Gaming Machines

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of increasing consistency with an existing function while equipping a complete function.SOLUTION: Notification control means starts prior notification on the basis that a differential ball number reaches at least a first threshold that is smaller than a specific threshold, and can execute specific notification for reporting occurrence of a specific event before occurrence of the advantageous specific event. Execution of specific notification is restricted or regulated during a first period as at least a partial period of a predetermined period from start of prior notification after the differential ball number reaches the first threshold or larger to a game stop.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 20

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Gaming machines such as pachinko machines are configured to be able to shoot game balls, and when the shot game balls enter a winning hole, a number of game balls (prize balls) corresponding to the winning hole are awarded. For example, see Patent Document 1. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-128601 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, in order to curb gambling, such gaming machines have been required to be equipped with a function (a so-called complete function) that stops play when the difference in the number of balls reaches or exceeds a predetermined threshold. However, such a complete function is a new function that has not existed in the past, and combining the complete function with existing functions gives rise to new problems that have not existed in the past.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and provides a gaming machine that has the above-mentioned complete function while being able to improve compatibility with existing functions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the present invention, a gaming machine in which a game is stopped when an MY value, which is an increase in the game medium from a state in which the game medium has been most decreased, reaches a specific threshold value, and a pre-alert can be started when the MY value reaches or exceeds a first threshold value which is smaller than the specific threshold value, and the game stop is released when the power is turned on with execution of a RAM clear process after a power outage, and is not released when the power is turned on without execution of the RAM clear process after a power outage, and when the MY value reaches or exceeds the specific threshold value during a specific period, the game is stopped at the end of the specific period, and a predetermined Notification of execution and based on the MY value being equal to or greater than the specific threshold during the specific period, Execute notification It is possible, A separate notification different from the predetermined notification can be executed, and the separate notification can be executed in parallel with the predetermined notification, The predetermined operation is started based on the MY value being equal to or greater than the specific threshold value. Notification In parallel with execution Will be Said separate notice of Notification and the predetermined operation that is resumed upon power-on without execution of the RAM clearing process. Notification In parallel with execution Will be Said separate notice of Notification A gaming machine is provided, which is characterized in that the aspects and may differ. Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine in which game play is stopped when an MY value, which is an increase in game media from a state in which game media was most decreased, reaches a specific threshold value, and a pre-notification can be started when the MY value reaches or exceeds a first threshold value which is smaller than the specific threshold value, and the game stop is released when power is turned on with execution of a RAM clear process after a power outage, and is not released when power is turned on without execution of the RAM clear process after a power outage, and when the MY value reaches or exceeds the specific threshold value during a specific period, the game play is stopped at the end of the specific period, and a predetermined notification can be executed, and the pre-notification can be started when the MY value reaches or exceeds the specific threshold value during the specific period. Execute notificationIn at least some cases where a power outage occurs without the execution of the RAM clear process during the execution of the predetermined notification, the predetermined notification is resumed at a timing when any condition related to the progress of the game is satisfied after the timing of the power restoration, and during the execution of the advance notification ,before A gaming machine is provided, characterized in that the advance notification can be terminated when the MY value falls below a threshold value smaller than the first threshold value. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, a gaming machine is provided that has a complete function while being able to improve compatibility with existing functions. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a pattern display device disposed in the area II shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a bird's-eye view showing the operation buttons and their surroundings arranged in the area III shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a game board installed in the gaming machine. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a rear view of the gaming machine. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the gaming machine. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the gaming machine. [Figure 8]Figure 8(a) is a diagram showing a schematic drawing of a lottery table for determining whether a special symbol is a hit or not, Figure 8(b) is a diagram showing a schematic drawing of a lottery table for selecting stopping symbols used when a big hit is derived in the special symbol hit or not determination related to special symbol 1, Figure 8(c) is a diagram showing a schematic drawing of a lottery table for selecting stopping symbols used when a small hit is derived in the special symbol hit or not determination related to special symbol 2, and Figure 8(d) is a diagram showing a schematic drawing of a lottery table for selecting stopping symbols used when a big hit is derived in the special symbol hit or not determination related to special symbol 2. [Figure 9] Figure 9(a) is a schematic diagram showing a special chart change pattern lottery table used in the pattern change related to special chart 1 when in the special chart change pattern derivation state PA, and Figure 9(b) is a schematic diagram showing a special chart change pattern lottery table used when special chart change pattern HNP is determined in the pattern change related to special chart 1 when in the special chart change pattern derivation state PA. [Figure 10] Figure 10(a) is a schematic diagram showing a special chart change pattern lottery table used in the pattern change related to special chart 2 when the special chart change pattern derivation state PB is in effect, and Figure 10(b) is a schematic diagram showing a special chart change pattern lottery table used when special chart change pattern HNP is determined in the pattern change related to special chart 2 when the special chart change pattern derivation state PB is in effect. [Figure 11] Figure 11(a) is a schematic diagram showing a special chart change pattern lottery table used in the pattern change related to special chart 2 when the special chart change pattern derivation state PC is in effect, and Figure 11(b) is a schematic diagram showing a special chart change pattern lottery table used when special chart change pattern HNP is determined in the pattern change related to special chart 2 when the special chart change pattern derivation state PC is in effect. [Figure 12] FIG. 12(a) is a state transition diagram showing the transition of the special chart variation pattern derivation state, and FIG. 12(b) is a diagram showing the relationship of the average variation time for each special chart variation pattern derivation state. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows a flow of a game stop flag setting process related to the complete function. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 shows a flow of the game stop processing related to the complete function. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an outline of a flow of execution of a notification related to the complete function. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the flow of execution of notifications related to the complete function when the game stop flag is turned ON during a jackpot game. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing the advance warning execution process. [Figure 18] 18(a) to 18(f) are diagrams showing notification modes of advance notification. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing the advance notification ending process. [Figure 20] FIG. 20(a) is a flow of the reserved consecutive performance control process, and FIG. 20(b) is a diagram that illustrates a selection table used in the reserved consecutive performance execution selection. [Figure 21] FIG. 21(a) is a flow chart of the pattern matching determination process, and FIG. 21(b) is a schematic diagram of a lottery table used in the V pattern matching determination lottery. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 shows a flow of the second stop advance notification start process. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 shows a flow of the game stop notification start process. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a timing chart showing the behavior of each notification when a power outage and restoration of power occurs without execution of a RAM clear process during a period in which the advance notification and the second shutdown advance notification are executed in parallel. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 is a timing chart showing the behavior of each notification when a power outage and restoration occurs without execution of a RAM clear process during the early period after the game stop flag is turned ON. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a timing chart showing the behavior of each notification when the game stop flag is turned ON just before the final period and a power outage is restored during the final period without the execution of a RAM clear process. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a timing chart showing the behavior of each notification when a power outage and restoration occurs during execution of a game stop notification. [Figure 28] FIG. 28(a) is a diagram showing a special notification mode of the second stop advance notification, and FIG. 28(b) is a diagram showing a special notification mode of the game stop notification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all drawings, the same components are given the same reference numerals, and the description will be omitted as appropriate. In the following description, "front", "rear", "left", "right", "upper", and "lower" refer to the gaming machine 10 as viewed from the front side (player side) as shown in FIG. 1, unless otherwise specified. In the following explanation, "advantageous (degree of advantage)" refers to an advantage for the player, and further, unless otherwise specified, refers to an advantage in terms of the amount of prize balls (gaming media) obtained (including not only the payout of gaming balls but also the payout of medals), excluding aspects of presentation such as so-called premium images.

[0010] <Features of the present invention> Before describing the details of the gaming machine 10 in this embodiment, the features of the invention (the present invention) described in this embodiment will be described. In addition, when explaining the features, the configuration in parentheses is an example of the configuration of this embodiment corresponding to the immediately preceding configuration, and the configuration may be described in parentheses for the same purpose in the explanations of the gaming machine 10 that follow.

[0011] The present invention relates to A gaming machine in which, when a gaming ball enters a winning slot, a number of gaming balls corresponding to the winning slot are awarded, and the game is stopped when a difference in the number of balls derived using safe balls, which are the number of awarded gaming balls related to the winning, and out balls, which are the number of used gaming balls, reaches or exceeds a specific threshold value, Notification means (main display unit 81); A notification control means (first sub-control board 200, second sub-control board 300) for controlling the notification means; Equipped with The notification control means is Based on the fact that the difference in the number of balls is equal to or greater than a first threshold value (95,000 balls) which is smaller than the specific threshold value (100,000 balls), a pre-alert is started, Before the occurrence of a favorable specific event (a series of reserved events), it is possible to execute a specific notification (a series of reserved events) that notifies the occurrence of the specific event, During a first period, which is at least a part of a predetermined period from when the difference in the number of balls becomes equal to or greater than the first threshold value and the advance notification is started until the game is stopped, the execution of the specific notification is restricted or regulated. This is a gaming machine characterized by the above.

[0012] According to the present invention, the execution of the specific notification is restricted or regulated during part of the period from when the advance notification is started to when play is stopped, thereby making it less likely that the player will feel disappointed.

[0013] In addition, the above-mentioned specific event is not limited to the reserved consecutive wins described below, but can be any event that is advantageous to the player, such as the game state after the end of a jackpot game being favorable (the special chart change pattern derivation state PC described below being set). Furthermore, the specific notification is not limited to a notification that directly notifies the occurrence of the specific event in a certain notification manner, and the notification manner is not important as long as it is executed only when the specific event occurs.

[0014] In addition, the "specified period from when the difference in the number of balls becomes equal to or greater than the first threshold value and the advance notification is initiated to when the game is stopped" is based on the assumption that the execution of the advance notification is maintained.

[0015] Furthermore, the "or" in "the execution of the above-mentioned specific notification is restricted or regulated" is not limited to having only one of these functions, but also includes having both of these functions.

[0016] The gaming machine 10 having the above-mentioned features will be specifically described based on the following embodiment.

[0017] <Structure of the gaming machine 10> First, the structure of the gaming machine 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. Figure 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 10, Figure 2 is a diagram showing a pattern display device 90 arranged in area II shown in Figure 1, Figure 3 is a bird's-eye view showing a group of operation buttons arranged in area III shown in Figure 1 and their surroundings, Figure 4 is a diagram showing a game board 50 installed in the gaming machine 10, and Figure 5 is a rear view of the gaming machine 10. 1 to 5 are merely components necessary for explaining the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, and components and functions not shown here may be added to the gaming machine 10. In addition, the gaming machine 10 does not necessarily have to include all of the components shown here, and some components or functions may be omitted as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired.

[0018] The gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is a so-called pachinko machine, in which gaming balls are shot into a front area (hereinafter referred to as "game area 50a") of a gaming board 50 on which a large number of gaming nails (not shown) are erected, and a prize ball is obtained when the gaming ball enters a winning hole (for example, a big winning hole 55, etc.). In the following description, the entry of a gaming ball into a winning hole may be simply expressed as "entering (a winning hole)."

[0019] The gaming machine 10 comprises a rectangular outer frame 15 that opens at the front and rear, a middle frame 17 that detachably holds a gaming board 50 on the front side of the opening of the outer frame 15, and a front frame 20 configured to cover the front side of the gaming board 50.

[0020] The middle frame 17 is supported so as to be rotatable about the left end side by a hinge mechanism (not shown) on the same side as the hinge mechanism 21, and can be opened and closed to the front side of the outer frame 15. The middle frame 17 can be locked and unlocked by a cylinder lock 23 (inserting a door key into the cylinder lock 23 and turning the door key in the opposite direction to the unlocking direction of the front frame 20 (right in this embodiment)).

[0021] The front frame 20 is supported by a hinge mechanism 21 so as to be rotatable about the left end side, and can be opened and closed relative to the middle frame 17. The front frame 20 can be locked and unlocked by a cylinder lock 23 (by inserting a door key into the cylinder lock 23 and turning the door key in the opposite direction to the unlocking direction of the middle frame 17 (left in this embodiment)). In addition, the front frame 20 is provided with a transparent member 25 arranged to cover the playing area 50a, and the transparent member 25 protects the playing area 50a and the playing board 50 from view. The front frame 20 also includes an upper ball tray 27 and a lower ball tray 29 for storing game balls, and the upper ball tray 27 and the lower ball tray 29 are vertically spaced apart and integral with the front frame 20. In this embodiment, a full tank detection sensor (not shown) for detecting when the lower ball tray 29 is full of discharged game balls is provided upstream of the lower discharge port 30 that discharges game balls into the lower ball tray 29. In addition, the front frame 20 is provided with an operating handle 31 on the right side of the lower ball tray 29, and by rotating the operating handle 31, the game balls stored in the upper ball tray 27 are launched toward the game area 50a.

[0022] 1 to 5, the middle frame 17 has a middle frame open door sensor 76 that detects whether the middle frame 17 is in an open state or a closed state relative to the outer frame 15, and a front frame open door sensor 77 that detects whether the front frame 20 is in an open state or a closed state relative to the middle frame 17. In this embodiment, both of these door open sensors are ON in the open state and OFF in the closed state. However, these door open sensors may be configured to be OFF in the open state and ON in the closed state. This allows the gaming machine 10 to detect both the open / closed state of the middle frame 17 relative to the outer frame 15 and the open / closed state of the front frame 20 relative to the middle frame 17.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 3, a group of operation buttons operated by the player is arranged on the upper surface of the upper ball tray 27. The group of operation buttons includes a ball loan button 39a and a return button 39b for accepting a return operation of a prepaid card as a main operation unit 39 electrically connected to a main control board 100 described later, and includes a performance button 37 for switching the performance generated during a game or accepting a player's operation to obtain various information related to the gaming machine 10 as an operation unit electrically connected to a first sub-control board 200 described later, and cursor buttons 38 (upper cursor button 38a, lower cursor button 38b, left cursor button 38c, right cursor button 38d, middle cursor button 38e) for instructing operations to the up, down, left, and right directions, respectively. Each operation unit is provided with a sensor for detecting the operation, and the control board to be connected detects the operation of each operation unit by a change in the detection state of the sensor. Furthermore, a movable decorative body 22, which is operated by an actuator such as a motor (not shown), is provided on the side of the upper ball tray 27.

[0024] A ball ejection mechanism 36 is provided below the lower ball tray 29 to eject the game balls stored in the lower ball tray 29 downward. By operating this ball ejection mechanism 36, a bottom opening (not shown) formed on the bottom surface of the lower ball tray 29 opens, and the game balls fall naturally from the bottom opening and are ejected. Although not shown in the figure, the upper ball tray 27 is provided with a mechanism which, similar to the ball removal mechanism 36, can be operated to move the stored balls to the lower ball tray 29, and by operating both this mechanism and the ball removal mechanism 36, it is possible to remove the stored balls.

[0025] As shown in Fig. 1, a pair of speakers 33 (33a, 33b) are disposed on the left and right sides of the upper frame portion 32 of the front frame 20. The upper frame portion 32 and the left and right side frame portions 34a, 34b of the front frame 20 are formed of light-transmitting covers, and frame lamps 35 (35a, 35b, 35c) are disposed inside the covers. The speaker 33 and the frame lamps 35 can emit sounds or turn on or off in conjunction with effects and error notifications that occur during play.

[0026] The performance display device 80 is composed of a main display unit 81 disposed approximately in the center of the game board 50, and a sub-display unit 82 disposed around the main display unit 81. The sub-display unit 82 further includes an upper sub-display unit 82a disposed above the main display unit 81, a left sub-display unit 82b disposed on the left side of the main display unit 81, and a right sub-display unit 82c disposed on the right side of the main display unit 81. Here, the main display unit 81 is a fixed liquid crystal display device, and the upper sub-display unit 82a, the left sub-display unit 82b, and the right sub-display unit 82c are movable liquid crystal display devices operated by actuators such as motors (not shown).

[0027] The main display unit 81 can display the changing display of a pattern row that is performed in conjunction with the changing display in the first special pattern display device 91 or the second special pattern display device 92 described below, and can also display various other effects. In the variable display of the pattern row (decorative pattern) displayed on the main display unit 81, the displayed decorative pattern forms three pattern rows. In this embodiment, the direction of the variable display of each pattern row is downward, but the direction is not particularly limited. For example, it may be upward, left and right, depth, or a combination of these (diagonal direction). Here, the depth direction refers to a virtual direction recognized by the player in a display mode that uses a method (e.g., perspective) that makes the player perceive the pattern row as if it is changing from the back of the main display unit 81 to the front or vice versa, even though in reality it is a planar changing display on the display screen of the main display unit 81. In addition, the decorative patterns in this embodiment include a "1 pattern" that imitates the number "1", a "2 pattern" that imitates the number "2", a "3 pattern" that imitates the number "3", a "4 pattern" that imitates the number "4", a "5 pattern" that imitates the number "5", a "6 pattern" that imitates the number "6", a "7 pattern" that imitates the number "7", a "8 pattern" that imitates the number "8", a "9 pattern" that imitates the number "9", and a "V pattern" that imitates the alphabet "V", and these patterns are provided in each pattern row. In the following description, the "1 pattern", "3 pattern", "5 pattern", "7 pattern", and "9 pattern" may be collectively referred to as "odd pattern", and the "2 pattern", "4 pattern", "6 pattern", and "8 pattern" may be collectively referred to as "even pattern".

[0028] Each of the sub-display units 82 is not only provided mainly for displaying a performance image related to a performance, but is also configured to be movable. The initial positions of the upper sub-display unit 82a are on the upper side with respect to the main display unit 81, the left sub-display unit 82b are on the left side with respect to the main display unit 81, and the right sub-display unit 82c are on the right side with respect to the main display unit 81, and each of the sub-display units 82 is configured to be movable from these initial positions to a position where the entire display area of ​​the sub-display unit 82 overlaps with the display area of ​​the main display unit 81. However, even when the sub-display units 82 (particularly the left sub-display unit 82b and right sub-display unit 82c) are in the initial positions shown in FIG. 4, approximately the upper half of the display area is visible to the player.

[0029] A number of light emitting diodes (hereinafter abbreviated as "LEDs") are arranged on the lower right side of the main display unit 81, and these LEDs form the display area of ​​the pattern display device 90, which displays special patterns and normal patterns. In addition, the symbol display device 90 is disposed in a position that is more difficult for the player to see than the main display unit 81, and the display area of ​​the symbol display device 90 is smaller than the display area of ​​the main display unit 81. In addition, the arrangement and number of LEDs in the pattern display device 90 in this embodiment are as shown in Figure 2, but this is just one example, and the arrangement and number of LEDs in the pattern display device 90 are not limited to this example.

[0030] The special symbols are symbols that are stopped and displayed as a result of a symbol change that determines whether or not to activate a special electric role (for example, the special electric role 65). The special symbols in this embodiment include a first special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display device 91 and a second special symbol displayed on the second special symbol display device 92. In addition, the special pattern may be abbreviated as "Special pattern", the first special pattern as "Special pattern 1", and the second special pattern as "Special pattern 2".

[0031] The normal symbol is a symbol that is stopped and displayed as a result of a symbol variation that determines whether or not to operate a normal electric role (for example, the normal electric role 61). The normal symbol in this embodiment is displayed on the normal symbol display device 93. In addition, normal patterns are sometimes abbreviated as "Fuzu", and normal electric devices are sometimes called "denchu".

[0032] In addition to the above-mentioned display devices, the symbol display device 90 is provided with a first special symbol reservation lamp 94, a second special symbol reservation lamp 95, and a normal symbol reservation lamp 96. The first special pattern reserve lamp 94 makes it possible to identify the number of pattern variations relating to reserved special pattern 1, the second special pattern reserve lamp 95 makes it possible to identify the number of pattern variations relating to reserved special pattern 2, and the normal pattern reserve lamp 96 makes it possible to identify the number of pattern variations for reserved normal patterns, and all of them make it possible to identify the number of corresponding pattern variations by the lighting state of the two LEDs (in this embodiment, right constantly lit only = 1, left and right constantly lit = 2, right flashing + left constantly lit = 3, left and right flashing = 4).

