CPU 300a determines whether the special game management phase is 03H, that is, whether a small win game is being played. If it is determined that the special game management phase is 03H, the process proceeds to step S640-19. If it is determined that the special game management phase is not 03H, the process proceeds to step S640-25.

[0396] (Step S640-19) The main CPU 300a determines whether it is the start of the first round of play based on the counter value of the special electric accessory continuous operation counter. If it is determined that it is the start of the first round of play, the main CPU 300a proceeds to step S640-21, and if it is determined that it is not the start of the first round of play, the main CPU 300a proceeds to step S640-25.

[0397] (Step S640-21) The main CPU 300a turns on the valid period flag, which enables the entry of the gaming ball into the specific area 502 upon the start of the small win game.

[0398] (Step S640-23) The main CPU 300a sets the special electric accessory designation flag to 02H. This enables the entry of game balls into the second large prize opening 128 upon the start of the small prize game, more precisely, upon the start of the opening of the second large prize opening 128 during the small prize game.

[0399] (Step S640-25) The main CPU 300a updates the special game management phase to a value obtained by adding 01H to the current value ("04H" or "08H"), and ends the pre-opening process for the big prize opening.

[0400] FIG. 41 is a flowchart illustrating the process of switching the opening and closing of the big prize opening in the main control board 300.

[0401] (Step S641-1) The main CPU 300a judges whether the counter value of the special electric accessory opening / closing switching number counter is the upper limit value of the special electric accessory opening / closing switching number (the number of times the first large prize opening 126 and the second large prize opening 128 are opened and closed during one round of play). If it is judged that the counter value is the upper limit value, the main CPU 300a ends the large prize opening opening / closing switching process, and if it is judged that the counter value is not the upper limit value, the process proceeds to step S641-3.

[0402] (Step S641-3) The main CPU 300a refers to the data in the special electric device operation RAM set table and extracts solenoid control data for controlling the energization of the first large prize opening solenoid 126c or the second large prize opening solenoid 128c, as well as timer data which is the energization time or de-energization time of the first large prize opening solenoid 126c or the second large prize opening solenoid 128c, based on the counter value of the special electric device opening / closing switching count counter.

[0403] (Step S641-5) Based on the solenoid control data extracted in step S641-3 above, the main CPU 300a executes a large prize opening solenoid energization control process to start energizing the first large prize opening solenoid 126c or the second large prize opening solenoid 128c, or to stop energizing the first large prize opening solenoid 126c or the second large prize opening solenoid 128c. By executing this large prize opening solenoid energization control process, the start or stop of energization of the first large prize opening solenoid 126c or the second large prize opening solenoid 128c is controlled in steps S400-31 and S400-33 above.

[0404] (Step S641-7) The main CPU 300a saves the timer value based on the timer data extracted in step S641-3 in the special game timer. The timer value saved in the special game timer here is the maximum opening time of the first special winning opening 126 and the second special winning opening 128 in one time.

[0405] (Step S641-9) The main CPU 300a determines whether the first large prize opening solenoid 126c or the second large prize opening solenoid 128c is in the energization start state, i.e., whether control processing to start energization of the first large prize opening solenoid 126c or the second large prize opening solenoid 128c has been performed in the above step S641-5. If it is determined that the first large prize opening solenoid 126c or the second large prize opening solenoid 128c is in the energization start state, the main CPU 300a proceeds to step S641-11, and if it is determined that the first large prize opening solenoid 126c or the second large prize opening solenoid 128c is not in the energization start state, the main CPU 300a ends the large prize opening open / close switching processing.

[0406] (Step S641-11) The main CPU 300a updates the counter value of the special electric accessory open / close switching number counter to a value obtained by adding "1" to the current counter value, and ends the big prize opening open / close switching process.

[0407] 42 is a flowchart illustrating the special prize opening control process in the main control board 300. This special prize opening control process is executed when the special game management phase is "04H" or "08H".

[0408] (Step S650-1) The main CPU 300a determines whether the timer value of the special game timer saved in step S641-7 is 0. If it is determined that the timer value of the special game timer is not 0, the process proceeds to step S650-5. If it is determined that the timer value of the special game timer is 0, the process proceeds to step S650-3.

[0409] (Step S650-3) The main CPU 300a determines whether the counter value of the special electric accessory opening / closing switching counter is the upper limit value of the special electric accessory opening / closing switching number of times. If it is determined that the counter value is the upper limit value, the process proceeds to step S650-7, and if it is determined that the counter value is not the upper limit value, the process proceeds to step S641.

[0410] (Step S641) In the above step S650-3, if it is determined that the counter value of the special electric accessory opening / closing switching number counter is not the upper limit value of the special electric accessory opening / closing switching number of times, the main CPU 300a executes the processing of the above step S641.

