Gaming machine

Abstract

To inspect equipment mounted on a game machine.SOLUTION: The game machine is provided with a main control means for controlling the progress of a game, a performance control means for executing and controlling the operation of a performance executing means, and a performance input means capable of inputting an operation, and the main control means can set a game stop state in which a player cannot play a game when a prescribed operation is performed when the power source of the game machine is turned on. A performance control means can set a performance inspection mode on the basis of the fact that an input operation to a performance input means is performed when a game stop state is set, can execute the confirmation operation of a performance execution means when the performance inspection mode is set, and can end the performance inspection mode when the game stop state is ended.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 61

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a gaming machine in which a big prize lottery is held on the condition that a gaming ball enters a starting hole (starting area), and if a jackpot is won in this big prize lottery, a big prize game in which the big prize opening is opened becomes possible (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-136478 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] If a malfunction occurs in the equipment installed in the gaming machine, it may become impossible to play the game properly.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that allows inspection of the devices installed in the gaming machine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine of the present invention comprises: A main control means for controlling the progress of a game; a performance control means for controlling the execution of an operation of the performance execution means; A performance input means capable of inputting an input operation; Equipped with The main control means When the power of the gaming machine is turned on, if a predetermined operation is performed, a gaming stop state in which the player cannot play can be set; The performance control means When the game stop state is set, a performance inspection mode can be set based on the input operation to the performance input means, When the performance inspection mode is set, a confirmation operation of the performance execution means can be executed, When the game stop state ends, the effect inspection mode can be terminated. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to inspect the devices installed in the gaming machine. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is an oblique view of the gaming machine showing the door in an open state according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a display device unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is an address map of a memory area used by a main CPU according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a diagram explaining the random number judgment table for determining a jackpot when the probability is low in this embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a diagram explaining the random number judgment table for determining a high probability jackpot in this embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a diagram illustrating a winning symbol random number determination table according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9] 10 is a diagram illustrating a reach group determination random number determination table according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a diagram illustrating a reach mode determination random number judgment table according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 11] A figure explaining a fluctuation pattern random number determination table related to this embodiment. [Figure 12]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a variable time determination table according to the present embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a special electric accessory activation ram set table according to this embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 is a diagram illustrating a game status setting table for setting the game status after the end of a big win game according to this embodiment. FIG. [Figure 15] 10 is a diagram illustrating a winning determination random number judgment table according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 16] 10A is a diagram illustrating a normal symbol fluctuation time data table according to this embodiment, and FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating an opening / closing control pattern table according to this embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a general flow of an inspection mode according to the present embodiment. [Figure 18] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a current control pattern for a solenoid in an inspection mode according to the embodiment. [Figure 19] 10A is a diagram illustrating a first energization control pattern of a solenoid in an inspection mode according to a modified example, and FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating a second energization control pattern of a solenoid in an inspection mode according to a modified example. [Figure 20] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the flow of inspection of the detection switch and the display during the inspection mode according to the present embodiment. [Figure 21] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between each display and a corresponding switch in the display device unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 22] 10 is a diagram illustrating a gaming machine status flag according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 23] 10 is a first flowchart illustrating a CPU initialization process in the main control board according to the present embodiment. [Figure 24] 10 is a second flowchart illustrating the CPU initialization process in the main control board according to the present embodiment. [Figure 25] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a sub-command group set process in the main control board according to the present embodiment. [Figure 26]10 is a flowchart illustrating a power-off evacuation process in the main control board according to the present embodiment. [Figure 27] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a timer interrupt process in the main control board according to the present embodiment. [Figure 28] 10 is a flowchart illustrating setting-related processing in a main control board according to the present embodiment. [Figure 29] 10 is a flowchart illustrating inspection mode-related processing in the main control board according to the present embodiment. [Figure 30] 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing during an inspection mode in the main control board according to the present embodiment. [Figure 31] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an input / output management process during an inspection mode in the main control board according to the present embodiment. [Figure 32] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a switch management process in the main control board according to the embodiment. [Figure 33] 10 is a flowchart illustrating gate passage processing in the main control board according to the present embodiment. [Figure 34] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the first starting port passing process in the main control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 35] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the second starting port passing process in the main control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 36] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the special pattern random number acquisition process in the main control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 37] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the acquisition time performance determination process in the main control board according to the present embodiment. [Figure 38] 10 is a diagram illustrating a special game management phase according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 39] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the special game management process in the main control board according to the present embodiment. [Figure 40] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the special symbol change waiting process in the main control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 41]10 is a flowchart illustrating the special symbol winning determination process in the main control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 42] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the special pattern variable number determination process in the main control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 43] This is a flowchart explaining the processing during special pattern fluctuation in the main control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 44] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the special symbol stop symbol display processing in the main control board according to the present embodiment. [Figure 45] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a variable state update process in the main control board according to the present embodiment. [Figure 46] This is a flowchart explaining the processing before opening the large prize opening on the main control board in this embodiment. [Figure 47] This is a flowchart explaining the large prize opening / closing switching process in the main control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 48] This is a flowchart explaining the large prize opening control process on the main control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 49] This is a flowchart explaining the large prize opening closure validity processing in the main control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 50] This is a flowchart explaining the large prize opening end wait processing in the main control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 51] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the normal game management phase according to this embodiment. [Figure 52] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the normal game management processing in the main control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 53] This is a flowchart explaining the normal pattern change waiting process in the main control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 54] This is a flowchart explaining the processing during normal pattern fluctuation in the main control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 55] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the normal symbol stop symbol display processing in the main control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 56] This is a flowchart explaining the pre-opening processing of the normal electric device winning slot on the main control board in this embodiment. [Figure 57] This is a flowchart explaining the normal electric role winning opening / closing switching process on the main control board in this embodiment. [Figure 58] This is a flowchart explaining the control process for opening the winning opening of a normal electric device on the main control board in this embodiment. [Figure 59] This is a flowchart explaining the normal electric device winning opening closure validity processing on the main control board in this embodiment. [Figure 60] This is a flowchart explaining the normal electric role winning slot end wait processing in the main control board in this embodiment. [Figure 61] 10A is a diagram illustrating an example of a menu screen during setting confirmation, and FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating an example of a menu screen during inspection mode. [Figure 62] (a) is a diagram illustrating an example of a first examination screen, (b) is a diagram illustrating an example of a second examination screen, and (c) is a diagram illustrating an example of a third examination screen. [Figure 63] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a sub-CPU initialization process in the sub-control board according to the present embodiment. [Figure 64] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a sub-timer interrupt process in the sub-control board according to the present embodiment. [Figure 65] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a setting confirmation state designation command reception process in the sub-control board according to the present embodiment. [Figure 66] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an inspection mode start command reception process in the sub-control board according to the present embodiment. [Figure 67] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an inspection mode end command reception process in the sub-control board according to the present embodiment. [Figure 68] 10 is a flowchart illustrating operation input processing in the sub-control board according to the present embodiment. 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 embodiment of the present invention, the mechanical configuration, electrical configuration, and specific processing on each board of the gaming machine according to this embodiment will be described.

[0011] 1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine 100 according to this embodiment, showing the door in an open state. 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] 2 is a front view of the gaming machine 100 according to this embodiment. As shown in this figure, an operating handle 112 that protrudes from the front side of the gaming machine 100 is provided at the bottom of the front frame 106. This operating handle 112 is provided so that it can be rotated by 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. The gaming ball thus fired rises between rails 114a and 114b provided on the gaming board 108 and is guided to a playing area 116.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] The gaming area 116 is also provided with a first general winning opening 118a, a second general winning opening 118b, and a third general winning opening 118c through which gaming balls can enter. The gaming area 116 is also provided with a first starting opening 120 and a second starting opening 122 through which gaming balls can enter. When a gaming ball enters the first general winning opening 118a, the second general winning opening 118b, the third general winning opening 118c, the first starting opening 120, or the second starting 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 from the first general winning opening 118a, the second general winning opening 118b, the third general winning opening 118c, the first starting opening 120, and the second starting opening 122 may be different or the same. At this time, 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.

[0017] 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 player can execute a major or minor winning game advantageous to the player, and the type of gaming state the player will be in after that. 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.

[0018] The first starting port 120 is located at the bottom of the game area 116 and is either capable of receiving only game balls flowing down the first game area 116a, or is located at a position where game balls that have entered the first game area 116a can enter more easily than game balls that have entered the second game area 116b.

[0019] The second starting opening 122 is located in the second game area 116b, and is either capable of receiving only game balls flowing down the second game area 116b, or is positioned so that game balls that have entered the second game area 116b can enter more easily than game balls that have entered the first game area 116a. The second starting opening 122 is configured as a variable starting opening (variable starting winning device) having a movable piece 122b, and the ease with which game balls can enter the second starting opening 122 can be varied.

[0020] Specifically, second start opening 122 is provided with a movable piece 122b that can be opened and closed, and when this movable piece 122b is in a closed state, it is impossible or difficult for game balls to enter second start opening 122. Note that the specific configuration of second start opening 122 is not particularly limited, but here, movable piece 122b is recessed into the back side of game board 108 in the closed state, and protrudes into the front side of game board 108 in the open state. In the closed state with movable piece 122b recessed, second start opening 122 is closed, and game balls flow down the front side of second start opening 122.

[0021] In contrast, when a gaming ball passes through gates 124 provided in the first gaming area 116a and the second gaming area 116b, or when a gaming ball enters the normal symbol operating port 125 provided in the second gaming area 116b, it is determined whether or not to execute an auxiliary game in which the second starting port 122 is opened, and if it is determined that an auxiliary game will be executed, the auxiliary game is executed in which the second starting port 122 is controlled to open and close. More specifically, on the condition that a gaming ball has passed through the gate 124 or entered the normal symbol operating port 125, a lottery for a normal symbol, which will be described later, is held, and if a winning symbol is selected in this lottery, the movable piece 122b is controlled to be in an open state for a predetermined time.

[0022] In the open state in which the movable piece 122b protrudes, game balls flowing down the front side of the second starting opening 122 fall onto the movable piece 122b. The game balls that fall onto the movable piece 122b are guided by the movable piece 122b and led to the second starting opening 122. In this way, when the movable piece 122b is in the open state, the movable piece 122b functions as a tray that leads the game balls to the second starting opening 122, making it easier for the game balls to enter the second starting opening 122.

[0023] Furthermore, a first large prize opening 126 and a second large prize opening 128 are provided at the bottom of the gaming area 116. The first large prize opening 126 and the second large prize opening 128 are positioned so that at least gaming balls flowing down the second gaming area 116b can enter them. An opening / closing door 126b is provided at the first large prize opening 126 so that the opening / closing door 126b can open and close. Normally, the opening / closing door 126b closes the first large prize opening 126, preventing gaming balls from entering the first large prize opening 126. In contrast, when the aforementioned small prize game is executed, the opening / closing door 126b opens and functions as a tray, allowing gaming balls to enter the first large prize opening 126. When a gaming ball enters the first large prize opening 126, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the player.

[0024] Furthermore, the second large prize opening 128 is provided with an openable / closable door 128b, and normally the openable / closable door 128b closes the second large prize opening 128, preventing game balls from entering the second large prize opening 128. In contrast, when the aforementioned big prize game is executed, the openable / closable door 128b opens and functions as a tray, allowing game balls to enter the second large prize opening 128. When a game ball enters the second large prize opening 128, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the player. The first large prize opening 126 and the second large prize opening 128 are also collectively referred to simply as the large prize openings.

[0025] In addition, at the bottom of the game area 116, there is provided an outlet 130 which discharges game balls that do not enter any of the first general prize opening 118a, second general prize opening 118b, third general prize opening 118c, first start opening 120, second start opening 122, normal operation opening 125, first large prize opening 126, and second large prize opening 128 from the game area 116 to the back side of the game board 108.

[0026] The gaming machine 100 is equipped with a performance display device 200 consisting of a liquid crystal display device, a performance prop device 202 consisting of a movable device, a performance lighting device 204 consisting of lamps that can be controlled to various lighting modes and emission colors, an audio output device 206 consisting of multiple speakers, and a performance button 208 that accepts player operation, as performance devices that perform performances while the game is in progress.

[0027] The effect display device 200 includes a main effect display unit 200a and a sub-effect display unit 201a, each of which is made up of an image display unit that displays images. The main effect display unit 200a is located approximately in the center of the gaming board 108 and is visible from the front side of the gaming machine 100. As shown in the figure, the main effect display unit 200a displays effect symbols 210a, 210b, and 210c in a variable manner, and a variable effect is executed in which the result of the big role lottery is notified to the player depending on the stop display mode of each of these effect symbols 210a, 210b, and 210c. The sub-effect display unit 201a is located above the main effect display unit 200a and displays auxiliary effect images during the variable effect.

[0028] The performance device 202 is positioned in front of the main performance display section 200a and is normally retracted to the rear side of the game board 108, but when the above-mentioned performance patterns 210a, 210b, 210c are being displayed in a changing manner, it moves to the front of the main performance display section 200a, giving the player a sense of anticipation of a big win.

[0029] The effect lighting device 204 is provided on the effect gimmick device 202, the game board 108, etc., and is controlled to light up in various ways in accordance with the images displayed on the main effect display section 200a.

[0030] The sound output device 206 is provided at the upper position of the front frame 106 or at the lowermost position of the outer frame 102, and outputs various sounds toward the front of the gaming machine 100 in accordance with the images displayed on the main performance display section 200a.

[0031] 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.

[0032] The cross key 209 is composed of four buttons, an up button, a down button, a left button, and a right button, which are pressed by the player, and is provided near the effect button 208. The effect button 208 and the cross key 209 may also be used when making various settings.

[0033] The light intensity adjustment button 230 is configured with two switches that detect pressing operations by the player. The two switches are arranged at a distance above and below (the one located at the back as seen from the player is the "top" and the one located at the front is the "bottom"), and when the upper switch detects a pressing operation by the player, the light intensity is increased, and when the lower switch detects a pressing operation by the player, the light intensity is decreased.

[0034] The volume adjustment button 232 is configured with two switches that detect pressing operations by the player. The two switches are arranged at a distance above and below (the one located at the back as seen from the player is the "upper" switch, and the one located at the front is the "lower" switch), and when the upper switch detects a pressing operation by the player, the volume is increased, and when the lower switch detects a pressing operation by the player, the volume is decreased.

[0035] 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.

[0036] In addition, the game board 108 is provided with a display device unit 150 at a position outside the play area 116 and visible to the player.

[0037] 3 is a diagram illustrating the display device unit 150 according to this embodiment. The display device unit 150 is equipped with 32 indicators (LED1 to LED32) that can be turned on and off. In this embodiment, among the indicators (LED1 to LED32) of the display device unit 150, predetermined indicators (LED1 to LED24) are respectively associated with one of the first special symbol display device 160, the second special symbol display device 162, the first special symbol reserved display device 164, the second special symbol reserved display device 166, the normal symbol display device 168, the normal symbol reserved display device 170, and the right-hit notification display device 172.

[0038] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, eight predetermined indicators (LED1 to LED8) in the display device unit 150 are associated with a first special symbol display device 160. Furthermore, eight predetermined indicators (LED9 to LED16) in the display device unit 150 are associated with a second special symbol display device 162. Furthermore, two predetermined indicators (LED17 to LED18) in the display device unit 150 are associated with a first special symbol reserve display device 164. Furthermore, two predetermined indicators (LED19 to LED20) in the display device unit 150 are associated with a second special symbol reserve display device 166. Furthermore, one predetermined indicator (LED21) in the display device unit 150 is associated with a normal symbol display device 168. Furthermore, two predetermined indicators (LED22 to LED23) in the display device unit 150 are associated with a normal symbol reserve display device 170. In addition, one predetermined indicator (LED 24) in the display device unit 150 is associated with the right-hit notification display device 172. Each of these display devices 160 to 172 is associated with one of the game situations or game results, and notifies the progress of the game by the lighting mode of the indicator.

[0039] It should be noted that LED25 is associated with a time-saving status display device (not shown), LED26 is associated with a probability mode display device (not shown), LED27 is associated with a status display device (a display device that notifies of the occurrence of an error or the like) (not shown), and LED28 to LED32 are associated with a display device that displays the number of times a special electric device has been operated consecutively.

[0040] (Internal configuration of control means) FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the control means for controlling the progress of the game according to this embodiment.

[0041] 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.

[0042] The gaming machine 100 of this embodiment is broadly divided into a special game that is started by a gaming ball entering the first start port 120 or the second start port 122, and a normal game that is started by a gaming ball passing through the gate 124 (entering the normal operation port 125). 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.

[0043] The main control board 300 is provided with a first general winning opening detection switch 118as for detecting that a gaming ball has entered the first general winning opening 118a, a second general winning opening detection switch 118bs for detecting that a gaming ball has entered the second general winning opening 118b, a third general winning opening detection switch 118cs for detecting that a gaming ball has entered the third general winning opening 118c, a first start opening detection switch 120s for detecting that a gaming ball has entered the first start opening 120, a second start opening detection switch 122s for detecting that a gaming ball has entered the second start opening 122, and a gate 124. A gate detection switch 124s that detects the passage of a game ball, a normal operation port detection switch 125s that detects the entry of a game ball into the normal operation port 125, a first large prize port detection switch 126s that detects the entry of a game ball into the first large prize port 126, a second large prize port detection switch 128s that detects the entry of a game ball into the second large prize port 128, and an out ball detection switch 130s that detects game balls ejected from the game area 116 are connected, and detection signals are input from each of these detection switches to the main control board 300.

[0044] A junction passage is provided on the back of the game board 108, and game balls that have entered the first general winning opening 118a, the second general winning opening 118b, the third general winning opening 118c, the first starting opening 120, the second starting opening 122, the normal operation opening 125, the first large winning opening 126, and the second large winning opening 128, and game balls that have been 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 facility. An out ball detection switch 130s is provided in the junction passage, and all game balls that have been discharged from the game area 116, in other words, all game balls that have been shot into the game area 116, are detected by the out ball detection switch 130s.