[0033] In the following explanation, the pattern change in which the first special pattern display device 91 or the second special pattern display device 92 displays a special pattern in a variable manner and then stops displaying the special pattern will be referred to as the ``pattern change of the special pattern,'' and in the following explanation, the pattern change in which the normal pattern display device 93 displays a normal pattern in a variable manner and then stops displaying the normal pattern will be referred to as the ``pattern change of the normal pattern.'' In addition, in the following description, the change display of the pattern row (decorative pattern) displayed on the above-mentioned main display unit 81 may be referred to as "pattern change of decorative pattern" to distinguish it from "pattern change of special pattern" and "pattern change of normal pattern". In the following explanation, when the term "pattern change" is used, it means a pattern change of a special design unless otherwise specified.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 4, a number of obstacles such as game pegs (not shown), windmills 52, and decorative parts are arranged on the front of the game board 50, thereby defining a game area 50a in which the shot game ball can roll. Additionally, on the left and upper sides of the play area 50a, there are arranged a curved outer rail 51 and an inner rail 53 for guiding the game balls launched by rotating the operating handle 31 to the upper part of the play area 50a. The outer rail 51 is located outside the inner rail 53 with the center of the play area 50a as the reference point. Here, the windmill 52 is a nail-shaped mechanism for changing the direction in which the game balls fall.

[0035] The gaming machine 10 is capable of varying the strength of the game ball's launch depending on the amount of rotation (e.g., the angle of rotation) of the operating handle 31, and various obstacles are arranged in the gaming area 50a to make the game ball roll along either the first flow path X (so-called left hit), in which a game ball that is launched more weakly, or the second flow path Y (so-called right hit), in which a game ball that is launched more strongly, rolls.

[0036] In Figure 4, the main prize openings are shown as large prize opening 55, first start opening 57, second start opening 59, gate 63, and general prize opening 67, but the prize openings shown are only examples, and the number and arrangement of the openings may be changed as appropriate.

[0037] The large prize opening 55 is located in the lower right of the game area 50a. The large prize opening 55 is provided with a large prize opening sensor 72, and the result of detection by the large prize opening sensor 72 determines whether a prize has been won in the large prize opening 55, and the number of prize balls (15 in this embodiment) associated with the large prize opening 55 is awarded. In this embodiment, the obstacles are arranged so that more game balls roll toward the big prize opening 55 when rolling from the second flow path Y compared to when rolling from the first flow path X.

[0038] A special electric device 65 is disposed above the large prize opening 55. The special electric device 65 is a member that can be switched between an open state, in which it is easy to win a prize in the large prize opening 55, and a closed state, in which it is difficult to win a prize, and is switched to either the open state or the closed state by a special electric device solenoid 66. More specifically, the special electric device 65 is in an open state in a part of a big win game that starts due to a big win being derived by a special pattern hit / miss judgment described later, or in a part of a small win game that starts due to a small win being derived by a special pattern hit / miss judgment, and thus entry into the big winning hole 55 is permitted. In this way, when the special electric device 65 is in an open state, it is easy to win a prize in the big winning hole 55, so it can be said that the big win game and the small win game, in which the chance of winning a prize ball is greatly increased, are advantageous game states. In addition, although details will be described later, the small win game in this embodiment can cause a big win game. In a jackpot game, the special electric device 65 is alternately set to an open state and a closed state, and one open state (sometimes referred to as a "round game", and the total number of round games occurring in one jackpot may be referred to as the "number of rounds") ends when a predetermined number (10 in this embodiment) of game balls have entered the large prize opening 55, and the special electric device 65 enters a closed state. Furthermore, one open state in a jackpot game also ends when a sufficient time (30 s (seconds) in this embodiment) has elapsed for a predetermined number of game balls to enter the large prize opening 55. On the other hand, in the small win game, the game ends when the special electric device 65 is open for 1.8 seconds or when 10 game balls enter the large winning hole 55. Therefore, in the small win game, it is difficult for game balls to enter the large winning hole 55 compared to the large win game.

[0039] The first starting hole 57 is located at the center lower part of the game area 50a. The first starting hole 57 is provided with a first starting hole sensor 70, and the winning of the first starting hole 57 is determined based on the detection result of the first starting hole sensor 70, and the number of prize balls (4 in this embodiment) associated with the first starting hole 57 is awarded. In at least some of the cases where the winning of the first starting hole 57 is determined, the pattern change related to the special chart 1 is performed. In addition, in the game area 50a of this embodiment, obstacles such as game nails are arranged so that more game balls roll toward the first starting hole 57 when they roll from the first flow path X compared to when they roll from the second flow path Y.

[0040] The second starting hole 59 is located in the lower right of the play area 50a. A second starting hole sensor 71 is attached to the second starting hole 59, and the winning of the second starting hole 59 is determined based on the detection result of the second starting hole sensor 71, and the number of winning balls associated with the second starting hole 59 (1 in this embodiment) is awarded. In at least some cases where a winning bid has been made at the second starting hole 59, a pattern change related to special chart 2 is made. In addition, in the game area 50a of this embodiment, obstacles such as game nails are arranged so that more game balls roll toward the second starting hole 59 when they roll from the second flow path Y compared to when they roll from the first flow path X.

[0041] A normal electric device 61 is disposed in the flow path connected to the second starting port 59. The normal electric device 61 is a member that can be switched between an open state in which it is easy to insert a game ball into the second starting port 59 and a closed state in which it is difficult to insert the ball, and is switched to either the open state or the closed state by a normal electric device solenoid 62. More specifically, the normal electric device 61 is opened when the result of the normal winning / losing judgment described later is a normal winning (hereinafter, may be simply expressed as "normal winning"), and accordingly, winning is permitted in the second starting hole 59. In this way, when the normal electric device 61 is in the open state, winning in the second starting hole 59 is possible, so that the opportunity for the pattern variation related to the special drawing 2 to be executed can be greatly increased while suppressing the decrease of the game balls by the prize ball.

[0042] The gate 63 is located in the right center of the game area 50a. A gate sensor 74 is attached to the gate 63, and the winning of the gate 63 is determined based on the detection result of the gate sensor 74. In at least some of the cases where the winning of the gate 63 is determined, the pattern of the normal figure is changed.

[0043] The general winning opening 67 is composed of a left general winning opening 67a and a right general winning opening 67b, the left general winning opening 67a being located at the lower left of the game area 50a, and the right general winning opening 67b being located at the lower right of the game area 50a. A general winning opening sensor 73 is attached to each general winning opening 67, and the winning of the general winning opening 67 is determined by the detection result of the general winning opening sensor 73, and the number of prize balls (4 in this embodiment) corresponding to the general winning opening 67 is awarded. In addition, due to the arrangement, the winning of the left general winning opening 67a is likely to occur in the normal low probability (except during a jackpot game) described later, and the winning of the right general winning opening 67b is likely to occur during a jackpot game and normal high probability, and these winnings can also turn on the game stop flag described later.

[0044] The outlet 69 is disposed at the bottom of the game area 50a. Game balls that are shot into the game area 50a and do not enter any of the winning holes fall into the outlet 69. In this embodiment, an out ball sensor 75 (not shown) for detecting an out ball, which is a game ball that has entered the winning hole and the out hole 69, is provided. In the following description, the total number of game balls detected by the out ball sensor 75 is referred to as "out balls," and the total number of prize balls awarded by the game balls entering the winning slots described above is referred to as "safe balls," and these numbers of balls are used to derive the difference in the number of balls described later. In particular, the safe balls do not need to have been actually paid out, and are updated when a game ball enters a winning slot.

[0045] In addition to the sensors mentioned above, the game board 50 is also provided with a magnetic detection sensor for detecting magnetism and a radio wave detection sensor for detecting radio waves (both not shown) in order to prevent fraudulent acts such as receiving prize balls illegally.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 5, the rear of the game board 50 is fitted with a main control board case 109 in which the main control board 100 is stored, a first sub-control board case 209 in which the first sub-control board 200 is stored, a second sub-control board case 309 in which the second sub-control board 300 is stored, a power supply control board case 509 in which the power supply control board 500 is stored, and a payout control board case 409 in which the payout control board 400 is stored. In addition to the rear of the first sub-control board case 209 and the second sub-control board case 309, an opening / closing cover 45 which covers part of the rear of the main control board case 109 is attached in a removable manner. In addition, the main control board 100 is provided with a RAM clear switch 43. Furthermore, the substrate cases and covers that cover the respective substrates are made of transparent materials, and the corresponding substrates can be seen through the respective substrate cases and covers.

[0047] The power supply control board 500 is composed of a normal power supply circuit 501 that generates normal power to be supplied to electronic and electrical components such as the control board mentioned above based on the primary power supply supplied from the game island's power supply equipment, a backup power supply circuit 502 that generates backup power, and a power interruption detection circuit 503 that detects power interruption (when the voltage supplied by the normal power supply drops to a specified voltage). In addition, a power switch 40 is connected to the power supply control board 500, and assuming that primary power is supplied from the power supply equipment of the game island, when the power switch 40 is turned ON, normal power is generated in the normal power supply circuit 501 of the power supply control board 500, and power is supplied to electronic and electrical components including the above-mentioned control boards (main control board 100, first sub-control board 200, second sub-control board 300, and payout control board 400). In addition, when a power interruption is detected by the power interruption detection circuit 503, the power supply control board 500 transmits a power interruption signal (NMI signal) to each of the main control board 100, the first sub-control board 200, and the dispensing control board 400. In addition, the backup power circuit 502 is configured to be charged when power is being supplied to the gaming machine 10 from the power supply equipment of the gaming island. In addition, the backup power supply circuit 502 may be provided on the dispensing control board 400, and the power interruption detection circuit 503 may not be provided on the power supply control board 500, but may be provided on each of the main control board 100, the first sub-control board 200, and the dispensing control board 400.

[0048] A game ball tank 46 for storing game balls supplied from the ball supply facility of the game island is disposed on the back of the game board 50, above the opening and closing cover 45. The game ball tank 46 is further connected to a payout passage 49 leading to the upper ball tray 27 via a tank rail 47 and a payout unit 48, and the balls paid out by the payout unit 48 are paid out to the upper ball tray 27 through the payout passage 49.

[0049] So far, the structure of the gaming machine 10 in this embodiment has been described, but this is only one specific example, and the present invention can also be implemented with a different configuration.

[0050] <Regarding the control configuration of the gaming machine 10> Next, a control configuration of the gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the gaming machine 10. Note that the control configuration shown in Fig. 6 is necessary for explaining the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, and the gaming machine 10 may have a control configuration not shown in Fig. 6.

[0051] The main control board 100 is equipped with a CPU 101 which performs various calculation processes related to the game, a ROM 102 which stores data such as control programs and various lottery tables, a RAM 103 which functions as a work area and buffer memory that serves as a temporary storage area, an I / O port 104 which inputs and outputs signals between peripheral boards and each device, and a random number circuit 105 which operates in a system separate from the program processing by the CPU 101 and generates random numbers (hard random numbers), and these are connected to each other via an internal bus.

[0052] The CPU 101 executes various processes related to the main control of the game by reading out various control programs stored in the ROM 102 and performing arithmetic processing. The RAM 103 is backed up by a backup power source generated in a backup power circuit, which will be described later. Specifically, among the information stored in the RAM 103, various information is backed up so that when power is restored (when power is turned on) after a power outage, the data can be used to restore the gaming machine 10 to the state it was in immediately before the power outage. For example, in addition to the data of the stack pointer and each register, etc., that were held when the power outage occurred, information related to the game, such as the state of the gaming machine 10 at that time (a game stop state or a game possible state), the current normal drawing state, etc., are backed up. Note that this information is cleared (initialized) by a RAM clear process. Therefore, after the RAM is cleared, a special pattern variation pattern derivation state PA (low probability of normal pattern, which will be described later) is newly set. Furthermore, when a RAM clear process is executed, the pattern string related to the decorative pattern is in a state in which the initial pattern combination is stopped and displayed, and even if the RAM clear process is not executed when the power is turned on and the pattern variation is not being executed at the time of the previous power outage, the initial pattern combination is also stopped and displayed. In addition, this initial symbol combination is displayed statically only when the power is turned on, and is not displayed statically due to the execution of symbol variation.

[0053] In this embodiment, at least an area in which such information related to the game is stored (sometimes referred to as the area of ​​RAM 103 related to the game) is backed up, as well as an area in which the complement of the checksum and the backup flag related to the area of ​​RAM 103 related to the game are stored (sometimes referred to as the backup information area of ​​RAM 103 related to the game). Then, when power is restored, the gaming machine 10 returns to normal using the various pieces of information stored in the backed up area of ​​RAM 103 related to the game and the backup information area of ​​RAM 103 related to the game. In addition, the specific method of backup in this embodiment is not limited. For example, the area to be backed up in the RAM 103 may be realized with a configuration capable of holding data in a non-volatile manner even in a power-off state. As another example, in the RAM 103, a first memory configured to hold data in a non-volatile manner even in a power-off state and a second memory referenced during operation of the gaming machine 10 may be provided with different hardware. In that case, the gaming machine 10 may save information to be backed up from the second memory to the first memory when power is cut off, and recover the saved information from the first memory to the second memory when power is restored.

[0054] The main control board 100 is also electrically connected to the first start opening sensor 70, the second start opening sensor 71, the special prize opening sensor 72, the general prize opening sensor 73, the gate sensor 74, the out ball sensor 75, the middle frame door opening sensor 76, the front frame door opening sensor 77, etc., and is configured to be able to input detection signals from these sensors to the CPU 101 via the I / O port 104. Although not shown in the figure, in addition to these sensors, the main control board 100 is also electrically connected to a full tank detection sensor, a magnetic detection sensor, and a radio wave detection sensor, and is configured to be able to input detection signals from these sensors to the CPU 101 via the I / O port 104.

[0055] In addition, the main control board 100 is electrically connected to the first special pattern display device 91, the second special pattern display device 92, the normal pattern display device 93, the first special pattern hold lamp 94, the second special pattern hold lamp 95, the normal pattern hold lamp 96, the normal electric role solenoid 62 and the special electric role solenoid 66, and is configured to be able to control these via the I / O port 104. Similarly, main control board 100 is electrically connected to main operation unit 39 and RAM clear switch 43, and is configured to be able to detect the operation of main operation unit 39.

[0056] The main control board 100 and the first sub-control board 200 are connected by eight parallel signal lines and one strobe line, and are connected so that communication is possible in only one direction, from the main control board 100 to the first sub-control board 200, and various performance control commands are transmitted from the main control board 100 to the first sub-control board 200. Furthermore, data cannot be transmitted from the first sub-control board 200 to the main control board 100, and the first sub-control board 200 is configured so as not to be able to request the main control board 100 to transmit data. In addition, in this embodiment, a parallel transmission method is used for transmitting data from the main control board 100 to the first sub-control board 200, but a serial transmission method may also be used.

[0057] The first sub-control board 200 comprises a CPU 201 which performs various arithmetic processing related to game presentation based on presentation control commands from the main control board 100, a ROM 202 which stores data such as presentation control programs and various lottery tables, a RAM 203 which functions as a work area or buffer memory that serves as a temporary storage area, and an I / O port 204 which inputs and outputs signals between peripheral boards and each device. These are interconnected via an internal bus, and the CPU 201 is configured to execute main control related to game presentation in accordance with the control program stored in ROM 202. In addition, the first sub-control board 200 is electrically connected to the performance button 37 and the cursor button 38, and is configured to be able to detect the operation of these operating sections.

[0058] In addition, the first sub-control board 200, through performance control processing based on performance control commands from the main control board 100, generates image control commands that instruct the image to be displayed on the second sub-control board 300, audio control commands that instruct the audio to be output to the audio control board 310, lamp control data for controlling the lighting of various lamps such as the frame lamp 35, and movement control data for controlling the movement of the movable decorative body 22 and the sub-display unit 82, etc. Here, the first sub-control board 200 is connected to the second sub-control board 300 and the voice control board 310 to enable two-way communication, and each control command (image control command, voice control command) is transmitted from the first sub-control board 200 to the second sub-control board 300 or the voice control board 310, while in response, a response command (ACK command) indicating that the control command was successfully received is transmitted from each control board (second sub-control board 300, voice control board 310) to the first sub-control board 200.

[0059] The first sub-control board 200 is also electrically connected to the frame lamp 35, and transmits lamp control data via the I / O port 204. The frame lamp 35 is configured such that its illumination is controlled by the lamp control data transmitted from the first sub-control board 200. Furthermore, the first sub-control board 200 is electrically connected to the movable ornament 22 and the sub-display unit 82, and transmits movement control data via the I / O port 204. The movable ornament 22 and the sub-display unit 82 are configured so that their movement is controlled by the movement control data transmitted from the first sub-control board 200.

[0060] The second sub-control board 300, although not shown in the figure, is equipped with a CPU that performs various calculations related to image presentation based on image control commands from the first sub-control board 200, a ROM that stores image control programs and various data, etc., a RAM that functions as a work area and buffer memory that serves as a temporary storage area, and an I / O port that inputs and outputs signals between peripheral boards and each device, and the CPU is configured to execute main control related to image presentation in accordance with the control program stored in the ROM 302. Furthermore, the second sub-control board 300 is equipped with a VDP that generates image data according to the content of the performance determined by a performance content determination means 225 described later based on a control signal received from the CPU, and a sound source IC that generates sound data according to the content of the performance based on a control signal received from the CPU. The VDP is a so-called image processor that reads image data stored in an image ROM in response to an instruction from the CPU, processes the image data, and transmits the generated image data to the main display unit 81 and the sub-display unit 82. A high-speed VRAM that is used for expanding and processing the image data read from the image ROM is also connected to this VDP.

[0061] The audio control board 310 includes a CPU 311 that performs various arithmetic processing related to audio performance based on audio control commands from the first sub-control board 200, a ROM 312 that stores audio control programs and audio data, a RAM 313 that functions as a work area or buffer memory serving as a temporary storage area, and an I / O port 314 that inputs and outputs signals between the peripheral boards and each device, and is configured such that the CPU 311 executes main control related to audio performance according to the control program stored in the ROM 312. Thus, the audio control board 310 reads audio data stored in the ROM 312 in response to audio control commands received from the first sub-control board 200, synthesizes the read audio data, and transmits the final synthesized audio data to the speaker 33 via an amplifier, thereby enabling the speaker 33 to output audio.

[0062] The dispensing control board 400 is mainly composed of a CPU, a ROM and a RAM (all not shown). In addition, the payout control board 400 is connected to the main control board 100 for two-way communication, and performs control to drive the payout unit 48 to pay out game balls based on a payout control command from the main control board 100, and also controls the launch of the game balls by synchronously driving the ball feeding mechanism and the launch mechanism based on the amount of operation of the operating handle 31.

[0063] The power supply control board 500 is composed of a normal power supply circuit that generates normal power to be supplied to electronic and electrical components such as the control board mentioned above based on the primary power supply supplied from the game island's power supply equipment, a backup power supply circuit that generates backup power, and a power interruption detection circuit that detects power interruption (when the voltage supplied by the normal power supply drops to a specified voltage) (all of which are not shown). In addition, a power switch 40 is connected to the power supply control board 500, and assuming that primary power is supplied from the power supply equipment of the game island, when the power switch 40 is turned ON, normal power is generated in the normal power supply circuit of the power supply control board 500, and power is supplied to electronic and electrical components including the above-mentioned control boards (main control board 100, first sub-control board 200, second sub-control board 300, and payout control board 400). In addition, when a power interruption is detected by the power interruption detection circuit, the power supply control board 500 transmits a power interruption signal (NMI signal) to each of the main control board 100, the first sub-control board 200, and the dispensing control board 400. In addition, the backup power circuit is configured to be charged when power is being supplied to the gaming machine 10 from the power supply equipment of the gaming island. In addition, the backup power supply circuit may be provided on the dispensing control board 400, and the power interruption detection circuit may not be provided on the power supply control board 500, but may be provided on each of the main control board 100, the first sub-control board 200, and the dispensing control board 400.

[0064] <Functional Configuration of the Gaming Machine 10> Next, the functional configuration of the gaming machine 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the gaming machine 10. Note that the functional configuration shown in Fig. 7 is necessary for explaining the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, and the gaming machine 10 may have a functional configuration not shown in Fig. 7. Also, when explaining the functional configuration, Figs. 8 to 12 will be referred to as necessary.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 7, the main control board 100 is equipped with a ball entry determination means 110, a main random number generation means 115, a main hold control means 120, a pre-determination means 125, a special chart lottery means 130, a normal chart lottery means 135, a jackpot game control means 140, a pattern display control means 145, an electric gimmick control means 150, a game status control means 155, a main information storage means 160, a main error control means 165, a main command management means 170, a power restoration processing execution means 175, a power outage processing execution means 180, and a complete function control means 190. These means are functional representations of what is realized by each control configuration on the main control board 100 described using FIG. 6.

