Gaming machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine including game performance means which improves the amusement of a game.SOLUTION: A game machine according to the invention, includes game performance means which can execute a normal mode performance, a special mode performance, and a specific game mode performance which correspond to a first normal state, a second normal state, and a specific game state advantageous for a player. In the normal mode performance and the special mode performance, a drawing pattern variation performance is executed differently between when a special failure drawing pattern stops and when other failure drawing patterns stop. In the first normal state and the second normal state, a common mode performance can be executed. When a specific special failure drawing pattern (special failure bcd) stops in the second normal state, a variation performance (defeat battle performance) identical to a variation performance at a moment when the specific special failure drawing pattern (special failure d) stops in the first normal state can be executed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 52

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Some conventional gaming machines are provided with a normal gaming state and a time-saving gaming state in which a start winning is easier than in the normal gaming state, and a technique for performing a game effect according to each gaming state has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below).

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 above, there is still room for improvement in terms of the interest of the game in the time-saving gaming state.

[0005] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of further enhancing the interest of the game of the gaming machine.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, the present invention includes special symbol display means for variably displaying a special symbol and stopping the display of the special symbol as a game result, and main control means for controlling the transition of gaming states including a first normal state, a second normal state, and a specific gaming state advantageous to the player as gaming states. When the special symbol varies and the special symbol stops, the second normal state is more likely to transition to the specific gaming state than the first normal state. When the special symbol stops in the first normal state, the first normal state can be maintained. When the special symbol fluctuates and the small hit symbol stops, a small hit game can be executed, and the game state after the end of the small hit game in the specific game state can be set to the second normal state. In the first normal state, normal mode performance is carried out. In the second normal state, special mode performance is carried out. In the specific gaming state, there is provided a gaming performance means capable of executing a specific gaming mode performance. During the execution of the normal mode performance in the first normal state, different symbol variation performances can be executed when the special symbol stops and when other losing symbols stop. During the execution of the special mode performance in the second normal state, different symbol variation performances can be executed when the special symbol stops and when other losing symbols stop. A common mode performance can be executed between the first normal state and the second normal state. The special symbol includes a first special symbol and a second special symbol. When the first special symbol stops in the second normal state, the same symbol variation performance as the specific symbol variation performance when the first special symbol stops in the first normal state can be executed. During the execution of the specific gaming mode performance in the specific gaming state, the same symbol variation performance and a symbol variation performance different from the specific symbol variation performance can be executed when the first special symbol stops and when the second special symbol stops. This is the gist of the invention.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, the interest of the game of the gaming machine can be further enhanced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] First, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, the basic configuration of the gaming machine 1 will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the back side of the gaming machine 1. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the second large winning opening 17 of the gaming machine 1. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame 60 and a glass frame 50 that is rotatably supported. The outer frame 60 is provided with a game board 2 having a game area 6 through which game balls flow down. The game area 6 has a left area 6L on the left side of the center and a right area 6R on the right side of the center.

[0011] One end of the glass frame 50 is connected to the outer frame 60 via a hinge mechanism portion 51, and a lock mechanism is provided at the other end of the glass frame 50. The lock mechanism of the glass frame 50 can be unlocked by a dedicated key, and by unlocking it, it can be swung by the hinge mechanism portion 51 to open the game area 6. A door opening detection SW134 (not shown) is provided on the glass frame 50.

[0012] The glass frame 50 is provided with a production button 35 that can be pressed, and a production button detection SW35a is provided on the production button 35. When the production button detection SW35a detects the operation of the production button 35 by the player, it outputs predetermined information to the gaming machine 1. Therefore, the player can input predetermined information to the gaming machine 1 by operating the production button 35.

[0013] On the left side of the production button 35, a cross key 39 that can be pressed is provided. The cross key 39 is provided with an up cursor key 39A, a left cursor key 39B, a down cursor key 39C, a right cursor key 39D, and a center cursor key 39E, and a cross key detection SW39a, a cross key detection SW39b, a cross key detection SW39c, a cross key detection SW39d, and a cross key detection SW39e are provided respectively. Each cross key detection SW outputs predetermined information to the gaming machine 1 when it detects the operation of the cross key 39 by the player. Therefore, the player can input predetermined information to the gaming machine 1 by operating the cross key 39.

[0014] The glass frame 50 is provided with an operation handle 3 that fires the game balls into the game area 6 by a rotation operation, an upper tray for storing the game balls, and a lower tray for receiving and storing the game balls that have flowed into the overflow ball path from the upper tray. Further, in the middle of the overflow ball path, a full detection SW133 (not shown) for detecting that the lower tray is full of game balls is provided.

[0015] The operation handle 3 is provided with a touch sensor 3a. The touch sensor 3a detects that the player is touching the operation handle 3. When the player rotates the operation handle 3, a firing volume 3b provided near the operation handle 3 also rotates, and a hitting member directly connected to the firing solenoid 4a rotates with a firing intensity corresponding to the amount of rotation of the firing volume 3b.

[0016] The ball feed solenoid 4b provided near the operation handle 3 feeds the game balls on the upper tray one by one to the hitting member directly connected to the firing solenoid 4a. The game balls fed to the hitting member are hit between the rails 5a and 5b by the rotation of the hitting member, pass through the ball return prevention member 5c, and enter the game area 6.

[0017] The glass frame 50 is provided with audio output devices 32, which are speakers, on the left and right. The audio output devices 32 perform an effect such as playing music and sound effects according to the progress of the game. Near the two audio output devices 32, a fourth effect lighting device 340d and two fifth effect lighting devices 340e are provided. The fourth effect lighting device 340d and the fifth effect lighting device 340e each have a fourth lamp 34d and a fifth lamp 34e, which are full-color LEDs. The fourth effect lighting device 340d and the fifth effect lighting device 340e perform a light emission operation of the fourth lamp 34d and the fifth lamp 34e under the control of the lamp / drive control unit 150 of the effect control board 120 to perform a game effect.

[0018] Inside the game area 6 of the game board 2, there are provided a general winning opening 12, a normal symbol gate 13, a first start opening 14, a second start opening 15, a first big winning opening 16, a second big winning opening 17, and an image display device 31.

[0019] Three general winning openings 12 are provided below the game area 6L. A general winning opening detection SW12a is provided at the general winning opening 12. When the winning of a game ball into the general winning opening 12 is detected by the general winning opening detection SW12a, a predetermined number of game balls are given to the player.

[0020] The first start opening 14 is provided at the lower center of the game area 6 of the game board 2. The second start opening 15 is provided at the upper right of the game area 6 of the game board 2. When a game ball is launched (left shot) toward the left area 6L of the game area 6, the game ball can win in the first start opening 14, but it is difficult to win in the second start opening 15. When a game ball is launched (right shot) toward the right area 6R of the game area 6, the game ball can win in the second start opening 15, but it is difficult to win in the first start opening 14.

[0021] A first start opening detection SW14a is provided at the first start opening 14. When the winning of a game ball into the first start opening 14 is detected by the first start opening detection SW14a, a predetermined number of game balls are given to the player. A second start opening detection SW15a is provided at the second start opening 15. When the winning of a game ball into the second start opening 15 is detected by the second start opening detection SW15a, a predetermined number of game balls are given to the player. Note that the number of game balls given for the winning of a game ball into the first start opening 14 and the second start opening 15 may be the same or different. Also, although details will be described later, when the winning of a game ball into the first start opening 14 or the second start opening 15 is detected, various random values used for various processes related to games including a jackpot lottery are acquired.

[0022] The second start port 15 is provided with two movable pieces 15b and a start port opening / closing solenoid 15c. The second start port 15 changes between two states: a closed state in which winning of a game ball is restricted by the operation of the start port opening / closing solenoid 15c, and an open state in which winning of a game ball is permitted. More specifically, the second start port 15 is controlled, by the operation of the start port opening / closing solenoid 15c, to a closed state in which the movable piece 15b becomes substantially vertical to restrict winning of a game ball, and an open state in which the movable piece 15b becomes substantially horizontal and winning of a game ball is permitted.

[0023] Also, the second start port 15 can vary the ease of winning of a game ball by varying the time in the open state. Although details will be described later, as the time that the second start port 15 is in the open state becomes longer, the opportunity for a game ball to win increases, so the ease of winning becomes higher.

[0024] At the upper right part of the game area 6 of the game board 2, a normal symbol gate 13 is provided. The normal symbol gate 13 is provided with a gate detection SW 13a. When the passage of a game ball through the normal symbol gate 13 is detected by the gate detection SW 13a, a determination random value or the like for performing a normal symbol lottery described later is acquired.

[0025] At the lower right area of the game area 6 of the game board 2, a first big winning port 16 is provided. The first big winning port 16 is provided with a first big winning port detection SW 16a, a first big winning port opening / closing door 16b, and a first big winning port opening / closing solenoid 16c. The first big winning port 16 changes between two states: a closed state in which winning of a game ball is restricted by the operation of the first big winning port opening / closing solenoid 16c, and an open state in which winning of a game ball is permitted.

[0026] More specifically, the first big winning port 16 becomes a closed state in which it is difficult for a game ball to win when the first big winning port opening / closing door 16b becomes substantially parallel to the surface of the game board 2 by the off operation of the first big winning port opening / closing solenoid 16c. Also, the first big winning port 16 becomes an open state in which it is easy for a game ball to win when the first big winning port opening / closing door 16b becomes substantially perpendicular to the surface of the game board 2 by the on operation of the first big winning port opening / closing solenoid 16c.