[0045] In addition, the main control board 300 is connected to a normal electric role solenoid 122c that operates the movable piece 122b of the second starting opening 122, a first large prize opening solenoid 126c that operates the opening and closing door 126b that opens and closes the first large prize opening 126, and a second large prize opening solenoid 128c that operates the opening and closing door 128b that opens and closes the second large prize opening 128, and the main control board 300 controls the opening and closing of the second starting opening 122, the first large prize opening 126 and the second large prize opening 128.

[0046] Furthermore, the main control board 300 is connected to a first special pattern display device 160, a second special pattern display device 162, a first special pattern reserve display device 164, a second special pattern reserve display device 166, a normal pattern display device 168, a normal pattern reserve display device 170, and a right-hit notification display device 172, and the main control board 300 controls the display of the displays corresponding to each of these display devices.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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, it becomes possible to change and check the setting values. As will be described in detail later, in the gaming machine 100 of this embodiment, one of six setting values ​​with different degrees of advantage is stored as a registered setting value in a setting value buffer, and the game progresses according to the stored registered setting value.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] In addition, a dispensing control board 310 and a sub-control board 330 are connected to the main control board 300.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] Specifically, the sub-control board 330 controls image display to display images on the main performance display unit 200a and the sub performance display unit 201a. The sub-ROM 330b stores a large number of various image data to be displayed on the main performance display unit 200a and the sub performance display unit 201a, and the sub-CPU 330a reads the image data from the sub-ROM 330b to a VRAM (not shown) and controls the image display on the main performance display unit 200a and the sub performance display unit 201a.

[0059] The sub-control board 330 also controls the movement of the stage prop device 202 and the lighting of the stage lighting device 204, as well as controls the audio output to output audio from the audio output device 206. Furthermore, when an operation detection signal is input from a stage button detection switch 208s that detects that the stage button 208 has been pressed, and a cross key detection switch 209s that detects that the cross key 209 has been pressed, the sub-control board 330 performs a predetermined process.

[0060] Furthermore, detection signals are input to the sub-control board 330 from a light intensity adjustment switch 230s that detects pressing of the light intensity adjustment button 230 and a volume adjustment switch 232s that detects pressing of the volume adjustment button 232. The sub-control board 330 changes the light intensity in response to the detection signal input from the light intensity adjustment switch 230s, and changes the volume in response to the detection signal input from the volume adjustment switch 232s.

[0061] 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.

[0062] Figure 5 is an address map of the memory area used by the main CPU 300a according to this embodiment. In Figure 5, addresses are shown in hexadecimal, with "H" indicating a hexadecimal number. As shown in Figure 5, the memory area used by the main CPU 300a includes a memory area (0000H to 2FFFH) allocated to the main ROM 300b and a memory area (F000H to F3FFH) allocated to the main RAM 300c.

[0063] The memory area of ​​the main ROM 300b is divided into a used area (0000H to 1A7AH) which has a maximum usage capacity set by regulations and stores programs and data for controlling the progress of the game, and an unused area (2000H to 2BFFH) which is an area other than the used area and has no maximum usage capacity set by regulations and stores programs and data for performing processes for conducting tests set forth in the gaming machine regulations, processes for displaying the performance display monitor 184 (including processes for calculating the base ratio to be displayed on the performance display monitor 184), and processes for performing various controls during the inspection mode described below.

[0064] 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).

[0065] The unused area of ​​the main ROM 300b includes a program area (2000H to 27FFH) that stores programs for performing processes for conducting tests stipulated by gaming machine regulations, processes for displaying the performance display monitor 184, and processes for performing various controls during the inspection mode described below, and a data area (2800H to 2BFFH) that stores data other than these programs.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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 processes for performing tests specified in the gaming machine regulations, for displaying the performance display monitor 184, and for performing various controls during the inspection mode described below is being executed.

[0068] 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).

[0069] The unused area of ​​the main RAM 300c includes a work area (F210H to F21FH) that is temporarily used when programs are being executed for processing to perform tests stipulated in the gaming machine regulations, processing to display the performance display monitor 184, and processing to perform various controls during the inspection mode described below, as well as a stack area (F220H to F228H) that temporarily stores data when these programs are being executed.

[0070] 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).

[0071] 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, processes for controlling the display of the performance display monitor 184, and processes for performing various controls during the inspection mode described below.

[0072] 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 defined by the gaming machine regulations, a process for controlling the display of the performance display monitor 184, or a process for performing various controls in the inspection mode described below is being executed.

[0073] 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.

[0074] Next, the game in the gaming machine 100 of this embodiment will be described together with various tables stored in the main ROM 300b.

[0075] As described above, the gaming machine 100 of this embodiment allows two types of games, special games and normal games, to proceed in parallel, and the game state when these two games are proceeding is one of the game states that combines either a low probability game state or a high probability game state with either a non-time-saving game state or a time-saving game state.

[0076] Details of each game state will be described later, but the low probability game state is a game state in which the probability of acquiring the right to play a big role game in which the first large prize slot 126 and the second large prize slot 128 are opened is set low, and the high probability game state is a game state in which the probability of acquiring the right to play a big role game is set high.

[0077] Furthermore, the non-time-shortened gaming state is a gaming state in which the movable piece 122b is less likely to be in the open state and the gaming ball is less likely to enter the second starting opening 122, and the time-shortened 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-shortened gaming state and the gaming ball is more likely to enter the second starting opening 122. The initial state of the gaming machine 100 is set to the low-probability gaming state and the non-time-shortened gaming state, and this gaming state is referred to as the normal gaming state in this embodiment.

[0078] 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 big prize or a small prize is won in this big prize lottery, the first big prize opening 126 and the second big prize opening 128 are opened and a big prize game or a small prize game is executed in which gaming balls can enter the first big prize opening 126 and the second big prize opening 128. Furthermore, the gaming state after the big prize game ends is set to one of the gaming states described above. The big prize lottery method will be described below.

[0079] 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 (jackpot 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 6 is a diagram illustrating the low probability jackpot determination random number judgment table according to this embodiment. When a gaming ball enters the first starting hole 120 or the second starting hole 122, one jackpot determination random number is obtained from the range of 0 to 65535. Then, when the big win lottery starts, that is, when the jackpot determination is made, a jackpot determination random number judgment table is selected according to the game state, and the big win lottery is made using the selected jackpot determination random number judgment table and the obtained jackpot determination random number.

[0084] In a low probability game state, when starting a lottery for a special 1 reserve and a special 2 reserve, a low probability jackpot determination random number judgment table is referenced. Here, in this embodiment, six levels of setting values ​​with different degrees of advantage are provided, and a low probability jackpot determination random number judgment table is provided for each setting value. During play, the setting value is set to one of the six levels, and the lottery for a big role is performed by referring to the low probability jackpot determination random number judgment table corresponding to the currently set setting value (registered setting value stored in the setting value buffer).

[0085] When the game is in a low probability game state and the setting value is set to 1 (registered setting value = 1), a lottery for a major role is performed by referring to the low probability jackpot determination random number determination table a shown in Figure 6 (a). According to this low probability jackpot determination random number determination table a, a jackpot is determined if the jackpot determination random number is between 10001 and 10218, a small jackpot is determined if the jackpot determination random number is between 20001 and 21310, and a miss is determined if the jackpot determination random number is any other number. Therefore, in this case, the jackpot probability is approximately 1 / 300.6, and the small jackpot probability is approximately 1 / 50.

[0086] When the game is in a low probability game state and the setting value is set to 2 (registered setting value = 2), a lottery for a major role is performed by referring to the low probability jackpot determination random number judgment table b shown in Figure 6 (b). According to this low probability jackpot determination random number judgment table b, a jackpot is determined if the jackpot determination random number is 10001 to 10225, a small jackpot is determined if the jackpot determination random number is 20001 to 21310, and a miss is determined if the jackpot determination random number is any other number. Therefore, in this case, the jackpot probability is approximately 1 / 291.2, and the small jackpot probability is approximately 1 / 50.

[0087] When the game is in a low probability game state and the setting value is set to 3 (registered setting value = 3), a lottery for a major role is performed by referring to the low probability jackpot determination random number determination table c shown in Figure 6 (c). According to this low probability jackpot determination random number determination table c, a jackpot is determined if the jackpot determination random number is 10001 to 10232, a small jackpot is determined if the jackpot determination random number is 20001 to 21310, and a miss is determined if the jackpot determination random number is any other number. Therefore, in this case, the jackpot probability is approximately 1 / 282.4, and the small jackpot probability is approximately 1 / 50.

[0088] When the game is in a low probability game state and the setting value is set to 4 (registered setting value = 4), a lottery for a major role is performed by referring to the low probability jackpot determination random number determination table d shown in Figure 6 (d). According to this low probability jackpot determination random number determination table d, a jackpot is determined if the jackpot determination random number is between 10001 and 10239, a small jackpot is determined if the jackpot determination random number is between 20001 and 21310, and a miss is determined if the jackpot determination random number is any other number. Therefore, in this case, the probability of a jackpot is approximately 1 / 274.2, and the probability of a small jackpot is approximately 1 / 50.

[0089] When the game is in a low probability game state and the setting value is set to 5 (registered setting value = 5), a lottery for a major role is performed by referring to the low probability jackpot determination random number determination table e shown in Figure 6 (e). According to this low probability jackpot determination random number determination table e, a jackpot is determined if the jackpot determination random number is 10001 to 10246, a small jackpot is determined if the jackpot determination random number is 20001 to 21310, and a miss is determined if the jackpot determination random number is any other number. Therefore, in this case, the probability of a jackpot is approximately 1 / 266.4, and the probability of a small jackpot is approximately 1 / 50.

[0090] When the game is in a low probability game state and the setting value is set to 6 (registered setting value = 6), a lottery for a major role is performed by referring to the low probability jackpot determination random number judgment table f shown in Figure 6 (f). According to this low probability jackpot determination random number judgment table f, a jackpot is determined if the jackpot determination random number is between 10001 and 10253, a small jackpot is determined if the jackpot determination random number is between 20001 and 21310, and a miss is determined if the jackpot determination random number is any other number. Therefore, in this case, the jackpot probability is approximately 1 / 259.0, and the small jackpot probability is approximately 1 / 50.

[0091] 7 is a diagram illustrating the high probability jackpot determination random number judgment table according to this embodiment. In a high probability game state, when starting a lottery for special 1 reserve and special 2 reserve, the high probability jackpot determination random number judgment table is referenced. The high probability jackpot determination random number judgment table is also provided for each setting value, just like the low probability jackpot determination random number judgment table.

[0092] When the game is in a high probability game state and the setting value is set to 1 (registered setting value = 1), a lottery for a major role is performed by referring to the high probability jackpot determination random number determination table a shown in Figure 7(a). According to this high probability jackpot determination random number determination table a, a jackpot is determined if the jackpot determination random number is 10001 to 10620, a small jackpot is determined if the jackpot determination random number is 20001 to 21310, and a miss is determined if the jackpot determination random number is any other number. Therefore, in this case, the probability of a jackpot is approximately 1 / 105.7, and the probability of a small jackpot is approximately 1 / 50.

[0093] Similarly, when the game is in a high probability game state and the setting value is set to 2 to 6 (registered setting value = 2 to 6), the big win lottery is performed by referring to the high probability jackpot determination random number judgment tables b to f shown in Figures 7(b) to (f). According to these high probability jackpot determination random number judgment tables b to f, a jackpot is determined when the jackpot determination random number is the value shown in the table. Therefore, when the setting value is 2 to 6, the jackpot probability is approximately 1 / 102.4 to 1 / 91.0, respectively, and the small jackpot probability is approximately 1 / 50.

[0094] As described above, the big prize lottery is conducted according to the registered setting value. At this time, the probability of winning the big prize differs according to the registered setting value, and when the registered setting value is large, it is easier to win the big prize than when the registered setting value is small. Here, even if the registered setting value differs, the probability of winning the small prize does not change, but the probability of winning the small prize may be different for each registered setting value. Also, a small prize is not required, and only either a big prize or a loss may be determined in the big prize lottery.

[0095] Also, here, the probability of winning a jackpot in both the low-probability gaming state and the high-probability gaming state differs depending on the registered setting value, but it is also possible to make it so that only the probability of winning a jackpot in either the low-probability gaming state or the high-probability gaming state differs depending on the registered setting value.

[0096] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a winning symbol random number determination table according to this embodiment. 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. When the result of the major role lottery is a "big win" or a "small win," the type of special symbol is determined based on the obtained winning symbol random number and the winning symbol random number determination table. If a "big win" is won by the special 1 reserved symbol, the special 1 winning symbol random number determination table a is selected, as shown in FIG. 8(a). If a "small win" is won by the special 1 reserved symbol, the special 1 winning symbol random number determination table b is selected, as shown in FIG. 8(b). If a "big win" is won by the special 2 reserved symbol, the special 2 winning symbol random number determination table a is selected, as shown in FIG. 8(c). If a "small win" is won by the special 2 reserved symbol, the special 2 winning symbol random number determination table b is selected, as shown in FIG. 8(d). In the following, the special pattern determined by the winning pattern random number, i.e., the special pattern determined when a big win determination result is obtained, will be called the big win pattern, the special pattern determined when a small win determination result is obtained will be called the small win pattern, and the special pattern determined when a loss determination result is obtained will be called the loss pattern.

[0097] According to the special 1 winning symbol random number determination table a shown in Fig. 8(a) and the special 2 winning symbol random number determination table a shown in Fig. 8(c), the type of special symbol (big winning symbol) is determined according to the value of the acquired winning symbol random number, as shown in the figure. Also, according to the special 1 winning symbol random number determination table b shown in Fig. 8(b) and the special 2 winning symbol random number determination table b shown in Fig. 8(d), the type of special symbol (small winning symbol) is determined to be special symbol a, as shown in the figure, regardless of the value of the acquired winning symbol random number.

[0098] 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.

[0099] In other words, the winning symbol random number determination table is referenced only when the result of the big role lottery is a "big win" or a "small win," and is not referenced when the result of the big role lottery is a "miss." Here, the same big win symbol is determined in the special 1 winning symbol random number determination table and the special 2 winning symbol random number determination table. However, different big win symbols may be determined in both tables, or the type of special symbol (big win symbol) may be determined by referring to the winning symbol random number determination table 1 regardless of the reserved type.

[0100] Here, the selection ratio of the big win symbol and the small win symbol is common to all setting values, but either one or both of the big win symbol and the small win symbol may be made different for each setting value.

[0101] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a reach group determination random number judgment table according to this embodiment. Multiple 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, once the big role lottery result is derived, a process is performed to determine a variable performance pattern for notifying the big role lottery result. In this embodiment, when the big role lottery result is a "miss," the group type is first determined based on the reach group determination random number and the reach group determination random number judgment table in determining the variable performance pattern. 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.

[0102] 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. 9(a). Similarly, when the game state is set to a normal 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 to 2, then the reach group determination random number judgment table 2 is selected, as shown in FIG. 9(b), and if the number of reserved special 1s is 3, then the reach group determination random number judgment table 3 is selected, as shown in FIG. 9(c). Note that in FIG. 9, 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] In addition, if the result of the big role lottery is a "big win" or a "small win", the group type is not determined when determining the variable performance pattern. In other words, the reach group determination random number judgment table is referenced only when the result of the big role lottery is a "miss", and is not referenced when the result of the big role lottery is a "big win" or a "small win".

[0105] 10 is a diagram illustrating the reach mode determination random number judgment table according to this embodiment. This reach mode determination random number judgment table is broadly divided into a miss reach mode determination random number judgment table that is selected when the big role lottery result is a "miss," a jackpot reach mode determination random number judgment table that is selected when the big role lottery result is a "jackpot," and a small win reach mode determination random number judgment table that is selected when the big role lottery result is a "small win." Note that the miss reach mode determination random number judgment table is provided for each group type determined as described above, and the jackpot reach mode determination random number judgment table and the small win reach mode determination random number judgment table are provided for each reserve type.

[0106] 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 when a group x loses, which is referenced in a predetermined game state and type of symbol, is shown in Figure 10(a), an example of a reach mode determination random number judgment table when a special 1 jackpot is selected is shown in Figure 10(b), an example of a reach mode determination random number judgment table when a special 2 jackpot is selected is shown in Figure 10(c), an example of a reach mode determination random number judgment table when a special 1 small jackpot is selected is shown in Figure 10(d), and an example of a reach mode determination random number judgment table when a special 2 small jackpot is selected is shown in Figure 10(e).

[0107] 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 "miss," as shown in Figure 10(a), a reach mode determination random number judgment table at the time of a miss corresponding to the group type determined by the lottery for 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. If the result of the big role lottery is a "jackpot," as shown in Figures 10(b) and 10(c), a reach mode determination random number judgment table at the time of a jackpot corresponding to the read-out reserve 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 jackpot and the reach mode determination random number.

[0108] Furthermore, if the result of the above-mentioned big prize lottery is a "small prize," as shown in Figures 10(d) and (e), 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.

[0109] 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. 10, 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 this 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. 10 to 12 indicates an arbitrary value expressed in hexadecimal.

[0110] As described above, when the result of the big role lottery is a "miss," the group type is first determined by the reach group determination random number judgment table and reach group determination random number shown in Figure 9. Then, depending on 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 Figure 10(a) and the reach mode determination random number.

[0111] On the other hand, if the result of the big prize lottery is a "big win" or a "small win," the reach mode determination random number judgment table shown in Figure 10, which corresponds to the determined big win pattern or small win pattern (type of special pattern), the game state at the time of winning the big win or small win, etc., 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.

[0112] 11 is a diagram illustrating the fluctuation pattern random number determination table according to this embodiment. Here, the fluctuation pattern random number determination table x of a predetermined table number x is shown, but in addition, many other fluctuation pattern random number determination tables are provided for each table number.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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.

[0115] Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating a fluctuation time determination table according to this embodiment. 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. 12(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.

[0116] 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 12 (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 the 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.

[0117] 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.

[0118] 13 is a diagram illustrating a special electric device activation ram set table according to this embodiment. This special electric device activation ram set table stores various data for controlling a big win game or a small win game. During a big win game or a small win game, the first big win opening solenoid 126c and the second big win opening solenoid 128c are energized and controlled by referring to this special electric device activation ram set table. In reality, multiple special electric device activation ram set tables are provided for each type of special symbol (big win symbol and small win symbol), and a corresponding table is set at the start of a big win game or a small win game depending on the type of special symbol determined. However, for the sake of convenience, the control data for all special symbols is shown in one table.