[0066] First, the main information storage means 160 is a means for temporarily storing data read by the means included in the main control board 100, data derived by calculations in the means, etc., in the corresponding storage areas. In particular, the data (performance control commands) stored in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160 is transmitted to the sub-command management means 270 of the first sub-control board 200 (described later) by the command transmission means after being stored.

[0067] The winning ball determination means 110 determines whether a ball has been won at each winning hole based on the detection results of a sensor provided at each winning hole. In addition, when the ball entry determination means 110 determines that a game ball has entered a prize hole by a sensor installed in a prize hole such as the large prize hole sensor 72, it generates a presentation control command (prize entry command) including information that can identify the type of sensor related to the prize, and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160.

[0068] The main random number generation means 115 is capable of generating multiple types of random numbers with different update ranges depending on the random number circuit 105, and when a win at a winning port is determined, it obtains (latches) one or more random numbers corresponding to that winning port from the random number circuit 105. More specifically, when it is determined that the first start gate 57 or the second start gate 59 has been won, the main random number generating means 115 obtains a random number for determining whether or not the special symbol has been won, a random number for drawing a special symbol stop symbol, and a random number for drawing a special symbol change pattern, which will be described later. When it is determined that the gate 63 has been won, the main random number generating means 115 stores a random number for determining whether or not the normal symbol has been won, a random number for drawing a normal symbol stop symbol, and a random number for drawing a normal symbol change pattern, which will be described later, in a corresponding storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160. The random number circuit 105 monitors whether the multiple types of random numbers it updates are being updated normally, and if an update abnormality occurs in which the random numbers are not updated normally, information indicating the occurrence of the abnormality is written to a specific storage area of ​​the random number circuit 105. Therefore, the CPU 101 can grasp that an update abnormality has occurred in the random number circuit 105.

[0069] The main reservation control means 120 controls the reservation of the pattern change of the special chart and the reservation of the pattern change of the normal chart. Regarding the special chart 1, the random number for determining whether the special chart is a hit or not, the random number for drawing the special chart stop pattern, and the random number for drawing the special chart change pattern, which are obtained as a result of winning the first starting port 57, are reserved (stored) as operation reservation information for the special chart 1. More specifically, the main hold control means 120 is provided with a hold counter (hereinafter referred to as the "special chart 1 hold counter") which is incremented by 1 each time the activation hold information of special chart 1 is held and decremented by 1 each time the activation hold information of special chart 1 is used (used in the draw by the special chart draw means 130), and stores the activation hold information in a storage area corresponding to the current special chart 1 hold counter of the main information storage means 160 until the value of the special chart 1 hold counter reaches an upper limit value (4 in this embodiment), and clears the used activation hold information each time the activation hold information is used, and controls the remaining activation hold information to be moved (shifted) from the current storage area to a storage area corresponding to a special chart 1 hold counter which is 1 less than the current special chart 1 hold counter, in order from the smallest special chart 1 hold counter. In addition, the main reserve control means 120 performs the same control as described above for special drawing 2 and ordinary drawing separately from special drawing 1, and the reserve counter for special drawing 2 is referred to as the special drawing 2 reserve counter, and the upper limit value of the special drawing 2 reserve counter in this embodiment is 4. In addition, in the following explanation, "suspended operation information" may be expressed as "suspended pattern change" or simply as "suspended." In addition, when the main hold control means 120 updates (adds or subtracts) the operation hold information (hold counter) of special chart 1 or special chart 2, it generates a performance control command (hold command) including the special chart 1 hold counter and the special chart 2 hold counter, and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160. In this embodiment, when both the operation pending information corresponding to the special chart 1 and the operation pending information corresponding to the special chart 2 are reserved, a priority variation is performed in which the operation pending information corresponding to the special chart 2 is used preferentially. However, instead of this priority variation, a winning order variation in which the operation pending information is used in the order in which it is reserved regardless of whether it corresponds to the special chart 1 or the special chart 2, or a simultaneous variation in which the operation pending information corresponding to the special chart 1 and the operation pending information corresponding to the special chart 2 are simultaneously used when both the operation pending information corresponding to the special chart 1 and the operation pending information corresponding to the special chart 2 are reserved may be adopted.

[0070] The advance judgment means 125 executes an advance judgment for a pre-reading performance targeting the pending activation information in at least some cases where the pending activation information of a special chart is pending at a predetermined advance judgment timing. More specifically, the pre-judgment means 125 reads out each random number of the operation pending information that has been reserved this time, and executes pre-judgment for each of the special chart hit / miss judgment, special chart stop pattern lottery, and special chart change pattern lottery, which will be described later. In each pre-judgment, a lottery table (not shown) that is the same as or equivalent to the lottery table used in the lottery corresponding to each pre-judgment is used. Therefore, the results of these pre-judgments will be the same as the results of the lottery that will be executed later. Furthermore, the pre-determination means 125 generates a performance control command (pre-determination command) including the derived result of the pre-determination, and stores the command in a transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160. Since the pre-determination command is transmitted (generated and stored in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160) at least part of the timing of the predetermined pre-determination, it will be transmitted following the above-mentioned pending command. Here, the predetermined timing of pre-determination is, for example, the timing when the activation pending information of the special chart is reserved. In this embodiment, if the activation pending information of the special chart 1 is reserved during the normal chart high probability described below, the pre-determination is restricted, and therefore the transmission of the pre-determination command corresponding to the pre-determination is also restricted. On the other hand, if the activation pending information of the special chart 2 is reserved during the normal chart low probability described below, the pre-determination may or may not be restricted.

[0071] The special drawing means 130 includes a special drawing hit / miss judgment means 131, a special drawing stop pattern lottery means 132, and a special drawing change pattern derivation means 133, and executes processing by each means in the order of the special drawing hit / miss judgment means 131, the special drawing stop pattern lottery means 132, and the special drawing change pattern derivation means 133. When the special drawing change start condition is satisfied, the special drawing lottery means 130 reads out the earliest operation pending information among the operation pending information reserved in the main information storage means 160. In addition, "the conditions for starting the change of the special chart are satisfied" means, for example, that all of the following conditions are satisfied: the player is not in a jackpot game, neither Special Chart 1 nor Special Chart 2 is in the process of changing the pattern (including when the pattern change related to Special Chart 1 or Special Chart 2 is displayed as stopped), and at least one of Special Chart 1 and Special Chart 2 has pending operation information.

[0072] Here, Figs. 8 to 12 are diagrams that typically show a lottery table used in the main control board 100, and will be referred to as necessary in the following description. In addition, in a lottery using a lottery table, including other lottery tables, the lottery values ​​stored in the lottery table are added to the read random number in a predetermined order (if there is only one lottery value, the addition is performed once), and a result corresponding to the lottery value where a carry (overflow) occurs is derived as the result of the lottery. Similarly, in the explanation of the lottery table, the lottery table is given a name for convenience of explanation, but it is sufficient that the data such as the lottery value included in the lottery table corresponding to the name is identifiably stored in each ROM, and these names do not specify the area in which the data is stored. In the illustrated lottery table, there are items described for convenience of explanation, and if "-" or "0" is described as the lottery value, these do not necessarily indicate the data stored in each ROM. And, a result with "-" or "0" described as the lottery value will not win. Furthermore, if the same lottery value as the random number range used for the lottery (the number of random numbers that can be obtained in the range) is described in the lottery table, the result is derived 100%, so it is not necessary to perform a lottery. Furthermore, if the total value of the lottery values ​​used in one lottery matches the random number range used in the lottery, a carry will always occur when adding the final lottery value, so that addition does not need to be performed, and in that case, the lottery values ​​used in that addition themselves become unnecessary.

[0073] The special pattern hit / miss judgment means 131 reads out a random number for the special pattern hit / miss judgment for each pattern change, and executes a special pattern hit / miss judgment to determine by lottery whether a big hit, a small hit, or a miss will be won, using the read out random number and a lottery table for the special pattern hit / miss judgment. FIG. 8(a) is a diagram showing a schematic drawing of a lottery table for determining whether a special drawing is a hit or not. The lottery table is different between special drawing 1 and special drawing 2, and the range of random numbers used in these determinations is 0 to 65535. Therefore, in the special drawing hit or not determination in special drawing 1, a big hit is derived with a probability of 205 / 65536 (about 1 / 320), and otherwise it is a miss, and a small hit is not derived. On the other hand, in the special drawing hit or not determination in special drawing 2, a big hit is derived with a probability of 205 / 65536 (about 1 / 320), a small hit is derived with a probability of 1820 / 65536 (about 1 / 36.0), and otherwise it is a miss. In this embodiment, as described later, a jackpot game can occur via a small jackpot, so the probability of a jackpot being derived in the special chart hit / miss determination is set to the one probability mentioned above.

[0074] When the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment is a big hit or a small hit, the special chart stopping pattern selection means 132 determines the special chart stopping pattern by lottery using a random number for special chart stopping pattern selection (in this embodiment, in the range of 0 to 999) and a selection table for special chart stopping pattern selection. Specifically, as shown in Figure 8(b), which is a schematic diagram of a lottery table for selecting the stopping patterns used when a jackpot is derived in the special pattern hit / miss judgment related to special pattern 1, when a jackpot is derived in the special pattern hit / miss judgment related to special pattern 1, pattern A is determined as the stopping pattern with a probability of 100 / 1000 (1 / 10), and pattern B is determined as the stopping pattern with a probability of 900 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.11). Here, whether pattern A or pattern B is determined, the game will become a normal high probability game after the end of the jackpot game corresponding to these stopped patterns, but the number of pattern changes during which the normal high probability game continues (hereinafter referred to as the "prescribed number of times related to the normal high probability game") is 80 times after the end of the jackpot game when pattern A is determined, and 40 times after the end of the jackpot game when pattern B is determined. In addition, the number of rounds of the jackpot game corresponding to pattern A is 10, while the number of rounds of the jackpot game corresponding to pattern B is 4. Therefore, it can be said that pattern A is more advantageous than pattern B in terms of both the number of rounds and the prescribed number of times related to the normal high probability game.

[0075] As shown in Figure 8(c), which is a schematic diagram of a lottery table for selecting the stopping patterns used when a small win is derived in the judgment of whether the special pattern is a hit or miss related to special pattern 2, when a small win is derived in the judgment of whether the special pattern is a hit or miss related to special pattern 2, pattern a is determined as the stopping pattern with a probability of 700 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.43), and pattern b is determined with a probability of 300 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 3.33). Here, pattern a is a stopping pattern that has 10 rounds of jackpot play that occurs in a small jackpot play related to the pattern, and becomes a normal high probability after the jackpot play ends, and the specified number of times for the normal high probability is 80. On the other hand, pattern b is a stopping pattern that has 4 rounds of jackpot play that occurs in a small jackpot play related to the pattern, and becomes a normal high probability after the jackpot play ends, and the specified number of times for the normal high probability is 80. Therefore, it can be said that pattern a is more advantageous than pattern b in terms of the number of rounds. In addition, when a jackpot game occurs in a small win game, the number of rounds in the jackpot game is the number calculated by counting the small win game as one round. Furthermore, in the following explanation, a jackpot game that occurs in a small win game related to the pattern a may be expressed as a "jackpot game related to the pattern a", and a jackpot game that occurs in a small win game related to the pattern b may be expressed as a "jackpot game related to the pattern b".

[0076] As shown in Fig. 8(d), which is a schematic diagram of a lottery table for drawing the stopping symbols used when a jackpot is derived in the special symbol hit / miss judgment related to the special symbol 2, when a jackpot is derived in the special symbol hit / miss judgment related to the special symbol 2, the symbol c is determined as the stopping symbol with a probability of 1000 / 1000 (1 / 1). In particular, the symbol c is a stopping symbol for which the number of rounds of the jackpot game corresponding to the stopping symbol is 10 and which becomes a normal symbol with high probability after the jackpot game ends, and the prescribed number of times related to the normal symbol with high probability is 80 times.

[0077] In addition, the special chart stop pattern lottery means 132 determines pattern C as the stop pattern when the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment regarding special chart 1 is a miss, and determines pattern d as the stop pattern when the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment regarding special chart 2 is a miss.

[0078] In this manner, in the above-described embodiment, the jackpot game generated in the pattern variation related to the special chart 2 tends to be more advantageous than the jackpot game generated in the pattern variation related to the special chart 1. Therefore, the game interest can be further increased by transitioning from the special chart variation pattern derivation state PA to another special chart variation pattern derivation state, which will be described later.

[0079] The special pattern variation pattern derivation means 133 has a plurality of types of special pattern variation pattern selection tables to be referred to when determining the special pattern variation pattern, and selects one special pattern variation pattern selection table for determining the current special pattern variation pattern based on the current special pattern variation pattern derivation state and the result of the current special pattern hit / miss judgment, determines one special pattern variation pattern using the selected special pattern variation pattern selection table and the random number for special pattern variation pattern selection, and determines the variation time based on the determined special pattern variation pattern. Here, the variation time refers to the time from the start of the pattern variation related to the special pattern (special pattern 1 or special pattern 2) to the end of the pattern variation. Although details of the transition conditions will be described later, the special pattern variation pattern derivation state in this embodiment includes a special pattern variation pattern derivation state PA, a special pattern variation pattern derivation state PB, and a special pattern variation pattern derivation state PC. The above-mentioned method of determining the special pattern variation pattern is adopted in the pattern variation related to the special pattern 1 in the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PA, and is adopted in the pattern variation related to the special pattern 2 in the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PB and the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PC. On the other hand, in the pattern change related to the other special pattern (the special pattern for which the above-mentioned method of determining the special pattern change pattern is adopted) in each special pattern change pattern derivation state, a predetermined special pattern change pattern is determined according to the result of the special pattern hit / miss judgment. In particular, in the pattern change related to the special pattern 2 in the special pattern change pattern derivation state PA, if the result of the special pattern hit / miss judgment of the pattern change is miss, a change pattern with a change time of 1000 ms is determined, and if the result of the special pattern hit / miss judgment of the pattern change is other than miss, a change pattern with a change time of 2000 ms is determined.

[0080] FIG. 9(a) is a schematic diagram showing a special chart variation pattern lottery table used in the pattern variation related to special chart 1 during the special chart variation pattern derivation state PA, and the range of random numbers used in the lottery is 0 to 999. As shown in FIG. 9(a), in the pattern change related to the special chart 1 during the special chart change pattern derivation state PA, special chart change patterns HNP to ASP-C can be determined. Specifically, when the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment is a miss in the pattern change related to the special chart 1 during the special chart change pattern derivation state PA, the special chart change pattern HNP occurs with a probability of 900 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.11), the special chart change pattern HRP occurs with a probability of 52 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 19.2), the special chart change pattern HSP1-A occurs with a probability of 13 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 76.9), and the special chart change pattern HS occurs with a probability of 11 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 90.9). P1-B, special pattern variation pattern HSP2-A with a probability of 9 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 111), special pattern variation pattern HSP2-B with a probability of 7 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 143), special pattern variation pattern HSP3-A with a probability of 5 / 1000 (1 / 200), and special pattern variation pattern HSP3-B with a probability of 3 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 333) are determined, and in this case, special pattern variation pattern ASP1-A to special pattern variation pattern ASP-C are not determined. Note that, although details will be described later using Figure 9 (b), when special pattern variation pattern HNP is determined, the special pattern variation pattern is further specified using the value of the special pattern 1 reserved counter at the start of this pattern variation. On the other hand, when the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment in the pattern change related to the special chart 1 during the special chart change pattern derivation state PA is a jackpot, the special chart change pattern ASP1-A has a probability of 90 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 11.1), the special chart change pattern ASP1-B has a probability of 110 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 9.09), the special chart change pattern ASP2-A has a probability of 135 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 7.41), and the special chart change pattern ASP3-B has a probability of 165 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 6.01). Special chart fluctuation pattern ASP2-B is determined with a probability of 1.06), special chart fluctuation pattern ASP3-A with a probability of 180 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 5.56), special chart fluctuation pattern ASP3-B with a probability of 220 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 4.56), and special chart fluctuation pattern ASP-C with a probability of 100 / 1000 (1 / 10). In such cases, special chart fluctuation pattern HNP to special chart fluctuation pattern HSP3-B will not be determined. In this embodiment, when the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment in the pattern fluctuation related to the special chart 1 in the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PA is a miss, any one of the special chart fluctuation patterns HRP to HSP3-B is determined at a rate of 100 / 1000 (1 / 10), and the special chart fluctuation pattern HNP is determined at a rate of 900 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.11). Furthermore, when the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment in the pattern fluctuation related to the special chart 1 in the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PA is a big hit, any one of the special chart fluctuation patterns ASP1-A to ASP-C is determined at a rate of 1000 / 1000 (1 / 1). Here, in the description of the special pattern variation pattern of this embodiment, when two special pattern variation patterns are described with "~" between them, the description of the special pattern variation pattern existing between the special pattern variation pattern described earlier and the special pattern variation pattern described later is omitted according to the order described in the drawing related to the special pattern variation pattern lottery table for each special pattern variation pattern derivation state. Also, in the description of the special pattern variation pattern of this embodiment, regardless of whether the corresponding variation time is described or not, if the names of the special pattern variation patterns are different, it indicates that the different special pattern variation patterns are different.

[0081] Figure 9(b) is a schematic diagram showing a special chart variation pattern lottery table used when special chart variation pattern HNP is determined in the pattern variation related to special chart 1 during special chart variation pattern derivation state PA, and the range of random numbers used in the lottery (different from the random numbers used in the lottery related to the special chart variation pattern lottery table shown in Figure 9(a)) is 0 to 999. As shown in Figure 9 (b), the special chart fluctuation patterns HNP that can be determined in the pattern fluctuation related to special chart 1 during special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PA include special chart fluctuation pattern HNP-A with a fluctuation time of 3200 ms (milliseconds), special chart fluctuation pattern HNP-B with a fluctuation time of 5600 ms, special chart fluctuation pattern HNP-C with a fluctuation time of 8000 ms, and special chart fluctuation pattern HNP-D with a fluctuation time of 11200 ms, in that order of increasing fluctuation time. Specifically, if the special pattern 1 reserved counter is 3 at the start of the current pattern change, the special pattern change pattern HNP-A is determined with a probability of 1000 / 1000 (1 / 1). Similarly, if the special pattern 1 reserved counter is 2 at the start of the current pattern change, the special pattern change pattern HNP-A is determined with a probability of 150 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 6.67), and the special pattern change pattern HNP-B is determined with a probability of 850 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.18). If the special pattern 1 reserved counter is 1 at the start of the current pattern change, the special pattern change pattern HNP-A is determined with a probability of 50 / 1000 (1 / 20), and the special pattern change pattern HNP-B is determined with a probability of 150 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 6.67). The special pattern variation pattern HNP-B is determined with a probability of 800 / 1000 (1 / 1.25), and the special pattern variation pattern HNP-C is determined with a probability of 800 / 1000 (1 / 1.25). If the special pattern 1 reserved counter at the start of the pattern variation is 0, the special pattern variation pattern HNP-B is determined with a probability of 50 / 1000 (1 / 20), the special pattern variation pattern HNP-C is determined with a probability of 100 / 1000 (1 / 10), and the special pattern variation pattern HNP-D is determined with a probability of 850 / 1000 (about 1 / 1.18). In the following explanation, if the value of the special pattern reserved counter to be referenced is 3, it may be called "reserved 3", if the value of the special pattern reserved counter is 2, it may be called "reserved 2", if the value of the special pattern reserved counter is 1, it may be called "reserved 1", and if the value of the special pattern reserved counter is 0, it may be called "reserved 0". In this way, when the special pattern change pattern HNP is determined in the special pattern change pattern derivation state PA, the special pattern change pattern (change time) that is likely to be determined by the value of the special pattern 1 reserved counter at the start of the current pattern change differs. More specifically, the smaller the value of the special pattern 1 reserved counter at the start of the current pattern change, the more likely it is that a long pattern change will be determined (the larger the value of the special pattern 1 reserved counter at the start of the current pattern change, the more likely it is that a short change time will be determined). In addition, such special chart variation pattern HNP (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the "basic special chart variation pattern") also exists in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PB and the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC, and in these special chart variation pattern derivation states, the reserved counter referenced is different from that in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PA, and in both cases the value of the special chart 2 reserved counter is referenced.