[0027] When the winning of a game ball into the first major winning opening 16 is detected by the first major winning opening detection SW16a, a predetermined number of game balls are given to the player. Note that the open state of the first major winning opening 16 changes to a closed state when a prescribed number of game balls win or when a predetermined opening time elapses, which will be described later.

[0028] A second major winning opening 17 is provided in the area on the right side of the game area 6 of the game board 2. The second major winning opening 17 is provided with a second major winning opening detection SW17a, a second major winning opening opening / closing door 17b, and a second major winning opening opening / closing solenoid 17c. The second major winning opening 17 changes between two states: a closed state in which the winning of a game ball is restricted by the second major winning opening opening / closing door 17b and an open state in which the winning of a game ball is permitted, by the operation of the second major winning opening opening / closing solenoid 17c.

[0029] Specifically, the second major winning opening 17 becomes a closed state in which it is difficult for a game ball to win when the second major winning opening opening / closing solenoid 17c is turned off and the second major winning opening opening / closing door 17b becomes substantially parallel to the surface of the game board 2. Also, the second major winning opening 17 becomes an open state in which it is easy for a game ball to win when the second major winning opening opening / closing solenoid 17c is turned on and the second major winning opening opening / closing door 17b becomes substantially perpendicular to the surface of the game board 2.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 3, a specific area 19B, a slide member 19C, and a second major winning opening discharge port 19E are provided inside the second major winning opening 17. The slide member 19C changes between two states: a retracted state in which it is stored deep in the gap provided in the inner wall 19 of the second major winning opening and a forward state in which it advances in front of the gap, by the operation of the specific area opening / closing solenoid 18d.

[0031] Specifically, when the specific area opening / closing solenoid 18d is turned on, the slide member 19C is in the forward state, and when the specific area opening / closing solenoid 18d is turned off, the slide member 19C is in the backward state. When the slide member 19C is in the forward state, the specific area 19B is in the closed state where it is difficult for the game balls to win, and when the slide member 19C is in the backward state, the specific area 19B is in the open state where it is easy for the game balls to win.

[0032] Game balls passing over the specific area 19B are discharged only through the second large winning port discharge port 19E when the slide member 19C is in the forward state, but can be discharged through the specific area 19B when the slide member 19C is in the backward state. Game balls discharged through the second large winning port discharge port 19E are detected by the second large winning port detection SW17a. Game balls discharged through the specific area 19B are detected by the specific area detection SW18a. Regardless of which detection SW detects, a predetermined number of game balls are given to the player.

[0033] An out port 11 is provided at the lower center of the game area 6 of the game board 2. Game balls launched into the game area 6 are discharged from the game area 6 through the out port 11 when they do not enter any of the general winning port 12, the first start port 14, the second start port 15, the first large winning port 16, and the second large winning port 17.

[0034] An image display device 31 is provided at the center of the game area 6. The image display device 31 displays production images according to the progress of the game and displays waiting customer production images during the standby period when no game is being played. As the display of production images according to the progress of the game, the left symbol 36L, the middle symbol 36C, the right symbol 36R (hereinafter referred to as "decoration symbol 36"), and the fourth symbol 36Z are variably displayed according to the variable display of the special symbol. The decoration symbol 36 and the fourth symbol 36Z notify the same determination result as the big win determination result indicated by the special symbols of the first special symbol display device 20 and the second special symbol display device 21.

[0035] Outside the gaming area 6 of the game board 2, a first special symbol display device 20, a second special symbol display device 21, a first special symbol hold indicator 22, a second special symbol hold indicator 23, a normal symbol display device 24, and a normal symbol hold indicator 25 are provided.

[0036] The first special symbol display device 20 is composed of 7-segment LEDs. When a game ball enters the first start port 14 of the gaming area 6, it performs a variable display of the special symbol and a stop display of the special symbol indicating the jackpot lottery result by lighting and extinguishing the LEDs. Similarly, the second special symbol display device 21 is composed of 7-segment LEDs. When a game ball enters the second start port 15 of the gaming area 6, it performs a variable display of the special symbol and a stop display of the special symbol indicating the jackpot lottery result by lighting and extinguishing the LEDs. Hereinafter, the special symbol variably displayed by the first special symbol display device 20 is referred to as the "first special symbol", and the special symbol variably displayed by the second special symbol display device 21 is referred to as the "second special symbol".

[0037] When a new variation of the first special symbol or the second special symbol cannot be started, such as during the variation of the special symbol or during the jackpot game (special game), the variable display of the special symbol is waited for under predetermined conditions. The first special symbol hold indicator 22 displays the number of variable displays waited for in the first special symbol (hereinafter referred to as the "hold number"). The first special symbol hold indicator 22 is composed of two LEDs on the left and right, and displays the hold number of the first special symbol according to their display modes. Specifically, when the hold number of the first special symbol is 1, only the left LED lights up; when the hold number of the first special symbol is 2, only the right LED lights up; when the hold number of the first special symbol is 3, the left LED blinks and the right LED lights up; when the hold number of the first special symbol is 4, both the left and right LEDs blink.

[0038] Similarly, the second special symbol hold indicator 23 displays the number of holds in the second special symbol. The second special symbol hold indicator 23 is composed of two LEDs on the left and right, and displays the number of holds in the second special symbol according to their display modes. Specifically, when the number of holds in the second special symbol is 1, only the left LED lights up; when the number of holds in the second special symbol is 2, only the right LED lights up; when the number of holds in the second special symbol is 3, the left LED blinks and the right LED lights up; when the number of holds in the second special symbol is 4, the two LEDs on the left and right blink.

[0039] The normal symbol display device 24 is composed of a single LED. When a game ball passes through the normal symbol gate 13 in the game area 6, the single LED lights up and goes out to perform a variable display of the normal symbol and a stop display indicating the lottery result. When a new variable display of the normal symbol cannot be started as in the case of the normal symbol being in a variable state, the variable display of the normal symbol is waited for under predetermined conditions.

[0040] The normal symbol hold indicator 25 is composed of two LEDs on the left and right, and displays the number of holds in the normal symbol according to their display modes. Specifically, when the number of holds in the normal symbol is 1, only the left LED lights up; when the number of holds in the normal symbol is 2, only the right LED lights up; when the number of holds in the normal symbol is 3, the left LED blinks and the right LED lights up; when the number of holds in the normal symbol is 4, the two LEDs on the left and right blink.

[0041] At the periphery of the game area 6 of the game board 2, a first effect driving device 330a, a second effect driving device 330b, and a third effect driving device 330c are provided. The first effect driving device 330a has a first movable accessory 33a. The second effect driving device 330b has a second movable accessory 33b. The third effect driving device 330c has a third movable accessory 33c.

[0042] The first performance driving device 330a, the second performance driving device 330b, and the third performance driving device 330c perform the operations of the first movable accessory 33a, the second movable accessory 33b, and the third movable accessory 33c under the control of the lamp / drive control unit 150 of the performance control board 120 to conduct game performances.

[0043] The first movable accessory 33a executes a pre-performance indicating a performance with a high jackpot expectation level by performing a swinging motion near the origin position or a falling movement toward the central part of the game area 6. The second movable accessory 33b executes a pre-performance indicating a performance with a high jackpot expectation level by performing a swinging motion near the origin position or a sliding movement leftward toward the central part of the game area 6. The third movable accessory 33c executes a pre-performance indicating a performance with a high jackpot expectation level by performing a swinging motion near the origin position or a sliding movement rightward toward the central part of the game area 6. These swinging motions, falling movements, and sliding movements may be performed alone or in combination, and the more they are combined, the higher the jackpot expectation level becomes. Also, there are multiple timings for the falling movement and the sliding movement, and the jackpot expectation level varies depending on the movement timing. Further, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the operations of the movable accessories 33a, 33b, and 33c in the gaming machine 1. As shown in FIG. 4, when a jackpot notification is given, all three movable accessories move toward the central part of the display area of the image display device 31.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 1, a first performance lighting device 340a is provided at the center of the first movable accessory 33a. A second performance lighting device 340b is provided at the center of the second movable accessory 33b. A third performance lighting device 340c is provided at the center of the third movable accessory 33c. The first performance lighting device 340a, the second performance lighting device 340b, and the third performance lighting device 340c are provided with a first lamp 34a, a second lamp 34b, and a third lamp 34c, which are full-color LEDs respectively.

[0045] The first stage lighting device 340a, the second stage lighting device 340b, and the third stage lighting device 330c perform the light emission operations of the first lamp 34a, the second lamp 34b, and the third lamp 34c under the control of the lamp / drive control unit 150 of the stage control board 120 to perform a game presentation.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 2, on the back surface of the gaming machine 1, a main control board 110, a stage control board 120, a payout control board 130, a power supply board 170, a power plug 171, a RAM clear SW (not shown), a game information output terminal board 30, and a power SW (not shown) are provided.

[0047] (Block diagram of the entire gaming machine) Next, each control means for controlling the progress of the game will be described using the overall block diagram of the gaming machine 1. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the gaming machine 1.

[0048] The gaming machine 1 includes a main control board 110 that comprehensively controls the progress of the game, a stage control board 120 that controls the presentation related to the game based on receiving a stage control command from the main control board 110, a payout control board 130 that controls the granting of game balls based on receiving a payout control command from the main control board 110, a launch control board 160 that controls the launch of game balls based on a player operation, and a power supply board 170. The power supply board 170 supplies power to the main control board 110, the stage control board 120, the payout control board 130, and the launch control board 160.