[0411] (Step S650-5) The main CPU 300a determines whether the counter value of the special prize opening ball count counter updated in step S500-9 has reached a specified number, i.e., whether the same number of game balls as the maximum number of wins in one round have entered the first special prize opening 126 or the second special prize opening 128. If it is determined that the specified number has not been reached, the main CPU 300a terminates the special prize opening opening opening control process, and if it is determined that the specified number has been reached, the process proceeds to step S650-7.

[0412] (Step S650-7) The main CPU 300a stops the energization of the first major prize opening solenoid 126c and the second major prize opening solenoid 128c and executes the major prize opening closing process required to close the first major prize opening 126 and the second major prize opening 128. As a result, the first major prize opening 126 and the second major prize opening 128 are closed.

[0413] (Step S650-9) The main CPU 300a saves the effective time (interval time) for closing the big prize opening in the special game timer.

[0414] (Step S650-11) The main CPU 300a updates the special game management phase to a value obtained by adding 01H to the current value ("05H" or "09H").

[0415] (Step S650-13) The main CPU 300a sets a special prize opening closure designation command indicating that the first special prize opening 126 and the second special prize opening 128 have been closed in the transmission buffer, and ends the special prize opening opening control process.

[0416] 43 is a flowchart illustrating the special prize opening closure validity process in the main control board 300. This special prize opening closure validity process is executed when the special game management phase is "05H" or "09H".

[0417] (Step S660-1) The main CPU 300a determines whether the timer value of the special game timer saved in step S650-9 is 0. If it is determined that the timer value of the special game timer is not 0, the main CPU 300a terminates the special prize opening closure validity process, and if it is determined that the timer value of the special game timer is 0, the process proceeds to step S660-3.

[0418] (Step S660-3) The main CPU 300a determines whether the counter value of the special electric device continuous operation counter matches the counter value of the special electric device maximum operation counter, i.e., whether a preset number of rounds of play have been completed. If it is determined that the counter value of the special electric device continuous operation counter matches the counter value of the special electric device maximum operation counter, the process proceeds to step S660-9, and if it is determined that they do not match, the process proceeds to step S660-5.

[0419] (Step S660-5) The main CPU 300a updates the special game management phase to "07H". Note that if the special game management phase is "05H", that is, during control of the small win game, the number of rounds of the small win game is "1", so the determination in step S660-3 above is YES, and the process does not proceed to this step.

[0420] (Step S660-7) The main CPU 300a saves the predetermined special prize opening closing time in the special game timer and ends the special prize opening closing validity process, thereby starting the next round of games.

[0421] (Step S660-9) The main CPU 300a determines whether the special game management phase is 05H, that is, whether a small win game is in progress. If it is determined that the special game management phase is 05H, the process proceeds to step S660-11. If it is determined that the special game management phase is not 05H, the process proceeds to step S660-25.

[0422] (Step S660-11) The main CPU 300a determines whether all of the gaming balls that entered the second large prize opening 128 have been dispensed. Here, it is determined that dispensing has been completed when the value obtained by subtracting the total number of gaming balls that entered the specific area 502 and the non-specific area 500 from the number of gaming balls that entered the second large prize opening 128 becomes 0. If it is determined that dispensing has been completed, the process proceeds to step S660-13, and if it is determined that dispensing has not been completed, the large prize opening closure validating process is terminated. Note that if the determination result that dispensing has not been completed is derived continuously for a certain period of time, error processing is performed.

[0423] (Step S660-13) The main CPU 300a determines whether the specific area entry flag is on. If it is determined that the specific area entry flag is on, the process proceeds to step S660-15. If it is determined that the specific area entry flag is not on, the process proceeds to step S660-25.

[0424] (Step S660-15) The main CPU 300a turns off the specific area entry flag.

[0425] (Step S660-17) The main CPU 300a turns on the role combination operation gate passage waiting flag.

[0426] (Step S660-19) The main CPU 300a sets the special electric accessory designation flag to 00H.

[0427] (Step S660-21) The main CPU 300a checks the type of small winning symbol and sets a predetermined number (counter value corresponding to the type of special symbol = value obtained by subtracting 1 from the number of rounds, i.e., the number of rounds played in a big winning game) as the counter value in the special electric device maximum operation count counter.

[0428] (Step S660-23) The main CPU 300a sets 07H in the special game management phase and ends the big prize opening closure validity processing.

[0429] (Step S660-25) The main CPU 300a sets the special electric accessory designation flag to 00H.

[0430] (Step S660-27) The main CPU 300a executes an ending time setting process for saving the ending time in a special game timer.

[0431] (Step S660-29) The main CPU 300a updates the special game management phase to a value obtained by adding 01H to the current value ("06H" or "0AH").

[0432] (Step S660-31) The main CPU 300a sets an ending designation command indicating the start of the ending in the transmission buffer, and ends the big prize opening closure validity processing.

[0433] 44 is a flowchart illustrating the special prize opening end wait process in the main control board 300. This special prize opening end wait process is executed when the special game management phase is "06H" or "0AH".