[0119] When the special symbols A, B, C which are the big win symbols, or the special symbol a which is the small win symbol, are determined, an opening and closing process is executed to control the opening and closing of the first large winning opening 126 and the second large winning opening 128 in a predetermined opening and closing pattern by referring to the special electric role activation ram set table, as shown in Figure 13. The big win game is made up of multiple rounds of play in which the second large winning opening 128 is opened and closed a predetermined number of times, and the small win game is made up of only one round of play in which the first large winning opening 126 is opened and closed a predetermined number of times.

[0120] According to this special electric device operation ram set table, the opening time (waiting time until the first round of play starts), the maximum number of times the special electric device operates (the number of rounds of play executed during one major role play or one small win play), the open large prize opening (the first large prize opening 126 and the second large prize opening 128 that are opened in each round of 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 of play), the solenoid energization time (the number of times the first large prize opening solenoid 126c and the second large prize opening solenoid 126d are opened for each number of times the first large prize opening 126 and the second large prize opening 128 are opened), the number of times the solenoid energizes (the number of times the first large prize opening 126 and the second large prize opening 128 are opened for each number of times the first large prize opening 126 and the second large prize opening 128 are opened), the number of times the solenoid energizes (the number of times the first large prize opening 126 and the second large prize opening solenoid 126c and the second large prize opening solenoid 126d are opened for each number of times the first large prize opening 126 and the second large prize opening 128 are opened) and the number of times the solenoid energizes (the number of times the first large prize opening 126 and the second large prize opening solenoid 126c and the second large prize opening solenoid 126d are opened for each number of times the first large prize opening 126 and the second large prize opening 128 are opened) are set. The control data for the big prize game includes the power supply time of the resonoid 128c, i.e., the opening time of the first large prize opening 126 and the second large prize opening 128 in one play), the specified number (the maximum number of wins that can be won in the first large prize opening 126 and the second large prize opening 128 in one round of play), the effective time for closing the large prize opening (the closing time of the first large prize opening 126 and the second large prize opening 128 between rounds of play, i.e., the interval time between rounds), and the ending time (the waiting time from the end of the last round of play until the normal special game is resumed) which are pre-stored as shown in the figure for each type of big prize pattern and small prize pattern as the control data for the big prize game.

[0121] In this embodiment, when the special symbols A and B, which are the jackpot symbols, are determined, a big win game consisting of five rounds of play is executed, and when the special symbol C is determined, a big win game consisting of 15 rounds of play is executed. Each round of play ends when a specified number (8 balls) of game balls enter the second big winning opening 128 or when a predetermined time (29.0 seconds in this case) has elapsed since the second big winning opening 128 was opened.

[0122] In addition, when the special symbol a, which is the small win symbol, is determined, a small win game consisting of one round of play is executed. In the small win game executed when the special symbol a is determined, the first large prize opening 126 is opened twice for 0.9 seconds with a predetermined pause between them in the first round of play.

[0123] 14 is a diagram illustrating a game state setting table for setting the game state after the end of the big win game according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, when the big win game is executed, the game state after the end of the big win game is set according to the type of special symbol determined at the time of winning the jackpot.

[0124] According to this game state setting table, if the jackpot symbol is special symbol A, the game state is set to a low-probability game state after the big-win game ends. On the other hand, if the jackpot symbol is special symbol B or C, the game state is set to a high-probability game state after the big-win game ends, and the number of times the high-probability game state continues (hereinafter referred to as the "high-probability number") is set to 10,000. This means that the high-probability game state continues until the big-win lottery result is determined 10,000 times. However, the above-mentioned high-probability number indicates the maximum number of times in the high-probability game state. If a jackpot is won before reaching the above-mentioned number of times, the high-probability number will be set again. Therefore, if the high-probability game state is set after the big-win game ends, and a losing lottery result is derived 10,000 times without a jackpot result being derived in the high-probability game state, the game state will change to a low-probability game state.

[0125] Furthermore, after the big win game ends, the game is set to a time-saving game state, and the number of times the time-saving game state will continue (hereinafter referred to as the "time-saving number of times"). At this time, if the jackpot symbol is special symbol A, the time-saving number of times is set to 100, and if it is special symbol B or C, the time-saving number of times is set to 10,000. This means that the time-saving game state will continue until the big win lottery result is determined to be 100 or 10,000 times. However, the above-mentioned time-saving number of times indicates the maximum number of times that the time-saving game state will continue, and if a jackpot is won before the above-mentioned number of times of continuation is reached, the time-saving number of times will be set again.

[0126] 15 is a diagram illustrating a winning determination random number judgment table according to this embodiment. When a gaming ball flowing down the gaming area 116 passes through the gate 124 (the gaming ball enters the normal symbol operating port 125), a normal symbol judgment process (hereinafter referred to as "normal symbol lottery") is performed, which is associated with whether or not to control the energization of the movable piece 122b of the second starting port 122.

[0127] As will be described in more detail later, when a gaming ball passes through gate 124 (enters normal map operation port 125), one winning determination random number is obtained from the range of 0 to 99, and this random number value is stored in the normal map reserve memory area of ​​main RAM 300c, up to a maximum of four. In other words, the normal map reserve memory area has four memory units for saving winning determination random numbers. Therefore, if a gaming ball passes through gate 124 (enters normal map operation port 125) with winning determination random numbers stored in all four memory units of the normal map reserve memory area, no winning determination random number will be stored based on the passage of the gaming ball. Hereinafter, a winning determination random number stored in the normal map reserve memory area after a gaming ball passes through gate 124 (enters normal map operation port 125) will be referred to as a normal map reserve.

[0128] 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 15(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.

[0129] 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 15(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.

[0130] FIG. 16(a) is a diagram illustrating a normal symbol variation time data table according to this embodiment, and FIG. 16(b) is a diagram illustrating an opening / closing control pattern table according to this embodiment. 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 1 second. Once the variation time is determined in this manner, the normal symbol display device 168 displays a variable (blinking) display for the determined time. When a winning symbol is determined, the normal symbol display device 168 lights up, and when a losing symbol is determined, the normal symbol display device 168 turns off.

[0131] Then, when a winning symbol is determined by the normal symbol lottery and the normal symbol display device 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. 16(b). Note that, in reality, an opening / closing control pattern table is provided for each game state, and depending on the game state when the normal symbol is determined, the corresponding table is set when 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.

[0132] 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. 16(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.

[0133] In this way, the non-time-shortened game state and the time-shortened 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-shortened game state, it is easier for a game ball to enter the second start port 122 than in the non-time-shortened game state. In other words, in the time-shortened game state, as long as a game ball passes through the gate 124 (a game ball enters the normal game operation port 125), normal game lotteries are held one after another and the second start port 122 is frequently in an open state, so that the player can participate in big role lotteries while reducing the consumption of game balls.

[0134] The opening / closing conditions for the second start opening 122 stipulate 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-shortened game state than for the non-time-shortened game state, so that a game ball is more likely to enter the second start opening 122 in the time-shortened game state than in the non-time-shortened game state. However, one or three of the above three elements may be set to be more advantageous for the time-shortened game state than the non-time-shortened game state. In any case, by making the time-shortened game state more advantageous than the non-time-shortened 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-shortened game state than in the non-time-shortened 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.

[0135] In addition, in this embodiment, a normal map operating port 125 is provided in the second game area 116b, and almost all game balls that flow down to the bottom of the second game area 116b enter the normal map operating port 125. When a game ball enters the normal map operating port 125, one prize ball is paid out. Therefore, even if a game ball is launched into the second game area 116b in a non-time-saving game state, the game balls are hardly reduced. However, the normal map operating port 125 is not a required component, and the board configuration is merely an example. Therefore, a configuration in which the game balls are reduced when a game ball is launched into the second game area 116b in a non-time-saving game state may also be used.

[0136] Incidentally, if the opening and closing control of the opening / closing door 126b of the first large prize opening 126, the opening / closing door 128b of the second large prize opening 128, and the movable piece 122b of the second start opening 122 is not performed correctly during play, there is a risk of interference with the game. Also, if the detection of game balls by the various detection switches (first general prize opening detection switch 118as, second general prize opening detection switch 118bs, third general prize opening detection switch 118cs, first start opening detection switch 120s, second start opening detection switch 122s, gate detection switch 124s, normal operation opening detection switch 125s, first large prize opening detection switch 126s, second large prize opening detection switch 128s, and out ball detection switch 130s) is not performed correctly, there is a risk of interference with the game. Furthermore, if the indicators (LED1 to LED32) in the display device unit 150 do not emit light correctly, it may cause problems during play. Therefore, in this embodiment, an inspection mode is provided in which various devices installed in the gaming machine 100 are inspected.

[0137] Fig. 17 is a diagram illustrating the general flow of the inspection mode according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 17, when the power of the gaming machine 100 is turned on in a state where a RAM clear operation signal is not input from the RAM clear switch 182s (the RAM clear button is not pressed), the setting change switch 180s is on (the setting key is inserted and rotated to the on position), and the inner frame 104 is open, the registered setting values ​​can be confirmed by being displayed on the performance display monitor 184, and the gaming machine enters a setting confirmation state in which the player cannot play.

[0138] Then, when a RAM clear operation signal is input from the RAM clear switch 182s (the RAM clear button is pressed) during the setting confirmation state, the inspection mode is initiated. In this embodiment, the setting confirmation state is maintained even during the inspection mode. Therefore, even during the inspection mode, it is possible to check the registered setting values ​​by displaying them on the performance display monitor 184, for example. The inspection mode and the setting confirmation state are maintained until the setting change switch 180s is turned off.

[0139] As shown in FIG. 17 , when the setting change switch 180s is turned off during the inspection mode, the inspection mode and the setting confirmation state end. When the inspection mode and the setting confirmation state end, the game enters a playable state in which the player can play. Note that, in this embodiment, when the setting change switch 180s is turned off during the inspection mode, the inspection mode and the setting confirmation state end and the game immediately enters a playable state. However, this is not limited to this. For example, in this embodiment, when the setting change switch 180s is turned off during the inspection mode, the game may enter a playable state after a predetermined waiting time (e.g., several seconds) has elapsed. In this case, the main effect display unit 200a may execute an effect that notifies the player of the remaining time until the end of the waiting time. Furthermore, the inspection mode may end when a predetermined time (e.g., 10 minutes) has elapsed since the inspection mode was set. Note that when the inspection mode ends due to the passage of the predetermined time, the setting confirmation state is maintained. In this case, the inspection mode may be restarted when the RAM clear switch is pressed.

[0140] Furthermore, during the inspection mode, it is possible to prevent detection of predetermined errors (for example, magnetic errors, radio wave errors, etc.), thereby making it possible to reduce the risk of unintentional occurrence of errors.

[0141] During the inspection mode, inspections of the various solenoids and the various detection switches and indicators are carried out in parallel. Below, the inspection of the various solenoids will be explained first, and then the inspection of the various detection switches and indicators will be explained.

[0142] In this embodiment, in order to inspect various solenoids, the opening and closing of the door 126b of the first large winning opening 126, the door 128b of the second large winning opening 128, and the movable piece 122b of the second starting opening 122 can be controlled, making it possible to easily check the operation of the movable body.

[0143] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating the solenoid energization control pattern in the inspection mode according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the first large prize opening solenoid 126c, the second large prize opening solenoid 128c, and the normal electric role solenoid 122c are controlled to repeatedly execute cyclic operations according to the energization control pattern shown in FIG. 18. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 18, one cyclic operation is set to be OFF for time T1 (e.g., 2 seconds), ON for time T2 (e.g., 1 second), OFF for time T3 (e.g., 2 seconds), and ON for time T4 (e.g., 1 second). In this embodiment, the cyclic operations of the first large prize opening solenoid 126c, the second large prize opening solenoid 128c, and the normal electric role solenoid 122c are started synchronously.

[0144] Here, if the time during which each solenoid (first large prize opening solenoid 126c, second large prize opening solenoid 128c, normal electric role solenoid 122c) is energized in one cycle, i.e., the proportion of the time that it is ON, becomes relatively high, there is a risk that each solenoid will generate heat. Therefore, in this embodiment, by relatively lowering the time during which each solenoid (first large prize opening solenoid 126c, second large prize opening solenoid 128c, normal electric role solenoid 122c) is energized in one cycle, i.e., the proportion of the time that it is ON, it is possible to reduce the risk of each solenoid generating heat.

[0145] Specifically, by making the time that each solenoid is OFF during one cycle longer than the time that each solenoid is ON during one cycle, the risk of heat generation in each solenoid is reduced, thereby reducing the risk of malfunction. In other words, in this embodiment, the so-called duty ratio, which is the ratio of the time that each solenoid is energized during one cycle to the time required for one cycle, is set to less than 50%. It is preferable that the duty ratio be less than 40%. For example, as described above, if time T1 is 2 seconds, time T2 is 1 second, time T3 is 2 seconds, and time T4 is 1 second, one cycle is 6 seconds, and the time that each solenoid is ON during one cycle is 2 seconds. That is, in this embodiment, the duty ratio is approximately 33%. This reduces the risk of heat generation in each solenoid and reduces the risk of malfunction.

[0146] The specific values ​​of the times T1 to T4 are not limited to the above example, and the values ​​of the times T1 to T4 may be set appropriately so that the duty ratio is at least less than 50%.

[0147] In this embodiment, the first major prize opening solenoid 126c, the second major prize opening solenoid 128c, and the normal electric accessory solenoid 122c are shown to synchronize and start a common periodic operation. However, the first major prize opening solenoid 126c, the second major prize opening solenoid 128c, and the normal electric accessory solenoid 122c may perform different periodic operations as long as the duty ratio is at least less than 50%.

[0148] Here, we will explain a modified example in which the first large prize opening solenoid 126c, the second large prize opening solenoid 128c, and the normal electric role solenoid 122c operate in different cycles. Figure 19(a) is a diagram illustrating a first energization control pattern for the solenoids in the inspection mode according to the modified example. As shown in Figure 19(a), the first energization control pattern according to the modified example is set to operate in one cycle as follows: OFF for time T5 (e.g., 1 second), ON for time T6 (e.g., 2 seconds), OFF for time T7 (e.g., 1 second), ON for time T8 (e.g., 2 seconds), and OFF for time T9 (e.g., 6 seconds). In this case, one cycle is 12 seconds, and the time each solenoid is ON during one cycle is 4 seconds. In other words, the duty ratio according to the first energization control pattern according to the modified example is approximately 33%. This reduces the risk of heat generation in each solenoid, reducing the risk of failure. Also, by reducing the risk of heat generation in each solenoid, it is possible to reduce the risk of the solenoid's operation stopping unintentionally due to heat generation.

[0149] FIG. 19(b) illustrates a second energization control pattern for the solenoids in the inspection mode according to the modified example. As shown in FIG. 19(b), the first energization control pattern according to the modified example includes one cycle of OFF for time T9 (e.g., 6 seconds), OFF for time T5 (e.g., 1 second), ON for time T6 (e.g., 2 seconds), OFF for time T7 (e.g., 1 second), and ON for time T8 (e.g., 2 seconds). In this case, one cycle is 12 seconds, and the time each solenoid is ON during one cycle is 4 seconds. That is, the duty ratio of the first energization control pattern according to the modified example is approximately 33%. This reduces the risk of heat generation in each solenoid and reduces the risk of failure.

[0150] In a modified example, the first large prize opening solenoid 126c is controlled by the first current control pattern shown in Figure 19(a), and the second large prize opening solenoid 128c is controlled by the second current control pattern shown in Figure 19(b). Also, the normal electric role solenoid 122c is controlled by the current control pattern shown in Figure 18. In this way, the periodic operations of the first large prize opening solenoid 126c, the second large prize opening solenoid 128c, and the normal electric role solenoid 122c may be made different from each other.

[0151] For example, if the structure is such that even if the opening / closing door 128b of the first large prize opening 126 is opened while the opening / closing door 128b of the second large prize opening 128 is open, all game balls flowing down the second game area 116b will enter the second large prize opening 128, if the current control pattern of the first large prize opening solenoid 126c and the second large prize opening solenoid 128c are started in synchronization with a common periodic operation, it may become difficult to get game balls to enter the first large prize opening 126 even if the opening / closing door 126b of the first large prize opening 126 is open. For example, if the game area where the first large prize opening 126, the second large prize opening 128, the second starting opening 122, etc. are located is covered with a transparent cover, or if multiple prize openings are grouped together as a single unit and the front is covered with a plastic decorative panel, it will be impossible to move a game ball directly near any of the prize openings, which will increase the likelihood that it will be difficult to place a ball for inspection in a specific prize opening (especially a prize opening located downstream of the covered area).

[0152] As described above, in the modified example, during time T9 in the first energization control pattern, i.e., during the period when first special prize opening solenoid 126c is OFF, the periods T6 and T7 in the second energization control pattern occur, and second special prize opening solenoid 128c is ON. Similarly, during time T9 in the second energization control pattern, i.e., during the period when second special prize opening solenoid 128c is OFF, the periods T6 and T7 in the first energization control pattern occur, and first special prize opening solenoid 126c is ON. This makes it possible to reduce the risk of it being difficult to get a gaming ball to enter either first special prize opening 126 or second special prize opening 128.

[0153] Furthermore, for example, if the structure is such that even if the opening / closing door 128b of the second large prize opening 128 is open while the movable piece 122b of the second starting opening 122 is open, all game balls flowing down the second game area 116b will enter the second starting opening 122, the periodic operation of the normal electric device solenoid 122c may be set to the first current control pattern (Figure 19(a)), and the periodic operation of the second large prize opening solenoid 128c may be set to the second current control pattern (Figure 19(b)).

[0154] Furthermore, the timing at which the first major prize opening solenoid 126c, the second major prize opening solenoid 128c, and the normal electric accessory solenoid 122c are controlled to be ON and the timing at which they are controlled to be OFF do not have to be synchronized. For example, the energization control may be executed sequentially in the order of the first major prize opening solenoid 126c, the second major prize opening solenoid 128c, and the normal electric accessory solenoid 122c.