[0049] The main control board 110 includes a main CPU 110a that performs arithmetic processing, a main RAM 110b that serves as a work area for performing arithmetic processing, a main ROM 110c in which a game control program and the like are stored, a main control unit 110m that is a one-chip microcomputer having input / output ports, and a RAM clear SW 111a.

[0050] Connected to the input / output ports of the main control board 110 are the effect control board 120, the payout control board 130, the general winning opening detection switch 12a, the gate detection switch 13a, the first start opening detection switch 14a, the second start opening detection switch 15a, the first big winning opening detection switch 16a, the second big winning opening detection switch 17a, the specific area detection switch 18a, the magnetic detection switch 41a, the radio wave detection switch 42a, the start opening / closing solenoid 15c, the first big winning opening / closing solenoid 16c, the second big winning opening / closing solenoid 17c, the specific area opening / closing solenoid 18d, the first special symbol display device 20, the second special symbol display device 21, the first special symbol hold display 22, the second special symbol hold display 23, the normal symbol display device 24, the normal symbol hold display 25, and the game information output terminal board 30.

[0051] Note that communication between the main control board 110 and the payout control board 130 enables two-way command transmission and reception, while communication between the main control board 110 and the effect control board 120 allows command transmission only in one direction from the main control board 110 to the effect control board 120. Also, the game information output terminal board 30 outputs the external output signal generated by the main control board 110 to the store hall computer or the like, and is provided with a connector for connection to the store hall computer or the like.

[0052] The main CPU 110a of the main control board 110 receives the operation clock from the crystal oscillator, reads out the game control program stored in the main ROM 110c, and performs arithmetic processing related to the game using the main RAM 110b as a work area. The main CPU 110a performs control processing according to the detection signals from each input device (detection switches, etc.), control processing of each output device (display devices, etc.), control processing for transmitting and receiving control commands, and transmission control processing of game information outside the gaming machine via the game information output terminal board 30.

[0053] In the main RAM 110b of the main control board 110, although details will be described later, various data storage areas necessary for performing game control and a storage area for storing various counters are provided. The data within the used area of the main RAM 110b is backed up by a backup power supply after adding a checksum during power-off. The data backed up by the backup power supply is restored through data checking by the checksum. In the main ROM 110c of the main control board 110, although details will be described later, programs and data for game control are stored.

[0054] Based on the effect control commands received from the main control board 110, the effect control board 120 controls the image display device 31, the audio output device 32, the effect driving devices 330a, 330b, 330c, and the effect lighting devices 340a, 340b, 340c, 340d, 340e.

[0055] The effect control board 120 includes an effect control unit 120m that controls the progress of the effect based on the reception of the effect control commands from the main control board 110, a display / audio control unit 140 that performs control processing for image display and audio output based on the reception of the effect control commands from the effect control unit 120m, a lamp / drive control unit 150 that performs control processing for light emission effects and accessory movement effects based on the effect control commands from the effect control unit 120m, and input / output ports for effect control.

[0056] The effect control unit 120m includes a sub CPU 120a that performs arithmetic processing, a sub RAM 120b that serves as a work area during arithmetic processing, a sub ROM 120c in which an effect control program and the like are stored, and an RTC 120d. The RTC 120d operates by the supplied power when the power is supplied to the gaming machine 1, and operates by the power of the mounted backup power supply when the power is not supplied to the gaming machine 1. An effect button detection SW 35a and cross key detection SWs 39a, 39b, 39c, 39d, 39e are connected to the input port of the effect control base unit 120m.

[0057] The sub-CPU 120a of the performance control unit 120m receives the operation clock from the crystal oscillator, reads out the performance control program and data stored in the sub-ROM 120c based on the commands transmitted from the main control means 110 and the input signals from the performance button detection SW 35a, etc., performs arithmetic processing related to game performances using the sub-RAM 120b as a work area, and transmits the performance control commands generated in the said processing to the overall control unit 141 and the lamp / drive control unit 150.

[0058] In the sub-RAM 120b of the performance control unit 120m, although details will be described later, various data storage areas necessary for performing performance control and storage areas for storing various counters are provided. In the sub-ROM 120c of the performance control unit 120m, although details will be described later, programs and data for performance control are stored.

[0059] The display / audio control unit 140 controls the image display device 31 and the audio output device 32 based on the performance control commands received from the performance control unit 120m. The display / audio control unit 140 includes an overall control unit 141 that overall controls image display and audio output based on the performance control commands from the performance control unit 120m, a VDP 145 that controls the image display device 31 based on the reception of display control commands (display lists, etc.) from the overall control unit 141, a CGROM 146 in which image data, etc. is stored, an audio processor 144 that controls the audio output device 32 based on the reception of audio control commands from the overall control unit 141, and an audio ROM 148 in which audio data, etc. is stored. The image display device 31 and the audio output device 32 are connected to the input / output ports of the audio / display control unit 140.

[0060] The overall control unit 141 includes an overall CPU 141a that performs arithmetic processing, an overall RAM 141b used as a work area when performing arithmetic processing, an overall ROM 141c in which an overall control program, etc. is stored, and an input / output port to which the image display device 31 and the audio output device 32 are connected.

[0061] Based on the commands transmitted from the production control unit 120m, the overall CPU 141a of the overall control unit 141 receives the operating clock from the crystal oscillator, reads out the overall control program and data stored in the overall ROM 141c, and performs arithmetic processing related to image display and audio output using the overall RAM 141b as a work area. The overall CPU 141a outputs a voice control command instructing the voice to be output to the voice output device 32, which is generated by the arithmetic processing, to the voice processor 144, and outputs a display control command (such as a display list) instructing the production image to be displayed on the image display device 31 to the VDP 145.

[0062] The voice processor 144 is connected to the voice ROM 148. The voice ROM 148 stores compressed voice data. The voice processor 144 reads out and multiplexes voice data from the voice ROM 148 based on the voice control command received from the overall control unit 141, and outputs voice from the voice output device 32 using the multiplexed data.

[0063] The VDP 145 is connected to the CGROM 146. The CGROM 146 stores compressed image data, non-compressed palette data, etc. The image data is composed of pixel information for sprite images and movie images to be displayed on the image display device 31. The pixel information of the image data is composed of color number information and transparency (α value) for each pixel. The palette data is data in which color number information and display colors are associated.

[0064] The VDP 145 is provided with a VRAM 147. In the VRAM 147, a display list storage area, a decompression area for compressed data, a first frame buffer area, and a second frame buffer area are provided. The display list storage area is an area for storing the display list output from the overall control unit 141. The decompression area for compressed data is an area for storing the image data obtained by decompressing the compressed image data read from the CGROM 146.

[0065] The first frame buffer area and the second frame buffer area are storage areas for storing display image data to be displayed on the image display device 31. While the drawing of the image to be displayed in one buffer area is completed and the transfer process of the image data to the image display device 31 is being performed, the drawing of the next image to be displayed is performed in the other buffer area. By repeating this alternately, high-speed and smooth display control is realized.

[0066] VDP145 stores the display list output from the overall control unit 141, reads out the image data corresponding to the display list from the CGROM146, performs drawing processing in the frame buffer for drawing using this image data, and generates an RGB signal as a video signal indicating the color of the image from the image data stored in the frame buffer for display, and outputs the generated RGB signal to the image display device 31.

[0067] The lamp / drive control unit 150 includes a lamp CPU 150a that performs arithmetic processing, a lamp RAM 150b used as a work area when performing arithmetic processing, a lamp ROM 150c that stores a lamp control program and data, and an input / output port. The input / output port of the lamp / drive control unit 150 is connected to the effect driving devices 330a, 330b, 330c and the effect lighting devices 340a, 340b, 340c, 340d, 340e.

[0068] Based on the command transmitted from the effect control unit 120m, the lamp CPU 150a of the lamp / drive control unit 150 receives the operation clock from the crystal oscillator, reads out the programs and data related to light emission control and prop driving stored in the lamp ROM 150c, uses the lamp RAM 150b as a work area, and performs arithmetic processing related to light emission control and prop driving processing. The lamp CPU 150a performs drive control of the effect driving devices 330a, 330b, 330c and light emission control of the effect lighting devices 340a, 340b, 340c, 340d, 340e by the arithmetic processing.

[0069] Although not shown in the figure, the payout control board 130 includes a payout CPU that performs arithmetic processing, a payout RAM used as a work area when performing arithmetic processing, a payout ROM that stores a payout control program and data, and an input / output port. Connected to the input / output port of the payout control board 130 are a payout motor 131, a payout ball detection SW 132, a full detection SW 133, and a door open detection SW 134.

[0070] Based on the payout command from the main control board 110 and the input signals from the payout ball counting SW 132 and the full detection SW etc., the payout CPU receives the operation clock from the crystal oscillator, reads out the programs and data related to payout stored in the payout ROM, and uses the payout RAM as a work area to perform arithmetic processing related to payout. The payout CPU performs control processing to pay out game balls from the payout device in response to the payout command from the main control board 110 by the said arithmetic processing, and transmits a command based on the result of the said arithmetic processing to the main control board 110.

[0071] Although not shown in the figure, the launch control board 160 includes a control circuit and an input / output port. Connected to the input / output port of the launch control board 160 are a touch sensor 3a, a launch volume 3b, a solenoid 4a for launch, and a ball feed solenoid 4b.