[0434] (Step S670-1) The main CPU 300a determines whether the timer value of the special game timer saved in step S660-27 is 0. If it is determined that the timer value of the special game timer is not 0, the main CPU 300a ends the large prize winning port end wait process, and if it is determined that the timer value of the special game timer is 0, the process proceeds to step S670-3.

[0435] (Step S670-3) The main CPU 300a executes a state setting process for setting the game state after the end of the big role game that was executed based on the game ball entering the specific area 502 in the small win game. Specifically, the main CPU 300a refers to the game state setting table (FIG. 17) and sets the game state after the end of the big role game and the number of time-shortening times based on the type of special symbol that triggered the execution of the small win game. Note that if the game ball did not enter the specific area 502 in the small win game, that is, if the special game management phase is "06H", the game state is not set in step S670-3.

[0436] Also, here, a process is performed to set the variable state after the end of the big win game based on the small win symbol that triggered the execution of the small win game and the currently set setting value.

[0437] (Step S670-5) The main CPU 300a sets in the transmission buffer a game state change designation command for transmitting the game state and the variable state that are set after the big win game ends.

[0438] (Step S670-7) The main CPU 300a sets in the transmission buffer a number-of-times designation command corresponding to the time-saving number of times saved in step S670-3.

[0439] (Step S670-9) The main CPU 300a updates the special game management phase to "00H" and ends the waiting process for the end of the special winning slot. As a result, if the special 1 reserve or the special 2 reserve is stored, the variable display of the special symbol will be resumed.

[0440] 45 is a diagram illustrating the normal game management phase. As already explained, in the embodiment, the processing related to the normal game triggered by the passage of the game ball through the gate 124 is executed stepwise and repeatedly, and the main control board 300 manages each processing related to such normal game by the normal game management phase.

[0441] As shown in FIG. 45, the main ROM 300b stores a plurality of normal game control modules for controlling the execution of normal games, and each of these normal game control modules is associated with a normal game management phase. Specifically, when the normal game management phase is "00H", a module for executing "normal symbol change waiting processing" is called, when the normal game management phase is "01H", a module for executing "normal symbol change in progress processing" is called, when the normal game management phase is "02H", a module for executing "normal symbol stop symbol display processing" is called, when the normal game management phase is "03H", a module for executing "normal electric device prize opening pre-processing" is called, when the normal game management phase is "04H", a module for executing "normal electric device prize opening opening control processing" is called, when the normal game management phase is "05H", a module for executing "normal electric device prize opening closure enable processing" is called, and when the normal game management phase is "06H", a module for executing "normal electric device prize opening end wait processing" is called.

[0442] FIG. 46 is a flowchart illustrating the normal game management process (step S700) in the main control board 300.

[0443] (Step S700-1) The main CPU 300a loads the normal game management phase.

[0444] (Step S700-3) The main CPU 300a selects the normal game control module corresponding to the normal game management phase loaded in step S700-1.

[0445] (Step S700-5) The main CPU 300a calls the normal game control module selected in step S700-3 and starts processing.

[0446] (Step S700-7) The main CPU 300a loads a normal game timer that manages the control time of the normal game.

[0447] 47 is a flowchart illustrating the normal symbol change waiting process in the main control board 300. This normal symbol change waiting process is executed when the normal game management phase is "00H".

[0448] (Step S710-1) The main CPU 300a loads the counter value of the normal symbol reserved ball number counter and determines whether the counter value is "0", that is, whether the normal symbol reserved is "0". As a result, if it is determined that the counter value is "0", the normal symbol change waiting process is terminated, and if it is determined that the counter value is not "0", the process proceeds to step S710-3.

[0449] (Step S710-3) The main CPU 300a transfers the regular symbol reserves (winning random numbers) stored in the first to fourth memory sections of the regular symbol reserve memory area in blocks to the memory section with the next smaller ordinal number. Specifically, the regular symbol reserves stored in the second to fourth memory sections are transferred to the first to third memory sections. The main RAM 300c also has a zeroth memory section to be processed, and the regular symbol reserve stored in the first memory section is transferred to the zeroth memory section. In this regular symbol memory area shift process, the counter value of the regular symbol reserve ball count counter is decremented by "1," and a regular symbol reserve decrement command indicating that the regular symbol reserve has been decremented by "1" is set in the transmission buffer.

[0450] (Step S710-5) The main CPU 300a loads the winning determination random number transferred to the 0th memory unit, selects a winning determination random number judgment table corresponding to the current game state, performs a regular symbol lottery, and executes a regular symbol winning determination process that stores the lottery results.

[0451] (Step S710-7) The main CPU 300a saves the normal symbol stop symbol number corresponding to the result of the normal symbol lottery in step S710-5. In this embodiment, the normal symbol display 168 is composed of one LED lamp, and in the case of a win, the normal symbol display 168 is turned on, and in the case of a loss, the normal symbol display 168 is turned off. The normal symbol stop symbol number determined here indicates whether or not the normal symbol display 168 is ultimately turned on. For example, in the case of a win, "0" is determined as the normal symbol stop symbol number, and in the case of a loss, "1" is determined as the normal symbol stop symbol number.