[0155] Furthermore, in a so-called Type 2 gaming machine, if a sorting device that sorts game balls that enter a special prize opening into specific areas and non-specific areas is provided, the operation of the sorting device may be controlled in the inspection mode. For example, in the case of the power supply control pattern shown in FIG. 18, the solenoid of the sorting device may be ON during time T2 and OFF during time T4. Furthermore, in the case of the power supply control pattern shown in FIGS. 19(a) and 19(b), the solenoid of the sorting device may be ON during time T6 and OFF during time T8. In other words, the operation of the sorting device may be controlled so that one cycle includes both a period in which the special prize opening solenoid is ON and the solenoid of the sorting device is OFF, and a period in which the special prize opening solenoid is ON and the solenoid of the sorting device is ON. In this case, the illumination mode of the effect lighting device near the large prize opening where the sorting device is installed may be different between the period when the solenoid of the sorting device is ON and the period when the solenoid of the sorting device is OFF. This makes it easier to distinguish between the period when the solenoid of the sorting device is ON and the period when the solenoid of the sorting device is OFF. Note that the solenoid of the sorting device may be configured to switch ON and OFF in two cycles or with two different current control patterns, rather than switching ON and OFF in one cycle.

[0156] Next, inspection of various detection switches and indicators will be described. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating the flow of inspection of detection switches and indicators during an inspection mode according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 20, in the initial state during the inspection mode, all indicators (LED1 to LED32) of the display device unit 150 are controlled to be lit. Note that the light emission modes of the indicators (LED1 to LED32) of the display device unit 150 during the initial state during the inspection mode may be preset modes, and are not limited to these. For example, during the initial state during the inspection mode, all indicators (LED1 to LED32) of the display device unit 150 may be controlled to be turned off. Alternatively, during the initial state during the inspection mode, only preset indicators (e.g., LED1 to LED10) of the indicators (LED1 to LED32) of the display device unit 150 may be controlled to be lit. The display device unit 150 has 32 LEDs, and uses a dynamic lighting method that lights up one byte (eight LEDs) for each interrupt process. Therefore, a lighting control mode that only requires outputting common data for each interrupt process, such as turning all LEDs on or off, simplifies the programming.

[0157] In this embodiment, the various detection switches are inspected by, for example, inserting one game ball into each winning hole, etc. However, the various detection switches may also be inspected by inserting a so-called gauge rod, which has a sphere attached to the tip of the rod, into each winning hole, etc.

[0158] Then, during the initial state, when a gaming ball is first detected by any of the detection switches (first general winning opening detection switch 118as, second general winning opening detection switch 118bs, third general winning opening detection switch 118cs, first start opening detection switch 120s, second start opening detection switch 122s, gate detection switch 124s, general operation opening detection switch 125s, first large winning opening detection switch 126s, second large winning opening detection switch 128s, out ball detection switch 130s), all of the indicators (LED1 to LED32) of the display device unit 150 are temporarily turned off. After that, the indicator (LED) corresponding to the type of switch that detected the gaming ball is turned on.

[0159] FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between each indicator and its corresponding switch in the display device unit 150 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 21, in this embodiment, the out ball detection switch 130s, 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 first general prize hole detection switch 118as, the second general prize hole detection switch 118bs, the third general prize hole detection switch 118cs, the normal operation hole detection switch 125s, and the second large prize hole detection switch 128s are set as detection switches to be inspected. LED1 is associated with the out ball detection switch 130s. LED2 is associated with the first start hole detection switch 120s. LED3 is associated with the second start hole detection switch 122s. LED4 is associated with the gate detection switch 124s. Furthermore, LED5 is associated with the first large prize opening detection switch 126s. Furthermore, LED6 is associated with the first general prize opening detection switch 118as. Furthermore, LED7 is associated with the second general prize opening detection switch 118bs. Furthermore, LED8 is associated with the third general prize opening detection switch 118cs. Furthermore, LED9 is associated with the normal operation opening detection switch 125s. Furthermore, LED10 is associated with the second large prize opening detection switch 128s.

[0160] The type of detection switch associated with each indicator (LED) may be preset and is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 21. However, it is preferable to associate a detection switch with a higher numbered indicator (LED) as it is more likely to be installed in different gaming machines. For example, some gaming machines are equipped with only one special prize opening, so it is preferable to associate the first special prize opening detection switch 126s with a higher numbered indicator (LED) than the second special prize opening detection switch 128s. This improves the efficiency of the gaming machine design work. For example, it is preferable to associate LED1 to LED5 with detection switches that are always installed in the gaming machine regardless of the gaming machine model, and to associate LED6 and subsequent detection switches whose availability varies depending on the gaming machine model.

[0161] 20, for example, when a gaming ball is detected by each detection switch in the order of out ball detection switch 130s, first start hole detection switch 120s, second start hole detection switch 122s, gate detection switch 124s, first large prize hole detection switch 126s, first general prize hole detection switch 118as, second general prize hole detection switch 118bs, third general prize hole detection switch 118cs, normal operation hole detection switch 125s, and second large prize hole detection switch 128s, lighting control of LED1 to LED10 is started sequentially. In this embodiment, when a gaming ball is detected by a detection switch, lighting control of the corresponding indicator continues for the period from the next time a gaming ball is detected by the detection switch after the initial state is set until the lighting is turned off.

[0162] Then, when all the detection switches set as the inspection targets detect a game ball, the initial state in the inspection mode is set as shown in FIG. 20. When the initial state in the inspection mode is set, all the indicators (LED1 to LED32) of the display device unit 150 are controlled to light up. That is, when the initial state in the inspection mode is set, the indicators (LED1 to LED10) corresponding to the detection switches set as the inspection targets and the indicators (LED11 to LED24) other than the indicators (LED1 to LED10) corresponding to the detection switches set as the inspection targets are controlled to light up. This makes it easier to distinguish that the transition to the inspection mode has been made and that the inspection of all the detection switches set as the inspection targets has been completed, thereby improving convenience for the operator. Thereafter, inspection of various detection switches and indicators can be performed in a similar manner.

[0163] In the initial state of the inspection mode, when a game ball is inserted into the first start hole 120, the game ball is detected by the first start hole detection switch 120s, and then the game ball is also detected by the out ball detection switch 130s. Therefore, in this case, one game ball controls the lighting of two indicators (LED1 and LED2).

[0164] 20 shows a case where a game ball is detected by each detection switch in the following order: out ball detection switch 130s, first start hole detection switch 120s, second start hole detection switch 122s, gate detection switch 124s, first large prize hole detection switch 126s, first general prize hole detection switch 118as, second general prize hole detection switch 118bs, third general prize hole detection switch 118cs, normal operation hole detection switch 125s, and second large prize hole detection switch 128s, but the detection order may be random. In any case, once a game ball is detected by all detection switches previously set to be inspected, the initial state during inspection mode may be set.

[0165] However, an order may be set in advance for each detection switch, and only when a gaming ball is detected by a detection switch specified in the order, the corresponding indicator (LED) may be controlled to light up. In this case, the initial state during the inspection mode may be set when the indicators (LED) corresponding to all detection switches set in advance as inspection targets are controlled to light up.

[0166] 20, when a RAM clear operation signal is input from the RAM clear switch 182s (the RAM clear button is pressed) during the inspection mode, the initial state during the inspection mode is set, regardless of the lighting status of each indicator based on the detection of a gaming ball by the detection switches set to be inspected, and all indicators (LED1 to LED32) of the display device unit 150 are controlled to light up. However, when a gaming ball is detected by at least one of the detection switches set to be inspected during the inspection mode, the initial state during the inspection mode may also be set when the RAM clear button is pressed. In other words, if the initial state during the inspection mode has already been set, pressing the RAM clear button may be treated as invalid, and the initial state may not need to be reset.

[0167] This allows the initial state to be set in the inspection mode by simply pressing the RAM clear button, without having to restart the gaming machine 100 or detect game balls in all of the detection switches that have been set as inspection targets in advance, thereby improving convenience for the operator. For example, this allows for improved convenience for the operator when it is desired to inspect the same detection switch multiple times in succession.

[0168] Next, the main processing of the main control board 300 as the game progresses in the gaming machine 100 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0169] FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating the gaming machine status flag according to this embodiment. In the main control board 300, the gaming machine status flag controls 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. When the game is stopped, it is impossible for the gaming ball launcher to launch a gaming ball.

[0170] 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 an abnormal setting 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 an RWM (read write memory) abnormal 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 abnormal 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.

[0171] During the inspection mode, the machine is in the setting confirmation state (02H), and therefore the machine is unable to launch game balls using the game ball launcher. Therefore, when inspecting the above-mentioned various detection switches and indicators during the inspection mode, an operator must manually insert game balls into each starting hole, winning hole, etc. However, during the inspection mode, even though game play is stopped, the machine may still be able to launch game balls using the game ball launcher. In this case, when inspecting the above-mentioned various detection switches and indicators, the machine may launch game balls using the game ball launcher, causing the game balls to enter each starting hole, winning hole, etc.

[0172] (CPU initialization process of main control board 300) Figure 23 is a first flowchart explaining the CPU initialization processing in the main control board 300 according to this embodiment, and Figure 24 is a second flowchart explaining the CPU initialization processing in the main control board 300 according to this embodiment.

[0173] 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).

[0174] (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.

[0175] (Step S100-3) The main CPU 300a sets a wait processing time in a timer counter.

[0176] (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.

[0177] (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.

[0178] (Step S100-9) The main CPU 300a executes the processing required to permit access to the main RAM 300c.

[0179] (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.

[0180] (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.

[0181] (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.

[0182] (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.

[0183] (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.

[0184] (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.

[0185] (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.

[0186] (Step S100-25) The main CPU 300a sets 05H (checksum abnormal state) in the D register.

[0187] (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.

[0188] (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.

[0189] (Step S100-31) The main CPU 300a checks and clears the read / write memory of the used area.

[0190] (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.

[0191] (Step S100-35) The main CPU 300a sets 04H (RWM abnormal state) in the D register and moves the process to step S100-45.

[0192] (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.

[0193] (Step S100-39) The main CPU 300a sets 00H (playable state) in the D register.

[0194] (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.

[0195] (Step S100-43) The main CPU 300a sets 01H (setting changed state) in the D register.

[0196] (Step S100-45) The main CPU 300a saves the value set in the D register in the gaming machine status flag.

[0197] (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.

[0198] (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.

[0199] (Step S100-51) The main CPU 300a loads the gaming machine status flag.

[0200] (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.

[0201] (Step S110) The main CPU 300a performs a sub-command group set process, which will be described later.

[0202] (Step S100-55) The main CPU 300a performs sub-command set processing to send a predetermined command to the sub-control board 330. Here, a command corresponding to the gaming machine status flag is set. For example, if the gaming machine status flag is 01H, a setting change status designation command is set, and if the gaming machine status flag is 02H, a setting confirmation status designation command is set. In this way, by sending a command corresponding to the gaming machine status flag to the sub-control board 330, the internal status of the main control board 300 can be grasped on the sub-control board 330.

[0203] (Step S100-57) The main CPU 300a sets the timer interrupt period.

[0204] (Step S100-59) The main CPU 300a performs processing to disable interrupts.

[0205] (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.

[0206] (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.

[0207] (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 .

[0208] (Step S100-67) The main CPU 300a performs processing to permit an interrupt.

[0209] (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.

[0210] FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating the sub-command group setting process (S110) in the main control board 300 according to this embodiment.

[0211] (Step S110-1) The main CPU 300a loads the flag value of the gaming machine status flag.

[0212] (Step S110-3) The main CPU 300a performs sub-command set processing for transmitting a predetermined command to the sub-control board 330. Here, for example, if the initialization processing is executed in the above step S100-47, a RAM clear designation command is set.

[0213] (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.

[0214] (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.

[0215] (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.

[0216] (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.

[0217] (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.

[0218] (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.

[0219] (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.

[0220] (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.

[0221] (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.

[0222] Next, a description will be given of interrupt processing in the main control board 300 according to this embodiment. Here, a description will be given of a power-off save processing (XINT interrupt processing) and a timer interrupt processing.

[0223] (Main control board 300 power off evacuation process (XINT interrupt process)) 26 is a flowchart illustrating the power-off save process (XINT interrupt process) in the main control board 300 according to this embodiment. 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 process and executes the power-off save process.

[0224] (Step S300-1) When the power-off warning signal is input, the main CPU 300a saves the registers.

[0225] (Step S300-3) The main CPU 300a checks the power-off warning signal.

[0226] (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.

[0227] (Step S300-7) The main CPU 300a restores the register.

[0228] (Step S300-9) The main CPU 300a performs processing to permit an interrupt, and then ends the power-off save processing.

[0229] (Step S300-11) The main CPU 300a executes an output port clear process to stop the output of the output port.

[0230] (Step S300-13) The main CPU 300a executes a checksum setting process that calculates and stores a checksum.

[0231] (Step S300-15) The main CPU 300a executes RAM protection setting processing required to prohibit access to the main RAM 300c.

[0232] (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.

[0233] (Step S300-19) The main CPU 300a checks the power-off warning signal.

[0234] (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.

[0235] (Step S300-23) The main CPU 300a subtracts one from the value of the loop counter set in step S300-17.

[0236] (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.

[0237] 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.

[0238] (Timer interrupt processing of main control board 300) 27 is a flowchart illustrating the timer interrupt process in the main control board 300 according to this embodiment. 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.

[0239] (Step S400-1) The main CPU 300a saves the registers.

[0240] (Step S400-3) The main CPU 300a performs processing to permit an interrupt.

[0241] (Step S400-4) The main CPU 300a determines whether an inspection mode flag indicating that the device is in inspection mode is ON. If the inspection mode flag is ON, the process proceeds to step S400-9. If the inspection mode flag is OFF, the process proceeds to step S400-5. That is, during inspection mode, the dynamic port output process (step S400-5) and the port input process (step S400-7), which will be described later, are not executed. On the other hand, when the device is not in inspection mode, the dynamic port output process (step S400-5) and the port input process (step S400-7), which will be described later, are executed.

[0242] (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 device 160, the second special pattern display device 162, the first special pattern reserved display device 164, the second special pattern reserved display device 166, the normal pattern display device 168, the normal pattern reserved display device 170, the right hit notification display device 172, and the performance display monitor 184.

[0243] (Step S400-7) The main CPU 300a reads various input port information and executes port input processing to accurately obtain the latest switch state. At this time, the on / off state of the signal may be read twice, and if the results of the two reads are the same value (on or off), the value may be saved as the correct value. This makes it possible to suppress erroneous detection.

[0244] (Step S400-9) The main CPU 300a loads the flag value of the gaming machine status flag.

[0245] (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.

[0246] (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 S400-14. If it is determined that the flag value is not equal to or greater than 03H, the process proceeds to step S450.

[0247] (Step S450) The main CPU 300a executes the setting-related processing and moves the process to step S400-14, which will be described later.

[0248] (Step S400-14) The main CPU 300a determines whether the inspection mode flag is ON. If the inspection mode flag is ON, the process proceeds to step S400-35. If the inspection mode flag is OFF, the process proceeds to step S400-27. That is, during the inspection mode, the external information management process (step S400-27), LED display setting process (step S400-29), solenoid output image composition process (step S400-31), and port output process (step S400-33), which will be described later, are not executed. On the other hand, when the inspection mode is not in progress, the external information management process (step S400-27), LED display setting process (step S400-29), solenoid output image composition process (step S400-31), and port output process (step S400-33), which will be described later, are executed.

[0249] (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.

[0250] (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.

[0251] (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.

[0252] Although a detailed explanation will be omitted, in this embodiment, the jackpot determination random number and the winning 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 jackpot determination random number and the winning 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.

[0253] (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 normal operation hole detection switch 125s, the first large prize hole detection switch 126s, and the second large prize hole detection switch 128s. Details of this switch management process will be described later.

[0254] (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.

[0255] (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.

[0256] (Step S400-21) The main CPU 300a executes an error management process to determine various errors and make settings according to the error determination results. If it determines that an error has occurred, the main CPU 300a sets an error specification command corresponding to the type of error.

[0257] (Step S400-23) The main CPU 300a checks the first general prize opening detection switch 118as, the second general prize opening detection switch 118bs, the third general prize opening detection switch 118cs, 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.

[0258] (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.

[0259] (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.

[0260] (Step S400-29) The main CPU 300a executes an LED display setting process that sets common data for controlling the lighting of various indicators (LEDs) such as the first special pattern display device 160, the second special pattern display device 162, the first special pattern reserve display device 164, the second special pattern reserve display device 166, the normal pattern display device 168, the normal pattern reserve display device 170, and the right-hit notification display device 172 in a common output buffer.

[0261] (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, and the second large prize opening solenoid 128c, and store them in an output port buffer.

[0262] (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.

[0263] (Step S400-35) The main CPU 300a performs processing to disable interrupts.

[0264] (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. The base ratio displayed on the performance display monitor 184 may also be switched in response to a predetermined operation. Furthermore, here, when the gaming machine status flag is 01H or 02H, the main CPU 300a displays the registered setting value set in the setting value buffer on the performance display monitor 184.

[0265] (Step S400-39) The main CPU 300a restores the register and ends the timer interrupt process.

[0266] 28 is a flowchart illustrating the setting-related processing (S450) according to this embodiment. Note that the above-described used areas of main ROM 300b and main RAM 300c are used in the processing of steps S450-1 to S450-15 and steps S450-17 to S450-21 in the setting-related processing, which will be described later. Meanwhile, the above-described unused areas of main ROM 300b and main RAM 300c are used in the processing of step S460, which will be described later.

[0267] (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.

[0268] (Step S450-3) The main CPU 300a loads the registered setting values ​​stored in the setting value buffer into a predetermined processing area.

[0269] (Step S450-5) The main CPU 300a determines whether the RAM clear switch 182s is on (whether a RAM clear operation signal has been input). If it is determined that the RAM clear switch 182s is on, the process proceeds to step S450-7, and if it is determined that the RAM clear switch 182s is not on, the process proceeds to step S450-9.

[0270] (Step S450-7) The main CPU 300a adds 1 to the setting value of the processing area.

[0271] (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.

[0272] (Step S450-11) The main CPU 300a sets the setting value of the processing area to 1.