[0072] The power supply board 170 generates the main power necessary for the operation of the gaming machine from the power supplied from outside the gaming machine via the power plug 171, and supplies the said main power to the main control board 110, the effect control board 120, the payout control board 130, the launch control board 160, etc. of the gaming machine 1. The power supply board 170 includes a power-off detection circuit (not shown) that detects whether the voltage of the power supplied from the outside has dropped and outputs a voltage drop signal to the main control board 110 based on the voltage drop, and a backup power supply circuit (not shown) for supplying backup power to the main control board 110 during power-off.

[0073] (Game flow) Next, the game flow of the gaming machine 1 will be described using the game flow of the gaming machine 1. FIG.

[0074] The gaming machine 1 executes a normal pattern lottery when the starting condition for the normal pattern is met based on the passage of the gaming ball through the normal pattern gate 13. If the result of the normal pattern lottery is a win, the normal pattern is displayed in a variable manner for a predetermined time, then stops in a winning manner, and the movable piece 15b is controlled to open in a predetermined manner. If the result of the normal pattern lottery is a loss, the normal pattern is displayed in a variable manner for a predetermined time, then stops in a losing manner.

[0075] In the gaming machine 1, a jackpot lottery is executed when the start condition of the first special symbol based on the entry of a game ball into the first start hole 14 is established and the start condition of the second special symbol based on the entry of a game ball into the second start hole 15 is established. If the special symbol lottery result is a jackpot, the special symbol stops in a jackpot stop mode after a predetermined period of time of variable display, and the first large prize winning hole 16 is controlled to open in a predetermined mode. If the special symbol lottery result is a small prize, the special symbol stops in a small prize stop mode after a predetermined period of time of variable display, and the second large prize winning hole 17 is controlled to open in a predetermined mode. If the special symbol lottery result is a miss, the special symbol stops in a miss stop mode after a predetermined period of time of variable display. There are two types of misses: normal misses and special misses.

[0076] The special miss is a miss that is selected only by the big win lottery that is held when the start conditions of the first special game are met, and consists of four types: special miss a, special miss b, special miss c, and special miss d. When a special miss is met in the normal state, the game state transitions to the low base time-saving state or the high base time-saving state.

[0077] The gaming machine 1 includes six types of first jackpot games and three types of second jackpot games. The first jackpot game is a special game in which, after the special symbol stops at the jackpot symbol, the first large winning opening 16 is controlled to open in a predetermined manner. The second jackpot game is a special game that is executed on the condition that a game ball passes through the specific area 19B when the special symbol stops at the minor jackpot symbol and the second large winning opening 17 is controlled to open in a predetermined manner.

[0078] Among the first jackpot games, there are four types of special games (First Type 10R Jackpot A, First Type 2R Jackpot B, First Type 2R Jackpot C, First Type 10R Jackpot D) executed when the first special symbol stops at the jackpot symbol, and two types of special games (First Type 10R Jackpot F, First Type 2R Jackpot G) executed when the second special symbol stops at the jackpot symbol.

[0079] In First Type 10R Jackpot A, First Type 10R Jackpot D, and First Type 10R Jackpot F, a round game in which the first large winning opening 16 is controlled in an open state where a game ball can win is performed 10 times. In each round game, the first large winning opening 16 is controlled to open until a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 9 balls) win at the first large winning opening 16 or the opening time of the first large winning opening 16 reaches a predetermined time (for example, 29 seconds).

[0080] In First Type 2R Jackpot B, First Type 2R Jackpot C, and First Type 2R Jackpot G, a round game in which the first large winning opening 16 is controlled in an open state where a game ball can win is performed 2 times. In each round game, the first large winning opening 16 is controlled to open until a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 9 balls) win at the first large winning opening 16 or the opening time of the first large winning opening 16 reaches a predetermined time (for example, 29 seconds).

[0081] Among the second jackpot games, there are three types of special games (Second Type 9R Jackpot H, Second Type 2R Jackpot I, Second Type 9R Jackpot J) executed when the second special symbol stops at the minor jackpot symbol and a game ball passes through the specific area 19B during the minor jackpot.

[0082] For the second type, H per 9R and J per 9R, a round game in which the first big winning opening 16 is controlled in an open state where a game ball can win is played 9 times. In each round game, until a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 9 balls) win at the first big winning opening 16 or the opening time of the first big winning opening 16 reaches a predetermined time (for example, 29 seconds), the first big winning opening 16 is controlled to be open.

[0083] For the second type, I per 2R, a round game in which the first big winning opening 16 is controlled in an open state where a game ball can win is played 2 times. In each round game, until a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 9 balls) win at the first big winning opening 16 or the opening time of the first big winning opening 16 reaches a predetermined time (for example, 29 seconds), the first big winning opening 16 is controlled to be open.

[0084] The game states of the gaming machine 1 include a normal state in which the game is played with left-handed shots and a low-base short state, and a high-base short state in which the game is played with right-handed shots. The variation time of the normal symbol is 90 seconds in the normal state, 89 seconds in the low-base short state, and 4 seconds in the high-base short state. Also, the opening control time of the movable piece 15b when the result of the normal symbol lottery is a win is 0.1 second in the normal state, 0.11 second in the low-base short state, and 8 seconds in the high-base short state.

[0085] The ease of winning a game ball at the second start opening 15 increases as the variation time of the normal symbol becomes shorter because the number of lottery opportunities for the normal symbol increases, and also increases as the opening time of the movable piece 15b when the result of the normal symbol lottery is a win becomes longer because the number of winning opportunities for the game ball increases. Therefore, in the high-base short state, compared with the normal state and the low-base short state, the variation time of the normal symbol is considerably shorter and the opening time of the second start opening 15 is also considerably longer, so the ease of winning a game ball at the second start opening 15 is higher than that in the normal state and the low-base short state.

[0086] On the other hand, in the low-base short state, compared with the normal state, the variation time of the normal symbol is slightly shorter and the opening time of the second start opening 15 is also slightly longer, so the ease of winning a game ball at the second start opening 15 is higher than that in the normal state.

[0087] Therefore, the easiness of a game ball winning the second start port 15 increases in the order of the high base short state, the low base short state, and the normal state. Therefore, if the easiness of a game ball winning the second start port 15 is higher, the more advantageous the game state is for the player, then the game states advantageous for the player are in the order of the high base short state, the low base short state, and the normal state.

[0088] Hereinafter, the game flow of the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. When a first type 10R win A or a first type 2R win B is established in the normal state, the game state after the special game ends becomes the normal state again. When a first type 2R win C or a first type 10R win D is established in the normal state, the game state after the special game ends becomes a high base short state where the upper limit number of times of the high base short number (J) is 100 times.

[0089] When a special loss a is established in the normal state, the game state becomes a high base short state where the upper limit number of times of the high base short number (J) is 100 times. When a special loss b, a special loss c, or a special loss d is established in the normal state, the game state becomes a low base short state. The upper limit number of times of the low base short number (B) of the low base short state shifted by the establishment of the above three types of special losses is 600 times (special loss b), 400 times (special loss c), and 200 times (special loss d), respectively. In the normal loss, which is a loss other than the above four types of special losses, the game state does not shift (however, except when the fluctuation number (L) described later reaches 800 times).

[0090] When a first type 2R win C is established in the low base short state, the game state after the special game ends becomes a low base short state where the upper limit number of times of the low base short number (B) is 100 times. In the low base short state, when a first type 10R win A or a first type 2R win B is established, the game state after the special game ends becomes the normal state. When a first type 10R win D is established in the low base short state, the game state after the special game ends becomes a high base short state where the upper limit number of times of the high base short number (J) is 100 times.

[0091] In the short state at the low base, when a special loss or a normal loss occurs and the number of short times at the low base (B) reaches a predetermined number of times (100 times, 200 times, 400 times, 600 times), the game state becomes the normal state.

[0092] In either the normal state or the short state at the low base, when a special loss or a normal loss occurs and the number of variation times (L) reaches 800 times, the game state becomes the short state at the high base where the upper limit of the number of short times at the high base (J) is 100 times.

[0093] In the short state at the high base, when F per 1st type 10R, G per 1st type 2R, H per 2nd type 9R, or I per 2nd type 2R occurs, the game state after the special game ends becomes the short state at the high base again where the upper limit of the number of short times at the high base (J) is 100 times. In the short state at the high base, when J per 2nd type 9R occurs, the game state after the special game ends becomes the normal state. In the short state at the high base, when a special loss or a normal loss occurs and the number of short times at the high base (J) reaches 100 times, the game state becomes the normal state.

[0094] As shown by the above game flow, the short state at the low base is a game state that is more difficult to shift to the short state at the high base than the normal state. Specifically, the conditions for shifting from the short state at the low base to the short state at the high base are that the number of variation times (L) reaches 800 times and winning D per 1st type 10R. However, the conditions for shifting from the normal state to the short state at the high base include, in addition to the above two conditions, the occurrence of a special loss a and the occurrence condition of C per 1st type 2R.

[0095] Therefore, in terms of the ease of winning a game ball at the second starting port 15, the short low-base state is higher than the normal state. However, in terms of the ease of transitioning to the most advantageous short high-base state, the normal state is higher than the short low-base state. Therefore, when the player is in the short low-base state, the player will play a game aiming to transition to the normal state. Specifically, when the player is in the short low-base state, the player plays the game aiming to achieve A for every first type 10R or B for every first type 2R, or aiming to complete the specified number of short low-base times (B).