[0452] (Step S710-9) The main CPU 300a checks the current game state, and selects and sets the corresponding normal symbol variation time data table.

[0453] (Step S710-11) The main CPU 300a determines the normal symbol variation time based on the winning determination random number transferred to the 0th storage unit in the above step S710-3 and the normal symbol variation time data table set in the above step S710-9.

[0454] (Step S710-13) The main CPU 300a saves the normal symbol variation time determined in the above step S710-11 in the normal game timer.

[0455] (Step S710-15) The main CPU 300a executes a process of setting a normal symbol display symbol counter in order to start the variable display of normal symbols in the normal symbol display device 168. When the counter value of this normal symbol display symbol counter is set to, for example, "0", the normal symbol display device 168 is controlled to be turned on, and when the counter value is set to "1", the normal symbol display device 168 is controlled to be turned off. Here, a predetermined counter value is set in the normal symbol display symbol counter when the variable display of normal symbols starts.

[0456] (Step S710-17) The main CPU 300a sets a general map reservation designation command indicating the number of general map reservations stored in the general map reservation memory area in the transmission buffer.

[0457] (Step S710-19) The main CPU 300a sets the normal pattern designation command in the transmission buffer based on the normal pattern stop pattern number determined in step S710-7 above, i.e., the pattern type (winning pattern or losing pattern) determined by the normal pattern winning determination process.

[0458] (Step S710-21) The main CPU 300a updates the normal game management phase to "01H" and ends the normal symbol change waiting process.

[0459] 48 is a flowchart for explaining the normal symbol variation process in the main control board 300. This normal symbol variation process is executed when the normal game management phase is "01H".

[0460] (Step S720-1) The main CPU 300a determines whether the timer value of the normal game timer saved in step S710-13 is 0. If the timer value is 0, the process proceeds to step S720-9. If the timer value is not 0, the process proceeds to step S720-3.

[0461] (Step S720-3) The main CPU 300a updates the normal symbol display timer that measures the lighting time and extinguishing time of the normal symbol display device 168. Specifically, if the timer value of the normal symbol display timer is "0", a predetermined timer value is set, and if the timer value is "1" or greater, the timer value is updated to a value obtained by subtracting "1" from the current timer value.

[0462] (Step S720-5) The main CPU 300a determines whether the timer value of the normal symbol display timer is "0". As a result, if it is determined that the timer value of the normal symbol display timer is "0", the process proceeds to step S720-7, and if it is determined that the timer value of the normal symbol display timer is not "0", the normal symbol variable process is terminated.

[0463] (Step S720-7) The main CPU 300a updates the counter value of the normal symbol display symbol counter. Here, if the counter value of the normal symbol display symbol counter is a counter value indicating that the normal symbol display 168 is turned off, it is updated to a counter value indicating that it is turned on, and if it is a counter value indicating that the normal symbol display 168 is turned on, it is updated to a counter value indicating that it is turned off, and the normal symbol variation processing is terminated. As a result, the normal symbol display 168 will repeatedly turn on and off (flash) at predetermined time intervals over the normal symbol variation time.

[0464] (Step S720-9) The main CPU 300a saves the normal symbol stop symbol number (counter value) determined in step S710-7 in the normal symbol display symbol counter. As a result, the normal symbol display 168 is finally turned on or off, and the result of the normal symbol lottery is announced.

[0465] (Step S720-11) The main CPU 300a sets the normal symbol variation stop time, which is the time for stopping and displaying the normal symbol, in the normal game timer.

[0466] (Step S720-13) The main CPU 300a sets a normal symbol stop command, which indicates that the stop display of the normal symbol has started, in the transmission buffer.

[0467] (Step S720-15) The main CPU 300a updates the normal game management phase to "02H" and ends the normal pattern variation processing.

[0468] 49 is a flowchart illustrating the normal symbol stop symbol display process in the main control board 300. This normal symbol stop symbol display process is executed when the normal game management phase is "02H".

[0469] (Step S730-1) The main CPU 300a determines whether the timer value of the normal game timer set in step S720-11 is 0. If it is determined that the timer value of the normal game timer is not 0, the main CPU 300a ends the normal symbol stop symbol display process, and if it is determined that the timer value of the normal game timer is 0, the process proceeds to step S730-3.

[0470] (Step S730-3) The main CPU 300a checks the result of the regular lottery.

[0471] (Step S730-5) The main CPU 300a determines whether the result of the regular lottery is a win. If it is determined to be a win, the process proceeds to step S730-9. If it is determined to be a loss, the process proceeds to step S730-7.