[0273] (Step S450-13) The main CPU 300a sets the setting value of the processing area in the setting value buffer.

[0274] (Step S450-15) The main CPU 300a determines whether the flag value of the gaming machine status flag is 02H (setting confirmation status). If it is determined that the flag value is 02H, the process proceeds to step S460. If it is determined that the flag value is not 02H, the process proceeds to step S450-17.

[0275] (Step S460) The main CPU 300a executes inspection mode-related processes, which will be described in detail later.

[0276] (Step S450-17) 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 S450-19.

[0277] (Step S450-19) The main CPU 300a sets a setting-related end designation command indicating the end of the setting-related processing in the transmission buffer.

[0278] (Step S110) The main CPU 300a executes the sub-command group set process of Fig. 25. 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.

[0279] (Step S450-21) The main CPU 300a sets the gaming machine state flag to 00H (playable state), and ends the setting-related processing.

[0280] 29 is a flowchart illustrating the inspection mode-related process (S460) according to this embodiment. As described above, the inspection mode-related process uses the unused areas of the main ROM 300b and the main RAM 300c.

[0281] (Step S460-1) The main CPU 300a determines whether the inspection mode flag is OFF. If the inspection mode flag is not OFF, the main CPU 300a proceeds to step S470, and if the inspection mode flag is OFF, the main CPU 300a proceeds to step S460-3.

[0282] (Step S470) The main CPU 300a executes inspection mode processing, which will be described in detail later, and ends the inspection mode-related processing.

[0283] (Step S460-3) 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 S460-5, and if it is determined that a RAM clear operation signal has not been input, the inspection mode-related processing ends.

[0284] (Step S460-5) The main CPU 300a turns on the inspection mode flag, so that when the RAM clear button is pressed during the setting confirmation state, the inspection mode starts from the initial state.

[0285] (Step S460-7) The main CPU 300a sets an inspection mode start command indicating that the inspection mode has started in the transmission buffer and ends the inspection mode-related processing, thereby notifying the sub-control board 330 that the inspection mode has started.

[0286] 30 is a flowchart illustrating the inspection mode process (S470) according to this embodiment. Note that the inspection mode process uses the unused areas of the main ROM 300b and the main RAM 300c.

[0287] (Step S470-1) The main CPU 300a reads various input port information and executes port input processing during inspection mode to accurately obtain the latest switch status. As described above, when not in inspection mode, the port input processing of step S400-7 reads the signal twice. On the other hand, during port input processing during inspection mode, the frequency of detecting a game ball is relatively low compared to during game play, and the possibility of erroneous detection is low. Therefore, the signal on / off status may not be read twice, and the result of the first read may be saved. This makes it possible to reduce the processing load during inspection mode.

[0288] (Step S470-3) The main CPU 300a determines whether the setting change switch 180s is off. If it is determined that the setting change switch 180s is off, the process proceeds to step S470-5, and if it is determined that the setting change switch 180s is on, the process proceeds to step S470-9.

[0289] (Step S470-5) The main CPU 300a turns off the inspection mode flag, which means that if the setting change switch 180s is turned off during the inspection mode, the inspection mode ends.

[0290] (Step S470-7) The main CPU 300a sets an inspection mode end command indicating that the inspection mode has ended in the transmission buffer and ends the inspection mode process. This notifies the sub-control board 330 that the inspection mode has ended.

[0291] (Step S470-9) 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 process proceeds to step S470-11, and if it is determined that a RAM clear operation signal has not been input, the process proceeds to step S480.

[0292] (Step S470-11) The main CPU 300a sets an initial state in the inspection mode in which lighting control of all the indicators (LED1 to LED32) of the display device unit 150 is started.

[0293] (Step S480) The main CPU 300a executes an input / output management process during the inspection mode, which will be described in detail later.

[0294] (Step S470-13) The main CPU 300a executes an LED display setting process during the inspection mode, in which common data, which is information specifying the LEDs to be lit in order to control the lighting of each display (LED1 to LED32) of the display device unit 150 in a predetermined order by dynamic lighting control, is set in the common output buffer.

[0295] (Step S470-15) The main CPU 300a outputs the common data set in the common output buffer to the output port, and executes dynamic port output processing during the test mode for controlling the lighting of each indicator (LED1 to LED32) of the display device unit 150.

[0296] (Step S470-17) The main CPU 300a refers to the solenoid energization control pattern shown in Fig. 18, and extracts and updates solenoid control data for controlling energization of the first large prize opening solenoid 126c, the second large prize opening solenoid 128c, and the normal electric accessory solenoid 122c, as well as timer data indicating the energization time or de-energization time. Then, based on the extracted and updated solenoid control data, it starts energizing the first large prize opening solenoid 126c, the second large prize opening solenoid 128c, and the normal electric accessory solenoid 122c, or executes solenoid energization control processing during the inspection mode to stop energization of the first large prize opening solenoid 126c, the second large prize opening solenoid 128c, and the normal electric accessory solenoid 122c. By executing this solenoid energization control process, the first large prize opening solenoid 126c, the second large prize opening solenoid 128c, and the normal electric role solenoid 122c will be controlled to start or stop energization in steps S470-19 and S470-21 below.

[0297] (Step S470-19) The main CPU 300a executes a solenoid output image synthesis process during the inspection mode to synthesize the solenoid output images of the normal electric role solenoid 122c, the first large prize opening solenoid 126c, and the second large prize opening solenoid 128c and store them in the output port buffer.

[0298] (Step S470-21) The main CPU 300a executes an inspection mode solenoid output image port output process for outputting the solenoid output image stored in the output port buffer to the output port, and then ends the inspection mode process.

[0299] 31 is a flowchart illustrating the in-test mode input / output management process (S480) according to this embodiment. Note that the in-test mode input / output management process uses the unused areas of the main ROM 300b and the main RAM 300c.

[0300] (Step S480-1) The main CPU 300a sets the detection switches to be inspected. In this embodiment, the detection switches to be inspected are set in the following order: out ball detection switch 130s, first start hole detection switch 120s, second start hole detection switch 122s, gate detection switch 124s, first large prize hole detection switch 126s, first general prize hole detection switch 118as, second general prize hole detection switch 118bs, third general prize hole detection switch 118cs, normal operation hole detection switch 125s, and second large prize hole detection switch 128s.

[0301] (Step S480-3) Main CPU 300a determines whether a signal has been input from the detection switch set in step S480-1. If a signal has been input from the detection switch, the process proceeds to step S480-5. If a signal has not been input from the detection switch, the process proceeds to step S480-7.

[0302] (Step S480-5) The main CPU 300a determines to control the lighting of the indicators of the display device unit 150 corresponding to the detection switches set in step S480-1 above, based on the correspondence shown in Fig. 21. When a signal is input from the first detection switch in the initial state of the inspection mode, all indicators (LED1 to LED32) of the display device unit 150 are temporarily turned off, and then the main CPU 300a determines to control the lighting of the indicators of the display device unit 150 corresponding to the detection switches set in step S480-1 above.

[0303] (Step S480-7) The main CPU 300a determines whether or not the processes of S480-1 to S480-5 have been completed for all of the detection switches to be inspected (10 switches in this embodiment, see FIG. 21). If the processes of S480-1 to S480-5 have been completed for all of the detection switches to be inspected, the main CPU 300a proceeds to step S480-9, and if the processes of S480-1 to S480-5 have not been completed for all of the detection switches to be inspected, the main CPU 300a proceeds to step S480-1.

[0304] (Step S480-9) The main CPU 300a determines whether or not the inspection completion condition is met, which means that all detection switches set as inspection targets have detected the game ball and all of LED1 to LED10 are controlled to light up. If the inspection completion condition is met, the main CPU 300a proceeds to step S480-11, and if the inspection completion condition is not met, the input / output management process during the inspection mode is terminated.

[0305] (Step S480-11) The main CPU 300a sets an initial state in the inspection mode in which lighting control of all the indicators (LED1 to LED32) of the display device unit 150 is started.

[0306] As described above, according to this embodiment, when the power is turned on normally with the inner frame 104 open, the setting change switch 180s on, and the RAM clear button pressed, the gaming machine status flag is set to 01H (setting change state) in the CPU initialization process (FIG. 23). Also, when the power is turned on normally with the inner frame 104 open, the setting change switch 180s on, and the RAM clear button not pressed, the gaming machine status flag is set to 02H (setting confirmation state) in the CPU initialization process (FIG. 23). Thereafter, a timer interrupt process is executed, but because the gaming machine status flag is set to 01H (setting change state) or 02H (setting confirmation state), all processes related to the progress of the game (steps S400-15 to S400-25 in FIG. 27) are stopped, and setting-related processes are executed.

[0307] The setting-related process is repeatedly executed while the setting change switch 180s is on. During the setting-related process, if the gaming machine status flag is set to 01H (setting change state), 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 setting change operations, the registered setting value stored in the setting value buffer is switched to one of multiple setting values ​​in accordance with the setting change operation. Also, during the setting-related process, if the gaming machine status flag is set to 02H (setting confirmation state), pressing the RAM clear button is accepted as an operation to start the inspection mode or to set the initial state of the inspection mode.

[0308] During the inspection mode, the dynamic port output process (step S400-5), port input process (step S400-7), LED display setting process (step S400-29), solenoid output image composition process (step S400-31), and port output process (step S400-33) are not executed. Instead of these processes, during the inspection mode, the following processes are executed: in-inspection-mode input / output management process (step S480), in-inspection-mode LED display setting process (step S470-13), in-inspection-mode dynamic port output process (step S470-15), in-inspection-mode solenoid energization control process (step S470-17), in-inspection-mode solenoid output image composition process (step S470-19), and in-inspection-mode solenoid output image port output process (step S470-21).

[0309] This allows the unused areas of the main ROM 300b and the main RAM 300c to be used for various controls during the inspection mode, without using the used areas of the main ROM 300b and the main RAM 300c. This reduces the risk of the storage capacity of the used areas of the main ROM 300b and the main RAM 300c being overwhelmed by various controls during the inspection mode. Furthermore, by not executing the dynamic port output process (step S400-5), port input process (step S400-7), LED display setting process (step S400-29), solenoid output image composition process (step S400-31), and port output process (step S400-33) during the inspection mode, it is possible to reduce the risk of erroneous detection of various errors or unintentional fluctuations in special games or regular games starting when the inspection mode ends and the game enters a playable state.

[0310] 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.

[0311] FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating the switch management process (step S500) in the main control board 300 according to this embodiment.

[0312] (Step S500-1) The main CPU 300a determines whether the gate detection switch is turned on or the normal operation port detection switch is turned on, that is, whether a gaming ball has passed through the gate 124 and the detection signal from the gate detection switch 124s has been turned on, or whether a gaming ball has entered the normal operation port 125 and the detection signal from the normal operation port detection switch 125s has been turned on. If it is determined that the gate detection switch is turned on or the normal operation port detection switch is turned on, the process proceeds to step S510, and if it is determined that the gate detection switch is not turned on or the normal operation port detection switch is not turned on, the process proceeds to step S500-3.

[0313] (Step S510) The main CPU 300a executes gate passage processing based on the passage of the gaming ball through the gate 124 (entry of the gaming ball into the normal operation port 125). Details of this gate passage processing will be described later.

[0314] (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.

[0315] (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.

[0316] (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.

[0317] (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.

[0318] (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.

[0319] (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.

[0320] (Step S500-11) The main CPU 300a determines whether the general winning port detection switch is on, that is, whether a gaming ball has entered the first general winning port 118a, the second general winning port 118b, or the third general winning port 118c and a detection signal has been input from the first general winning port detection switch 118as, the second general winning port detection switch 118bs, or the third general winning port detection switch 118cs. If it is determined that the general winning port detection switch is on, the process proceeds to step S500-13, and if it is determined that the general winning port detection switch is not on, the process proceeds to step S500-15.

[0321] (Step S500-13) The main CPU 300a sets the general prize slot winning designation command in the transmission buffer.

[0322] (Step S500-15) 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 S500-17, and if it is determined that the out ball detection switch is not on, the switch management process is terminated.

[0323] (Step S500-17) The main CPU 300a sets the out ball detection designation command in the transmission buffer and ends the switch management process.

[0324] FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating the gate passage process (step S510) in the main control board 300 according to this embodiment.

[0325] (Step S510-1) The main CPU 300a loads the winning determination random number updated by the hardware random number generator.

[0326] (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.

[0327] (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.

[0328] (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.

[0329] (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.

[0330] (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.

[0331] FIG. 34 is a flowchart illustrating the first start port passage process (step S520) in the main control board 300 according to this embodiment.

[0332] (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.

[0333] (Step S520-3) The main CPU 300a sets the address of the special symbol 1 reserved ball number counter.

[0334] (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.

[0335] FIG. 35 is a flowchart illustrating the second start port passage process (step S530) in the main control board 300 according to this embodiment.

[0336] (Step S530-1) The main CPU 300a sets "01H" as the special symbol identification value.

[0337] (Step S530-3) The main CPU 300a sets the address of the special symbol 2 reserved ball number counter.

[0338] (Step S535) The main CPU 300a executes a special symbol random number acquisition process, which will be described later.

[0339] (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.

[0340] (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.

[0341] (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.

[0342] 36 is a flowchart illustrating the special symbol random number acquisition process (step S535) in the main control board 300 according to this embodiment. This special symbol random number acquisition process is executed using a common module in the first start opening passage process (step S520) and the second start opening passage process (step S530) described above.

[0343] (Step S535-1) The main CPU 300a loads the special symbol identification value set in step S520-1 or step S530-1.

[0344] (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.

[0345] (Step S535-5) The main CPU 300a loads the jackpot determination random number updated by the hardware random number generator.

[0346] (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 S535-21. If it is determined that the number is not equal to or greater than the upper limit, the process proceeds to step S535-9.

[0347] (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.

[0348] (Step S535-11) The main CPU 300a determines which of the eight storage units in the special chart reservation storage area is the target storage unit in which the acquired jackpot determination random number is to be saved.

[0349] (Step S535-13) The main CPU 300a obtains the jackpot determination random number loaded in step S535-5, the winning pattern random number updated in step S400-19, the reach group determination random number 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.

[0350] (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.

[0351] (Step S536) The main CPU 300a executes an acquisition time effect determination process to perform a provisional big role lottery, provisionally determine a winning symbol, and provisionally determine variable information 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 is transmitted to the sub-control board 330. This acquisition time effect determination process will be described later.

[0352] (Step S535-17) 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.

[0353] (Step S535-19) The main CPU 300a sets the special symbol reservation designation command in the transmission buffer based on the counter value loaded in step S535-17 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.

[0354] (Step S535-21) The main CPU 300a loads the normal game management phase.

[0355] (Step S535-23) The main CPU 300a checks the normal game management phase loaded in step S535-21 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 S535-25, 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.

[0356] (Step S535-25) 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).

[0357] FIG. 37 is a flowchart illustrating the acquisition time performance determination process (step S536) in the main control board 300 according to this embodiment.

[0358] (Step S536-1) The main CPU 300a selects a corresponding jackpot determination random number determination table based on the currently set value. Specifically, the main CPU 300a selects a corresponding jackpot determination random number determination table based on the current game state and the currently set value. Then, the main CPU 300a performs a special symbol win provisional determination process to provisionally determine whether a jackpot, a minor win, or a miss is generated based on the selected table and the jackpot determination random number stored in the target memory unit in step S535-13.

[0359] (Step S536-3) The main CPU 300a executes a special symbol provisional determination process for provisionally determining a special symbol. Here, if the result of the provisional big win lottery in step S536-1 (the result derived by the special symbol provisional win determination process) is a big win or a small win, the winning symbol random number, winning type (whether it is a big win or a small win), and reserved type stored in the target memory in step S535-13 are loaded, the corresponding winning symbol random number determination table is selected, special symbol determination data is extracted, and the extracted special symbol determination data (type of big win symbol or small win symbol) is saved. Also, if the result of the provisional big win lottery in step S536-1 is a loss, a predetermined special symbol determination data for a loss (type of loss symbol) is saved.

[0360] (Step S536-5) The main CPU 300a sets in the transmission buffer a look-ahead symbol type designation command (look-ahead designation command) corresponding to the special symbol determination data saved in step S536-3.

[0361] (Step S536-7) The main CPU 300a determines whether the result derived by the special symbol winning provisional determination process in the above step S536-1 is a big win or a small win. If it is determined to be a big win or a small win, the main CPU 300a proceeds to step S536-9, and if it is determined to be neither a big win nor a small win (a miss), the main CPU 300a proceeds to step S536-11.

[0362] (Step S536-9) The main CPU 300a sets the random number judgment table for determining the reach mode at the big win (see FIGS. 10(b) and 10(c)) or the random number judgment table for determining the reach mode at the small win (see FIGS. 10(d) and 10(e)), and moves the process to step S536-19.

[0363] (Step S536-11) The main CPU 300a loads the reach group determination random number stored in the target storage unit in step S535-13.

[0364] (Step S536-13) The main CPU 300a determines whether the reach group determination random number loaded in step S536-11 above is a fixed value (8500 or greater). Here, the group type is determined by referring to a reach group determination random number determination table, and this reach group determination random number determination table is selected according to the stored number of reserved positions. At this time, the reach group determination random number is acquired from a range of 0 to 10006, and if the value of the reach group determination random number is 8500 or greater, the same reach group determination random number determination table is selected regardless of the number of reserved positions, and if the value of the reach group determination random number is less than 8500, a different reach group determination random number determination table is selected depending on the number of reserved positions. Hereinafter, among the reach group determination random numbers, values ​​in the range of 0 to 8499, which select different reach group determination random number determination tables depending on the number of reserved positions, are referred to as indefinite values, and values ​​in the range of 8500 to 10006, which select the same reach group determination random number determination table regardless of the number of reserved positions, are referred to as fixed values. If it is determined that the reach group determination random number loaded in step S536-11 above is a fixed value (8500 or more), processing proceeds to step S536-15, and if it is determined that the reach group determination random number loaded in step S536-11 above is not a fixed value (8500 or more), processing proceeds to step S536-27.