[0082] FIG. 10(a) is a schematic diagram showing a special pattern variation lottery table used in the pattern variation related to special pattern 2 during the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PB, and the range of random numbers used in the lottery is 0 to 999. As shown in FIG. 10(a), in the pattern change related to the special chart 2 in the special chart change pattern derivation state PB, the special chart change pattern HNP to the special chart change pattern ASP-F can be determined. Specifically, when the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment in the pattern change related to the special chart 2 in the special chart change pattern derivation state PB is a miss, the special chart change pattern HNP is determined with a probability of 960 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.04), the special chart change pattern HSP-D with a probability of 20 / 1000 (1 / 50), the special chart change pattern HSP-E with a probability of 15 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 66.7), and the special chart change pattern HSP-F with a probability of 5 / 1000 (1 / 200), and in this case, the special chart change pattern ASP-D to the special chart change pattern ASP-F are not determined. Note that, although details will be described later using FIG. 10(b), when the special chart change pattern HNP is determined, the special chart change pattern is further specified using the value of the special chart 2 reserved counter at the start of the current pattern change. And, the method of determining the special chart change pattern using this special chart 2 reserved counter is the same in the special chart change pattern derivation state PB described later. On the other hand, if the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment in the pattern change related to special chart 2 during the special chart change pattern derivation state PB is a big hit or a small hit, special chart change pattern ASP-D is determined with a probability of 500 / 1000 (1 / 2), special chart change pattern ASP-E with a probability of 350 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 2.86), and special chart change pattern ASP-F with a probability of 150 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 6.67), and in such case, special chart change pattern HNP to special chart change pattern HSP-F will not be determined. In this embodiment, when the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment in the pattern fluctuation related to the special chart 2 in the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PB is a miss, any one of the special chart fluctuation patterns HSP-D to HSP-F is determined at a rate of 40 / 1000 (1 / 25), and the special chart fluctuation pattern HNP is determined at a rate of 960 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.04). Furthermore, when the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment in the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PB is a big hit or a small hit, any one of the special chart fluctuation patterns ASP-D to ASP-F is determined at a rate of 1000 / 1000 (1 / 1).

[0083] Figure 10(b) is a schematic diagram showing a special chart variation pattern lottery table used when special chart variation pattern HNP is determined in the pattern variation related to special chart 2 during special chart variation pattern derivation state PB, and the range of random numbers used in the lottery (different from the random numbers used in the lottery related to the special chart variation pattern lottery table shown in Figure 10(a)) is 0 to 999. As shown in Figure 10 (b), the special chart fluctuation patterns HNP that can be determined in the pattern fluctuation related to special chart 2 in the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PB include special chart fluctuation pattern HNP-E with a fluctuation time of 3000 ms and special chart fluctuation pattern HNP-F with a fluctuation time of 15000 ms. Specifically, if the special chart 2 reserved counter is 3 at the start of the current pattern change, if the special chart 2 reserved counter is 2 at the start of the current pattern change, and if the special chart 2 reserved counter is 1 at the start of the current pattern change, the special chart change pattern HNP-E is determined with a probability of 1000 / 1000 (1 / 1), and in these cases, the special chart change pattern HNP-F is not determined. On the other hand, if the special chart 2 reserved counter is 0 at the start of the current pattern change, the special chart change pattern HNP-F is determined with a probability of 1000 / 1000 (1 / 1), and in these cases, the special chart change pattern HNP-E is not determined. In addition, special chart variation pattern HNP-E and special chart variation pattern HNP-F are different from both the special chart variation pattern that can be determined when special chart variation pattern HNP is determined in the pattern variation related to special chart 1 in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PA described above, and the special chart variation pattern that can be determined when special chart variation pattern HNP is determined in the pattern variation related to the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC described below.

[0084] FIG. 11(a) is a schematic diagram showing a special chart variation pattern lottery table used for the pattern variation related to special chart 2 when the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC is in, and the range of random numbers used in the lottery is 0 to 999. As shown in FIG. 11(a), in the pattern change related to special chart 2 in the special chart change pattern derivation state PC, special chart change pattern HNP to special chart change pattern ASP-I can be determined. Specifically, if the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment in the pattern change related to special chart 2 during the special chart change pattern derivation state PC is a miss, special chart change pattern HNP is determined with a probability of 950 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.05), special chart change pattern HSP-G with a probability of 25 / 1000 (1 / 40), special chart change pattern HSP-H with a probability of 15 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 66.7), and special chart change pattern HSP-I with a probability of 10 / 1000 (1 / 100), and in such case, special chart change pattern ASP-G to special chart change pattern ASP-I will not be determined. On the other hand, if the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment in the pattern change related to special chart 2 during the special chart change pattern derivation state PC is a big hit or a small hit, regardless of the number of spins in the special chart change pattern derivation state PC, special chart change pattern ASP-G is determined with a probability of 500 / 1000 (1 / 2), special chart change pattern ASP-H is determined with a probability of 350 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 2.86), and special chart change pattern ASP-I is determined with a probability of 150 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 6.67), and in such case, special chart change pattern HNP to special chart change pattern HSP-I will not be determined.

[0085] Figure 11(b) is a schematic diagram showing a special chart variation pattern lottery table used when special chart variation pattern HNP is determined in the pattern variation related to special chart 2 during special chart variation pattern derivation state PC, and the range of random numbers used in the lottery (different from the random numbers used in the lottery related to the special chart variation pattern lottery table shown in Figure 11(a)) is 0 to 999. As shown in Figure 11 (b), the special chart fluctuation patterns HNP that can be determined in the pattern fluctuation related to special chart 2 when the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PC is in include special chart fluctuation pattern HNP-G with a fluctuation time of 2000 ms and special chart fluctuation pattern HNP-H with a fluctuation time of 10000 ms. Specifically, when the special pattern 2 reserved counter is 3 at the start of the current pattern change, when the special pattern 2 reserved counter is 2 at the start of the current pattern change, and when the special pattern 2 reserved counter is 1 at the start of the current pattern change, the special pattern change pattern HNP-G is determined with a probability of 1000 / 1000 (1 / 1), and in these cases, the special pattern change pattern HNP-H is not determined. On the other hand, when the special pattern 2 reserved counter is 0 at the start of the current pattern change, the special pattern change pattern HNP-H is determined with a probability of 1000 / 1000 (1 / 1), and in these cases, the special pattern change pattern HNP-G is not determined. In addition, special chart variation pattern HNP-G and special chart variation pattern HNP-H are different from both the special chart variation pattern that can be determined when special chart variation pattern HNP is determined in the pattern variation related to special chart 1 in the above-mentioned special chart variation pattern derivation state PA, and the special chart variation pattern that can be determined when special chart variation pattern HNP is determined in the pattern variation related to special chart 2 in the above-mentioned special chart variation pattern derivation state PB.

[0086] In addition, at the start of the pattern change, the special chart change pattern derivation means 133 generates a performance control command (change start command) including the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment, the determined stopping pattern of the special chart, and the determined special chart change pattern, and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160.

[0087] The regular map lottery means 135, like the special map lottery means 130, reads out the most recent pending activation information from the pending activation information stored in the main information storage means 160 when the regular map pattern is not changing, and uses the read random number to perform a regular map hit / miss judgment to determine whether the regular map is correct or not, and determines various parameters related to the regular map (regular map change time, regular map stop display time, etc.) based on the result of the regular map hit / miss judgment and information such as the current special map change pattern derivation state. In the judgment of whether the regular drawing is a hit or miss, there are two states: a high probability state of the regular drawing selection (sometimes abbreviated as "regular drawing high probability") and a low probability state of the regular drawing selection (sometimes abbreviated as "regular drawing low probability"). Although the drawing of the selection table is omitted, in this embodiment, in the high probability state, the probability of the regular drawing being a hit is 65535 / 65536, and the remaining probability of 1 / 65536 is a miss, while in the low probability state, the probability of the regular drawing being a hit is 1 / 65536, and the remaining probability of 65535 / 65536 is a miss. Note that in the low probability state, the regular drawing may not be a hit (65536 / 65536 is a miss).

[0088] The jackpot game control means 140 controls the progress of the jackpot game. Specifically, it manages the jackpot start demo period that is set at the start of the jackpot game and ends after a certain time has elapsed, and the jackpot end demo period that is set just before the end of the jackpot game and ends after a certain time has elapsed, and also manages the progress of the round period during which the above-mentioned round game is executed during these periods. In particular, the jackpot game control means 140 generates a performance control command including the number of rounds of the jackpot game and the subsequent special chart variation pattern derivation state at the start of the jackpot game (at the start of the jackpot start demo period), and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160. Furthermore, the jackpot game control means 140 generates a performance control command including the corresponding performance control command at the start of the round period, the end of the round period (at the start of the jackpot end demo period), and the end of the jackpot game (at the end of the jackpot end demo period), and stores the corresponding performance control command in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160. As a result, in this embodiment, the first sub-control board 200 is able to grasp the progress of the big win game.

[0089] In addition, the jackpot game control means 140 starts a small jackpot game when the result of the special winning / unwinning judgment is a small jackpot, and when the game ball passes through the V winning area (not shown) provided in the large winning port 55 during the small jackpot game, the jackpot game corresponding to the small jackpot can be started after the small jackpot game ends. Therefore, in this embodiment, the small jackpot game functions as a game that generates a jackpot game. Note that if the game ball does not pass through the V winning area during the small jackpot game, the jackpot game does not start after the small jackpot game ends.

[0090] The pattern display control means 145 displays the special pattern 1 on the first special pattern display device 91 in a variable manner according to the variable time corresponding to the determined special pattern variable pattern of the special pattern 1, and stops and displays the special pattern 1 with the stop pattern determined by the special pattern stop pattern lottery after the variable time has elapsed. Similarly, the special pattern 2 is displayed on the second special pattern display device 92 in a variable manner according to the variable time corresponding to the determined special pattern variable pattern of the special pattern 2, and stops and displays the special pattern 2 with the stop pattern determined by the special pattern stop pattern lottery after the variable time has elapsed. Here, the stop display time (interval) of the pattern change related to the special chart refers to the time from when the special chart is stopped and displayed until the pattern change of the next special chart can start (when the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment is a miss), or the time from when the pattern change of the special chart ends and until the big win game or small win game starts (when the result of the normal chart hit / miss judgment is a normal hit), and the stop display time of the pattern change related to the special chart in this embodiment is a uniform 300 ms, regardless of the type of special chart or the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment. In addition, the pattern display control means 145 has a special chart game timer for managing the time (variation time, stop display time) related to the display of special chart 1 and special chart 2, and when the special chart is stopped (at the timing when the value of the special chart game timer becomes "0"), it generates a presentation control command (variation stop command) for requesting a fixed stop display of the decorative pattern, and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160. Here, the definite stop display of the decorative pattern refers to the final stop display of the decorative pattern in the pattern change, and is different from the provisional stop display of the decorative pattern that may occur during the execution of the pattern change. In the provisional stop display of the decorative pattern, for example, the decorative pattern displayed as stopped is accompanied by a movement in which the decorative pattern is slightly swaying up and down (so-called swaying change), while in the definite stop display of the decorative pattern, the decorative pattern displayed as stopped is not accompanied by a swaying change, and so on. Even if the same decorative pattern is displayed as stopped, the display mode of the decorative pattern displayed as stopped as definite is different from the display mode of the decorative pattern displayed as stopped provisionally. Therefore, the player can recognize whether the display of the decorative pattern is a definite stop display or a provisional stop display.

[0091] Furthermore, the pattern display control means 145 causes the normal pattern display device 93 to display the normal pattern in a variable manner in accordance with a variable time corresponding to the determined normal pattern variable pattern of the normal pattern, and after the variable time has elapsed, causes the normal pattern to be displayed in a stopped state with the determined stopping pattern. In addition, the pattern display control means 145 has a regular pattern play timer for managing the time related to the regular pattern (regular pattern change time, regular pattern stop display time, etc.).

[0092] In the above-mentioned big win game or small win game, the electric device control means 150 outputs a control signal to the special electric device solenoid 66, and opens the special electric device 65 according to an opening pattern corresponding to the stopping pattern of the special chart.

[0093] The game state control means 155 controls the normal drawing state. Specifically, the game state control means 155 sets the normal drawing to low probability regardless of the stop pattern of the special drawing related to the jackpot game at the start of the jackpot game, and when a specified condition such as the end of the jackpot game is satisfied, sets the normal drawing to high probability until the pattern change of the specified number of times related to the normal drawing high probability is performed, and sets the normal drawing to low probability when the pattern change of the specified number of times related to the normal drawing high probability is completed. Here, as described later, in this embodiment, the number of times of pattern change used to determine whether the specified number of times related to the normal drawing high probability has been reached is the number of times of pattern change related to the special drawing 2, but the number of times of pattern change used for the determination may be the number of times of pattern change related to the special drawing 1 added to the number of times of pattern change related to the special drawing 2. In addition, in this embodiment, during a small win game, the normal symbol lottery state is maintained in the pattern change that caused the small win game.

[0094] Such a general drawing state changes in link with the above-mentioned special drawing pattern derivation state, and the transition of the special drawing pattern derivation state is managed by the game state control means 155. The transition of the special drawing pattern derivation state will be explained below with reference to Fig. 12(a) and Fig. 12(b). Fig. 12(a) is a state transition diagram showing the transition of the special drawing pattern derivation state, and Fig. 12(b) is a diagram showing the relationship of the average change time for each special drawing pattern derivation state. As shown in Figure 12 (a), in the special chart variation pattern derivation state, there is a special chart variation pattern derivation state PA as a special chart variation pattern derivation state corresponding to a normal chart low probability, and there are a special chart variation pattern derivation state PB and a special chart variation pattern derivation state PC as special chart variation pattern derivation states corresponding to a normal chart high probability, and one of these special chart variation pattern derivation states is set except during a jackpot game. And, there are transition conditions (i) to (v) for the transition conditions between the special chart variation pattern derivation state PA and the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC.

[0095] Specifically, transition condition (i) is the end of a jackpot game related to pattern B, transition condition (ii) is the end of a jackpot game related to pattern A, transition condition (iii) is the end of a jackpot game related to pattern a, pattern b, or pattern c, transition condition (iv) is the end of pattern change related to special pattern 2 executed without a jackpot game in normal high probability state by the number of times (the specified number of times related to normal high probability state in special pattern change pattern derivation state PB) that the number of times of pattern change related to special pattern 2 executed without a jackpot game in normal high probability state by the number of times (the specified number of times related to normal high probability state in special pattern change pattern derivation state PC) that the number of times of pattern change related to special pattern 2 executed without a jackpot game in normal high probability state by the number of times (the specified number of times related to normal high probability state in special pattern change pattern derivation state PC) that the number of times is 80. In addition, if a big win game occurs in the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PC, the state transitions to the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PC again after the end of the big win game, and the number of pattern variations related to the special pattern 2 that can be executed up to the specified number of times related to the high probability of the normal pattern in the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PC is reset. Also, although not shown, if a big win game does not occur in a small win game that occurs in the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PC, and if a big win game does not occur in a small win game related to the transition condition (iii), the end of the small win game triggers the current special pattern variation pattern derivation state to end and transition to the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PA.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 12(b), the average change time of each of the special pattern change pattern derivation state PA, the special pattern change pattern derivation state PB, and the special pattern change pattern derivation state PC is shorter in the order of the special pattern change pattern derivation state PA, the special pattern change pattern derivation state PB, and the special pattern change pattern derivation state PC. This is due to the length of the change time related to the basic special pattern change pattern that is most likely to be determined in each special pattern change pattern derivation state. Here, the average change time refers to the sum of the change times derived by multiplying the occurrence rate (the probability that may occur in any pattern change, which is derived by multiplying the probability that the result of the special pattern hit / miss judgment is derived by the probability of the special pattern change pattern being hit) for each change time related to the special pattern change pattern that can be selected in a certain special pattern change pattern derivation state. However, in this embodiment, when there is only one special pattern change pattern that can be selected in the certain special pattern change pattern derivation state, the change time related to the special pattern change pattern is treated as the average change time.

[0097] In addition, when a transition occurs to the regular chart lottery state or the special chart variation pattern derivation state, the game state control means 155 generates a presentation control command (game state designation command) including the state after the transition, and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160. Furthermore, the game state control means 155 counts the number of times that the pattern change related to the transition to another special pattern change pattern derivation state is executed in each special pattern change pattern derivation state, and generates a performance control command including the number of times of the counted pattern change each time the pattern change is started, and stores the command in the transmission command area of ​​the main information storage means 160. The information included in the performance control command may be included in the above-mentioned change start command.

[0098] As described above, the main information storage means 160 is a means for temporarily storing data read by each means, data derived by calculations or the like by each means, etc., in the corresponding storage areas.

[0099] The main error control means 165 monitors the input information of the I / O port 104 and judges whether or not the gaming machine 10 is in an error state. If it is judged that the gaming machine 10 is in an error state, a performance control command (error command) including information capable of identifying the error state is stored in a transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160. In this embodiment, the error states determined by the main error control means 165 include, for example, a main board error based on the occurrence of the update abnormality described above, a magnetic error based on magnetic detection by the magnetic detection sensor, a radio wave error based on radio wave detection by the radio wave detection sensor, a right-hit error based on detection of a game ball by the gate sensor 74 or the second start gate sensor 71, a door open error based on detection of the opening of the middle frame 17 by the middle frame open door sensor 76 or detection of the opening of the front frame 20 by the front frame open door sensor 77, a full tank error based on detection of game balls by the full tank detection sensor, and a remaining prize ball error that occurs when there are remaining prize balls. The occurrence or non-occurrence of an error state according to this embodiment is monitored during a playable state described later. To summarize some of the occurrence conditions of these errors, the main board error is an error state indicating an update abnormality of the random number circuit 105 as described above, and occurs when the update abnormality occurs. Next, the magnetic error is an error state that occurs when magnetic detection by the magnetic detection sensor occurs continuously for 500 ms, and the radio wave error is an error state that occurs when the number of radio wave detections by the radio wave detection sensor (the cumulative number of times since the last power-on) occurs a total of five times. In addition, the right-hit error is an error state that occurs when the gate sensor 74 detects a game ball three times (the number of detections is reset 1000 ms after the last detection) during normal times (the special chart variation pattern derivation state PA, special chart low certainty and normal chart low certainty) or when the second start port sensor 71 detects a game ball once during normal times, and the full tank error is an error state that occurs when the full tank detection sensor is ON, that is, when a game ball is detected by the full tank detection sensor.

[0100] In this embodiment, among these error states, the main board error, magnetic error, and radio wave error are treated as relatively important error states (hereinafter, simply referred to as "high importance error states"). Therefore, when such an error state of high importance occurs, the main error control means 165 executes a game progress restriction process to prevent the game from progressing, such as restricting the payout control board 400 from releasing game balls, in addition to the process of turning on the security signal. Here, the security signal is a type of signal output from an external terminal board (not shown) provided on the gaming machine 10 to a device outside the gaming machine (a data display device or a hall computer). Including the following explanation, turning the security signal ON refers to starting the output of the security signal, and turning the security signal OFF refers to ending the output of the security signal. In addition, in the process of turning the security signal OFF in this embodiment, the elapsed time from turning the security signal ON is not taken into consideration, but the elapsed time may be taken into consideration, that is, the security signal may not be turned OFF before a certain time has elapsed since the security signal was turned ON. In this embodiment, when a magnetic error and a radio wave error occur, the process of turning the security signal ON is executed, but the payout control board 400 may not execute the above-mentioned game progress regulation process. Furthermore, when an error state of high importance occurs, the first sub-control board 200 and the second sub-control board 300 execute a notification display that can identify which error state has occurred. Furthermore, these highly important error states can only be released (the error state can be terminated) by cutting off and restoring power, and the security signal related to the error state is turned OFF when the power is cut off (it remains ON until the power is cut off). The error state with a high degree of importance described above is merely an example, and other error states may be provided as the error state.

[0101] On the other hand, for error states of relatively low importance (hereinafter simply referred to as "error states of low importance") such as a right-hit error, a door-open error, a full tank error, and a remaining prize ball error, the release of game balls is not restricted, and the game is allowed to proceed. When these error states occur, the first sub-control board 200 and the second sub-control board 300 execute a notification effect that can identify which error state has occurred. Also, the right-hit error ends when the execution of the notification effect related to the error state ends, the door open error ends when the middle frame open door sensor 76 detects the middle frame 17 in a closed state or the front frame open door sensor 77 detects the front frame 20 in a closed state, the remaining prize ball error ends when there are no more prize balls, and the full tank error ends when the full tank detection sensor no longer detects game balls. When the termination conditions for these error states are met, a performance control command (return command) indicating that the termination conditions have been met is stored in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160. The above-mentioned error state of low importance is only one example, and other error states may be provided as the error state, such as an abnormal winning error that occurs when a game ball is detected by the large winning opening sensor 72 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the large winning opening 55 is closed during a big win game, and when such an error state is provided, a notification effect related to the error state is executed. Note that the abnormal winning error may be terminated when the notification effect related to the error state is completed, similar to the above-mentioned right hit error.