[0096] As a route to transition to the short high-base state, in addition to the route of transitioning from the normal state, there is also a route that directly transitions from the short low-base state to the short high-base state. Specifically, when D for every first type 10R is achieved in the short low-base state, or when the number of fluctuations (L) reaches 800 times, it transitions from the short low-base state to the short high-base state. Therefore, even when the player is staying in the short low-base state, if D for every first type 10R is achieved, the player will transition to the short high-base state. Thus, it becomes possible to play the game with an expectation of always transitioning to the short high-base state.

[0097] Furthermore, even when the player is staying in the short low-base state, when the remaining number of fluctuations (L) is only a few times until it reaches 800 times, by digesting the remaining few variable displays, the number of fluctuations (L) reaches 800 times and surely transitions to the short high-base state. Thus, it becomes possible to play the game with a very high expectation.

[0098] Also, when transitioning to the short high-base state, until J for every second type 9R is achieved, if F for every first type 10R, G for every first type 2R, H for every second type 9R, and I for every second type 2R continue to be achieved, the short high-base state will continue after the special game ends, so it becomes possible to obtain a large number of game balls. Also, the game state after passing through the short high-base state when J for every second type 9R is achieved transitions to the normal state where it is easy to transition to the short high-base state. Therefore, it can be expected to return to the short high-base state in a short period of time.

[0099] (Mode background image) Next, the background image of the production mode according to the game state of the gaming machine 1 will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the mode background image of the gaming machine 1.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 7, the gaming machine 1 has three production modes: a ground mode, a sea mode, and an underwater temple mode. The ground mode is a production mode corresponding to the short low-base state. The sea mode is a production mode corresponding to the normal state. The underwater temple mode is a production mode corresponding to the short high-base state. However, although the details will be described later, the production mode and the game state generally have the corresponding relationship described above, but there are also cases where the corresponding relationship is not as described above exceptionnally.

[0101] In the ground mode, a ground background image (rural background, urban background, desert background) is displayed. In the sea mode, an underwater background image (shallow water background, deep sea background) is displayed. In the underwater temple mode, an underwater temple background image is displayed.

[0102] From the perspective of the game flow, since the game state becomes more advantageous in the order of the short high-base state, the normal state, and the short low-base state as described above, the background image of the production mode is set to be a more advantageous background image as it approaches the seabed.

[0103] Note that in the ground mode, there are three types of background images: a rural background image, an urban background image, and a desert background image, but the background image to be displayed may be changed according to the progress of the number of short low-base times (B). For example, the closer the remaining number of times until the specified consumption of the short low-base times is, the easier it is to display the desert background image, the urban background image, and the rural background image in this order.

[0104] In addition, as will be described later, when shifting to the sea mode in either the low-base short state or the normal state under predetermined conditions, the player may be hinted at which gaming state it is based on the length of the display stay period and the transition state between the shallow-sea background image and the deep-sea background image. In that case, for example, it may be suggested that the higher the probability of the deep-sea background image being displayed, the higher the probability of being in the normal state.

[0105] Next, various tables stored in the main ROM 110c will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the winning / losing lottery determination tables for the special symbols and the normal symbols of the gaming machine 1.

[0106] (Winning / Losing Lottery Determination Table) Specifically, FIG. 8(a) is the jackpot lottery determination table for the first special symbol display device, FIG. 8(b) is the jackpot lottery determination table for the second special symbol display device, and FIG. 8(c) is the winning lottery determination table for the normal symbol display device.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 8(a), the lottery results by the first special symbol are of three types: jackpot, special loss, and normal loss. As shown in FIG. 8(b), the lottery results by the second special symbol are of three types: jackpot, small win, and normal loss. The main CPU 110a refers to the jackpot lottery determination tables shown in FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b) and determines the lottery result based on the obtained jackpot random value.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 8(c), the lottery results by the normal symbol are either a win or a loss. The main CPU 110a refers to the winning lottery determination table shown in FIG. 8(c) and determines the lottery result based on the obtained normal symbol random value. As shown in FIG. 8(c), the winning probability by the normal symbol lottery is the same in the normal state, the low-base short state, and the high-base short state. However, the winning probability by the normal symbol lottery may be changed according to the gaming state.

[0109] (Symbol Determination Table) FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the jackpot and minor winning symbol determination tables of the gaming machine 1. Specifically, FIG. 9(a) is the jackpot symbol determination table. In the jackpot symbol determination table, the type of the special symbol display device, the special symbol random number value, the type of the special symbol (type of jackpot), the stop symbol data, and the symbol designation command are associated with each other.

[0110] FIG. 9(b) is the minor winning symbol determination table. In the minor winning symbol determination table, the special symbol random number value, the type of the special symbol (type of jackpot executed by winning in the specific area 19B), the stop symbol data, and the symbol designation command are associated with each other. In the gaming machine 1, the minor winning is established only by the lottery of the second special symbol, but the minor winning may be established depending on the lottery result of the first special game.

[0111] The symbol designation command is composed of 1-byte MODE data indicating the classification of the control command and 1-byte DATA indicating the content of the control command to be executed. Also, even for a control command (for example, a variation pattern designation command, etc.) transmitted from another main control board 110 to the effect control unit 120m described later, the data configuration of the command is the same as that of the symbol designation command.

[0112] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the symbol determination table of the losing symbols of the gaming machine 1. Specifically, FIG. 10(a) is the symbol determination table for special losing. FIG. 10(b) is the symbol determination table for normal losing.

[0113] As shown in FIG. 8, since the special losing combination is selected only in the winning or losing lottery by the first special symbol, the special losing combination symbol determination table shown in FIG. 10(a) describes only the data associated with the first special symbol display device 20. In the special losing combination symbol determination table, a special symbol random number value, a type of special symbol (type of special losing combination), stop symbol data, and a symbol designation command are associated. In the normal losing combination symbol determination table shown in FIG. 10(b), a type of special symbol display device, a special symbol random number value, a type of special symbol (type of normal losing combination), and stop symbol data are associated.

[0114] When the variation of the special symbol starts, the main CPU 110a determines a symbol designation command based on the symbol determination tables shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 and the acquired special symbol random number value, and transmits the determined symbol designation command to the effect control unit 120m.

[0115] (Special game end setting table) FIG. 11 is a special game end setting table for determining the game state after the special game of the gaming machine 1 ends.

[0116] In the special game end setting table, a type of special symbol display device, a type of special symbol, stop symbol data, game state information set in the game state buffer, the game state at the end of the special game, the number of short rotations (B) in the low base state, and the short state (J) in the high base state are associated.

[0117] The "game state buffer" is a storage area provided in the main RAM 110b, and is a storage area in which information indicating the game state during the variation when a big win is won is stored. As described above, the game state of the gaming machine 1 is composed of a normal state, a short state in the low base state, and a short state in the high base state.

[0118] When the game state changes upon hitting a big win, if the game state information in the game state buffer is "00H", it becomes the normal state; if the game state information in the game state buffer is "01H", it becomes the low base short state; if the game state information in the game state buffer is "02H", it becomes the high base short state.

[0119] The main CPU 110a refers to the special game end setting table shown in FIG. 11 and determines the game state after the special game ends, the low base short count (B), and the high base short count (J) based on the stop data of the special symbols and the game state information in the game state buffer.

[0120] Although it partially overlaps with the game flow described with reference to FIG. 6 below, the change in the game state when each big win symbol stops as a special symbol will be described.

[0121] When the special symbol A stops (when A is selected for the first type 10R win), and when the special symbol B stops (when B is selected for the first type 2R win), the game state after the special game ends becomes the normal state regardless of the game state information in the game state buffer.

[0122] When the special symbol C stops (when C is selected for the first type 2R win), the game state after the special game ends becomes the high base short state where the upper limit of the high base short count (J) is 100 times if the game state information in the game state buffer is the normal state, and becomes the low base short state where the upper limit of the low base short count (B) is 100 times if the game state information in the game state buffer is the low base short state or the high base short state.

[0123] When the special symbol D stops (when D is selected for the first type 10R win), the game state after the special game ends becomes the high base short state where the upper limit of the high base short count (J) is 100 times regardless of the game state information in the game state buffer.

[0124] When the special symbol F stops (when F is selected for the first type 10R), when the special symbol G stops (when G is selected for the first type 2R), when the special symbol H stops (when H is selected for the second type 9R), and when the special symbol I stops (when I is selected for the second type 2R), the game state after the special game ends is a high-base short state where the upper limit of the high-base short count (J) is 100 times regardless of the game state information in the game state buffer.

[0125] When the special symbol J stops (when J is selected for the second type 9R), the game state after the special game ends is the normal state regardless of the game state information in the game state buffer.

[0126] In this embodiment, as a jackpot based on the lottery result of the second special symbol that transitions from the high-base short state to the normal state after the end, only J for the second type 9R is provided, but a plurality of types of jackpots based on the lottery result of the second special symbol that transitions from the high-base short state to the normal state after the end may be provided. Also, as a jackpot based on the lottery result of the second special symbol that transitions from the high-base short state to the normal state after the end, a jackpot based on one type instead of two types may be provided.

[0127] In this embodiment, when transitioning from the normal state to the high-base short state triggered by the establishment of a jackpot, the upper limit of the high-base short count (J) is the same 100 times for any jackpot, but the upper limit of the high-base short count (J) may be made different according to the type of the established jackpot.