[0365] (Step S536-15) The main CPU 300a sets a reach group determination random number judgment table (see FIG. 9). Note that there are multiple types of reach group determination random number judgment tables provided depending on the number of reserved positions, but here, a table to be used when the number of reserved positions is 0 is selected. Then, a reach group (group type) is provisionally determined based on the set reach group determination random number judgment table and the reach group determination random number stored in the target memory unit in step S535-13 above.

[0366] (Step S536-17) The main CPU 300a sets the reach mode determination random number judgment table (see FIG. 10(a)) when losing, which corresponds to the group type provisionally determined in step S536-15, and moves the process to step S536-19.

[0367] (Step S536-19) The main CPU 300a provisionally determines a variation mode number based on the reach mode determination random number judgment table set in the above step S536-9 or step S536-17 and the reach mode determination random number stored in the target memory unit in the above step S535-13. Here, a variation pattern random number judgment table is provisionally determined together with the variation mode number.

[0368] (Step S536-21) The main CPU 300a sets in the transmission buffer a read-ahead designation variation mode command (read-ahead designation command) corresponding to the variation mode number provisionally determined in step S536-19.

[0369] (Step S536-23) The main CPU 300a provisionally determines a variation pattern number based on the variation pattern random number determination table provisionally determined in the above step S536-19 and the variation pattern random number stored in the target storage unit in the above step S535-13.

[0370] (Step S536-25) The main CPU 300a sets the look-ahead designated variation pattern command (look-ahead designation command) corresponding to the variation pattern number provisionally determined in the above step S536-23 in the transmission buffer, and ends the effect determination process at the time of acquisition.

[0371] (Step S536-27) The main CPU 300a sets in the transmission buffer an indefinite value command (pre-read specified variable mode command and pre-read specified variable pattern command = 7FH) indicating that the group type, i.e., the variable presentation pattern, will change depending on the number of holds when the hold is read out for the hold newly stored in the target memory unit, and terminates the presentation determination process at the time of acquisition.

[0372] 38 is a diagram illustrating the special game management phase according to this embodiment. As already explained, in this embodiment, a special game triggered by the entry of a game ball into the first start gate 120 or the second start gate 122 and a normal game triggered by the passage of a game ball through the gate 124 (entry of a game ball into the normal operation gate 125) 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.

[0373] As shown in FIG. 38, 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.

[0374] FIG. 39 is a flowchart illustrating the special game management process (step S600) in the main control board 300.

[0375] (Step S600-1) The main CPU 300a loads the special game management phase.

[0376] (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.

[0377] (Step S600-5) The main CPU 300a calls the special game control module selected in step S600-3 and starts processing.

[0378] (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.

[0379] 40 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".

[0380] (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.

[0381] (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.

[0382] (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.

[0383] (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.

[0384] (Step S611) The main CPU 300a executes a special symbol winning determination process for performing a lottery for a major role. This special symbol winning determination process will be described later.

[0385] (Step S610-11) The main CPU 300a executes a special symbol determination process to determine a special symbol. Here, if the determination information (the result of the major role lottery) stored in step S611 is a big win or a small win, the win type (whether it is a big win or a small win) and the reserve type are loaded, and the corresponding winning symbol random number determination table is set. Then, the set winning symbol random number determination table is referenced, and special symbol determination data is extracted using the winning symbol random number transferred to the 0th storage unit, and the extracted special symbol determination data (type of big win symbol or small win symbol) is saved. On the other hand, if the result of the major role lottery stored in step S611 is a loss, if the reserve type is special 1 reserve, special symbol X is saved as a losing symbol, and if the reserve type is special 2 reserve, special symbol Y is saved as a losing symbol. Here, a symbol type designation command corresponding to the saved special symbol determination data is set in the transmission buffer.

[0386] (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. As described above, the first special symbol display device 160 is composed of eight predetermined indicators (LED1 to LED8). The second special symbol display device 162 is composed of eight predetermined indicators (LED9 to LED16). Each indicator constituting the first special symbol display device 160 and each indicator constituting the second special symbol display device 162 is associated with a number (counter value). The special symbol stop symbol number determined here indicates the number (counter value) of the indicator that will ultimately be lit.

[0387] (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.

[0388] (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.

[0389] (Step S610-17) The main CPU 300a performs a reserve area setting process for storing the game status when the big role lottery is executed in a game status buffer, etc. In addition, in this reserve area setting process, when the result of the big role lottery is a big win, game status information to be set after the big role game, the type of big win symbol (special symbol determination data), etc. are stored in the reserve area of ​​the main RAM 300c.

[0390] (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 indicator (LED) constituting the first special symbol display device 160 and the second special symbol display device 162, and the indicator corresponding to the counter value set in the special symbol display symbol counter is controlled to light up. Here, the counter value corresponding to the indicator that is turned on when the variable display of special symbols 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.

[0391] (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.

[0392] (Step S610-23) The main CPU 300a updates the special game management phase to "01H" and ends the special symbol change waiting process.

[0393] FIG. 41 is a flowchart illustrating the special symbol winning determination process (S611) according to this embodiment.

[0394] (Step S611-1) The main CPU 300a loads the special symbol probability state flag.

[0395] (Step S611-3) The main CPU 300a loads the registered setting values ​​in the setting value buffer.

[0396] (Step S611-5) The main CPU 300a determines whether the registered setting value loaded in step S611-3 is within the normal range. If it is determined that the value is within the normal range, the process proceeds to step S611-11. If it is determined that the value is not within the normal range, the process proceeds to step S611-7.

[0397] (Step S611-7) The main CPU 300a sets the gaming machine status flag to 03H (setting abnormal status).

[0398] (Step S611-9) The main CPU 300a sets the setting abnormality state command (sub-command) in the transmission buffer and ends the special symbol winning determination process. When this setting abnormality state command is sent to the sub-control board 330, a notification that a setting abnormality has occurred is issued.

[0399] (Step S611-11) The main CPU 300a refers to the big win determination random number judgment table corresponding to the information loaded in steps S611-1 and S611-3, and sets the lower and upper limits for determining a big win or a small win.

[0400] (Step S611-13) The main CPU 300a compares the big win determination random number transferred to the 0th storage unit with the above-mentioned lower limit value and upper limit value, and performs a determination process (big win lottery) to determine whether a big win or a small win has been won.

[0401] (Step S611-15) The main CPU 300a sets the result of the determination process in step S611-13 as determination information, and ends the special symbol winning determination process.

[0402] FIG. 42 is a flowchart illustrating the special symbol variable number determination process in the main control board 300 according to this embodiment.

[0403] (Step S612-1) The main CPU 300a determines whether the fluctuation pattern selection status flag is 01H or greater. If it is determined that the fluctuation pattern selection status flag is 01H or greater, the process proceeds to step S612-3. If it is determined that the fluctuation pattern selection status flag is not 01H or greater, the process proceeds to step S612-5.

[0404] Here, there are five types of fluctuation pattern selection state flags: 00H, 01H, 02H, 03H, and 04H. Each fluctuation pattern selection state flag indicates a fluctuation state, with 00H corresponding to the normal fluctuation state, 01H corresponding to the first fluctuation state, 02H corresponding to the second fluctuation state, 03H corresponding to the third fluctuation state, and 04H corresponding to the fourth fluctuation state. The fluctuation state determines which table (reach group determination random number determination table, reach mode determination random number determination table, or fluctuation pattern random number determination table) is selected.

[0405] In the first to fourth variation states, it is specified which table to select for each number of times (number of variations) of the pattern variation display in each variation state. Therefore, when the variation pattern selection state flag is 01H or more, the main CPU 300a selects a preset table based on both the variation pattern selection state flag and the number of variations, and determines the variation information by referring to the selected table. On the other hand, in the normal variation state, regardless of the number of variations, it determines the variation information by referring to the table corresponding to the game state being set.

[0406] (Step S612-3) The main CPU 300a increments the fluctuation counter, which counts the number of fluctuations in the current fluctuation state.

[0407] (Step S612-5) The main CPU 300a determines whether the result of the major role lottery in step S611 is a big win or a small win. If it is determined to be a big win or a small win, the process proceeds to step S612-7, and if it is determined to be neither a big win nor a small win (a miss), the process proceeds to step S612-11.

[0408] (Step S612-7) The main CPU 300a loads the variation pattern selection state flag.

[0409] (Step S612-9) When the variation pattern selection status flag loaded in the above step S612-7 is 01H or more, the main CPU300a sets a reach mode determination random number judgment table based on the variation pattern selection status flag and the counter value of the variation number counter. Also, when the variation pattern selection status flag loaded in the above step S612-7 is 00H, the main CPU300a sets a reach mode determination random number judgment table corresponding to the current game status and reserved type.

[0410] (Step S612-11) 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.

[0411] (Step S612-13) The main CPU 300a loads the variation pattern selection state flag.

[0412] (Step S612-15) If the variation pattern selection status flag loaded in step S612-13 is 01H or higher, the main CPU 300a sets a reach group determination random number judgment table based on the variation pattern selection status flag, the counter value of the variation count counter, the hold type, and the number of holds confirmed in step S612-11. On the other hand, if the variation pattern selection status flag loaded in step S612-13 is 00H, the main CPU 300a sets a corresponding reach group determination random number judgment table based on the current game state, the number of holds confirmed in step S612-11, and the hold type. Then, the reach group (group type) is determined based on the set reach group determination random number judgment table and the reach group determination random number transferred to the 0th memory unit in step S610-7.

[0413] (Step S612-17) 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 S612-15.

[0414] (Step S612-19) The main CPU 300a determines a variation mode number based on the reach mode determination random number judgment table set in the above step S612-9 or the above step S612-17 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.

[0415] (Step S612-21) The main CPU 300a sets the fluctuation mode command corresponding to the fluctuation mode number determined in step S612-19 in the transmission buffer.

[0416] (Step S612-23) The main CPU 300a determines a variation pattern number based on the variation pattern random number determination table determined in step S612-19 above and the variation pattern random number transferred to the 0th storage unit in step S610-7 above.

[0417] (Step S612-25) The main CPU 300a sets the variation pattern command corresponding to the variation pattern number determined in the above step S612-23 in the transmission buffer, and ends the special symbol variation number determination process.

[0418] 43 is a flowchart illustrating the special symbol variation process in the main control board 300 according to this embodiment. This special symbol variation process is executed when the special game management phase is "01H".

[0419] (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.

[0420] (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.

[0421] (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.

[0422] (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.

[0423] (Step S620-9) The main CPU 300a updates the special symbol display timer that measures the lighting time of each display that constitutes 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.

[0424] (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.

[0425] (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, whereby each display device lights up in sequence at predetermined time intervals.

[0426] (Step S620-15) The main CPU 300a updates the special game management phase to "02H".

[0427] (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.

[0428] (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.

[0429] (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.

[0430] 44 is a flowchart illustrating the special symbol stop symbol display process in the main control board 300 according to this embodiment. This special symbol stop symbol display process is executed when the special game management phase is "02H".

[0431] (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.

[0432] (Step S630-3) The main CPU 300a checks the result of the big role lottery.

[0433] (Step S630-5) The main CPU 300a determines whether the result of the big win lottery is a jackpot. If it is determined to be a jackpot, the process proceeds to step S630-19. If it is determined not to be a jackpot, the process proceeds to step S630-7.

[0434] (Step S630-7) The main CPU 300a executes a count-off management process. Here, the special symbol probability state flag is loaded to check whether the current gaming state is a low-probability gaming state or a high-probability gaming state. If the gaming state is a high-probability gaming state, the counter value of the high-probability count-off counter is updated to a value obtained by subtracting "1" from the current counter value. If the counter value becomes "0" as a result of updating the high-probability count-off counter, the special symbol probability state flag corresponding to the low-probability gaming state is set. As a result, in a high-probability gaming state, when a special symbol is confirmed a predetermined number of times without winning a jackpot, the gaming state transitions to a low-probability gaming state.

[0435] In addition, a time-saving state flag for identifying whether the game state is a non-time-saving state or a time-saving state is loaded, and it is confirmed whether the current game state is a non-time-saving state or a time-saving state. If the game state is a time-saving state, the counter value of the time-saving count counter is updated to a value obtained by subtracting "1" from the current counter value. If the counter value becomes "0" as a result of updating the time-saving count counter, a time-saving state flag corresponding to the non-time-saving state is set. As a result, in the time-saving state, when a special symbol is confirmed a predetermined number of times without winning a jackpot, the game state transitions to a non-time-saving state.

[0436] (Step S631) The main CPU 300a performs a variable state update process to update the variable state, which will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0437] (Step S630-11) 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.

[0438] (Step S630-13) The main CPU 300a sets a count command for transmitting the high probability count and the time reduction count updated in the above step S630-7 to the sub-control board 330 in the transmission buffer.

[0439] (Step S630-15) 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 S630-21. If it is determined not to be a small win, the process proceeds to step S630-17.

[0440] (Step S630-17) 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.

[0441] (Step S630-19) The main CPU 300a resets (sets) the gaming state to the initial state, that is, the low-probability gaming state and the non-time-shortening gaming state.

[0442] (Step S630-21) The main CPU 300a sets data in the special electric accessory operation RAM set table according to the type of the determined special symbol.

[0443] (Step S630-23) The main CPU 300a performs a process for setting the maximum number of times a special electric device is activated. Specifically, by referencing the data set in step S630-21, a predetermined number (the counter value corresponding to the type of special symbol = the number of rounds) is set as a counter value in the maximum number of times a special electric device is activated counter. This maximum number of times a special electric device is activated counter indicates the number of rounds that can be executed in the big role game that is about to start. Meanwhile, the main RAM 300c is provided with a counter for the number of consecutive times a special electric device is activated, and the current number of rounds is managed by adding "1" to the counter value of the counter for the number of consecutive times a special electric device is activated at the start of each round of play. Here, a process for resetting (updating to "0") the counter value of the counter for the number of consecutive times a special electric device is activated is also executed upon the start of the big role game.

[0444] (Step S630-25) The main CPU 300a refers to the data set in step S630-21 and saves a predetermined opening time as a timer value in the special game timer.

[0445] (Step S630-27) The main CPU 300a sets in the transmission buffer an opening designation command for transmitting the start of a major win game or a minor 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 S630-25 is set in the transmission buffer.

[0446] (Step S630-29) If the result of the big win lottery confirmed in step S630-3 is a big win, the main CPU 300a updates the special game management phase to "07H", and if it is a small win, updates the special game management phase to "03H" and ends the special symbol stop symbol display process. This starts the big win game or small win game.

[0447] FIG. 45 is a flowchart illustrating the variable state update process in the main control board 300 according to this embodiment.

[0448] (Step S631-1) The main CPU 300a determines whether the fluctuation pattern selection status flag is 01H or greater. If it is determined that the fluctuation pattern selection status flag is 01H or greater, the process proceeds to step S631-3. If it is determined that the fluctuation pattern selection status flag is not 01H or greater, the process proceeds to step S631-9.

[0449] (Step S631-3) The main CPU 300a determines whether the number of changes has reached a specified number of times. If it is determined that the number of changes has reached the specified number of times, the process proceeds to step S631-5. If it is determined that the number of changes has not reached the specified number of times, the process proceeds to step S631-9.

[0450] (Step S631-5) The main CPU 300a resets (to 0) the counter value (number of fluctuations) of the fluctuation number counter.

[0451] (Step S631-7) The main CPU 300a updates the variation pattern selection status flag to 00H.

[0452] (Step S631-9) The main CPU 300a loads the fluctuation pattern selection state flag, sets a fluctuation state designation command corresponding to the loaded fluctuation pattern selection state flag, and ends the fluctuation state update process.

[0453] 46 is a flowchart illustrating the process before opening the special prize opening in the main control board 300 according to this embodiment. This process before opening the special prize opening is executed when the special game management phase is "03H" or "07H."

[0454] (Step S640-1) The main CPU 300a judges whether the timer value of the special game timer is not "0." If it is judged 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 judged that the timer value of the special game timer is "0," the process proceeds to step S640-3.

[0455] (Step S640-3) 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.

[0456] (Step S640-5) The main CPU 300a sets in the transmission buffer a special prize opening designation command for transmitting to the sub-control board 330 the start of opening of the first special prize opening 126 and the second special prize opening 128 (start of a round game).

[0457] (Step S641) The main CPU 300a executes a special prize opening / closing switching process, which will be described later.

[0458] (Step S640-7) 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.

[0459] FIG. 47 is a flowchart illustrating the special prize opening / closing switching process in the main control board 300 according to this embodiment.

[0460] (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.

[0461] (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.

[0462] (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.

[0463] (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.

[0464] (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.

[0465] (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.

[0466] 48 is a flowchart illustrating the special prize opening control process in the main control board 300 according to this embodiment. This special prize opening control process is executed when the special game management phase is "04H" or "08H."

[0467] (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.

[0468] (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.

[0469] (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.

[0470] (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.

[0471] (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.

[0472] (Step S650-9) The main CPU 300a saves the effective time (interval time) for closing the big prize opening in the special game timer.

[0473] (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").

[0474] (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.

[0475] 49 is a flowchart illustrating the special prize opening closure validity process in the main control board 300 according to this embodiment. This special prize opening closure validity process is executed when the special game management phase is "05H" or "09H."

[0476] (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.

[0477] (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.

[0478] (Step S660-5) The main CPU 300a updates the special game management phase to "03H". 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.

[0479] (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.

[0480] (Step S660-9) The main CPU 300a executes an ending time setting process for saving the ending time in a special game timer.

[0481] (Step S660-11) The main CPU 300a updates the special game management phase to a value obtained by adding 01H to the current value ("06H" or "0AH").

[0482] (Step S660-13) 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.

[0483] 50 is a flowchart illustrating the special prize gate end wait process in the main control board 300 according to this embodiment. This special prize gate end wait process is executed when the special game management phase is "06H" or "0AH".

[0484] (Step S670-1) The main CPU 300a determines whether the timer value of the special game timer saved in step S660-9 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.

[0485] (Step S670-3) The main CPU 300a executes a state setting process to set the game state after the big win game ends. Here, the game state after the big win game ends is set based on the jackpot symbol that triggered the execution of the big win game. Specifically, if the jackpot symbol that triggered the execution of the big win game is special symbol B or C, the game state is set to a high probability game state and a time-saving game state, and the number of high probability and time-saving times is set to 10,000. Also, if the jackpot symbol that triggered the execution of the big win game is special symbol A, the game state is set to a low probability game state and a time-saving game state, and the number of time-saving times is set to 100.