[0102] In this embodiment, a notification that can identify the occurrence of an error state of high importance is executed in priority over a notification that can identify the occurrence of an error state of low importance described above, and a notification that can identify an error state of low importance is executed in priority over other effects (including advance notifications described below) executed during the pattern variation, including effects described below. However, a second stop advance notification and a game stop notification described below are executed in priority over an error state of low importance.

[0103] When a performance control command is stored in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160, the main command management means 170 transmits the performance control command to the first sub-control board 200. In principle, each performance control command is transmitted in the order in which it is stored in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160.

[0104] The power restoration process execution means 175 includes a restoration state setting means 176 and a playable state transition means 179 .

[0105] The return state setting means 176 executes a return state setting process to set a return state based on whether or not there is an abnormality in the RAM 103 when power is restored, the state at the time of the power outage immediately before the power restoration, the state of the RAM clear switch 43 when power is restored, and the state of the inner frame door open sensor 76 when power is restored. The return states set by this process include a game stop state and a game ready state (which may or may not involve the execution of a RAM clear process). Specifically, if there is an abnormality in the RAM 103 when power is restored, a game-stopped state is set regardless of the state of the RAM clear switch 43 and the state of the middle frame door open sensor 76 when power is restored. Also, if there is no abnormality in the RAM 103 when power is restored and the RAM clear switch 43 is ON (pressed state) when power is restored, the RAM clear process is executed and a playable state is set on the condition that the middle frame door open sensor 76 is ON when power is restored (if the middle frame door open sensor 76 is OFF when power is restored, the RAM clear process is not executed and the playable state is set), and if there is no abnormality in the RAM 103 when power is restored and the RAM clear switch 43 is OFF (not pressed state) when power is restored, the RAM clear process is not executed and the playable state is set. Here, the game stop state is a state in which game progress is impossible by not executing processing in response to the detection results of the sensors installed at each winning port (the detection results of the sensors themselves do not need to be looked at), and in this state, the release of game balls itself is also prohibited. On the other hand, the playable state is a restored state in which the game can be played by executing a process according to the detection result of the sensor installed in each winning port. In particular, if the RAM clear process is not executed when the power is restored, the game returns to the playable state at the time of the previous power outage. For example, if the previous power outage was during a big win game or a small win game, the game returns to the big win game or small win game that was being executed, and if the previous power outage was during a pattern change, the game returns to the pattern change that was being executed.

[0106] In addition, whether or not there is an abnormality in RAM 103 is determined by executing a RAM abnormality check at the beginning of the recovery state setting process (specifically, a process which determines whether or not a backup flag is stored (whether or not the backup flag is ON) in the backup information area related to the target area, derives a checksum of the target area and the complement stored in the backup information area related to the area if the backup flag is stored (if the backup flag is ON), and if the calculation result is 0, determines that the target area is normal, and otherwise determines that the target area is abnormal) on the area related to the game in RAM 103.

[0107] The playable state transition means 179 executes a playable state transition process for transitioning to a playable state when the playable state is set. More specifically, in the game play state transition process, if the security signal output is ON, a process for turning the security signal output OFF and initial settings of the device are executed. In addition, during the initial setting of the device, processes such as sending a launch permission command to the payout control board 400 to permit the launch of game balls, setting the state in which balls will be valid when they enter each winning slot, and setting data to activate the random number circuit 105 are performed.

[0108] The power cut-off process execution means 180 executes a power cut-off process based on receiving a power cut-off signal from the power supply control board 500. Specifically, for an area of ​​RAM 103 related to game play, a process is performed in which a checksum for that area is derived and the complement of that checksum is stored in a backup information area of ​​RAM 103 related to game play, and a process is performed in which a backup flag indicating that a power cut process has been performed for that area is turned ON (a backup flag is stored in the backup information area of ​​RAM 103 related to game play).

[0109] The complete function control means 190 derives the difference in the number of balls using the above-mentioned out balls and safe balls, and sets a game stop state based on the derived difference in the number of balls being equal to or greater than a specific threshold value (100,000 in this embodiment) (hereinafter, this function is referred to as the "complete function"). Details of the process executed by the complete function control means 190 will be described later.

[0110] As shown in Figure 7, the first sub-control board 200 is equipped with a sub-random number generation means 210, a normal performance control means 220, a sub-error control means 230, a lamp control means 240, a movable prop control means 245, a sub-information storage means 260, and a sub-command management means 270, and these means are functional representations of what is realized by each control configuration on the first sub-control board 200 described using Figure 6. Here, the sub-information storage means 260 is a means for temporarily storing data read by the means included in the first sub-control board 200, data derived by calculation in the means, etc., in the respective corresponding storage areas. Also, the performance control command transmitted from the main command management means 170 is stored in the received command storage area of ​​the sub-information storage means 260 by the sub-command management means 270. In the following explanation, the storage of the performance control command transmitted from the main command management means 170 in the received command storage area of ​​the sub-information storage means 260 by the sub-command management means 270 may be simply expressed as reception of the performance control command.

[0111] The sub-random number generating means 210 can generate random numbers (software random numbers) that are updated by program processing by the CPU 201, and obtains random numbers at the timing when each lottery (details will be described later) is executed by the normal performance control means 220.

[0112] The normal presentation control means 220 includes a presentation mode control means 221, a presentation route determination means 222, a sub-hold control means 223, a look-ahead presentation control means 224, a presentation content determination means 225, a decorative pattern control means 226, and a jackpot presentation control means 227.

[0113] When the presentation mode control means 221 receives a game state designation command, it controls the transition of the presentation mode in a manner consistent with the special chart variation pattern derivation state managed on the main control board 100 side. The presentation modes in this embodiment are broadly divided into normal mode, challenge mode, and RUSH mode, with normal mode corresponding to the special chart variation pattern derivation state PA, challenge mode corresponding to the special chart variation pattern derivation state PB, and RUSH mode corresponding to the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC.

[0114] When the presentation route determination means 222 receives a pre-determination command, it determines (sets) a presentation route corresponding to the reserved pattern change based on the result of the pre-determination included in the command (in this embodiment, the special pattern change pattern). Note that, when the special pattern change pattern corresponding to the pattern change is the above-mentioned special pattern change pattern HNP, the presentation route determination means 222 does not determine a presentation route when the pre-determination command is transmitted, and determines a presentation route based on the special pattern change pattern included in the change start command at the start of the pattern change (for example, in the special pattern change pattern derivation state PA, the special pattern change pattern HNP-A to special pattern change pattern HNP-D). Here, the presentation route refers to the presentation from the start to the end of the pattern change, and specifies the process of the presentation that notifies the result of the special pattern determination in the pattern change. The content of the presentation executed in the pattern change is determined by the presentation content determination means 225, which will be described later, in accordance with the presentation route corresponding to the pattern change.

[0115] The presentation route in this embodiment is roughly divided into a miss presentation route that notifies that the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment in the current pattern change is a miss (the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment in the current pattern change is neither a big hit nor a small hit), and a big hit presentation route that notifies that the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment in the current pattern change is a big hit or a small hit. Furthermore, the miss presentation route includes a non-development miss presentation route in which the development presentation is not executed, and a development miss presentation route in which the development presentation is executed. As will be described later, when the big hit presentation route is determined, the development presentation is executed unless otherwise specified. Here, the development performance refers to a performance that is executed after the decorative symbols are in a reach state (a state in which all decorative symbols except one symbol row are displayed stationary and the remaining symbol rows are displayed in a variable manner), and at the end of which, it is announced whether the result of the special symbol hit / miss judgment in the current symbol change is a big hit or a small hit. Therefore, in a development performance that corresponds to a development miss performance route, a series of performances corresponding to the development performance are executed, and at the end of which, it is announced that the result of the special symbol hit / miss judgment in the current symbol change is neither a big hit nor a small hit. On the other hand, in a development performance that corresponds to a big hit performance route, a series of performances corresponding to the development performance are executed, and at the end of which, it is announced that the result of the special symbol hit / miss judgment in the current symbol change is a big hit or a small hit. In addition, as described later, in this embodiment, in one presentation mode, each of the determined special chart variation patterns corresponds to one different presentation route. Therefore, in the following description, the presentation route for the special chart variation pattern may be simply expressed as a special chart variation pattern. However, multiple presentation routes may be made to correspond to one special chart variation pattern, and in this case, one presentation route may be determined from multiple presentation routes corresponding to the determined special chart variation pattern.

[0116] When the sub-reservation control means 223 receives a reserve command (hereinafter, may be simply expressed as the occurrence of a reserved winning), it sets performance data for displaying the number of reserved images corresponding to the special chart 1 reserve counter and the number of reserved images corresponding to the special chart 2 reserve counter in the reserve display area (not shown) of the main display unit 81 based on the information of the special chart 1 reserve counter and the special chart 2 reserve counter contained in the command. The reserved images are images that are the subject of a reserve pre-reading performance (an example of a pre-reading performance described later) that changes into various forms suggesting the degree of advantage such as the expectation degree of the occurrence of a jackpot game.

[0117] When the look-ahead performance control means 224 receives a pre-determination command, it determines the content of the so-called look-ahead performance based on the result of the pre-determination included in the command.

[0118] When the effect content determining means 225 receives a variation start command, it determines the content of the effect to be executed in the current pattern variation according to the presentation route already determined by the presentation route determining means 222. More specifically, the performance content determination means 225 determines a performance pattern selection table to be referenced for the content of the performance (performance pattern) for each performance execution timing in the pattern change based on the performance route determined by the performance route determination means 222, and determines the content of the performance by a selection using the determined performance pattern selection table. In particular, by doing so, it is possible to change the content of the performance related to (executed according to) the determined performance route, and to provide a connection between the performances in one pattern change.

[0119] When the decorative pattern control means 226 receives a variation start command, it determines the final (determined stopped) combination of decorative patterns (left pattern, center pattern, right pattern) based on the stopped pattern of the determined special pattern. Specifically, in the pattern variation related to the special chart 1, one of the pattern alignments related to the decorative patterns other than the 7 pattern is determined for the pattern A and the pattern B, and the pattern alignment related to the 7 pattern is determined for the pattern C. Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the pattern alignment related to the decorative patterns other than the 7 pattern is stopped and displayed, the subsequent performance mode, that is, the performance mode set at the opportunity of the end of the big win game related to the pattern alignment, cannot be accurately determined from the pattern alignment that is stopped and displayed. On the other hand, when the pattern alignment related to the 7 pattern is stopped and displayed, the player can determine that the RUSH mode will be set afterwards. In addition, in the pattern variation related to the special chart 2, any of the pattern alignments related to the decorative patterns except for the 7 pattern is determined for the patterns a and c, and any of the pattern alignments related to the decorative patterns including the 7 pattern is determined for the patterns b and d. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the pattern alignment related to the decorative patterns except for the 7 pattern is stopped and displayed, it is not possible to accurately determine the number of rounds of the jackpot game related to the pattern alignment. On the other hand, when the pattern alignment related to the 7 pattern is stopped and displayed, the player can determine that the number of rounds of the jackpot game related to the pattern alignment is 10. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the pattern change that leads to a big hit or a small hit begins, if there is a pattern change within the reservation that leads to a big hit or a small hit (when a so-called "reserved streak" occurs), a V pattern combination, which is a pattern combination composed of V patterns, can be determined.

[0120] When the jackpot start command is received, the jackpot effect control means 227 determines the content of the effects during the jackpot game based on the information included in the command, etc. The effects during the jackpot game include a jackpot start effect that can specify that the jackpot start demo period is in progress, a round effect that can specify that the round period is in progress, and a jackpot end effect that can specify that the jackpot end demo period is in progress. In addition to these effects, the jackpot effect control means 227 also executes advance notification, game stop notification, and second stop advance notification as notifications related to the above-mentioned complete function, and details of these notifications will be described later. Furthermore, in this embodiment, if there is a pattern change in the reserve at the start of a jackpot game that leads to a jackpot or small jackpot, a reserve consecutive performance may be executed.

[0121] The normal performance control means 220 reads out performance data for each device corresponding to each performance at the execution timing of that performance, in accordance with the content of the performance determined by the above-mentioned means provided in the first sub-control board 200. If the read performance data includes performance data related to images, an image control command is generated based on that performance data, and the command is stored in a transmission command storage area of ​​the sub-information storage means 260. Furthermore, if the read performance data includes performance data related to sound, an audio control command related to sound is generated based on that performance data, and the command is stored in a transmission command storage area of ​​the sub-information storage means 260. In addition, the normal presentation control means 220 reads presentation data for informing the user that a playable state has been achieved with the execution of a RAM clear process when the return state at the time of power recovery has become a playable state with the execution of a RAM clear process, and reads presentation data for informing the user that a playable state has been achieved without the execution of a RAM clear process when the return state at the time of power recovery has become a playable state without the execution of a RAM clear process. Furthermore, in the case where the return state at the time of power recovery is a game stop state, the normal presentation control means 220 reads presentation data for informing the user that a game stop state has been achieved and that a RAM clear process needs to be executed. Details of these notifications are omitted, but it is preferable that they are executed continuously for a certain period of time (for example, 30 seconds) after the execution is started, and the presentation device for executing the notification does not matter.

[0122] When an error command is transmitted, the sub-error control means 230 determines an error notification pattern, and reads out performance data for executing an error notification in accordance with the error notification pattern. In addition, the error notification is executed with priority over the variable performance related to the pattern variation. Here, the error notification is executed with priority, not only when the device related to the execution of the error notification and the device related to the execution of the variable performance are the same device, but also includes the case where the error notification is executed in a manner that is easier to recognize than the variable performance in the device, not only when the device related to the execution of the error notification and the device related to the execution of the variable performance are the same device, but also when the error notification is executed in a manner that is easier to recognize than the variable performance in the device. In addition, the sub-error control means 230 may independently (independently of the main error control means 165) determine whether or not the gaming machine 10 is in an error state, and if it is determined that the gaming machine 10 is in an error state, read out presentation data that executes an error notification.

[0123] The lamp control means 240 holds lamp control data for controlling the lighting of various lamps such as the frame lamp 35. For example, if the performance data read out by the normal performance control means 220 contains performance data corresponding to a lamp, the lamp control means 240 reads out the lamp control data based on the performance data, and transmits the read lamp control data to the lamp to be executed.

[0124] When the performance data read by the normal performance control means 220 contains performance data corresponding to a movable prop, the movable prop control means 245 reads movement control data for controlling the movement of the movable decorative body 22 and the sub-display unit 82 from the ROM 202 based on the performance data, and transmits the read movement control data to the movable decorative body 22 and the sub-display unit 82 to control the movement of the movable decorative body 22 and the sub-display unit 82.

[0125] As described above, the sub-information storage means 260 is a means for temporarily storing data read out by the means provided in the first sub-control board 200, data derived by calculations in the means, etc. in the corresponding storage areas.

[0126] The sub-command management means 270 receives a performance control command transmitted from the main control board 100, and stores the received performance command in a received command storage area of ​​the sub-information storage means 260. When an image control command is stored in the transmission command storage area of ​​the sub-information storage means 260, the sub-command management means 270 transmits the image control command to the second sub-control board 300. When an audio control command or a volume adjustment command is stored in the storage area, the sub-command management means 270 transmits these commands to the audio control board 310. In addition, these commands are transmitted in the order in which they are stored in the transmission command storage area of ​​the sub-information storage means 260, as a rule.

[0127] As explained above, the gaming machine 10 according to this embodiment has a completion function that uses out balls and safe balls to derive the difference in the number of balls, and stops the game when the derived difference in the number of balls becomes equal to or exceeds a specific threshold. This contributes to reducing the gambling nature of the game, but since this function has not existed in the past, various problems arise in connection with the functions of existing gaming machines. In contrast to this, the present invention has a function for solving some of the problems that arise when a complete function is provided in an existing gaming machine, and the function will be described in detail below.

[0128] <Processing related to the complete function> First, using Figures 13 and 14, we will explain in detail the game stop flag setting process related to the complete function and the game stop process related to the complete function, which are processes executed by the complete function control means 190 to realize the complete function. Figure 13 shows a flow of the game stop flag setting process related to the complete function. This process is executed in the timer interrupt processing of the main control unit, and is executed when the game stop flag described later is OFF, but is not executed when the game stop flag is ON. FIG. 14 shows a flow of the game stop processing related to the complete function. This processing is executed regardless of the state of the game stop flag. When the game stop flag setting processing related to the complete function is executed, this processing is executed continuously in the timer interrupt processing of the main control unit.

[0129] As shown in FIG. 13, in step S102, which is the first step of the game stop flag setting process related to the complete function, out balls and safe balls are obtained. As mentioned above, the out balls refer to the total number of game balls detected by the out ball sensor 75, and the out balls are set to an initial value (0 in this embodiment) when power is restored after a power outage accompanied by the execution of a RAM clear process. On the other hand, the safe balls refer to the total number of prize balls awarded by the entry of game balls into the above-mentioned winning slots, and the safe balls are set to an initial value (5,000 in this embodiment) when power is restored after a power outage, which involves the execution of a RAM clear process.

[0130] In step S104, the difference in number of balls is calculated using the obtained out balls and safe balls. Specifically, in this process, the difference in the number of balls is derived by subtracting the number of out balls from the number of safe balls, and if this derived result is negative, the difference in the number of balls becomes zero. In addition, the method of deriving the difference in the number of balls is not limited to the derivation method described in this embodiment, and any derivation method may be adopted as long as the derivation result is consistent.

[0131] In step S106, it is determined whether the difference in the number of balls is 100,000 or more (whether the difference in the number of balls has reached 100,000), and if the condition is met, the process proceeds to step S108, and if the condition is not met, the process proceeds to step S110.

[0132] In step S108, the game stop flag is set to ON. In this embodiment, once the game stop flag is set to ON, it is cleared (set to OFF) only by power-on accompanied by execution of RAM clear processing, and is not cleared by power-on without execution of RAM clear processing. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the game stop flag from being illegally cleared.

[0133] In step S110, preparations are made for sending a command related to the complete function, and then the game stop flag setting process related to the complete function is terminated. Specifically, in this process, a complete function-related command is stored in a transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160, and the execution of this process causes the complete function-related command to be transmitted to the first sub-control board 200. In this embodiment, the complete function-related command includes information that can specify the number of out balls, safe balls, difference in number of balls, and the state of the game stop flag.

[0134] Next, as shown in FIG. 14, in step S202, which is the first step in the game stop processing related to the complete function, it is determined whether or not the game stop flag is ON. If the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S204, and if the condition is not satisfied, the game stop processing related to the complete function is terminated. In step S204, it is determined whether or not a big win or a small win is being played. If the condition is not met, the process proceeds to step S206. If the condition is met, the game stop process related to the complete function is terminated. In step S206, a game stop state is set. In step S208, the security signal is set to ON, and then the game stop process related to the complete function is terminated. This allows the device outside the gaming machine to determine that the game stop flag has been turned ON, that is, that the complete function has been activated.

[0135] In this embodiment, when the difference in the number of balls derived using the out balls and the safe balls exceeds a specific threshold (100,000 balls), the game is immediately stopped except during a big win or a small win. On the other hand, if the game is during a big win or a small win, the game is stopped when the game ends. In particular, in this embodiment, the difference in the number of balls does not have a negative value, but since the initial value of the safe balls is 5000, it can be said that the difference in the number of balls can have a value of up to minus 5000. The initial value may be set to any value (a value determined for each gaming machine) according to the performance of the gaming machine. However, the initial value of the safe balls may be set to zero, similar to the initial value of the out balls. In this way, the game stop state can be set according to the increase in the number of game balls from the point when the number of game balls has decreased the most during the game (so-called MY).