[0128] In this embodiment, when transitioning from the normal state to the high-base short state triggered by a jackpot and when transitioning to the high-base short state triggered by the occurrence of a special loss or a normal loss and the fluctuation count (L) reaching 800 times, the upper limit of the high-base short count (J) is the same 100 times, but different upper limits may be set.

[0129] (Special Losing Symbol and Normal Losing Symbol Stop Setting Table) FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a special losing symbol stop setting table for determining the game state after the special losing symbol of the gaming machine 1 stops.

[0130] In the special losing symbol stop setting table, the type of the special symbol display device, the type of the special symbol, the stop symbol data, the game state before the symbol stops, the game state at the time of symbol stop, the short number of times (B) in the low base, and the short number of times (J) in the high base are associated.

[0131] Although it partially overlaps with the game flow described with reference to FIG. 6 below, the change in the game state when each losing symbol stops as a special symbol will be described.

[0132] When the special symbol a stops (when the special loss a is selected), the game state becomes a short state in the high base where the upper limit of the short number of times (J) in the high base is 100 times if the game state before the symbol stops is the normal state, the game state and the short number of times (B) in the low base are maintained if the game state before the symbol stops is the short state in the low base, and the game state and the short number of times (J) in the high base are maintained if the game state before the symbol stops is the short state in the high base.

[0133] When the special symbol b stops (when the special loss b is selected), the game state becomes a short state in the low base where the upper limit of the short number of times (B) in the low base is 600 times if the game state before the symbol stops is the normal state, the game state and the short number of times (B) in the low base are maintained if the game state before the symbol stops is the short state in the low base, and the game state and the short number of times (J) in the high base are maintained if the game state before the symbol stops is the short state in the high base.

[0134] When the special symbol c stops (when the special loss c is selected), if the game state before the symbol stops is the normal state, the game state becomes the short state at the low base with the upper limit of the short number of times (B) at the low base being 400 times. If the game state before the symbol stops is the short state at the low base, the game state and the short number of times (B) at the low base are maintained. If the game state before the symbol stops is the short state at the high base, the game state and the short number of times (J) at the high base are maintained.

[0135] When the special symbol d stops (when the special loss d is selected), if the game state before the symbol stops is the normal state, the game state becomes the short state at the low base with the upper limit of the short number of times (B) at the low base being 200 times. If the game state before the symbol stops is the short state at the low base, the game state and the short number of times (B) at the low base are maintained. If the game state before the symbol stops is the short state at the high base, the game state and the short number of times (J) at the high base are maintained.

[0136] Although not described in the table shown in FIG. 12, when the special symbol y stops (when the normal loss is selected by the lottery of the first special symbol) and when the special symbol z stops (when the normal loss is selected by the lottery of the second special symbol), the game state is different from the case where the special loss is selected, and the transition of the game state does not occur.

[0137] The game state at the time of symbol stop when the special loss and the normal loss are selected is as described above, but there are cases where the control of the game state is different from the above control. Specifically, when the number of fluctuations (L) reaches 800 times in the normal state or the short state at the low base, the game state becomes the short state at the high base with the upper limit of the short number of times (J) at the high base being 100 times regardless of the type of the losing symbol. Also, when the short number of times (J) at the high base reaches 100 times in the short state at the high base, the game state becomes the normal state regardless of the type of the losing symbol.

[0138] In addition, in the present embodiment, only one special losing combination, i.e., special losing combination a, is provided as a special losing combination that shifts to the high base short state in the normal state. However, a plurality of types of special losing combinations that shift to the high base short state may be provided. In that case, the upper limit number of times of the high base short times (J) may be set to different numbers according to the type of the established special losing combination.

[0139] (Special game control table) FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a special game control table referred to when controlling the special game of the gaming machine 1. FIG. 13(a) is a diagram showing a special game control table for the first type of big win. In the special game control table for the first type of big win, stop symbol data, opening time, opening designation command, table number of the big winning opening opening / closing control table, ending time, and ending designation command are associated with each of the six types of the first type of big win.

[0140] The main CPU 110a, although described in detail later, refers to the special game control table for the first type of big win and controls the opening game, round game, and ending game of the first type of big win based on the stop symbol data.

[0141] Note that the special game is a game composed of an opening game, a round game, and an ending game. The opening game is a game performed from the start of the special game until the first big winning opening 16 or the second big winning opening 17 is controlled to open for the first time. The round game is a game in which the first big winning opening 16 or the second big winning opening 17 is controlled to close after being controlled to open for a predetermined period. The ending game is a game performed from the end of the last round game until the end of the special game. The opening time is the time from the start of the special game until the start of the first round game, and the ending time is the time from the end of the last round game until the end of the special game.

[0142] The opening designation command and the ending designation command are both commands transmitted from the main control board 110 to the effect control board 120. When the effect control board 120 receives the opening designation command or the ending designation command (details will be described later), it performs effect control for the opening game effect and the ending game effect.

[0143] FIG. 13(b) is a diagram showing a special game control table for the second type of jackpot. In the special game control table for the second type of jackpot, stop symbol data, opening time, opening designation command, table number of the big winning opening opening / closing control table, ending time, and ending designation command are associated.

[0144] The main CPU 110a, as will be described in detail later, refers to the special game control table for the second type of jackpot and controls the opening game, round game, and ending game of the second type of jackpot based on the stop symbol data.

[0145] FIG. 13(c) is a diagram showing a special game control table for the small win. In the special game control table for the small win, stop symbol data, opening time, opening designation command, table number of the big winning opening opening / closing control table, ending time, and ending designation command are associated.

[0146] The main CPU 110a, as will be described in detail later, refers to the special game control table for the small win and controls the opening game, round game, and ending game of the small win based on the stop symbol data.

[0147] (Big winning opening opening / closing control table) FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the big winning opening opening / closing control table of the gaming machine 1. FIG. 14(a) is a diagram showing the big winning opening opening / closing control table for the first type of jackpot. In the big winning opening opening / closing control table for the first type of jackpot, the table number, round number, type of the big winning opening, special electric operation number, and the opening time and closing time of the big winning opening in each round game are associated.

[0148] As described above, for the first type of jackpot, there are the 10R jackpot and the 2R jackpot. The opening control of the big winning opening in each round game is performed with reference to table number "01" and table number "02".

[0149] The main CPU 110a, although details will be described later, when performing the round game in the first type of jackpot, refers to the big winning opening opening / closing control table for the first type of jackpot, and based on the table number, performs the opening control and closing control of the first big winning opening 16.

[0150] FIG. 14(b) is a diagram showing the big winning opening opening / closing control table for the second type of jackpot. In the big winning opening opening / closing control table for the second type of jackpot, the table number, the round number, the type of the big winning opening, the special electric operation number, and the opening time and closing time of the big winning opening in each round game are associated with each other.

[0151] As described above, for the second type of jackpot, there are the 9R jackpot and the 2R jackpot. The opening control of the big winning opening in each round game is performed with reference to table number "03" and table number "04".

[0152] The main CPU 110a, although details will be described later, when performing the round game in the second type of jackpot, refers to the big winning opening opening / closing control table for the second type of jackpot, and based on the table number, performs the opening control and closing control of the first big winning opening 16.

[0153] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the small winning opening opening / closing control table of the gaming machine 1 and the small winning specific area opening / closing control table. FIG. 15(a) is a diagram showing the small winning opening opening / closing control table. In the small winning opening opening / closing control table, the table number, the round number, the type of the big winning opening, the special electric operation number, and the opening time and closing time of the big winning opening are associated with each other.

[0154] The main CPU 110a, which will be described in detail later, refers to the small hit big winning opening / closing control table when performing a small hit game, and performs opening control and closing control of the second big winning opening 17. Note that the opening / closing control of the big winning opening in a small hit game is only one type of opening / closing control that repeats the opening of the second big winning opening 17 for 0.1 seconds and the closing for 0.05 seconds 10 times.

[0155] In this embodiment, although the pattern of the opening control and closing control of the second big winning opening 17 in the small hit game is one type, a plurality of types of patterns may be provided. In that case, by providing a plurality of types of opening / closing control patterns of the second big winning opening 17 with different ease of entry of the game ball into the specific area 19B during the small hit game, the ease of occurrence of the second type of big hit based on the entry of the game ball into the specific area 19B may be made different according to the type of small hit. Also, among the plurality of types of opening / closing control patterns of the second big winning opening 17, by providing a pattern in which the game ball easily enters the specific area 19B when the normal game is being played, or a pattern in which it is difficult for the game ball to enter the specific area 19B, the ease of occurrence of the second type of big hit may be changed.

[0156] FIG. 15(b) is a diagram showing the small hit specific area opening / closing control table. In the small hit specific area opening / closing control table, the elapsed time since the second big winning opening 17 opened, the opening time when the specific area 19B is opened by the slide member 19C being in the retracted state, and the closing time when the specific area 19B is closed by the slide member 19C being in the advanced state are associated with each other.

[0157] In the present embodiment, although the pattern of the opening control and the closing control of the specific area 19B in the minor hit game is set to one type, a plurality of types of patterns may be provided. In that case, by providing a plurality of types of opening and closing control patterns of the specific area 19B with different ease of entry of the game ball into the specific area 19B during the minor hit game, the ease of occurrence of the second type of jackpot based on the entry of the game ball into the specific area 19B may be made different. Further, among the plurality of types of opening and closing control patterns of the specific area 19B, by providing a pattern in which the game ball easily enters the specific area 19B during normal game play and a pattern in which it is difficult for the game ball to enter the specific area 19B, the ease of occurrence of the second type of jackpot may be changed.