[0486] In addition, here, a process is also performed to set the fluctuation pattern selection state flag and the number of fluctuations in order to set the fluctuation state after the end of the big win game or the small win game, based on the big win pattern that triggered the execution of the big win game or the small win pattern that triggered the execution of the small win game.

[0487] (Step S670-5) The main CPU 300a sets in the transmission buffer a game state change designation command for transmitting the game state to be set after the big win game ends.

[0488] (Step S670-7) The main CPU 300a sets the number-of-times designation command corresponding to the high-probability number of times and the time-shortening number of times saved in the above step S670-3 in the transmission buffer.

[0489] (Step S670-9) The main CPU 300a sets in the transmission buffer a variable state designation command for transmitting the variable state to be set after the end of the big win game or the small win game.

[0490] (Step S670-11) 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.

[0491] 51 is a diagram illustrating the normal game management phase according to this embodiment. As already explained, in this embodiment, the processing related to the normal game triggered by the passage of the game ball through the gate 124 (entry of the game ball into the normal game operating port 125) 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.

[0492] As shown in FIG. 51, 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.

[0493] FIG. 52 is a flowchart illustrating the normal game management process (step S700) in the main control board 300 according to this embodiment.

[0494] (Step S700-1) The main CPU 300a loads the normal game management phase.

[0495] (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.

[0496] (Step S700-5) The main CPU 300a calls the normal game control module selected in step S700-3 and starts processing.

[0497] (Step S700-7) The main CPU 300a loads a normal game timer that manages the control time of the normal game.

[0498] 53 is a flowchart illustrating the normal symbol change waiting process in the main control board 300 according to this embodiment. This normal symbol change waiting process is executed when the normal game management phase is "00H".

[0499] (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.

[0500] (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.

[0501] (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.

[0502] (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 device 168 is composed of one LED lamp, and in the case of a win, the normal symbol display device 168 is turned on, and in the case of a loss, the normal symbol display device 168 is turned off. The normal symbol stop symbol number determined here indicates whether or not the normal symbol display device 168 will ultimately be 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.

[0503] (Step S710-9) The main CPU 300a checks the current game state, and selects and sets the corresponding normal symbol variation time data table.

[0504] (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.

[0505] (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.

[0506] (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, for example, "0" is set in this normal symbol display symbol counter, 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.

[0507] (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.

[0508] (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.

[0509] (Step S710-21) The main CPU 300a updates the normal game management phase to "01H" and ends the normal symbol change waiting process.

[0510] 54 is a flowchart illustrating the normal symbol variation process in the main control board 300 according to this embodiment. This normal symbol variation process is executed when the normal game management phase is "01H".

[0511] (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.

[0512] (Step S720-3) The main CPU 300a updates the normal symbol display timer that measures the lighting time and the lighting-off 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 more, the timer value is updated to a value obtained by subtracting "1" from the current timer value.

[0513] (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.

[0514] (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 device 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 device 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 device 168 will repeatedly turn on and off (flash) at predetermined time intervals over the normal symbol variation time.

[0515] (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 device 168 is finally turned on or off, and the result of the normal symbol lottery is announced.

[0516] (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.

[0517] (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.

[0518] (Step S720-15) The main CPU 300a updates the normal game management phase to "02H" and ends the normal pattern variation processing.

[0519] 55 is a flowchart illustrating the normal symbol stop symbol display process in the main control board 300 according to this embodiment. This normal symbol stop symbol display process is executed when the normal game management phase is "02H".

[0520] (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.

[0521] (Step S730-3) The main CPU 300a checks the result of the regular lottery.

[0522] (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.

[0523] (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.

[0524] (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.

[0525] (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.

[0526] 56 is a flowchart explaining the normal electric device winning opening pre-processing in the main control board 300 according to this embodiment. This normal electric device winning opening pre-processing is executed when the normal game management phase is "03H".

[0527] (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.

[0528] (Step S741) The main CPU 300a executes a normal electric accessory winning opening opening / closing switching process, which will be described later.

[0529] (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.

[0530] Figure 57 is a flowchart explaining the normal electric role winning opening / closing switching process in the main control board 300 according to this embodiment.

[0531] (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.

[0532] (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.

[0533] (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.

[0534] (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.

[0535] (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.

[0536] (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.

[0537] 58 is a flowchart explaining the normal electric device winning opening control process in the main control board 300 according to this embodiment. This normal electric device winning opening control process is executed when the normal game management phase is "04H".

[0538] (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.

[0539] (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.

[0540] (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.

[0541] (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.

[0542] (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.

[0543] (Step S750-9) The main CPU 300a saves the normal power valid state time in the normal game timer.

[0544] (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.

[0545] 59 is a flowchart explaining the normal electric device winning hole closing validity process in the main control board 300 according to this embodiment. This normal electric device winning hole closing validity process is executed when the normal game management phase is "05H".

[0546] (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.

[0547] (Step S760-3) The main CPU 300a saves the normal power end wait time in the normal game timer.

[0548] (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.

[0549] 60 is a flowchart explaining the normal electric device winning port end wait processing in the main control board 300 according to this embodiment. This normal electric device winning port end wait processing is executed when the normal game management phase is "06H".

[0550] (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.

[0551] (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.

[0552] The following describes various effects that are executed during the setting confirmation state and the inspection mode. As described above, 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 state is entered and a setting confirmation state designation command is sent to the sub-control board 330. When the setting confirmation state designation command is received from the main control board 300, a setting confirmation menu screen as shown in Figure 61(a) is displayed on the main effect display unit 200a. Figure 61(a) is a diagram illustrating an example of the setting confirmation menu screen.

[0553] As shown in FIG. 61(a), on the setting confirmation menu screen, the words "setting confirmation in progress" or an image indicating that the setting confirmation is in progress is displayed at the top of the main effect display section 200a.

[0554] Then, in the center of the main effect display section 200a, items that can be selected by operating the cross key 209 are displayed. In the example shown in FIG. 61(a), "Error History" and "Armature Menu" are displayed as selectable items. "Error History" is a menu that allows the user to chronologically check the history of errors that have occurred during the operation of the gaming machine 100, setting changes, and setting confirmations. "Armature Menu" is a menu that allows the user to set an "energy saving mode" that reduces power consumption, set the illumination mode of the frame lamp in a game standby state, and set the illumination mode of the frame lamp during play. When a confirmation operation (pressing the effect button 208) is performed on the setting confirmation menu screen, a details screen (not shown) corresponding to the selected item is displayed on the main effect display section 200a.

[0555] Also, as shown in FIG. 61(a), on the setting confirmation menu screen, the text or image "Press RAM clear button to enter inspection mode" is displayed at the bottom of the main effect display section 200a.

[0556] Then, when the RAM clear button is pressed, the inspection mode starts and an inspection mode start command is sent to the sub-control board 330. When the inspection mode start command is received from the main control board 300, an inspection mode menu screen as shown in Figure 61(b) is displayed on the main performance display unit 200a. Figure 61(b) is a diagram illustrating an example of the inspection mode menu screen.

[0557] As shown in FIG. 61(b), on the inspection mode menu screen, the words "in inspection mode" or an image indicating that the inspection mode is in progress is displayed at the top of the main effect display section 200a.

[0558] Also, as shown in Fig. 61(b), on the inspection mode menu screen, items that can be selected by operating the cross key 209 are displayed in the center of the main performance display section 200a. In the example shown in Fig. 61(b), the selectable items displayed are "Input device / speaker inspection," "LED inspection," and "Movable role inspection." When a confirmation operation (pressing the performance button 208) is performed on the inspection mode menu screen, an inspection screen corresponding to the selected item is displayed on the main performance display section 200a.

[0559] Also, as shown in Figure 61(b), on the menu screen during inspection mode, the text or image "To end inspection mode, return the setting key to OFF (horizontal)" is displayed at the bottom of the main performance display section 200a.

[0560] FIG. 62(a) is a diagram illustrating an example of the first test screen. When a confirm operation is performed with the "Input Device / Speaker Test" item selected on the test mode menu screen (FIG. 61(b)), the first test screen shown in FIG. 62(a) is displayed on the main performance display unit 200a. When the first test screen is displayed, an output operation is started in which predetermined test sounds are output sequentially from each of the multiple audio output devices 206. Also, as shown in FIG. 62(a), a test completion indication (a circle displayed to the left of "left center speaker" in the example shown in FIG. 62(a)) is displayed corresponding to the audio output device 206 that successfully output the test sound.

[0561] Furthermore, when a press of the cross key 209, light intensity adjustment button 230, or volume adjustment button 232, which is the test object, is detected while the first test screen is being displayed, an inspection completed indication (in the example shown in Figure 62(a), a circle displayed to the left of the "cross key") is displayed corresponding to the test object (cross key 209, light intensity adjustment button 230, or volume adjustment button 232) for which a press operation was detected.

[0562] That is, while the first test screen is being displayed, a test is performed to determine whether the audio output device 206, the cross key 209, the light amount adjustment button 230, and the volume adjustment button 232 are operable normally.

[0563] Furthermore, if a press of the effect button 208 is detected while the first examination screen is being displayed, the examination of the audio output device 206, the cross key 209, the light intensity adjustment button 230, and the volume adjustment button 232 is interrupted. Then, the display of the first examination screen ends, and the examination mode menu screen (FIG. 61(b)) is displayed again on the main effect display unit 200a.

[0564] The menu screen during the examination mode may also notify the progress of the examinations performed on the first to third examination screens. For example, if the examination on the first examination screen has not yet been performed, an image with "-" written next to "Input Device / Speaker Examination" may be displayed, if the examination on the first examination screen has been performed without any abnormalities, an image with "○" written next to "Input Device / Speaker Examination" may be displayed, and if an abnormality is detected in the examination on the first examination screen, an image with "X" written next to "Input Device / Speaker Examination" may be displayed.

[0565] It is also possible to store the inspection history during the inspection mode. For example, a menu screen during the inspection mode may have a selection item for storing the current inspection details and a selection item for displaying the stored inspection details (the inspection results and the inspection date and time). This configuration allows a history of abnormalities found at the gaming parlor to be recorded, and the details of the abnormalities can be confirmed as a history when the machine is received and inspected at the manufacturer's factory, which can lead to identifying the malfunction location and reducing the labor required for repairs.

[0566] Figure 62(b) is a diagram illustrating an example of the second inspection screen. When a confirm operation is performed with the "LED inspection" item selected on the inspection mode menu screen (Figure 61(b)), the second inspection screen shown in Figure 62(b) is displayed on the main performance display unit 200a. When the second inspection screen is displayed, a lighting operation is initiated to control the lighting of the performance lighting device 204 based on a predetermined light emission mode. As the predetermined light emission mode, for example, the lighting of the performance lighting device 204 may be controlled to repeatedly emit white light (for 1 second), red light (for 1 second), green light (for 1 second), and blue light (for 1 second) in this order.

[0567] That is, while the second inspection screen is displayed, an inspection is carried out to see whether or not the lighting effect device 204 can operate normally. The inspection of the lighting effect device 204 is mainly carried out by visual inspection by an inspector, but if an abnormality is found, the information that there was an abnormality and the location of the abnormality can be stored by a predetermined operation (an abnormality history storage operation) of an input device such as the effect button 208 or the cross key 209.

[0568] Furthermore, if a press of the effect button 208 is detected while the second inspection screen is being displayed, the inspection of the effect lighting device 204 is interrupted. Then, the display of the second inspection screen ends, and the inspection mode menu screen (FIG. 61(b)) is displayed again on the main performance display unit 200a.

[0569] FIG. 62(c) is a diagram illustrating an example of the third inspection screen. When the "Movable Prop Inspection" item is selected on the inspection mode menu screen (FIG. 61(b)) and a confirm operation is performed, the third inspection screen shown in FIG. 62(c) is displayed on the main performance display unit 200a. When the third inspection screen is displayed, the prop device 202 is driven and controlled from the initial position to the operating position based on a predetermined operating mode, and then an initial operation is started in which the prop device 202 is driven and controlled from the operating position to the initial position. During the initial operation, the remaining time until the initial operation is completed may be displayed on the main performance display unit 200a. The initial operation may be performed repeatedly, or may be performed only a predetermined number of times.

[0570] That is, while the third inspection screen is displayed, an inspection is carried out to see whether the prop device 202 can operate normally. The inspection of the prop device 202 is carried out by visual inspection by an inspector, or by programmatically monitoring whether the initial operation of the prop device is completed. Basically, if the initial operation is not completed, an abnormality history is automatically stored by program, but the third inspection may also be configured to store an abnormality history by a predetermined operation of an input device (an operation for storing an abnormality history) as in the second inspection.

[0571] Furthermore, if a press of the effect button 208 is detected while the third inspection screen is being displayed, the inspection of the performance prop device 202 is interrupted. When the initial operation of the performance prop device 202 is completed, the performance prop device 202 is moved to its initial position and then controlled to stop. This makes it possible to prevent the performance prop device 202 from unintentionally stopping at a position other than its initial position. Then, when the performance prop device 202 is moved to its initial position, the third inspection is completed, the display of the third inspection screen is terminated, and the inspection mode menu screen (Figure 61(b)) is displayed again on the main performance display unit 200a.

[0572] In addition, in order to prevent the third inspection from being interrupted while the initial operation of the prop device 202 is being performed as described above, the third inspection screen may be configured to display the remaining execution time of the initial operation, so that the progress of the third inspection can be understood.

[0573] Furthermore, in the second and third inspection screens of this embodiment shown in Figure 62, the text "LED inspection is being performed" and "Movable prop inspection is being performed" are displayed. However, when multiple lighting effects devices 204 and multiple prop equipment devices 202 are operated in a predetermined order, the ongoing inspection status may be notified by moving the cursor according to the name of the lighting effects device 204 or prop equipment device 202 performing the inspection operation, or a schematic diagram of the lighting effects device 204 or prop equipment device 202 performing the inspection operation may be displayed to indicate the device being inspected, thereby making it possible to identify the object of inspection while the inspection operation is in progress. Notifications such as "LED inspection is being performed" and "Movable prop inspection is being performed" may also be made by voice or other means in conjunction with these displays.

[0574] Furthermore, when the operation of the prop device 202 is checked based on the third test, "movable prop test," is performed from the test mode menu screen (see Figure 61(b)), which performs the initial operation of the prop device 202. Therefore, if the third test is repeatedly performed continuously, this may lead to failure of the motor or solenoid that is the power source of the prop device 202. Therefore, the third test may be configured to be set up so that a predetermined cooling time (cool-down time) is set aside after each time the third test is performed one or several times.

[0575] Furthermore, in checking the operation of the prop device 202 based on the third inspection, the prop device 202 is configured to start its initial operation when "movable prop inspection" (third inspection) is selected from the inspection mode menu screen. However, if the prop device 202 is operated with the front frame 106 open, the prop device 202 attached to the front frame 106 may collide with an adjacent gaming machine, or vibrations caused by the movement and closing of the front frame 106 or middle frame 104 may lead to malfunction of the prop device 202. Therefore, the inspection may be configured to start when the frame is closed after the start operation of the third inspection, or when the performance button 208 is operated.

[0576] Next, a description will be given of the processing in the sub-control board 330. Note that, of the processing in the sub-control board 330, the processing in the inspection mode will be mainly described below.

[0577] (Sub-CPU initialization process of the sub-control board 330) FIG. 63 is a flowchart illustrating the sub-CPU initialization process (S1000) of the sub-control board 330 according to this embodiment.

[0578] (Step S1000-1) When power is turned on, the sub-CPU 330a reads a CPU initialization processing program from the sub-ROM 330b, and initializes and sets flags and the like stored in the sub-RAM 330c.

[0579] (Step S1000-3) Next, the sub-CPU 330a performs a process of updating each effect random number, and thereafter repeats the process of step S1000-3 until an interrupt process is performed. Note that multiple types of effect random numbers are provided, and here, each effect random number is updated asynchronously.

[0580] (Sub-timer interrupt processing of the sub-control board 330) 64 is a flowchart illustrating the sub-timer interrupt processing (S1100) of the sub-control board 330 according to this embodiment. The sub-control board 330 is provided with a reset clock pulse generating circuit (not shown) that generates clock pulses at a predetermined cycle (30 times per second). When this reset clock pulse generating circuit generates clock pulses, the sub-CPU 330a loads a timer interrupt processing program and starts the sub-timer interrupt processing.

[0581] (Step S1100-1) The sub CPU 330a saves the register.

[0582] (Step S1100-3) The sub CPU 330a performs processing to permit an interrupt.

[0583] (Step S1100-5) The sub-CPU 330a performs update processing of various timer counters used in the sub-control board 330. Here, unless otherwise specified, the various timer counters are decremented by 1 each time the sub-timer interrupt processing of the sub-control board 330 is performed, and the decrementing stops when the counter reaches 0.

[0584] (Step S1200) The sub-CPU 330a analyzes the commands stored in the receive buffer of the sub-RAM 330c and performs various processes according to the received commands. When a command is transmitted from the main control board 300, the sub-control board 330 performs a command reception interrupt process, and the command transmitted from the main control board 300 is stored in the receive buffer. Here, the command stored in the receive buffer is analyzed by the command reception interrupt process.

[0585] (Step S1300) The sub-CPU 330a executes an operation input process, which will be described later.

[0586] (Step S1100-7) The sub-CPU 330a performs device control processing by referring to a time table (time schedule) to execute processing corresponding to the time stored in the time table for each performance device. Here, the execution of each performance, including variable performance, is controlled by turning on and off various flags or executing control data that controls the output of each performance device based on the time data set in the time table.

[0587] (Step S1100-9) The sub CPU 330a restores the register and ends the sub timer interrupt process.

[0588] 65 is a flowchart illustrating the setting check state designation command reception process executed when a setting check state designation command is received, which is part of the command analysis process according to this embodiment. As described above, the setting check state designation command is set in the main control board 300 in step S100-55, and then transmitted to the sub-control board 330 by the sub-command transmission process in step S100-65.