[0136] <Notifications related to the complete function> As described above, in this embodiment, the notification related to the complete function is configured to be capable of executing advance notification, game stop notification, and second stop advance notification, and the details of these notifications will be explained using Figures 15 to 23. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an outline of a flow of execution of a notification related to the complete function. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the flow of execution of notifications related to the complete function when the game stop flag is turned ON during a jackpot game. FIG. 17 shows a flow of the advance notification execution process, which is executed when a complete function-related command is received. 18(a) to 18(f) are diagrams showing notification modes of advance notification. FIG. 19 shows a flow of an advance notification end process, which is executed when a complete function-related command is received during the execution of an advance notification.

[0137] As shown in FIG. 15, the advance notification and the game stop notification are executed using the main display unit 81. More specifically, the advance notification is realized by displaying an advance notification image jg in the display area related to the main display unit 81, and the details of its initiation conditions and notification manner will be described later, but it is initiated prior to the execution of the game stop notification (flow from the scene at the left end of the top row of Figure 15 to the scene in the middle of the top row). The game stop notification is realized by displaying a normal game stop image tg1 containing the text "Thank you for your hard work. Today's game has ended" in the display area related to the main display unit 81, and the notification is initiated when the game stop flag is turned ON (flow from the scene at the right end of the top row of Figure 15 to the scene at the left end of the bottom row).

[0138] In this embodiment, as shown in the flow from the scene in the middle of the top row to the scene in the rightmost row of the top row of Fig. 15, in some cases when the advance notification image jg is displayed, the advance notification image jg starts after the display of an introduction notification image (introduction notification) including the text "The game will end soon". Details of the execution conditions of the introduction notification will be described later with reference to Fig. 17.

[0139] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in the scene on the lower left side of Fig. 15, when the difference in the number of balls becomes 98,500 or more, a first stop notice image yg1 including the text "1,500 balls remaining and the game will end" is displayed in the display area related to the main display unit 81. This corresponds to the first stop notice in this embodiment. And, since the advance notice image jg is displayed during the execution of the first stop notice, the first stop notice image yg1 is displayed in parallel with the advance notice image jg. In this embodiment, the first stop advance notification ends when the difference in the number of balls becomes 100,000 or more, or when the difference in the number of balls falls below 98,500.

[0140] Next, as shown in Figure 16, when the game stop flag is turned ON during a jackpot game, a second stop advance notification may be executed using the main display unit 81 prior to setting the game stop state after the jackpot game ends by turning ON the game stop flag. More specifically, the second stop advance notice is realized by displaying the second stop advance notice image yg2 including the text "Today's game will end after this big win game ends" (flow from the leftmost scene to the center scene in FIG. 16). At this time, the advance notice is being executed continuously. Although not shown in the figures, in this embodiment, when the game stop flag is turned ON during a small hit game, the second stop advance notification is not initiated at that timing, but rather at the timing when the big hit game that occurs during the small hit game starts, i.e., at the timing when the small hit game ends. Furthermore, when the second stop advance notification is executed, unlike when the advance notification is executed, a notification equivalent to a preliminary notification related to the advance notification is not executed before the start of the second stop advance notification.

[0141] At the end of the subsequent big win game, the second stop advance notice that was being executed ends and switches to a game stop notice (flow from the middle scene to the rightmost scene in FIG. 16). At this time, the advance notice also ends in accordance with the end of the second stop advance notice.

[0142] Next, details of the advance warning execution process for controlling the execution of the advance warning will be described. As shown in FIG. 17, in step S302, which is the first step of the advance notification execution process, it is determined whether the game stop flag is ON or not, and if the condition is satisfied, the advance notification execution process is terminated, and if the condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S304. In step S304, it is determined whether or not advance notification is being executed. If the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S314, and if the condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S306. In step S306, it is determined whether the difference in the number of balls is 95,000 or more. If the condition is met, the process proceeds to step S308. If the condition is not met, the advance notification execution process is terminated. In step S308, it is determined whether or not a big win game is currently being played, and if the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S310, and if the condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S312. Here, the case where the condition is not satisfied refers to the case where the current game state is a game state in which the pattern change can be executed (special pattern change pattern derivation state PA, special pattern change pattern derivation state PB, or special pattern change pattern derivation state PC), as well as the case where the current game is a small win game. In step S310, advance notification is started together with the introductory notification, and then the advance notification execution process ends.

[0143] In step S312, the start of advance warning is put on hold, and then the advance warning execution process is terminated. As a result, in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PA, even if the difference in the number of balls becomes 95,000 or more, advance notification is not started at that point and the state is kept on standby. In this embodiment, the start of the advance notification is awaited, which means that if the difference in the number of balls becomes 95,000 or more during the execution of the pattern change, the advance notification will not start until the end of the pattern change, but will start at the end of the pattern change, and if the difference in the number of balls becomes 95,000 or more during a small win game, the advance notification will not start until the end of the small win game, but will start at the end of the small win game. However, if the time is neither during the execution of the pattern change nor during a small win game, the advance notification will start at that time without waiting for the start of the advance notification. Furthermore, when advance notification is started based on the execution of step S312, preliminary notification is not executed.

[0144] In this way, in this embodiment, when the difference in the number of balls becomes 95,000 or more during a jackpot game, a pre-notification is started at that time. On the other hand, when the difference in the number of balls becomes 95,000 or more during a game state other than a jackpot game, a pre-notification may be started after that time. This makes it easier to recognize the advance warning when there is a high possibility that the difference in the number of balls will subsequently reach 100,000 or more, resulting in a game stop state, i.e., when it is more important to recognize the advance warning. In order to achieve this effect, it is preferable to delay the start of the advance notification as configured in this embodiment (particularly, when the player is currently playing in a jackpot game and the difference in the number of balls becomes 95,000 or more, the advance notification is started at that time), but the timing of the start of the advance notification in each case is not important as long as the advance notification is started when the player is currently playing in a jackpot game and the difference in the number of balls becomes 95,000 or more, and the advance notification is started at a later time than when the difference in the number of balls becomes 95,000 or more when the player is currently playing in a game state other than a jackpot game.

[0145] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the current game state is other than a big hit game, the start of the advance notification is delayed in some cases when the difference in the number of balls becomes 95,000 or more (during the execution of the pattern change and during a small hit game), but the start of the advance notification may be delayed in all such cases. In addition, in this embodiment, the game states other than the big win game correspond to the special chart variation pattern derivation state PA, the special chart variation pattern derivation state PB, the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC, and the small win game, but some of these game states may be treated as the big win game to control the start of the advance notification, and the remaining game states may be treated as the game states other than the big win game to control the start of the advance notification. These modified examples are also the same for the presence or absence of the introduction notification described later.

[0146] In addition, the effect of making it easier for the driver to recognize the advance notification when it is more important for the driver to recognize the advance notification can also be achieved by the presence or absence of an introductory notification. Specifically, as described above, when the difference in the number of balls becomes 95,000 or more during a jackpot game, a pre-notification is started with the execution of an introduction notification. On the other hand, when the difference in the number of balls becomes 95,000 or more during a game state other than a jackpot game, a pre-notification is started without the execution of an introduction notification. In order to achieve the effect in this pattern, the execution period of the introduction notification and the execution period of the advance notification may overlap, or these execution periods may not overlap. Furthermore, when these execution periods do not overlap, there may be a gap between these execution periods. However, as in this embodiment, it is preferable that there is no period in which these execution periods overlap, and that there is no gap between these execution periods.

[0147] Therefore, the gaming machine 10 has a non-easy-to-win state (normal low probability) and an easy-to-win state (normal high probability) in which pattern changes can be executed as game states, and the notification control means (first sub-control board 200, second sub-control board 300) is capable of initiating an advance notification when the difference in the number of balls reaches or exceeds a predetermined threshold (95,000) which is smaller than a specific threshold (100,000).In other words, in at least some of the cases in which the difference in the number of balls reaches or exceeds the predetermined threshold in the non-easy-to-win state (special pattern change pattern derivation state PA), the manner in which the advance notification is started is restricted compared to the case in which the difference in the number of balls reaches or exceeds the predetermined threshold due to a gaming ball entering the large prize opening (large prize opening 55) during a jackpot game.

[0148] In addition, the gaming machine 10 has a non-easy-to-win state (normal low probability) and an easy-to-win state (normal high probability) in which pattern changes can be executed as game states, and the notification control means (first sub-control board 200, second sub-control board 300) is capable of initiating an advance notification when the difference in the number of balls reaches or exceeds a predetermined threshold value (95,000) which is smaller than a specific threshold value (100,000).In other words, in at least some of the cases in which the difference in the number of balls reaches or exceeds the predetermined threshold value in the easy-to-win state (special pattern change pattern derivation state PB, special pattern change pattern derivation state PC), the manner in which the advance notification is started is restricted compared to the case in which the difference in the number of balls reaches or exceeds the predetermined threshold value due to a game ball entering the large prize opening (large prize opening 55) during a jackpot game.

[0149] In addition, the gaming machine 10 has a non-easy-to-win state (low probability of normal winning) and an easy-to-win state (high probability of normal winning) in which it is easier to execute a pattern change than in the non-easy-to-win state, and the notification control means (first sub-control board 200, second sub-control board 300) is capable of starting a pre-notification when the difference in the number of balls becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (95,000 pieces) which is smaller than a specific threshold (100,000 pieces), and when the difference in the number of balls becomes equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold in the non-easy-to-win state (special pattern change pattern derivation state PA), In other words, in at least some of the cases, the mode in which the advance notification is started is restricted compared to when the difference in the number of balls becomes equal to or exceeds the predetermined threshold due to a game ball entering the large prize opening (large prize opening 55) during a jackpot game, and in at least some of the cases in which the difference in the number of balls becomes equal to or exceeds the predetermined threshold in a state in which a win is easy (special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PB, special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PC), the mode in which the advance notification is started is restricted compared to when the difference in the number of balls becomes equal to or exceeds the predetermined threshold due to a game ball entering the large prize opening during a jackpot game.

[0150] Here, the above-mentioned "the start mode of the advance warning is restricted" includes a delay in the start timing of the advance warning described above and a case in which an introductory warning is not executed when the advance warning starts, and also includes a case in which the advance warning itself is not started (the advance warning is restricted). In addition, the above-mentioned "easy-to-win state in which it is easy to execute the pattern change" is not limited to a state in which it is easy for the game ball to enter the above-mentioned start port (particularly, the second start port 59), such as a normal pattern high probability state, but also includes a state in which the pattern change related to the second start port 59 becomes easier to execute compared to a non-easy-to-win state due to the change time related to the execution of the pattern change being shortened.

[0151] In step S314, the notification mode for the advance notification being executed is updated to one corresponding to the difference in the number of balls, and then the advance notification execution process is terminated. As a result, when the notification mode for the advance notification needs to be updated, the display mode of the advance notification image jg corresponding to the advance notification is changed to any of the display modes shown in FIG. 18(a) to FIG. 18(f).

[0152] Specifically, when the difference in the number of balls is 95,000 to 95,999, i.e., when the increment in the difference in the number of balls required for the difference in the number of balls to reach a specific threshold (100,000) is 4,001 to 5,000, the advance notification image jg will be displayed in a manner in which the areas corresponding to 0 to 1,000, the area corresponding to 1,000 to 2,000, the area corresponding to 2,000 to 3,000, the area corresponding to 3,000 to 4,000, and the area corresponding to 4,000 to 5,000 are all hatched, as shown in Figure 18(a). When the difference in the number of balls is 96,000 to 96,999, i.e., when the increment in the difference in the number of balls required for the difference in the number of balls to reach the threshold is 3,001 to 4,000, the advance warning image jg will be displayed in a manner such that the areas corresponding to 0 to 1,000, the area corresponding to 1,000 to 2,000, the area corresponding to 2,000 to 3,000, and the area corresponding to 3,000 to 4,000 are hatched (colored), and the area corresponding to 4,000 to 5,000 is not hatched, as shown in Figure 18(b). When the difference in the number of balls is 97,000 to 97,999, i.e., when the increment in the difference in the number of balls required for the difference in the number of balls to reach the specific threshold is 2,001 to 3,000, the advance warning image jg will be displayed in a manner such that the areas corresponding to 0 to 1,000, the areas corresponding to 1,000 to 2,000, and the areas corresponding to 2,000 to 3,000 are hatched (colored), and the areas corresponding to 3,000 to 4,000 and the areas corresponding to 4,000 to 5,000 are not hatched, as shown in Figure 18(c). When the difference in the number of balls is 98,000 to 98,999, i.e., when the increment in the difference in the number of balls required for the difference in the number of balls to reach the specific threshold is 1,001 to 2,000, the advance warning image jg will be displayed in a manner such that the areas corresponding to 0 to 1,000 and the areas corresponding to 1,000 to 2,000 are hatched (colored), and the areas corresponding to 2,000 to 3,000, 3,000 to 4,000, and 4,000 to 5,000 are not hatched, as shown in Figure 18 (d). When the difference in the number of balls is 99,000 to 99,999, i.e., when the increment in the difference in the number of balls required for the difference in the number of balls to reach the specific threshold is 1 to 2,000, the advance warning image jg will be displayed in a manner such that the area corresponding to 0 to 1,000 is hatched (colored), and the areas corresponding to 1,000 to 2,000, 2,000 to 3,000, 3,000 to 4,000, and 4,000 to 5,000 are not hatched, as shown in Figure 18(e). When the game stop flag is ON, that is, when the difference in the number of balls is 100,000 or more, the advance notification image jg is displayed in a manner such that no hatching is performed in any of the areas corresponding to 0 to 1000, 1000 to 2000, 2000 to 3000, 3000 to 4000, and 4000 to 5000, as shown in Fig. 18(f). However, in this embodiment, the advance notification image jg in this display manner can be displayed during the execution of the second stop advance notification (the period from when the game stop flag is turned ON during a jackpot game until the jackpot game ends).

[0153] In this way, in this embodiment, the advance notification is configured to make it possible to identify the remaining difference in the number of balls until the game stop flag is turned ON (until the difference in the number of balls becomes 100,000 or more) in increments of a specific number (1,000 in this embodiment). Furthermore, as described below, in this embodiment, even if the difference in the number of balls falls below 95,000, the advance notification will continue until the difference in the number of balls falls below 90,000, and in this case the advance notification image jg will be displayed in the manner shown in Figure 18(a).

[0154] In this embodiment, the change in the notification mode of the above-mentioned advance notification (particularly, the change to a notification mode in which the increment in the difference in the number of balls required to reach a specific threshold value is smaller) is triggered by the entry of a game ball into the winning slot (at the time when the game ball enters the winning slot). This allows the player to recognize changes in the pre-notification mode in real time, except for the start of the pre-notification, even if the player is not currently playing a jackpot game.

[0155] Next, the advance notification end process for controlling the end of the advance notification will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 19, in step S402, which is the first step of the advance notification end processing, it is determined whether the game stop flag is ON or not, and if the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S404, and if the condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S408. In step S404, it is determined whether or not a jackpot game has been played. If the condition is met, the advance notification end process is terminated, and if the condition is not met, the process proceeds to step S406. In step S406, the advance notification is ended, and then the advance notification ending process is ended.

[0156] In step S408, it is determined whether the difference in the number of balls is below 90,000. If the condition is met, the process proceeds to step S410. If the condition is not met, the advance notification end process is terminated. In step S410, it is determined whether or not the current state is the special chart variation pattern derivation state PA. If the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S412. If the condition is not satisfied, the advance notification end process is terminated. In step S412, the advance notification is ended, and then the advance notification ending process is ended.

[0157] In this way, in this embodiment, if the game stop flag is turned ON during a jackpot game, the advance notification ends when the jackpot game ends, and if the game stop flag is turned ON other than during a jackpot game, the advance notification ends at that point (flow from step S402 to step S406).

[0158] Also, as shown in the flow from step S408 to step S412, the advance notification may end if the difference in the number of balls falls below 90,000. Specifically, in this embodiment, when the difference in the number of balls falls below 90,000 and the current state is the special chart variation pattern derivation state PA, the advance notification ends. On the other hand, when the current state is a game state other than the special chart variation pattern derivation state PA (special chart variation pattern derivation state PB, special chart variation pattern derivation state PC, big win game, or small win game), the advance notification does not end even if the difference in the number of balls falls below 90,000 (in this case, the advance notification ends when the difference in the number of balls falls below 90,000 and the special chart variation pattern derivation state PA is reached). According to this, by maintaining the advance warning in a relatively favorable gaming state even if the difference in the number of balls falls below 90,000, the player is made aware that the difference in the number of balls is approaching a specific threshold in that gaming state, while by terminating the advance warning in a relatively unfavorable gaming state, it is possible to increase the player's desire to play in that gaming state. In order to achieve this effect, game states other than the special chart variation pattern derivation state PA correspond to the special chart variation pattern derivation state PB, the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC, big hit game, and small hit game, but some of these game states may be treated the same as the special chart variation pattern derivation state PA to control the end of the advance notification, and the remaining game states may be treated the same as game states other than the special chart variation pattern derivation state PA to control the end of the advance notification.

[0159] In this embodiment, in order to prevent an event that the difference in the number of balls decreases and the advance notification ends immediately after the difference in the number of balls becomes equal to or exceeds the threshold value that is the start condition and the advance notification starts, the threshold value (90,000 balls) that is the end condition of the advance notification is set to a value smaller than the threshold value (95,000 balls) that is the start condition of the advance notification. In addition, in this embodiment, the difference (5,000 balls) between the threshold value (95,000 balls) of the difference in the number of balls related to the start of the advance notification and the threshold value (90,000 balls) of the difference in the number of balls related to the end of the advance notification is configured to be larger than the total number of game balls granted by the entry of game balls into the large prize winning hole 55 in the maximum number of rounds (10 in this embodiment) of big win games (1500 balls, which is the number of balls that can be entered into the large prize winning hole 55 in each round until the special electric role 65 is closed, multiplied by 15, which is the number of prize balls corresponding to the large prize winning hole 55). According to this, when the advance notification ends and then a jackpot game (so-called first hit) occurs, it is made difficult for the difference in the number of balls to exceed the threshold value for the difference in the number of balls related to the start of the advance notification, thereby preventing the effect of increasing motivation to play in the jackpot game from being impaired. Here, the total number of game balls (1500) is the total number of prize balls and does not correspond to the increase in the number of game balls, but there is no large discrepancy between the total number of prize balls and the increase in the number of game balls (in particular, the total number of prize balls is always greater than the increase in the number of game balls). Therefore, to achieve the above-mentioned effect, it is sufficient to use the total number of prize balls to satisfy the above-mentioned numerical magnitude relationship. This is also true when comparing the difference between mode TY and the threshold value for the difference in the number of balls, which will be described later.

[0160] Therefore, in gaming machine 10, the difference between the specific threshold value (100,000 balls) and the first threshold value (95,000 balls) can be said to be greater than the total number of gaming balls (1,500 balls) awarded by a gaming ball entering the jackpot port in one jackpot game.

[0161] In this embodiment, in addition to the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PB, the game state in which a more advantageous pattern variation can be executed than the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PA includes the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PC, which is more advantageous than the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PB. The mode TY in the more advantageous special pattern variation pattern derivation state PC is configured to be larger than the difference between the threshold value of the difference in the number of balls related to the start of the above-mentioned advance notification and the threshold value of the difference in the number of balls related to the end of the advance notification. According to this, when the advance notification ends once in the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PA and then the first hit occurs in the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PA, it is difficult for the difference in the number of balls to become 95,000 or more thereafter (making it difficult for the advance notification to start), which makes it difficult for the player's desire to play to decrease after the first hit. Here, mode TY refers to the expected number of prize balls that will be acquired when transitioning to the target advantageous game state (in this example, special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PC) until transitioning to the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PA, including the number of prize balls that can be acquired in the jackpot game related to the transition.

[0162] Furthermore, as described above, in this embodiment, the notification mode of the advance notification changes according to the value of the difference in the number of balls (in increments of 1000 balls) when the difference in the number of balls is in the range of 95,000 or more, whereas the notification mode does not change when the difference in the number of balls is in the range of 90,000 or more and less than 95,000 balls (the display mode shown in Figure 18(a) is maintained). According to this, when the difference in the number of balls is in the range of 95,000 or more, it is easy to recognize the difference in the number of balls until the difference in the number of balls reaches 100,000, but when the difference in the number of balls is less than 95,000, it is difficult to recognize the reduction in the number of game balls.

[0163] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the above-mentioned specific number (1,000 balls) that serves as the dividing line for switching the advance warning notification mode is smaller than the difference between the threshold number of balls difference for the start of the advance warning (95,000 balls) and the threshold number of balls difference for the end of the advance warning (90,000 balls). This can enhance the effect of making it difficult to notice a decrease in the number of game balls when the difference in the number of balls is less than 95,000.