[0472] (Step S730-7) The main CPU 300a updates the normal game management phase to "00H" and ends the normal symbol stop symbol display process. This ends the normal game management process based on the normal symbol reservation of 1, and if the normal symbol reservation is stored, processing to start the variable display of the normal symbol based on the next reservation will be performed.

[0473] (Step S730-9) The main CPU 300a refers to the data in the opening / closing control pattern table and saves the time before normal power release in the normal game timer as a timer value.

[0474] (Step S730-11) The main CPU 300a updates the normal game management phase to "03H" and ends the normal symbol stop symbol display process. This starts the opening and closing control of the second start port 122.

[0475] 50 is a flowchart explaining the normal electric device winning opening pre-processing in the main control board 300. This normal electric device winning opening pre-processing is executed when the normal game management phase is "03H".

[0476] (Step S740-1) The main CPU 300a judges whether the timer value of the normal game timer is not "0." If it is judged that the timer value of the normal game timer is not "0," the normal electric device prize opening pre-opening process is terminated, and if it is judged that the timer value of the normal game timer is "0," the process proceeds to step S741.

[0477] (Step S741) The main CPU 300a executes a normal electric accessory winning opening opening / closing switching process, which will be described later.

[0478] (Step S740-3) The main CPU 300a updates the normal game management phase to "04H" and ends the normal electric accessory winning opening pre-processing.

[0479] FIG. 51 is a flowchart explaining the normal electric role winning opening / closing switching process in the main control board 300.

[0480] (Step S741-1) The main CPU 300a judges whether the counter value of the normal electric accessory opening / closing switching number counter is the upper limit value of the normal electric accessory opening / closing switching number (the number of times the movable piece 122b opens and closes during one opening / closing control). As a result, if it is judged that the counter value is the upper limit value, the normal electric accessory winning opening opening / closing switching process is terminated, and if it is judged that the counter value is not the upper limit value, the process proceeds to step S741-3.

[0481] (Step S741-3) The main CPU 300a refers to the data in the opening / closing control pattern table and extracts solenoid control data (power-on control data or power-off control data) for controlling the power supply to the normal electric role solenoid 122c based on the counter value of the normal electric role opening / closing switching count counter, and timer data which is the power supply time (solenoid power supply time) or power-off time (normal power closing effective time = pause time) of the normal electric role solenoid 122c.

[0482] (Step S741-5) The main CPU 300a executes a normal electric role solenoid energization control process to start energization of the normal electric role solenoid 122c or stop energization of the normal electric role solenoid 122c based on the solenoid control data extracted in the above step S741-3. By executing this normal electric role solenoid energization control process, the start or stop of energization of the normal electric role solenoid 122c is controlled in the above step S400-31 and step S400-33.

[0483] (Step S741-7) The main CPU 300a saves the timer value based on the timer data extracted in step S741-3 in the normal game timer. The timer value saved in the normal game timer here is the maximum opening time of the second start port 122 once.

[0484] (Step S741-9) The main CPU 300a judges whether the normal electric accessory solenoid 122c is in the energization start state, that is, whether the control process to start energizing the normal electric accessory solenoid 122c has been performed in the above step S741-5. As a result, if it is judged to be in the energization start state, the process moves to step S741-11, and if it is judged not to be in the energization start state, the normal electric accessory winning opening opening / closing switching process is terminated.

[0485] (Step S741-11) The main CPU 300a updates the counter value of the normal electric accessory opening / closing switching number counter to a value obtained by adding "1" to the current counter value.

[0486] 52 is a flowchart explaining the normal electric device winning opening control process in the main control board 300. This normal electric device winning opening control process is executed when the normal game management phase is "04H".

[0487] (Step S750-1) The main CPU 300a determines whether the timer value of the normal game timer saved in step S741-7 is 0. If it is determined that the timer value of the normal game timer is not 0, the process proceeds to step S750-5. If it is determined that the timer value of the normal game timer is 0, the process proceeds to step S750-3.

[0488] (Step S750-3) The main CPU 300a determines whether the counter value of the normal electric accessory opening / closing switching counter is the upper limit value of the normal electric accessory opening / closing switching number. If it is determined that the counter value is the upper limit value, the process proceeds to step S750-7, and if it is determined that the counter value is not the upper limit value, the process proceeds to step S741.

[0489] (Step S741) In the above step S750-3, if it is determined that the counter value of the normal electric role opening / closing switching number counter is not the upper limit value of the normal electric role opening / closing switching number, the main CPU 300a executes the processing of the above step S741.

[0490] (Step S750-5) The main CPU 300a determines whether the counter value of the normal electric device winning ball number counter updated in step S530-9 above has reached a specified number, that is, whether the same number of game balls as the maximum number of winning balls during one opening / closing control has entered the second starting opening 122. As a result, if it is determined that the specified number has not been reached, the normal electric device winning opening opening control process is terminated, and if it is determined that the specified number has been reached, the process proceeds to step S750-7.