[0589] (Step S1210-1) When the setting check state designation command is received, the sub-CPU 330a displays the setting check menu screen shown in FIG. 61(a) on the main effect display section 200a.

[0590] (Step S1210-3) Furthermore, the sub-CPU 330a outputs a predetermined setting confirmation sound from the audio output device 206 and ends the setting confirmation state designation command reception process. The setting confirmation sound may be output intermittently from the audio output device 206 until the setting confirmation state ends. Alternatively, the setting confirmation sound may be output from the audio output device 206 for a predetermined period of time once the setting confirmation state is set.

[0591] 66 is a flowchart illustrating the inspection mode start command reception process executed when an inspection mode start command is received, which is part of the command analysis process according to this embodiment. As described above, the inspection mode start command is set in the main control board 300 in step S460-7, and then transmitted to the sub-control board 330 by the sub-command transmission process in step S100-65.

[0592] (Step S1220-1) When the inspection mode start command is received, the sub-CPU 330a turns on an inspection mode flag indicating that the inspection mode is in progress.

[0593] (Step S1220-3) The sub-CPU 330a displays the inspection mode menu screen shown in FIG. 61(b) on the main effect display section 200a.

[0594] (Step S1220-5) Furthermore, the sub-CPU 330a outputs a predetermined inspection mode sound from the audio output device 206 and ends the inspection mode start command reception process. The inspection mode sound may be output intermittently from the audio output device 206 until the inspection mode ends. Alternatively, the inspection mode sound may be output from the audio output device 206 for a predetermined period of time once the inspection mode is set. The volume of the setting confirmation sound may be louder than the inspection mode sound. Alternatively, the setting confirmation sound may be given a higher priority for output from the audio output device 206 than the inspection mode sound.

[0595] 67 is a flowchart illustrating the inspection mode end command reception process executed when an inspection mode end command is received, which is part of the command analysis process according to this embodiment. As described above, the inspection mode end command is set in the main control board 300 in step S470-7, and then transmitted to the sub-control board 330 by the sub-command transmission process in step S100-65.

[0596] (Step S1230-1) When the inspection mode end command is received, the sub-CPU 330a determines whether the inspection mode menu screen (FIG. 61(b)) is being displayed. If the inspection mode menu screen is being displayed, the process proceeds to step S1230-3. If the inspection mode menu screen is not being displayed, the process proceeds to step S1230-5.

[0597] (Step S1230-3) The sub-CPU 330a ends the display of the menu screen during the inspection mode.

[0598] (Step S1230-5) The sub-CPU 330a also determines whether the first examination screen (FIG. 62(a)), the second examination screen (FIG. 62(b)), or the third examination screen (FIG. 62(c)) is currently being displayed. If any of the first to third examination screens is currently being displayed, the sub-CPU 330a proceeds to step S1230-7, and if none of the first to third examination screens is currently being displayed, the sub-CPU 330a proceeds to step S1230-9.

[0599] (Step S1230-7) The sub-CPU 330a ends the display of the first to third examination screens that are currently being displayed.

[0600] (Step S1230-9) The sub-CPU 330a turns off the inspection mode flag and ends the inspection mode end command reception process.

[0601] FIG. 68 is a flowchart illustrating the above operation input process (S1300).

[0602] (Step S1300-1) The sub-CPU 330a determines whether the inspection mode flag is on. If the inspection mode flag is on, the process proceeds to step S1300-3, and if the inspection mode flag is off, the operation input process ends.

[0603] (Step S1300-3) The sub-CPU 330a determines whether the inspection mode menu screen (FIG. 61(b)) is being displayed. If the inspection mode menu screen is being displayed, the process proceeds to step S1300-5. If the inspection mode menu screen is not being displayed, the process proceeds to step S1300-27.

[0604] (Step S1300-5) The sub-CPU 330a determines whether or not a selection operation (operation of the cross key 209) for selecting an item on the screen during the inspection mode has been input. If a selection operation has been input, the process proceeds to step S1300-7, and if a selection operation has not been input, the process proceeds to step S1300-9.

[0605] (Step S1300-7) The sub-CPU 330a highlights the item selected by the selection operation. At this time, the effect button 208 may be controlled to light up in a light emission pattern that indicates the item selected by the selection operation. For example, when the "input device / speaker inspection" item is selected, the effect button 208 may be controlled to light up in red, when the "LED inspection" item is selected, the effect button 208 may be controlled to light up in green, and when the "movable prop inspection" item is selected, the effect button 208 may be controlled to light up in blue.

[0606] (Step S1300-9) Sub-CPU 330a determines whether or not a confirmation operation (pressing effect button 208) has been input with the "input device / speaker check" item selected. If a confirmation operation has been input for the "input device / speaker check" item, the process proceeds to step S1300-11, and if a confirmation operation has not been input for the "input device / speaker check" item, the process proceeds to step S1300-15.

[0607] (Step S1300-11) The sub-CPU 330a displays the first inspection screen (FIG. 62(a)) on the main effect display section 200a.

[0608] (Step S1300-13) The sub-CPU 330a starts an output operation to sequentially output a predetermined test sound from each of the plurality of sound output devices 206. In addition, the sub-CPU 330a displays an inspection completed display corresponding to the sound output device 206 that has successfully output the test sound, as shown in Fig. 62(a).

[0609] (Step S1300-15) Sub-CPU 330a determines whether or not a confirmation operation (pressing effect button 208) has been input with the "LED inspection" item selected. If a confirmation operation has been input for the "LED inspection" item, the process proceeds to step S1300-17, and if a confirmation operation has not been input for the "LED inspection" item, the process proceeds to step S1300-21.

[0610] (Step S1300-17) The sub-CPU 330a displays the second inspection screen (FIG. 62(b)) on the main effect display section 200a.

[0611] (Step S1300-19) The sub-CPU 330a starts a lighting operation for controlling the lighting of the effect lighting device 204 based on a predetermined light emission mode.

[0612] (Step S1300-21) The sub-CPU 330a determines whether or not a confirmation operation (pressing the effect button 208) has been input with the "movable prop inspection" item selected. If a confirmation operation has been input for the "movable prop inspection" item, the process proceeds to step S1300-23, and if a confirmation operation has not been input for the "movable prop inspection" item, the process proceeds to step S1300-27.

[0613] (Step S1300-23) The sub-CPU 330a displays the third inspection screen (FIG. 62(c)) on the main effect display section 200a.

[0614] (Step S1300-25) The sub-CPU 330a controls the drive of the stage prop device 202 from the initial position to the operating position based on a predetermined operating mode, and then starts an initial operation for controlling the drive from the operating position to the initial position.

[0615] (Step S1300-27) The sub-CPU 330a determines whether the first examination screen (FIG. 62(a)) is currently being displayed. If the first examination screen is currently being displayed, the sub-CPU 330a proceeds to step S1300-29. If the first examination screen is not currently being displayed, the sub-CPU 330a proceeds to step S1300-33.

[0616] (Step S1300-29) The sub-CPU 330a determines whether or not a pressing operation of the cross key 209, the light intensity adjustment button 230, or the volume adjustment button 232 to be inspected has been detected. If a pressing operation of the inspected item has been detected, the process proceeds to step S1300-31, and if a pressing operation of the inspected item has not been detected, the process proceeds to step S1300-33.

[0617] (Step S1300-31) As shown in FIG. 62(a), the sub-CPU 330a displays an inspection completed display corresponding to the inspection object for which the pressing operation was detected (the inspection object being the cross key 209, the light intensity adjustment button 230, or the volume adjustment button 232).

[0618] (Step S1300-33) The sub-CPU 330a also determines whether or not a press operation of the effect button 208 while the first examination screen (FIG. 62(a)), the second examination screen (FIG. 62(b)), or the third examination screen (FIG. 62(c)) is being displayed, i.e., whether or not an interruption operation has been detected. As a result, if an interruption operation has been detected, the process proceeds to step S1300-35, and if an interruption operation has not been detected, the operation input process is terminated.

[0619] (Step S1300-35) The sub-CPU 330a executes an interruption process. Specifically, for example, if an interruption operation is detected while the first examination screen is being displayed, the output operation of the audio output device 206, which started in the above step S1300-13, is terminated. Also, if an interruption operation is detected while the second examination screen is being displayed, the lighting operation of the effect lighting device 204, which started in the above step S1300-19, is terminated. Also, if an interruption operation is detected while the third examination screen is being displayed, the initial operation of the effect prop device 202, which started in the above step S1300-25, is terminated. Note that, when the initial operation of the effect prop device 202 is terminated, the effect prop device 202 is moved to its initial position and then stopped.

[0620] (Step S1300-37) The sub-CPU 330a ends the display of the first to third examination screens that are currently being displayed.

[0621] (Step S1300-39) The sub-CPU 330a displays the inspection mode menu screen shown in FIG. 61(b) on the main effect display unit 200a, and ends the operation input process.

[0622] 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 such 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 such modifications and alterations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0623] In the above embodiment, an example of the application of the present invention to a first-type gaming machine has been described, but the gameplay of the gaming machine to which the present invention can be applied is not limited to this. For example, it goes without saying that the present invention can also be applied to a second-type gaming machine and a first-type / second-type mixed gaming machine. Therefore, only one of a big win symbol and a small win symbol may be provided. In any case, the gameplay of the gaming machine to which the present invention can be applied is not particularly limited, and the present invention can be applied to gaming machines of all gameplay types.

[0624] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a case has been described in which the progress of a game is controlled according to a registered setting value, but a registered setting value is not essential. In other words, a registered setting value does not have to be provided. If a registered setting value is not provided, a presentation switch configured to be accessible with a dedicated presentation key may be provided instead of the setting change switch 180s (a key switch using a setting key) in the above embodiment. Furthermore, if a registered setting value is not provided, a standby state in which the player cannot play may be provided instead of the setting change state and setting confirmation state in the above embodiment.

[0625] In the above embodiment, when the inspection mode is initiated, the main control board 300 sends an inspection mode start command to the sub-control board 330. In the inspection mode, the main control board 300 sequentially operates the first large prize opening solenoid 126c, the second large prize opening solenoid 128c, and the normal electric role solenoid 122c in a predetermined current control pattern. The inspection mode may be configured such that decorative LEDs located nearby light up or flash in accordance with the timing of the operation of the first large prize opening solenoid 126c, the second large prize opening solenoid 128c, and the normal electric role solenoid 122c (at the start of operation or during the period from immediately before the start of operation to the end of operation), thereby assisting the inspector in timing the ball entry into the variable prize opening being inspected. Furthermore, the locations of the switches being inspected, such as other prize openings and outlets (discharge outlets 130), may also be illuminated to clearly indicate the locations of the switches being inspected, allowing the inspector to visually understand their locations.

[0626] In the above embodiment, the inspection mode is configured to check the detection of game balls at various entrances. At the end of the inspection mode (at the end of the setting confirmation mode), the main control board 300 may be configured to execute a wait process for a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds) when the inspection mode ends, in order to prevent game balls that have become stuck due to clogging during inspection from being mistakenly detected even though no game is being played. In this configuration, the sub-control board 330 may be configured to, upon receiving an inspection mode end command, display messages such as "Inspection mode ending" or "3 seconds remaining" on the performance display device 200, and output a sound such as "Inspection mode is ending."

[0627] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the execution mode of the inspection mode in the gaming machine 100 equipped with the effect display device 200 was shown, but in a gaming machine not equipped with the effect display device 200, the light emitting mode of a specific effect lighting device 204 (for example, an LED provided on the effect button 208) may be configured to indicate the inspection item being executed. As an example of the light emitting mode of the specific effect lighting device 204, it may be configured to light up red for the first inspection that inspects the input device and speaker, light up green for the second inspection that inspects the effect lighting device 205, and light up blue for the third inspection that inspects the effect gimmick device 202. In this case, in a state corresponding to the state of the inspection mode menu shown in FIG. 61(b), the color corresponding to each inspection may be slowly flashed at low brightness to make it possible to identify that the inspection mode is being selected, and audio guidance may also be provided. Furthermore, by standardizing the operation of the effect button 208 in the inspection mode even for models that do not have the effect display device 200, since this is a common operation within the manufacturer, it is preferable to make it easy to understand the inspection mode even for gaming machines of types that do not have the effect display device 200.

[0628] 61 and 62 as the control mode of the sub-control board 330 during the inspection mode, annunciation that the inspection mode is being executed is performed. However, in the above embodiment, the main control board 300 is in a setting confirmation state during the inspection mode, and the fact that it is being controlled to perform setting confirmation is important information from a security standpoint. Therefore, during the inspection mode, annunciation equivalent to setting confirmation may be continued by a part of the image display of the performance display device 200, an audio notification by a speaker, or a part of the performance lighting device 204 (such as a part of the LED of the frame lamp). For example, annunciation such as "Checking settings" may be displayed in small letters in the upper left corner of the notification screen during the inspection mode of the performance display device 200, an audio message saying "Checking settings" may be output from the speaker at regular intervals, although the intervals may be longer than before the transition to the inspection mode, or the LED in the upper right corner of the front frame 106 may continue to flash red (light emission pattern equivalent to that during setting confirmation).

[0629] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the "setting confirmation menu screen" (Figure 61(a)) is displayed when in the setting confirmation state and before transition to the inspection mode, and the "inspection mode menu" (Figure 61(b)) is displayed after the setting confirmation state and transition to the inspection mode, but the inspection mode is ended by turning off the setting key (or the effect key if the setting function is not installed), and at the same time the setting confirmation state is ended. Therefore, after transitioning to the inspection mode, it is also possible to configure the "error history" on the "setting confirmation menu screen" or menu items for setting the gaming machine using the "store menu" to be displayed on the "inspection mode menu".

[0630] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when the inspection mode is ended, an inspection mode end command is sent from the main control board 300 to the sub-control board 330, and the display of the inspection mode menu screen is ended. To end the inspection mode, a setting-related end designation command is sent (S450-19), which is a command notifying the end of the setting confirmation state (or the end of the state in which play is stopped by the effect key if the setting function is not installed), and the sub-control board 330 is configured to give priority to an effect (such as an audio notification of "Settings confirmed" or flashing the decorative lamp in the front frame red) notifying the end of the setting confirmation state based on the setting-related end command, which has high confidentiality and security, over the end of the inspection mode.

[0631] In the above embodiment, the display mode of the display device unit 150 is reset to its initial state by operating the RAM clear switch 182s during the inspection mode. However, it is also possible to reset the energization control patterns of the first large prize opening solenoid 126c, the second large prize opening solenoid 128c, and the normal electric device solenoid 122c to their initial states. By doing so, if the number of repetitions of the energization control pattern is set to a predetermined number, the large prize opening and the normal electric device's winning openings become difficult to score balls after a certain period of time. However, it is possible to configure the RAM clear switch 182s to return them to a state where they can be inspected again by operating the RAM clear switch 182s. Furthermore, when the initial state is set by operating the RAM clear switch 182s, an inspection mode start command may be sent, as when switching to the inspection mode, or an inspection mode reset may be sent to notify the user that the inspection mode has been reset.

[0632] Furthermore, while the inspection mode is being executed, game balls are inserted into the various winning ports to check their operation, but since the settings are being checked (game play is stopped), processing such as determining whether a prize has been won is omitted. While the inspection mode is being executed, the value of the base ratio displayed on the performance display monitor 184 is not changed, so the performance display monitor 184 may be configured to be unlit, making it easier to understand that the base ratio has not been calculated. Note that the display mode of the performance display monitor 184 in the inspection mode may be different from that in the playable state, and may be another display mode other than unlit (such as a rapidly flashing "-" display).

[0633] In any case, the present invention A main control means for controlling the progress of the game (in the above embodiment, as an example, the main control board 300); A performance control means (in the above embodiment, as an example, the sub-control board 330) that executes and controls the operation of the performance execution means (in the above embodiment, as an example, the performance prop device 202, the performance lighting device 204, and the audio output device 206); A performance input means (in the above embodiment, as an example, the performance button 208) that can be operated as an input; Equipped with The main control means is When the power of the gaming machine is turned on, if a predetermined operation (in the above embodiment, for example, the RAM clear button is not pressed, the setting change switch 180s is turned on, and the middle frame 104 is opened) is performed, a game stop state (in the above embodiment, for example, the inspection mode) in which the player cannot play can be set (in the above embodiment, for example, the processing of step S100), The performance control means (in the above embodiment, as an example, the sub-control board 330) When a game stop state (in the above embodiment, as an example, the inspection mode) is set, based on an input operation to the effect input means (in the above embodiment, as an example, the effect button 208), it is possible to set an effect inspection mode (in the above embodiment, as an example, a state in which the first inspection screen, the second inspection screen, or the third inspection screen is displayed) (in the above embodiment, as an example, the processing of step S1300), When the effect inspection mode (in the above embodiment, as an example, a state in which the first inspection screen, the second inspection screen, or the third inspection screen is displayed) is set, the effect execution means (in the above embodiment, as an example, the effect prop device 202, the effect lighting device 204, and the audio output device 206) can execute a confirmation operation (in the above embodiment, as an example, the processing of steps S1300-13, S1300-19, and S1300-25), This can be widely applied to gaming machines that can terminate the presentation inspection mode (in the above embodiment, as an example, a state in which the first inspection screen, second inspection screen, or third inspection screen is displayed) when the game stop state (in the above embodiment, as an example, the inspection mode) has ended (in the above embodiment, as an example, the processing of step S1230). [Explanation of symbols]

[0634] 100 gaming machines 202 Stage equipment 204 Stage Lighting Equipment 206 Audio output device 208 Production button 300 Main control board 300a Main CPU 300b Main ROM 300c main RAM 330 Sub-control board 330a Sub CPU 330c sub RAM 330b Sub ROM

Claims

[Claim 1] A main control means for controlling the progress of a game; a performance control means for controlling the execution of an operation of the performance execution means; A performance input means capable of inputting an input operation; Equipped with The main control means When the power of the gaming machine is turned on, if a predetermined operation is performed, a gaming stop state in which the player cannot play can be set; The performance control means When the game stop state is set, a performance inspection mode can be set based on the input operation to the performance input means, When the performance inspection mode is set, a confirmation operation of the performance execution means can be executed, A gaming machine capable of ending the performance inspection mode when the game stop state ends.

Images