[0164] <Regarding the hold consecutive performance control process> Next, using Figure 20, the details of the control related to the execution of the hold consecutive performance in this embodiment will be explained. Fig. 20(a) is a flow of the reserved consecutive performance control process, which is executed at the start of the big win game. In particular, the big win game is not limited to the one caused by winning the big win, but also includes the one caused by the small win game. FIG. 20(b) is a diagram showing a schematic drawing of a lottery table used in the lottery for executing the reserved consecutive performance. The range of random numbers used in the lottery is 0-999.

[0165] As shown in FIG. 20(a), in step S502, which is the first step of the hold consecutive performance control process that controls the execution of the hold consecutive performance, it is determined whether there is a pattern change in the hold that would lead to a big win or a small win, and if the condition is met, the process proceeds to step S504, and if the condition is not met, the hold consecutive performance control process is terminated. Here, reserved refers to the reserved pattern change related to special chart 2. However, instead of the above-mentioned priority change, when both the pattern change related to special chart 1 and the pattern change related to special chart 2 are reserved, if the reserved timing of these pattern changes is consumed in order of oldest, so-called winning order consumption is adopted, all reserved pattern changes can be treated as reserved. This is also the case in the pattern matching determination process described later.

[0166] In step S504, a lottery is held to determine whether or not to execute the consecutive reserved effects. Here, in the lottery for executing the reserved consecutive performance, as shown in FIG. 20(b), whether or not to execute the reserved consecutive performance is determined by a lottery that references the current difference in the number of balls. Specifically, if the difference in the number of balls is less than 95,000 (94,999 or less), there is a 500 / 1000 (1 / 2) probability of winning the lottery to execute the consecutive reserved performance, and a 500 / 1000 (1 / 2) probability of not winning the lottery. If the difference in the number of balls is between 95,000 and 98,500 (98,499 or less), there is a 300 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 3.33) probability of winning the lottery to execute the consecutive reserved performance, and a 700 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.43) probability of not winning the lottery. If the difference in the number of balls is 98,500 or more, there is a 1,000 / 1,000 (1 / 1) probability that the player will not win the lottery for the consecutive reserved performance, and will not win the lottery.

[0167] In step S506, it is determined whether or not the lottery for executing the consecutive hold performance has been won. If the condition is met, the process proceeds to step S508, and if the condition is not met, the consecutive hold performance control process is terminated. In step S508, the consecutive hold performance is executed (performance data relating to the consecutive hold performance is set), and then the consecutive hold performance control process is terminated.

[0168] In this manner, in this embodiment, if there is a pattern change in the reserve at the start of a jackpot game that leads to a jackpot or small jackpot, a reserve consecutive presentation that can identify the occurrence of the event can be executed. In this embodiment, the reserved consecutive performance is executed at the start of the big win game, but the start timing does not matter as long as it is started during the big win game. In that case, the execution timing of the reserved consecutive performance control process may be any timing as long as it is during the period from the start of the big win game to the start timing of the reserved consecutive performance.

[0169] In particular, when the difference in the number of balls is 95,000 or more and less than 98,500, the probability of winning the lottery to execute the reserved consecutive performance (the probability that the reserved consecutive performance will be executed) is lower (limited) than when the difference in the number of balls is less than 95,000, and when the difference in the number of balls is 98,500 or more, the lottery to execute the reserved consecutive performance will not be won (the reserved consecutive performance will not be executed). In other words, in this embodiment, if the difference in the number of balls is 95,000 or more, the execution of the reserved consecutive performance is restricted or regulated. As described above, in this embodiment, an advance notification may be initiated when the difference in the number of balls becomes 95,000 or more. According to this, during a part of the period from the start of advance notification to the stop of the game (excluding the period when the difference in the number of balls is less than 95,000), the execution of the reserved consecutive performance is restricted or regulated. Therefore, it is possible to make it difficult for the player to feel disappointed. Here, the period from when the above-mentioned advance notification is started to when play is stopped is premised on the premise that the execution of the advance notification is maintained.

[0170] In order to achieve this effect, the execution of the consecutive hold effects may be restricted or regulated throughout the entire period from when the advance notification begins until play is stopped. Furthermore, the execution of consecutive hold effects may be restricted for the entire period, or the execution of consecutive hold effects may be restricted for the entire period.

[0171] Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, the notification control means (first sub-control board 200, second sub-control board 300) can initiate an advance notification based on the difference in the number of balls becoming equal to or greater than a first threshold (95,000 balls) which is smaller than the specific threshold (100,000 balls), and can execute a specific notification (continuous hold presentation) to notify the player that a favorable specific event (consecutive hold events) will occur before the event occurs; in other words, the execution of the specific notification is restricted or regulated during the first period, which is at least a part of the specified period from when the difference in the number of balls becomes equal to or greater than the first threshold and the advance notification is initiated, until play is stopped. In addition, the above-mentioned specific notification can also be applied to the V pattern alignment described later, and this also applies to the extent that the execution conditions of the specific notification and the execution conditions of the V pattern alignment are common.

[0172] Also, as described above, in this embodiment, once the difference in the number of balls becomes 95,000 or more and an advance notification is initiated, the advance notification will continue to be executed until the difference in the number of balls becomes less than 90,000, even if the difference in the number of balls becomes less than 95,000. During the period when the advance notification is continuously executed and the difference in the number of balls is between 90,000 and 95,000, the execution of the consecutive reserved performance is not restricted or regulated. This makes it possible to increase motivation to play in a situation where the number of game balls is decreasing during the execution of the advance warning, which is expected to cause a decline in motivation to play. In order to achieve this effect, unlike the present embodiment described above, the advance notification may be terminated whenever the difference in the number of balls falls below 90,000.

[0173] Therefore, in at least some cases where, during execution of an advance notification in the gaming machine 10, the difference in the number of balls falls below a second threshold (90,000), which is smaller than the first threshold (95,000), the advance notification ends, and in the second period during which the difference in the number of balls is greater than the second threshold and less than the first threshold (the period during which the difference in the number of balls is greater than or equal to 90,000 and less than 95,000), the execution of the specific notification (continuous hold presentation) is not restricted or regulated.

[0174] In particular, in this embodiment, the execution of the reserved consecutive performance is restricted during the period when the difference in the number of balls is 95,000 or more and less than 98,500, and the execution of the reserved consecutive performance is regulated during the period when the difference in the number of balls is 98,500 or more. In other words, after the difference in the number of balls becomes 95,000 or more, the execution probability of the reserved consecutive performance is gradually reduced. This provides the above-mentioned effect of making it difficult for the player to feel disappointed, while also making it difficult for the player to feel a sense of discomfort due to the hold consecutive performance not being executed.

[0175] Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, the first period (the period when the difference in the number of balls is 98,500 or more) is part of the period obtained by excluding the second period (the period when the difference in the number of balls is 90,000 or more and less than 95,000) from the above-mentioned specified period, and is a period that leads to the suspension of play; in other words, the execution of specific notifications is regulated in the first period, and the execution of specific notifications is restricted in the third period obtained by excluding the first and second periods from the specified period (the period when the difference in the number of balls is 95,000 or more and less than 98,500).

[0176] Also, as described above, in this embodiment, the first stop advance notice is initiated when the difference in the number of balls becomes 98,500 or more, and the notice is not executed during the period when the difference in the number of balls is less than 98,500. This makes it easier for players to recognize that the execution of the first stop advance notice restricts the execution of the consecutive hold performance. In addition, if the threshold value of the difference in the number of balls related to the execution of the first stop advance notice is set to 95,000, it is possible to easily recognize that the execution of the reserved consecutive performance is restricted, as well as that the execution is restricted. However, it is preferable to set the threshold value to 98,500 as in this embodiment.

[0177] Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, the first period is at least a part of the period obtained by excluding the second period (the period when the difference in the number of balls is 90,000 or more and less than 95,000) from the above-mentioned specified period, and in other words, the notification control means (first sub-control board 200, second sub-control board 300) is capable of executing a specified notification (first stop advance notification) during the first period, and the specified notification is not executed outside the first period.

[0178] <About the pattern matching determination process> Next, with reference to FIG. 21, the control relating to the execution of the V symbol alignment in this embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 21(a) shows a flow of the pattern matching determination process, which is executed by the decorative pattern control means 226 at the start of the pattern variation that leads to a big win or a small win. FIG. 21(b) is a diagram showing a schematic drawing of a lottery table used in the lottery for determining the V symbol alignment. The range of random numbers used in the lottery is 0-999.

[0179] As shown in FIG. 21(a), in step S602, which is the first step of the pattern matching determination process for determining the type of pattern matching, it is determined whether there is a pattern change in the reserve that will lead to a big win or a small win. If the condition is met, the process proceeds to step S604, and if the condition is not met, the process proceeds to step S610.

[0180] In step S604, a lottery is held to determine whether or not a V symbol has been aligned. Here, in the V pattern alignment determination lottery, as shown in Figure 21 (b), whether or not a V pattern is aligned is determined by a lottery that references the current difference in the number of balls, in the same way as the lottery for executing the reserved consecutive performance. Specifically, if the difference in the number of balls is less than 95,000 (94,999 or less), there is a 700 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.43) probability of winning the lottery for the consecutive reserved performance, and a 300 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 3.33) probability of not winning the lottery. If the difference in the number of balls is 95,000 or more, there is a 1,000 / 1,000 (1 / 1) probability that the player will not win the lottery for the consecutive reserved performance, and will not win the lottery.

[0181] In step S606, it is determined whether or not the V symbol matching lottery has been won. If the condition is met, the process proceeds to step S608, and if the condition is not met, the process proceeds to step S610. In step S608, the V pattern alignment is determined, and then the pattern alignment determination process is terminated. As a result, in the current pattern variation, the decorative pattern is finally stopped and displayed as the V pattern alignment. In step S610, a process for determining other patterns other than the V pattern is executed, and then the process for determining the pattern is terminated.

[0182] In this manner, in this embodiment, if there is a pattern change in the reserve that leads to a big win or a small win at the start of the pattern change that leads to a big win or a small win, a V pattern alignment can be made that can identify the occurrence of the event.

[0183] In particular, in this embodiment, unlike the reserved consecutive performance, the V pattern alignment is restricted even during the period when the difference in the number of balls is 95000 or more and less than 98500. In other words, during this period, the reserved consecutive performance is restricted from being executed, while the V pattern alignment is restricted from being executed. According to this, by reducing the number of effects that notify the player that there is a pattern change in the reserved reel that leads to a small hit or a big hit, it is possible to make it less likely that the player will feel disappointed. In addition, in order to achieve this effect, it is not necessarily necessary to limit the execution of the consecutive hold performance during the period.

[0184] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the timing at which the V pattern alignment, which is regulated in the period when the difference in the number of balls is between 95,000 and less than 98,500, can be executed is a timing earlier than the timing at which the pending consecutive performance can be executed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the player from losing anticipation regarding the execution of a presentation that notifies the player that there is a pattern change in the reserved area that will lead to a small or big win. In this embodiment, it is permitted to execute both the V pattern alignment and the reserved consecutive performance in a series of flows (the flow from the start of the pattern change to the end of the jackpot game caused by the pattern change), but it is also possible to restrict the execution of one of them when the other is executed.

[0185] <Regarding control over the start of the second stop advance notice and game stop notice> Next, the second stop notice start process for controlling the start of the second stop notice and the game stop notice start process for controlling the start of the game stop notice will be described in detail with reference to Figs. 22 and 23 . FIG. 22 shows a flow of the second stop advance notice start process, and this process is executed when a complete function related command is received during a big win game. FIG. 23 shows a flow of a game stop notification start process, and this process is executed when a complete function-related command in a playable state is received.

[0186] As shown in FIG. 22, in step S702, which is the first step of the second stop advance notification start process, it is determined whether the game stop flag is ON or not, and if the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S704, and if the condition is not satisfied, the second stop advance notification start process is terminated.

[0187] In step S704, it is determined whether or not it is the middle period of a jackpot game, and if the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S706, and if the condition is not satisfied, the second stop advance notification start process is terminated. Here, the middle period refers to the middle period when the jackpot game is divided into an early period, a middle period, and an end period. In particular, in this embodiment, in a jackpot game with ten rounds, the early stage period is from the start of the jackpot game to the end of the second round game, the middle stage period is from the end of the second round game to the end of the eighth round game, and the end stage period is from the end of the eighth round game to the end of the jackpot game. Furthermore, in a jackpot game with four rounds, the early stage period is from the start of the jackpot game to the end of the first round game, the middle stage period is from the end of the first round game to the end of the third round game, and the end stage period is from the end of the third round game to the end of the jackpot game. In addition, as long as the early stage period, middle stage period, and late stage period are divided in a predetermined manner, the manner of division does not matter, and at least one of these periods does not have to include a round of play.

[0188] In step S706, the second stop advance notification is started, and then the second stop advance notification start process ends.

[0189] In this way, in this embodiment, the second stop advance notice is started when the game stop flag is turned ON in the middle period of the jackpot game, or when the game stop flag is turned ON in the early period of the jackpot game and the early period ends and the middle period begins. Therefore, in this embodiment, the execution period of the second stop advance notice and the execution period of the advance notice may overlap.

[0190] In addition, if the game stop flag is turned ON during the final period of a jackpot game, the second stop advance notification will not be executed, and the game stop notification will then be started as described below. This makes it easier for the player to recognize the game stop notification that will be initiated thereafter. In order to achieve this effect, it is preferable to prevent the second stop notice from being executed in this case; however, the second stop notice may be initiated in a special notice mode, described below, when the game stop flag is turned ON during the final period. In this way, it is possible to draw attention to the second stop notice and make it easier for the player to recognize the subsequent game stop notice.

[0191] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the start condition for the second stop advance notification described above is satisfied, the second stop advance notification is started regardless of whether or not advance notification has been executed. In addition, although not shown in the figure, the second stop advance notice ends in accordance with the end of the big win game. Therefore, in this embodiment, the execution period of the second stop advance notice and the execution period of the game stop notice are configured not to overlap.

[0192] Next, as shown in FIG. 23, in step S802, which is the first step of the game stop notification start process, it is determined whether the game stop flag is ON or not, and if the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S804, and if the condition is not satisfied, the game stop notification start process is terminated. In step S804, it is determined whether or not a jackpot game is being played. If the condition is satisfied, the game stop notification start process is terminated, and if the condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S806. In step S806, a game stop notification is started, and then the game stop notification start process is terminated.

[0193] In this way, in this embodiment, except during a jackpot game, the game stop notification is started when the game stop flag is ON. In particular, when the game stop flag is ON during a jackpot game, the game stop notification is started based on the end of the jackpot game.

[0194] As described above, in this embodiment, by making full use of advance notification, introduction notification, first stop advance notification, second stop notification, and game stop notification, the player is made aware of the state related to the complete function that was not previously possible (such as the state of the game stop flag or the approaching game stop state related to the complete function).

[0195] <About the behavior when power is restored during execution of each notification related to the complete function> Next, using Figures 24 to 28, we will explain in detail the behavior when power is restored (without RAM clear processing) during the execution of each notification related to the complete function (advance notification, second stop advance notification, game stop notification). FIG. 24 is a timing chart showing the behavior of each notification when a power outage and restoration of power occurs without execution of a RAM clear process during a period in which the advance notification and the second shutdown advance notification are executed in parallel. FIG. 25 is a timing chart showing the behavior of each notification when a power outage and restoration occurs without execution of a RAM clear process during the early period after the game stop flag is turned ON. FIG. 26 is a timing chart showing the behavior of each notification when the game stop flag is turned ON just before the final period and a power outage is restored during the final period without the execution of a RAM clear process. FIG. 27 is a timing chart showing the behavior of each notification when a power outage and restoration occurs during execution of a game stop notification. FIG. 28(a) is a diagram showing a special notification mode of the second stop advance notification, and FIG. 28(b) is a diagram showing a special notification mode of the game stop notification. In the timing charts shown in Figures 24 to 27, for ease of explanation, the period required for power interruption and restoration (power interruption followed by power on) is shown only by vertical lines (power interruption and power on occur simultaneously); however, except for so-called momentary power interruptions, this period takes a certain amount of time.

[0196] As shown in Fig. 24, in this embodiment, if a power outage occurs without execution of a RAM clear process during execution of the second stop notice notification, the second stop notice notification is resumed after the power is restored in a special notification mode different from the notification mode of the second stop notice notification before the power outage (a normal notification mode, specifically, display of the second stop notice image yg2). However, if a power outage occurs with execution of a RAM clear process during execution of the second stop notice notification, the game stop flag is turned OFF as described above, so naturally, in this case, the second stop notice notification is not resumed. Here, the special notification mode related to the second stop notice is the notification mode shown in Figure 28 (a), and in this notification mode, a special stop notice image yg3 stating "Please continue hitting to the right. Today's game will end after this jackpot game ends" is displayed in the display area related to the main display unit 81. This makes it easier to recognize that a power outage and restoration without the execution of a RAM clear process has occurred during the execution of the second stop advance notice (when the game stop flag is ON). This contributes to making it easier to recognize the occurrence of a mistake, for example, when a power outage and restoration (which involves the execution of a RAM clear process) for turning off the game stop flag during the execution of the second stop advance notice is missed (when a power outage and restoration without the execution of a RAM clear process has been performed). In order to achieve this effect, it is not necessarily necessary for the second stoppage warning notification to be resumed in a special notification manner in all cases where a power outage and restoration occurs without the execution of a RAM clear process while the second stoppage warning notification is being executed, and it may be possible for the second stoppage warning notification to be resumed in a special notification manner in some of those cases.

[0197] Furthermore, in order to achieve this effect, the device that executes the second stop advance notification is not limited to an image display device, but may employ a speaker, a lamp, or the like, or a combination of these. Furthermore, in the present invention, the different notification modes of the second stop advance notification are not limited to different notification modes of the notification itself as in the present embodiment, but include, for example, a change in other notification (for example, a background image when the device includes an image display device) executed in a device related to the second stop advance notification, a change in the ease of recognition of the second stop advance notification, a change in the presence or absence of execution or notification mode of other notification executed in a device different from the device related to the second stop advance notification, and a change in the number of devices related to the execution of the second stop advance notification. This also applies to different notification modes related to notifications other than the second stop advance notification, including the notification mode of the game stop notification described later.

[0198] Also, as shown in Figure 24, in this embodiment, if a power outage and restoration occurs without the execution of a RAM clear process during a period in which the advance warning and second shutdown notice are being executed in parallel, the second shutdown notice is resumed, but the advance warning is not resumed. By executing these notifications in parallel, it is possible to make it easier for the user to recognize the connection from the advance notification to the second shutdown notification, while also making it easier for the user to recognize that a power outage and restoration has occurred without the execution of a RAM clear process while the second shutdown notification is being executed.

[0199] However, if a power outage and restoration occurs without the execution of a RAM clear process during a period in which the advance warning and the second shutdown warning are being executed in parallel, the advance warning may be resumed in addition to the second shutdown warning.In that case, it is preferable that the notification mode of the resumed advance warning be made less noticeable than the notification mode before the power outage was restored (for example, by displaying the advance warning image jg in a smaller size).

[0200] In this embodiment, as described above, the advance warning and the first shutdown notice warning can also be executed in parallel, but even if power is restored without the execution of RAM clear processing in that situation, the behavior will be the same as when power is restored without the execution of RAM clear processing during the period when the advance warning and the second shutdown notice warning are executed in parallel (not shown). Therefore, when the power outage is restored, the second shutdown notice is resumed, but the advance notice is not resumed, making it easier for the user to recognize that the second shutdown notice is being executed in that case. Furthermore, the effect can be enhanced by making the notification mode of the resumed second outage notice different from the notification mode before the power outage was restored. In addition, the modified example in the case where a power outage and restoration occurs without the execution of RAM clear processing during the period when the above-mentioned advance warning and second stoppage warning are executed in parallel may also be applied to the case where a power outage and restoration occurs without the execution of RAM clear processing during the period when the advance warning and first stoppage warning are executed in parallel.

[0201] Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, the specified notification (second stop warning notification) is executed in parallel with the advance notification, and if there is a power outage during the period when the advance notification and the specified notification are being executed in parallel and then the power is turned on again without executing a RAM clear process, the advance notification will not resume, but the specified notification may be resumed.