[0491] (Step S750-7) The main CPU 300a executes the normal electric accessory closing process required to stop the energization of the normal electric accessory solenoid 122c and close the second start opening 122. As a result, the second start opening 122 is in a closed state.

[0492] (Step S750-9) The main CPU 300a saves the normal power valid state time in the normal game timer.

[0493] (Step S750-11) The main CPU 300a updates the normal game management phase to "05H" and ends the normal electric accessory winning opening control process.

[0494] 53 is a flowchart explaining the normal electric accessory winning opening closing validity processing in the main control board 300. This normal electric accessory winning opening closing validity processing is executed when the normal game management phase is "05H".

[0495] (Step S760-1) The main CPU 300a determines whether the timer value of the normal game timer saved in step S750-9 is 0. If it is determined that the timer value of the normal game timer is not 0, the normal electric accessory winning port closure validity process is terminated, and if it is determined that the timer value of the normal game timer is 0, the process proceeds to step S760-3.

[0496] (Step S760-3) The main CPU 300a saves the normal power end wait time in the normal game timer.

[0497] (Step S760-5) The main CPU 300a updates the normal game management phase to "06H" and ends the normal electric role winning hole closure valid processing.

[0498] 54 is a flowchart explaining the normal electric device winning port end wait processing in the main control board 300. This normal electric device winning port end wait processing is executed when the normal game management phase is "06H".

[0499] (Step S770-1) The main CPU 300a determines whether the timer value of the normal game timer saved in step S760-3 is 0. If it is determined that the timer value of the normal game timer is not 0, the normal electric accessory winning port end wait process is terminated, and if it is determined that the timer value of the normal game timer is 0, the process proceeds to step S770-3.

[0500] (Step S770-3) The main CPU 300a updates the normal game management phase to "00H" and ends the normal electric accessory winning port end wait process. As a result, if a normal symbol reservation is stored, the variable display of the normal symbol will be resumed.

[0501] 55 is a flowchart explaining the error management process (S800) in the main control board 300. The error management process (S800) manages various errors that may occur in the gaming machine 100, but here we will explain the process related to errors in the big prize slot, and will omit explanations of the processes related to other errors.

[0502] (Step S800-1) The main CPU 300a acquires the value of the large prize opening count switch passing information. The large prize opening count switch passing information is a value for determining whether the gaming ball has entered the first large prize opening 126 or the second large prize opening 128. For example, when a gaming ball enters the first large prize opening 126, 01H is stored as the value of the large prize opening count switch passing information, and when the gaming ball enters the second large prize opening 128, 02H is stored as the value of the large prize opening count switch passing information.

[0503] (Step S800-3) The main CPU 300a determines whether the value of the special electric role designation flag is 00H. As a result, if it is determined that the value of the special electric role designation flag is 00H, the process proceeds to step S800-9, and if it is determined that the value of the special electric role designation flag is not 00H, the process proceeds to step S800-5.

[0504] (Step S800-5) The main CPU 300a determines whether the value of the special prize opening count switch passing information matches the value of the special electric device designation flag. That is, here, it is determined whether the special prize opening into which the gaming ball entered matches the activated special prize opening. As a result, if it is determined that the value of the special prize opening count switch passing information matches the value of the special electric device designation flag, it proceeds to step S800-7, and if it is determined that the value of the special prize opening count switch passing information does not match the value of the special electric device designation flag, it proceeds to step S800-9.

[0505] (Step S800-7) The main CPU 300a determines whether the value of the special electric accessory continuous operation counter is 0. That is, here, it is determined whether a round game of a small win game or a big win game has not started. As a result, if it is determined that the value of the special electric accessory continuous operation counter is 0, the process proceeds to step S800-9, and if it is determined that the value of the special electric accessory continuous operation counter is not 0, the error management process is terminated.

[0506] (Step S800-9) The main CPU 300a sets the address of the fraud monitoring target counter for the special electric device designation flag 02H. A fraud monitoring target counter is provided for each large prize opening, and the fraud monitoring target counter for the special electric device designation flag 01H counts the number of game balls that have fraudulently entered the first large prize opening 126, and the fraud monitoring target counter for the special electric device designation flag 02H counts the number of game balls that have fraudulently entered the second large prize opening 128. Here, processing is started on the assumption that a game ball has fraudulently entered the second large prize opening 128.

[0507] (Step S800-11) The main CPU 300a sets the number of balls detected as an illegal entry error 2 as the illegal entry monitoring upper limit. The illegal entry monitoring upper limit is the upper limit of the number of game balls that can illegally enter the large prize entry port without an error being reported. In other words, even if a game ball is detected to have illegally entered the large prize entry port within the range that does not exceed the illegal entry monitoring upper limit, an error will not be reported. The number of balls detected as an illegal entry error 2 is the number of game balls that can illegally enter the second large prize entry port 128 before an error is reported.