[0158] The main CPU 110a, which will be described in detail later, refers to the specific area opening / closing control table for minor hits and performs the opening control and the closing control of the specific area 19B when conducting a minor hit game.

[0159] (Special symbol variation pattern determination table) FIGS. 16, 17, 18, and 19 are diagrams showing a special symbol variation pattern determination table referred to for determining the variation pattern of the first special symbol or the second special symbol of the gaming machine 1.

[0160] Specifically, the variation pattern determination table for the first special symbol is composed of three types of tables: for the normal state (FIG. 16), for the short state at low base (FIG. 17), and for the short state at high base (FIG. 18).

[0161] Further, the special symbol variation pattern determination table for the second special symbol is composed of two types of tables: for the period from after the end of the jackpot until the end of the 30th rotation in the short state at high base started on the occasion of a jackpot (FIG. 19(a)), and for the entire period in the short state at high base started on the occasion of a special loss or for the period after the 31st rotation in the short state at high base started on the occasion of a jackpot (FIG. 19(b)).

[0162] Therefore, the special symbol variation pattern determination table of the gaming machine 1 is composed of five types of tables. Incidentally, all of these variation pattern determination tables are stored in the main ROM 120c.

[0163] In the special symbol variation pattern determination tables for the first special symbol in the normal state (Fig. 16), the first special symbol in the short low base state (Fig. 17), and the second special symbol (Fig. 19), a special symbol, the number of holds, a random number value for reach determination, a random number value for special symbol variation, a variation pattern of the special symbol, a variation time of the special symbol, and a variation pattern designation command are associated. Incidentally, in the variation pattern determination table shown for the first special symbol in the short high base state (Fig. 18), the number of holds and the random number value for reach determination are not associated, and a special symbol, a random number value for special symbol variation, a variation pattern of the special symbol, a variation time of the special symbol, and a variation pattern designation command are associated.

[0164] The random number value for reach determination is a random number value composed of 100 values with a random number range from 0 to 99. Since a reach effect is always performed in the case of a big win, the random number value for reach determination is not referred to in the case of a special symbol corresponding to a big win.

[0165] Also, since a reach effect is always performed in the case of a special loss in the normal state and the short low base state, and a shortened variation is always performed in the case of a special loss in the short high base state, the random number value for reach determination is not referred to in the case of a special symbol corresponding to a special loss either. Therefore, the random number value for reach determination is referred to only in the case of a special symbol corresponding to a normal loss (special symbol y or special symbol z).

[0166] Hereinafter, the variation pattern determination table of the first special symbol referred to in the normal state using Fig. 16 will be described. In the variation pattern determination table of the first special symbol referred to in the normal state, in the case of the variation display where the special symbol A (A for the first type 10R win) stops, depending on the value of the random number value for special symbol variation, one of the variation patterns 10, 11, 12 is associated.

[0167] The random value for special symbol variation is a random value composed of 100 values with a random range from 0 to 99. The distribution of the variation patterns for special symbol A is in descending order as variation pattern 12, variation pattern 11, and variation pattern 10. Also, the variation times T10, T11, and T12 for variation patterns 10, 11, and 12 are 20 seconds, 30 seconds, and 50 seconds respectively.

[0168] In the variation pattern determination table of the first special symbol referred to in the normal state, regarding the variation patterns and variation times when special symbol B (B for the first type 2R win), special symbol C (C for the first type 2R win), and special symbol D (D for the first type 10R win) stop, similar to the case of special symbol A, multiple types of variation patterns are associated according to the random value for special symbol variation.

[0169] In the variation pattern determination table of the first special symbol referred to in the normal state, as the variation patterns when special symbol a (special loss a) stops, variation pattern 30 and variation pattern 31 are associated according to the value of the random value for special symbol variation. Also, regarding the variation patterns when special symbol b (special loss b), special symbol c (special loss c), and special symbol d (special loss d) stop, similar to special symbol a, two variation patterns are associated for each special symbol according to the value of the random value for special symbol variation.

[0170] The variation times of variation pattern 30, variation pattern 32, variation pattern 34, and variation pattern 36 corresponding to special losses in the normal state are all the same T30 (30 seconds). Also, the variation times of variation pattern 33, variation pattern 35, and variation pattern 37 corresponding to special losses in the normal state are all the same T32 (40 seconds).

[0171] In the variation pattern determination table of the first special symbol that is referred to in the normal state, the variation pattern and variation time of the special symbol when the special symbol y (normal loss) stops are allocated according to the first special symbol retention number (U1), the reach determination random number value, and the special symbol variation random number value.

[0172] Specifically, when the first special symbol retention number (U1) is 0 or 1, if the reach determination random number value is from 0 to 69, variation pattern 40 is associated; if the reach determination random number value is from 70 to 99, one of variation patterns 41, 42, 43, 44 is associated according to the value of the special symbol variation random number value. Similarly, when the first special symbol retention number is 2 or 3, if the reach determination random number value is from 0 to 89, variation pattern 45 is associated; if the reach determination random number value is from 90 to 99, one of variation patterns 46, 47, 48, 49 is associated according to the value of the special symbol variation random number value.

[0173] Note that although the maximum retention number of the special symbol may be stored as 4, the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined after subtracting 1 from the retention number of the special symbol. Therefore, when referring to the variation pattern determination table of the special symbol, there is no situation where the retention number is 4, so the case where the retention number is 4 is not included in the variation pattern determination table of the special symbol.

[0174] Note that the variation time T40 of variation pattern 40 is 4 seconds, and the variation time T44 of variation pattern 45 is 2 seconds. Therefore, the average variation time of the special symbol when the normal loss stops is set longer when the first special symbol retention number (U1) is 0 or 1 than when it is 2 or 3. This is set in this way for two purposes: to make it easier to accumulate the retention number when the retention number is smaller by setting the variation time to be longer when the retention number is smaller, and to enable the high-speed digestion of loss variations when the retention number is larger and make the game proceed smoothly.

[0175] In addition, when the special symbol y stops, the variation patterns 42 and 47 in which the random number value for special symbol variation is selected from 50 to 69 both have a variation time of T30 (30 seconds), which is the same as the variation time when the variation patterns 30 (special symbol a), 32 (special symbol b), 34 (special symbol c), and 36 (special symbol d) corresponding to special losses stop. Although details will be described later, in the case of the above variation patterns, since the same roulette effect is performed, the variation times are the same.

[0176] Next, with reference to FIG. 17, the variation pattern determination table of the first special symbol referred to in the low base short state will be described. Similar to the table referred to in the normal state, in the case of a big win and a special loss, the variation pattern is allocated according to the type of the special symbol and the value of the random number value for special symbol variation. In the case of a normal loss, the variation pattern is allocated according to the hold number, the random number value for reach determination, and the random number value for special symbol variation. And in any case, a variation time and a variation pattern designation command are associated with the allocated variation pattern.

[0177] The variation pattern determination tables of the first special symbol referred to in the normal state and the low base short state have the same number of variation patterns allocated for each special symbol, and the allocated values of the hold number, the random number value for reach determination, and the random number value for special symbol variation are also the same.

[0178] Also, when comparing the variation times of the variation pattern determination tables in the normal state and the low base short state, in all variation patterns except for variation pattern 31 (normal state) and variation pattern 64 (low base short state) where the random number value for special symbol variation becomes "20 to 99" when the special symbol is a special loss a, the variation times are the same.

[0179] Note that the variation time T31 of variation pattern 31 that becomes a special loss a in the normal state is 50 seconds, and the variation time T44 of variation pattern 64 that becomes a special loss a in the low base short state is 35 seconds.

[0180] Next, the variation pattern determination table for the first special symbol, which is referred to in the short state at the high base, will be described with reference to FIG. 18. As described above, the variation pattern determination table for the first special symbol in the short state at the high base is not associated with the number of holds and the random number value for reach determination, but is associated with the special symbol, the random number value for special symbol variation, the variation pattern of the special symbol, the variation time of the special symbol, and the variation pattern designation command.

[0181] In the variation pattern determination table for the first special symbol in the short state at the high base, in the case of a big hit, the variation pattern is allocated according to the type of the special symbol and the random number value for special symbol variation. Also, in the case of a special loss and a normal loss in the short state at the high base, one type of variation pattern is associated with each special symbol, and the same variation time T59 is associated with any variation pattern. Note that the variation time T59 is a shortened variation time of 2 seconds.

[0182] Next, the variation pattern determination table for the second special symbol will be described with reference to FIG. 19. FIG. 19(a) is a diagram showing the variation pattern determination table for the second special symbol variation, which is referred to in the period until the variation display is performed up to the 30th rotation after the end of the big hit. In the variation pattern determination table for the second special symbol shown in FIG. 19(a), when the special symbol F (F for every 10R of the first type) and the special symbol G (G for every 2R of the first type) stop, similar to the variation pattern determination table for the first special symbol, a plurality of types of variation patterns are associated with each special symbol according to the value of the random number value for special symbol variation.

[0183] In the variation pattern determination table for the second special symbol shown in FIG. 19(a), when the special symbols H, I, and J corresponding to small hits stop, the variation patterns 210, 211, and 212 are associated respectively. Also, the variation patterns 210, 211, and 212 all have the same variation time of T55 (50 seconds).