[0202] Furthermore, in other words, the notification mode of the predetermined notification (second shutdown advance notification) that was executed before the power outage may be different from the notification mode of the predetermined notification that is resumed upon power-on.

[0203] Next, as shown in Figure 25, in this embodiment, if a power outage and restoration occurs without the execution of a RAM clear process during the early period after the game stop flag is turned ON (the advance notification is executed but the second stop advance notification is not initiated), the advance notification is not resumed and the second stop advance notification is initiated at the end of the early period. This makes it easier for the driver to recognize the second shutdown notification that is executed after the power outage is restored. In order to achieve this effect, it is preferable that the second outage warning notification is initiated at the end of the early period after the power outage is restored (at the start of the middle period), but the timing may be any timing after the end of the early period, and this also applies when the power outage is not restored.

[0204] In particular, in this embodiment, the second stop advance notification that is initiated when a power outage and restoration occurs without the execution of a RAM clear process during the early period after the game stop flag is turned ON is the special notification mode described above. This makes it easier to recognize that a power outage and restoration has occurred without the execution of a RAM clear process.

[0205] Next, as shown in FIG. 26, in this embodiment, if the game stop flag is turned ON just before the final period (which can be either the early or middle period of the jackpot game, but in this example it is the middle period), and then a power outage is restored during the final period without the execution of a RAM clear process, in addition to the advance notification, the second stop notice is not resumed, and the game stop notification is started after the jackpot game ends. This makes it easier for the player to recognize the game stop notification when a power outage and restoration occurs during the final period without the execution of a RAM clear process. In order to achieve this effect, it is preferable not to resume the second stop notice notification, but the second stop notice may also be resumed in a special notification mode when power is restored. Even in this case, it is possible to draw attention to the second stop notice and make it easier to recognize the subsequent game stop notice.

[0206] 27, in this embodiment, if a power outage occurs without execution of a RAM clear process during execution of a game stop notification, the game stop notification is resumed after the power is restored in a special notification mode different from the notification mode of the game stop notification before the power outage (a normal notification mode, specifically, display of the normal game stop image tg1). However, if a power outage occurs with execution of a RAM clear process during execution of a game stop notification, as described above, the game stop flag is turned OFF, so naturally, in this case, the game stop notification is not resumed. Here, the special notification mode for game stop notification is the notification mode shown in Figure 28 (b), and in this notification mode, a special game stop image tg2 stating "Game has been stopped due to the complete function. Please clear RAM" is displayed in the display area related to the main display unit 81. This makes it easier to recognize that a power outage and restoration without the execution of a RAM clear process has occurred during the execution of a game stop notification (game stop state). This contributes to making it easier to recognize the occurrence of an error, for example, when a power outage and restoration (with the execution of a RAM clear process) for turning off a game stop flag during the execution of a game stop notification is missed (when a power outage and restoration without the execution of a RAM clear process has been performed). In order to achieve this effect, it is not necessarily necessary for the game stop notification to be resumed in a special notification manner in all cases where a power outage and restoration occurs without the execution of a RAM clear process while the game stop notification is being executed, and it may be possible for the game stop notification to be resumed in a special notification manner in some of those cases.

[0207] In this embodiment, when a power outage occurs without execution of a RAM clear process during execution of the second stop advance notification, the second stop advance notification is resumed at a timing later than the timing of the power restoration (specifically, the timing when a time t1 has elapsed since the power restoration) as shown in Fig. 24. On the other hand, when a power outage occurs without execution of a RAM clear process during execution of a game stop notification as shown in Fig. 27, when a power outage occurs without execution of a RAM clear process during execution of a game stop notification, the game stop notification is resumed at the timing of the power restoration (a timing allowing for a delay due to an unintended processing delay). According to this, by making the timing for resuming these notifications different based on the timing of power restoration, it is possible to make it easier for the user to recognize the difference between these notifications. In order to achieve this effect, the timing for resuming the second stop advance notification may be set to the timing for power restoration, and the timing for resuming the game stop notification may be set to a timing later than the timing for power restoration. In addition, the difference in the restart timing described above does not necessarily have to occur, and it is sufficient that the configuration is such that the difference occurs in part. Furthermore, the timing after the timing of power restoration described above is not limited to a timing determined by the passage of time from the timing of power restoration, but may be a timing when any condition related to the progress of the game is satisfied after the timing of power restoration, such as the start of a new round of play (corresponding to the case where the second stop advance notice is resumed at the later timing) or the timing when all the scheduled winning balls are paid out (corresponding to the case where the game stop notice is resumed at the later timing).

[0208] In particular, in this embodiment, the timing for resuming the above-mentioned second stop advance notification is later than the timing for power restoration, and the timing for resuming the game stop notification is the timing for power restoration. This makes it possible to suppress unnecessary gaming operations (operations on the operating handle 31).

[0209] As described above, the second stop advance notice ends when the big win game ends. Therefore, in this embodiment, the execution period of the second stop advance notice and the execution period of the game stop notice are configured not to overlap. That is, in this embodiment, the game stop notice starts after the execution of the second stop advance notice ends. This makes it easier to recognize the second stop advance notification and the game stop notification.

[0210] Particularly, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 24 to FIG. 27, a game stop notification is started after a time t2 has elapsed since the second stop advance notification ended (since the big win game ended). This can further enhance the effect of making it easier to recognize the second stop advance notification and the game stop notification described above. In addition, in order to achieve this effect, the period from the end of the second stop notice notification to the start of the game stop notice does not have to be defined by the passage of time, and the content of the period is not important as long as it is defined by predetermined conditions, such as being defined by the timing at which the second stop notice notification ends and the timing at which all of the scheduled winning balls have been paid out.

[0211] <Other Modifications> Modifications not mentioned in the above description are listed below.

[0212] First, any value may be adopted as the threshold value related to the above-mentioned complete function, so long as the magnitude relationship described in this embodiment is maintained.

[0213] In this embodiment, the initial values ​​of both the out balls and the safe balls are set by the power interruption and restoration accompanied by the execution of the RAM clear process, and the current values ​​are maintained without the initial values ​​being set by the power interruption and restoration without the execution of the RAM clear process, but the initial values ​​of both the out balls and the safe balls may be set by the power interruption and restoration without the execution of the RAM clear process. In this case, the second stop advance notification can be applied to the above-mentioned predetermined notification.

[0214] Also, in this embodiment, the complete function control means 190 that controls the complete function was a functional configuration possessed by the main control board 100, but some or all of the functional configuration that controls the complete function may be realized by a separate board (including a board not built into the gaming machine 10) provided separately from the main control board 100. In this case, information transmission from the separate board to the first sub-control board 200 may be made possible by connecting the separate board to the main control board 100 so that information can be transmitted from the main control board to the first sub-control board 200, or the separate board may be configured to be directly connected to the first sub-control board 200.

[0215] In addition, the above-mentioned advance notification, introduction notification, first stop advance notification, second stop advance notification, and game stop notification have all been described as being realized by an image display device (in this embodiment, the main display unit 81), but some or all of these notifications may be realized by a device other than the image display device, such as a lamp or speaker, or may be executed by a plurality of different devices. In this case, it is preferable that at least notifications related to the complete function (advance notification, introduction notification, first stop advance notification, second stop advance notification, and game stop notification) are executed by the same device.

[0216] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, even if the game stop flag is turned ON, the second stop advance notification is not initiated during the early period, but is initiated during the middle period that follows the early period. However, this is not limited to this, and the second stop advance notification may be initiated during the early period as long as it does not impede each of the above-described inventions.

[0217] In addition, the above-described embodiment is configured so that if the game stop flag is turned ON during the final period, the second stop advance notification will not be initiated during the final period. However, this is not limited to this, and the second stop advance notification may be initiated during the final period when the game stop flag is turned ON within the scope of each of the above-described inventions.

[0218] In addition, when the second stop warning notification of the above-mentioned special notification mode is initiated, the notification mode may be further changed after a predetermined period (such as a period defined by the passage of time, regardless of the end condition of the period) has elapsed, and the notification mode after the change may be the normal notification mode. According to this, it is possible to make the second stop advance notice easier to recognize. In particular, by making the notification mode after the change into the normal notification mode, it is possible to make the player who is aware of the normal notification mode as the second stop advance notice understand that the second stop advance notice is being executed. This is also the case with the first stop advance notice described above.

[0219] Similarly, when a game stop notification of the above-mentioned special notification mode is initiated, the notification mode may be further changed after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, and the notification mode after the change may be the normal notification mode. According to this, it is possible to make the player easily recognize the game stop notification. In particular, by making the notification mode after the change into the normal notification mode, it is possible to make the player who is aware of the normal notification mode as the game stop notification easily understand that the game stop notification is being executed.

[0220] In addition, when the game stop state is set by the above-mentioned complete function, all or some of the LEDs constituting the pattern display device 90 (for example, only the first special pattern display device 91 and the second special pattern display device 92) may be turned off or fully lit (neither state occurs during normal play except when the power is turned on), which makes it possible to recognize that the game stop state has been set even if the game stop notification, the execution of which is managed by the first sub-control board 200, is not executed due to reasons such as an abnormality occurring in communication between the main control board 100 and the first sub-control board 200.

[0221] In addition, in this embodiment, the advance notification image jg will continue to be displayed once the difference in the number of balls reaches 95,000 or more until the difference in the number of balls reaches at least 100,000, but it does not necessarily need to be displayed all the time. Specifically, it may be configured not to be displayed during at least a portion of a so-called standby demo, during which neither the pattern change nor the big win game is being performed. This makes it possible to suppress burn-in caused by the display of the advance notification image jg in a state where an advance notification is being executed (a state where a transition to a waiting demo is likely) in which there is a higher probability that play will not be performed than in a state in which the difference in the number of balls has not reached 95,000 and an advance notification is not being executed. Furthermore, assuming that the standby demo is composed of a state in which the combination of decorative symbols that was displayed frozen before the transition to the standby demo is displayed (a so-called pattern demo), and a state in which the combination of decorative symbols is not displayed and a movie introducing the machine or the like is played (a so-called movie demo), from the viewpoint of making it easier for the player to recognize the advance notification, it is preferable that the advance notification image jg is displayed in the former state, while the advance notification image jg is not displayed in the latter state.

[0222] In addition, in this embodiment, when determining whether or not to execute the reserved consecutive performance and V pattern alignment, the type of stopping pattern related to the reserved jackpot or small jackpot was not taken into consideration, but the stopping patterns related to the targets whose existence is identified by these performances may be limited to those that result in the most advantageous jackpot game (in this embodiment, a jackpot game with 10 rounds).

[0223] In addition, the gaming machine 10 according to this embodiment is a so-called type 1 / type 2 mixed machine that can derive both a big win and a small win that can result in a big win game in determining whether or not the special chart has been hit, but it is not limited to this, and it is also possible to use one that can only derive a so-called type 2 hit.

[0224] In addition, in each special chart variation pattern derivation state, if the special chart variation pattern is determined using the special chart variation pattern lottery table shown in Figures 9 to 11, the special chart variation pattern may be determined using another special chart variation pattern lottery table, or the special chart variation pattern may be determined without using the special chart variation pattern lottery table (without drawing). However, in each special chart variation pattern derivation state, it is preferable that the special chart variation pattern is determined using the special chart variation pattern lottery table shown in Figures 9 to 11 for more than half of the period during which the special chart variation pattern derivation state continues.

[0225] In addition, in the present embodiment, the probability, ratio, and frequency, and the number of times may be 0 on the smaller side and the maximum value on the larger side, as long as the respective relationships are ensured. In particular, as for the above-mentioned ratios, as long as the phenomenal aspects are ensured, there is no restriction on the control for realizing the ratios. Furthermore, each lottery value in the lottery table illustrated in this embodiment is just an example, and as long as the magnitude relationship between the lottery tables is maintained, each lottery value may adopt any value within the range.

[0226] In the above explanation, the recovery state at the time of power recovery is determined by referring to the state of the RAM clear switch 43 at the time of power recovery, but it may be possible to refer to whether the time that the RAM clear switch 43 is in the ON state after power recovery exceeds a specified time (e.g., 3 seconds). In this way, the occurrence of erroneous RAM clear processing can be further suppressed.

[0227] In the above description, the state of the middle frame open door sensor 76 (open / closed state of the middle frame 17) was referenced when determining the return state when power was restored, but the return state may be set without reference to that state. In this case, the return state when power was restored may be set uniformly according to the case where the middle frame open door sensor 76 is ON (the middle frame 17 is open).

[0228] The present invention described above is not limited to the above description, and includes various modifications and improvements as long as the object of the present invention is achieved.

[0229] <Additional Notes> The present embodiment encompasses the following technical idea. (1) A gaming machine in which, when a gaming ball enters a winning slot, a number of gaming balls corresponding to the winning slot are awarded, and the game is stopped when a difference in the number of balls derived using safe balls, which are the number of awarded gaming balls related to the winning, and out balls, which are the number of used gaming balls, reaches or exceeds a specific threshold value, A notification means; A notification control means for controlling the notification means; Equipped with The notification control means A pre-notification is started based on the fact that the difference in the number of balls is equal to or greater than a first threshold value which is smaller than the specific threshold value, It is possible to execute a specific notification that notifies the occurrence of a specific advantageous event before the occurrence of the specific advantageous event, During a first period, which is at least a part of a predetermined period from when the difference in the number of balls becomes equal to or greater than the first threshold value and the advance notification is started until the game is stopped, the execution of the specific notification is restricted or regulated. A gaming machine characterized by: (2) The gaming machine according to (1) above, During the execution of the advance notification, in at least some cases where the difference in the number of balls falls below a second threshold value that is smaller than the first threshold value, the advance notification is terminated, In a second period during which the difference in the number of balls during the predetermined period is equal to or greater than the second threshold value and less than the first threshold value, the execution of the specific notification is not restricted or regulated. A gaming machine characterized by: (3) The gaming machine according to (2) above, the first period is at least a part of a period obtained by excluding the second period from the predetermined period, The notification control means is capable of executing a predetermined notification during the first period, The predetermined notification is not executed outside the first period. A gaming machine characterized by: (4) The gaming machine according to (3) above, The first period is a part of the period obtained by subtracting the second period from the predetermined period, and is a period leading to the stop of the game, During the first period, execution of the specific notification is restricted, In a third period obtained by excluding the first period and the second period from the predetermined period, execution of the specific notification is restricted. A gaming machine characterized by: (5) The gaming machine according to (3) or (4) above, The predetermined notification is executed in parallel with the advance notification, In the case where a power cut occurs during a period in which the advance notification and the predetermined notification are being executed in parallel, and then the power is turned on without executing a RAM clear process, the advance notification is not resumed, but the predetermined notification may be resumed. A gaming machine characterized by: (6) The gaming machine according to (5) above, The notification mode of the predetermined notification executed before the power failure may be different from the notification mode of the predetermined notification resumed based on the power supply being turned on. A gaming machine characterized by: [Explanation of symbols]

[0230] 10 Gaming machines 15 Outer Frame 17 Middle Frame 20 Front frame 21 Hinge mechanism 22 Movable Decorations 23 Cylinder lock 25 Transparent materials 27 Upper ball tray 29 Lower ball tray 31 Operating handle 32 Upper frame part 33(33a, 33b) Speaker 34a, 34b Left and right side frame parts 35(35a, 35b, 35c) Frame Lamp 36 Ball removal mechanism 37 Production button 38 Cursor Button 38a Up cursor button 38b Down cursor button 38c Left cursor button 38d Right cursor button 38e Middle cursor button 39 Main operation section 39a Ball loan button 39b Return button 40 Power Switch 43 RAM clear switch 45 Opening and closing cover 46 Game Ball Tank 47 Tank Rail 48 Dispatch Unit 49 Dispatch Passage 50 Game Board 50a Gaming area 51 Outer rail 52 Windmill 53 Inner rail 54 Protective materials 55 Grand Prize Winner 57 First starting point 59 Second starting point 61 Normal Electric Devices 62 Normal electric accessory solenoid Gate 63 65 Special Electric Devices 66 Special electric device solenoid 67 General Prize Winners 67a Left general entry gate 67b Right general prize entrance 69 Outlet 70 First starting sensor 71 Second starting port sensor 72 Large prize entrance sensor 73 General prize entry sensor 74 Gate Sensor 75 Out ball sensor 76 Middle frame door open sensor 77 Front frame door open sensor 80 Performance display device 81 Main display 82 Sub display 82a Upper sub display 82b Left sub display 82c Right sub display 90 Pattern display device 91 First special pattern display device 92 Second special pattern display device 93 Ordinary pattern display device 94 1st special pattern reserved lamp 95 2nd Special Design Hold Lamp 96 Normal pattern hold lamp 100 Main control board 101 CPU 102 ROM 103 RAM 104 I / O ports 105 Random Number Circuit 109 Main control board case 110 Ball entrance determination method 115 Main random number generator 120 Main Hold Control Means 125 Preliminary Judgment Measures 130 Special drawing lottery method 131 Means of determining whether or not a special drawing is correct 132 Special stop pattern lottery means 133 Means for deriving special chart variation patterns 135 General drawing method 140 Jackpot game control means 145 Pattern display control means 150 Electrical equipment control means 155 Game status control means 160 Main information storage means 165 Main Error Control Measures 170 Main Command Management Method 175 Power restoration processing execution means 176 Return state setting means 179 Means for transitioning to playable state 180 Power cut processing execution means 190 Complete function control means 200 1st sub-control board 201 CPU 202 ROM 203 RAM 204 I / O ports 209 1st sub-control board case 210 Sub-random number generator 220 Normal Production Control Means 221 Presentation mode control means 222 Means of determining the direction route 223 Sub-hold control means 224 Predictive performance control means 225 Means for determining production content 226 Decorative pattern control means 227 Jackpot performance control means 230 Sub-error Control Measures 240 Lamp control means 245 Movable object control means 260 Sub-information storage means 270 Subcommand Management Method 300 Second sub-control board 301 CPU 302 ROM 303 RAM 304 I / O ports 309 Second sub-control board case 310 Voice control board 311 CPU 312 ROM 313 RAM 314 I / O ports 400 Dispatch control board 409 Dispensing control board case 500 Power supply control board 501 Normal power circuit 502 Backup power circuit 503 Power interruption detection circuit 509 Power supply control board case 811 Display area 812 Display area 813 Display area X First flow path Y Second flow path dg introduction announcement image jg Advance notice image tg1 Normal game stop image tg2 special game stop image yg1 1st stop notice image yg2 2nd normal stop notice image yg3 special stop notice image

Claims

1. A gaming machine in which a game is stopped based on a MY value, which is an increase in the gaming medium from a state in which the gaming medium has been most decreased, reaching a specific threshold value, A pre-notification can be started based on the MY value being equal to or greater than a first threshold value which is smaller than the specific threshold value, The game stop is released when the power is turned on with the execution of the RAM clear process after the power cut, and is not released when the power is turned on without the execution of the RAM clear process after the power cut. If the MY value becomes equal to or greater than the specific threshold value during a specific period, the game will be stopped upon the end of the specific period. A predetermined notification can be executed, The predetermined notification can be executed based on the MY value being equal to or greater than the specific threshold value during the specific period, A notification different from the predetermined notification can be executed, The separate notification may be executed in parallel with the predetermined notification, A notification mode of the separate notification executed in parallel with the predetermined notification that is started based on the MY value being equal to or greater than the specific threshold value may be different from a notification mode of the separate notification that is executed in parallel with the predetermined notification that is resumed based on power-on without execution of the RAM clear process. A gaming machine characterized by:

2. A gaming machine in which a game is stopped based on a MY value, which is an increase in the gaming medium from a state in which the gaming medium has been most decreased, reaching a specific threshold value, A pre-notification can be started based on the MY value being equal to or greater than a first threshold value which is smaller than the specific threshold value, The game stop is released when the power is turned on with the execution of the RAM clear process after the power cut, and is not released when the power is turned on without the execution of the RAM clear process after the power cut. If the MY value becomes equal to or greater than the specific threshold value during a specific period, the game will be stopped upon the end of the specific period. A predetermined notification can be executed, The predetermined notification can be executed based on the MY value being equal to or greater than the specific threshold value during the specific period, In at least some cases where a power outage and restoration occurs without execution of the RAM clear process during the execution of the predetermined notification, the predetermined notification is resumed at a timing when any condition related to the progress of the game after the timing of the power restoration is satisfied, When the MY value falls below a threshold value that is smaller than the first threshold value during execution of the advance warning, the advance warning may be terminated. A gaming machine characterized by:

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