[0508] (Step S800-13) The main CPU 300a determines whether the value of the special prize opening count switch passing information is 02H. As a result, if it is determined that the value of the special prize opening count switch passing information is 02H, the process proceeds to step S800-19, and if it is determined that the value of the special prize opening count switch passing information is not 02H, the process proceeds to step S800-15. Note that here, since the process was started in step S800-9 on the assumption that the gaming ball has illegally entered the second special prize opening 128, it is determined whether the gaming ball has illegally entered the first special prize opening 126 or the second special prize opening 128.

[0509] (Step S800-15) The main CPU 300a overwrites the address set in step S800-9 with the address of the fraud monitoring target counter for the special electric accessory designation flag 01H. As a result, the first big winning port 126 becomes the target of error determination processing.

[0510] (Step S800-17) The main CPU 300a sets the number of balls detected in one illegal entry error as the upper limit for monitoring illegal entries. The number of balls detected in one illegal entry error is the number of game balls that can be illegally entered into the first big entry slot 126 before an error is reported.

[0511] (Step S800-19) The main CPU 300a adds "1" to the address of the fraud monitoring target counter set in step S800-9 or step S800-15, that is, the value of the fraud monitoring target counter that is the target of the error determination process.

[0512] (Step S800-21) The main CPU 300a determines whether the value of the fraud monitoring target counter is smaller than the fraud monitoring upper limit. If it is determined that the value of the fraud monitoring target counter is smaller than the fraud monitoring upper limit, the error management process is terminated. If it is determined that the value of the fraud monitoring target counter is not smaller than the fraud monitoring upper limit, the process proceeds to step S800-23.

[0513] (Step S800-23) The main CPU 300a sets the special prize opening error designation command in the transmission buffer. Although a detailed explanation is omitted, the sub-control board 330 issues an error notification when it receives the special prize opening error designation command.

[0514] (Step S800-25) The main CPU 300a sets the game board error state flag to 01H and ends the error management process. Note that the game board error state flag is a flag for transitioning the operation of the gaming machine 100 to a game stop state when an illegal error occurs, and is set to 00H in a normal state and 01H in an abnormal error state.

[0515] FIG. 56 is a time chart illustrating the correspondence between the progress of the game and the special electric device designation flag.

[0516] As shown in FIG. 56, from the time when the small win game is executed until the small win game ends, 02H is set in the special electric accessory designation flag, and the second large winning slot 128 becomes valid.

[0517] After the small win game ends, the machine waits for the player to pass through the linked gate, and during this time, the special electric accessory designation flag is set to 00H. In other words, this period is a fraud monitoring period, and when it is confirmed that a game ball has entered the first large winning slot 126 or the second large winning slot 128, the value of the fraud monitoring target counter is incremented by the number of confirmed game balls.

[0518] Also, when the big prize game starts, the special electric role designation flag is set to 01H, and the first big prize slot 126 becomes valid.

[0519] In addition, when the ending of the big prize game starts, the special electric device designation flag is set to 00H. In other words, the ending period is a fraud monitoring period, and when it is confirmed that game balls have entered the first big prize opening 126 or the second big prize opening 128, the value of the fraud monitoring target counter is incremented by the number of confirmed game balls.

[0520] As described above, according to this embodiment, a waiting state for the game balls to pass through the linked role activation gate is set between the small win game and the big win game. During this waiting state for the game balls to pass through the linked role activation gate, the game balls entering the first large prize opening 126 and the second large prize opening 128 are determined to be illegal balls. The waiting state for the game balls to pass through the linked role activation gate continues without time constraints until the game balls pass through the linked role activation gate 125. Therefore, if cheating is performed on the first large prize opening 126 or the second large prize opening 128 during the waiting state for the game balls to pass through the linked role activation gate, a large number of prize balls will be illegally paid out.

[0521] If the period from the start of the small win game to the end of the big win game were excluded from the target of fraud monitoring, it would be impossible to detect fraudulent behavior in the waiting state for the hand combination activation gate to pass. According to this embodiment, it is possible to detect fraudulent behavior early in the waiting state for the hand combination activation gate to pass.

[0522] In this embodiment, during the ending time of the big win game, the special electric role designation flag is set to 00H, but during the ending time, the special electric role designation flag may be set to 01H. In other words, during the ending time of the big win game in this embodiment, it is a fraud monitoring period, but it does not have to be a fraud monitoring period.

[0523] In this embodiment, during the interval between rounds of the big win game, the special electric device designation flag is set to 01H, but the special electric device designation flag may be set to 00H. In other words, the interval between the big win game in this embodiment is not a fraud monitoring period, but may be a fraud monitoring period.

[0524] The number of balls detected for illegal entry error 1 and the number of balls detected for illegal entry error 2 can be set to any value greater than or equal to "1."

[0525] In addition, in this embodiment, the number of balls detected in illegal entry error 2 is set as the upper limit for fraud monitoring, and then it is determined whether the game ball has illegally entered the first large prize entry slot 126 or the second large prize entry slot 128, but it may also be possible to determine whether the game ball has illegally entered the first large prize entry slot 126 or the second large prize entry slot 128, and then set the number of balls detected in illegal entry error 1 or the number of balls detected in illegal entry error 2 as the upper limit for fraud monitoring.

[0526] In addition, in this embodiment, the upper limit values ​​for fraud monitoring for the first large prize slot 126 and the second large prize slot 128 are set to the number of balls detected for fraudulent prize error 1 and the number of balls detected for fraudulent prize error 2, respectively, but the number of balls detected for fraudulent prize error 1 and the number of balls detected for fraudulent prize error 2 may be the same value or different values.

[0527] As described above, according to this embodiment, if a game ball is detected entering the first large prize opening 126 or the second large prize opening 128 while the waiting flag for passing through the linked role activation gate is on after the end of a small win game, the fraud monitoring target counter value is incremented, and when the fraud monitoring target counter value becomes larger than the fraud monitoring upper limit value, an fraud entry error occurs.

[0528] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. It is clear that those skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications and alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these modifications and alterations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0529] In the above embodiment, an example of the application of the present invention to a type 2 gaming machine has been described, but the gameplay of the gaming machine to which the present invention can be applied is not limited to this. For example, it goes without saying that the present invention can also be applied to a type 1 / type 2 mixed gaming machine. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the specific arrangement of the specified area as long as a major role game is executed when a gaming ball enters the specified area.

[0530] In any case, the present invention is widely applicable to gaming machines that enter a standby state when a gaming ball enters a specific area (specific area 502 in this embodiment) during a small win game in which the large prize opening is opened and closed, and that execute a large prize game based on the gaming ball entering a predetermined area (linked prize activation gate 125 in this embodiment) in the standby state.

[0531] In addition, the types of small winning symbols and the number of round games to be executed in the above embodiment are merely examples. In the above embodiment, three types of big role games are provided: a 3R big role game consisting of three round games, a 5R big role game consisting of five round games, and a 10R big role game consisting of ten round games. However, it is sufficient if multiple types of big role games with different numbers of round games are provided.

[0532] In addition, in the above embodiment, the error management process is merely an example. In any case, when a gaming ball enters a specific area during a small win game, a standby state is set, and when the passage of the gaming ball into a predetermined area is detected during the standby state, a big win game in which the big prize opening is opened and closed is started, and it is sufficient that an error can be notified based on the gaming ball entering the big prize opening during the standby state.

[0533] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, different big prize openings are opened and closed for small win games and big role games, but a common big prize opening may be opened and closed for small win games and big role games.

[0534] In the above embodiment, the first large prize opening 126 and the second large prize opening correspond to the large prize openings of the present invention. In the above embodiment, the specific area 502 corresponds to the specific area of ​​the present invention. In the above embodiment, the role-linked operating gate 125 corresponds to the predetermined area of ​​the present invention. In the above embodiment, the role-linked operation gate detection switch 125s corresponds to the detection means of the present invention. In the above embodiment, the main CPU 300a that executes the process of step S610-11 corresponds to the symbol determination means of the present invention. In the above embodiment, the first special symbol display device 160 and the second special symbol display device 162 correspond to the display unit of the present invention, and the main CPU 300a that executes the process of step S620-17 corresponds to the symbol display means of the present invention. In the above embodiment, the main CPU 300a that executes the processes of FIGS. 40 to 43 corresponds to the small win game executing means and the big win game executing means of the present invention. In the above embodiment, the main CPU 300a that executes the process of step S660-17 corresponds to the standby state setting means of the present invention. In the above embodiment, the main CPU 300a that executes the process of step S800 corresponds to the fraud determination means of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0535] 100 gaming machines 116 Gaming Area 125 Interlocking gate 125s Interlocking Gate Detection Switch 126 First Grand Prize Winner 128 Second Grand Prize Winner 160 1st Special Pattern Display 162 Second Special Pattern Display 300 Main control board 300a Main CPU 502 Specific area

Claims

[Claim 1] A big prize opening provided in the gaming area; A specific area provided within the large prize opening; A predetermined area through which a game ball flowing down the game area passes; A detection means for detecting that a gaming ball has passed through the predetermined area; A symbol determination means for determining symbols including at least a small winning symbol; a pattern display means for displaying the determined pattern on a display unit; a small win game execution means for executing a small win game in which the large win opening is opened or closed based on the small win symbol being displayed on the display unit; a standby state setting means for setting the device to a standby state in which the device waits for detection of a gaming ball by the detection means when the gaming ball that has entered the big prize opening during the small winning game enters the specific area; a big win game execution means for executing a big win game advantageous to a player when the passage of a game ball into the predetermined area is detected during the standby state; a fraud determination means capable of executing error processing to notify the occurrence of an error based on a game ball entering the big prize opening during the standby state; A gaming machine equipped with:

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