[0184] In the variation pattern determination table of the second special symbol shown in Fig. 19(a), when the special symbol z, which is a normal loss, stops, the variation pattern and variation time of the special symbol are associated according to the second special symbol retention count (U2), the random number value for reach determination, and the random number value for special symbol variation, in the same way as when the special symbol y (normal loss) in the variation pattern determination table of the first special symbol stops.

[0185] Also, for variation patterns 222 and 226 where the random number value for special symbol variation is selected from 40 to 89 when the special symbol z stops, the variation time for both is T55 (50 seconds), which is the same variation time as when variation patterns 210 (special symbol H), 211 (special symbol I), and 212 (special symbol J), which correspond to small wins, stop. Although it will be described in detail later, in the case of the above variation patterns, the same chance effect is performed for all, so the variation time is the same.

[0186] Fig. 19(b) is a diagram showing the variation pattern determination table for the second special symbol variation that is referred to in periods other than when the variation display from after the end of the big win until the 30th rotation is performed. Specifically, it is a diagram showing the variation pattern determination table for the second special symbol variation that is referred to in the high-base short state after the next variation when the special loss a is established in the normal state, and in the high-base short state after the 31st rotation after transitioning to the high-base short state after the end of the big win.

[0187] The variation pattern determination table for the second special symbol variation shown in Fig. 19(b) has fewer types of variation pattern designation commands than the variation pattern determination table for the second special symbol variation shown in Fig. 19(a). Specifically, in Fig. 19(a), there are many cases where multiple variation pattern designation commands are allocated to one type of special symbol according to the value of the random number value for special symbol variation, but in Fig. 19(b), only one type of variation pattern designation command is associated with special symbols other than the special symbol z.

[0188] Also, the variation time of the jackpot variation selected in FIG. 19(b) is set to be shorter than the variation time of the jackpot variation selected in FIG. 19(a). Specifically, the variation times selected by the special symbol F in FIG. 19(a) are T52 (60 seconds), T51 (40 seconds), and T50 (20 seconds), whereas the variation time selected by the special symbol F in FIG. 19(b) is T60 (5 seconds). Also, the variation times selected in the special symbol G, special symbol H, special symbol I, and special symbol J are the same as those of the special symbol F, and the variation time T60 selected in FIG. 19(b) is shorter than each of the variation times selected in FIG. 19(a).

[0189] Furthermore, the variation time of the losing variation selected in FIG. 19(b) is set to be shorter than the variation time of the losing variation selected in FIG. 19(a). Specifically, the variation times selected by the special symbol z, which is a normal loss in FIG. 19(a), are T58 (60 seconds), T55 (50 seconds), T57 (20 seconds), T56 (6 seconds), and T59 (3 seconds). On the other hand, the variation times selected by the special symbol z, which is a normal loss in FIG. 19(b), are T61 (2 seconds) and T62 (1 second).

[0190] From the above, for the variation time of the second special symbol, it is easier to select a shorter variation time selected in the variation pattern determination table of FIG. 19(b) than the variation time selected in the variation pattern determination table of FIG. 19(a). That is, the variation time of the second special symbol is set to be shorter for the variation display after the variation display following the establishment of the special loss a and the variation display after the 31st rotation after the end of the jackpot than the variation display up to the 30th rotation after the end of the jackpot.

[0191] Therefore, after the next variable display when the special loss a is established, and in the high-base short state after the 31st rotation after the jackpot ends, the progress of the game becomes faster compared to the high-base short state from the end of the jackpot to the 30th rotation. Although it will be described in detail later, in the high-base short state, three different types of production modes are executed according to the periods of "after the next variable display when the special loss a is established", "after the 31st rotation after the jackpot ends", and "from the end of the jackpot to the 30th rotation".

[0192] Although it will be described in detail later, the main CPU 110a refers to the special symbol variation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 16, FIG. 17, FIG. 18, or FIG. 19, and based on the type of the special symbol display, the type of the special symbol, the number of reserved special symbols, the random number value for reach determination, and the random number value for special symbol variation, determines the variation pattern of the special symbol, the variation time of the special symbol, and the variation pattern designation command.

[0193] Also, although it will be described in detail later, the production control board 120 controls the game production based on the variation pattern designation command received from the main control board 110. In the production contents of FIG. 16, FIG. 17, FIG. 18, or FIG. 19, an example of the production executed by the production control board 120 according to each variation pattern designation command is described.

[0194] The following describes each production content described in the production contents of FIG. 16, FIG. 17, FIG. 18, or FIG. 19. "Reach" refers to a variation mode in which after all the decorative symbols 36 are variably displayed, the same type of decorative symbols temporarily stop on the left symbol 36L and the right symbol 36R, and the variation of the middle symbol 36C that has not temporarily stopped continues. And when the middle symbol 36C that finally temporarily stops is the same type as the left symbol 36L and the right symbol 36R that temporarily stopped earlier, it becomes a combination of decorative symbols 36 indicating a jackpot. Also, when the middle symbol 36C that finally temporarily stops is a different type from the left symbol 36L and the right symbol 36R that temporarily stopped earlier, it becomes a combination of decorative symbols 36 indicating a loss.

[0195] "Normal Variation" and "Shortened Variation" refer to variations in which, while multiple decorative patterns 36 are in motion, they do not reach a winning state and instead stop losing with various types of decorative patterns 36. Also, "Normal Variation" has a longer variation time than "Shortened Variation".

[0196] However, if the combination of decorative patterns 36 that results in a loss is a specific combination, it may be regarded as a combination of decorative patterns 36 indicating a specific jackpot (for example, "0", "0", "7", etc.). Also, by temporarily stopping a type of decorative pattern 36 that indicates a specific jackpot in the middle pattern 36C in the case of a reach loss, it may be made into a combination of decorative patterns 36 indicating a specific jackpot (for example, "1", "2R win", "1", etc.).

[0197] "Normal Reach" is a reach effect with a low jackpot expectation in which the middle pattern 36C varies while the left pattern 36L and right pattern 36R of the same type are in a temporarily stopped state. "SP Reach" is a reach with a higher jackpot expectation than Normal Reach, and is an effect that stimulates which type of decorative pattern 36 will temporarily stop on the middle pattern 36C using characters, etc. on a background different from that in the case of Normal Reach. "Full Rotation Reach" is a reach in which the jackpot is determined, and is a reach in which three decorative patterns 36 of the same type are combined and vary at a low speed.

[0198] "Roulette Effect" is an effect that is executed after the pattern combination of decorative patterns 36 indicating a reach loss (for example, "3", "2", "3") is temporarily stopped, and is an effect indicating a change or continuation of the effect mode.

[0199] As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the roulette effect is an effect that is executed when the first special symbol is a special loss or part of a normal loss. The outcomes that make up the roulette effect are three types of images corresponding to the "ground mode", "sea mode", and "undersea temple mode". Details will be described later, but the image corresponding to the "ground mode" is an image with the character "ground", the image corresponding to the "sea mode" is an image with the character "sea", and the image corresponding to the "undersea temple mode" is an image with the character "temple".

[0200] The roulette effect notifies the change or continuation of the effect mode according to the final outcome of the roulette corresponding to the decision according to the flow of the game flow described above. Note that the roulette effect is an effect that is executed only when the first special symbol is variably displayed in the sea mode, and is not executed when the second special symbol is variably displayed.

[0201] When the change of the mode effect is indicated by the roulette effect, the background image is switched to the background image corresponding to the destination mode. Also, when the continuation of the mode effect is indicated by the roulette effect, the displayed background image is maintained, or the display is switched to another background image within the same mode (for example, in the sea mode, the background image is switched from the "shallow water background image" to the "deep sea background image", etc.).

[0202] The "battle effect" is an effect that notifies the establishment of a big win, the transition or continuation of the effect mode by displaying the win-lose result (win, loss, draw) of the battle, and is an effect that can be executed only when the effect mode is the sea mode.

[0203] The victory effect of the battle is executed when the first type 2R hit C or the special loss a is established in the normal state of the sea mode, and when the first type 10R hit D is established in the sea mode in the low base short state and the normal state. Note that the game state transitions to the high base short state in any case.

[0204] The battle defeat effect is executed when special miss b, special miss c, or special miss d occurs in the sea mode in the normal state (when the game state transitions to the low base short state). Also, the battle defeat effect is executed when some special misses occur in the sea mode in the low base short state (when the game state maintains the low base short state).

[0205] The battle draw effect is executed when the first type 10R hit A, the first type 2R hit B, or a normal miss occurs in the sea mode in the normal state (when the game state maintains the normal state). Also, the battle draw effect is executed when some special misses occur in the sea mode in the low base short state (when the game state maintains the low base short state). The details of the battle effect will be described later.

[0206] The "chance effect" is an effect executed after the symbol combination of the decorative symbol 36 indicating a reach miss (for example, "5", "4", "5") is temporarily stopped, and is an effect indicating a small win or a reach miss.

[0207] The chance effect is executed when the second special symbol is a small win or a part of a normal miss. Note that the chance effect is executed only when the second special symbol is in variable display, and is not executed when the first special symbol is in variable display.

[0208] In the chance effect, one of the three types of images of "9R hit", "2R hit", and "miss" is displayed. Specifically, the chance effect is an effect in which one of the above three types of images appears from a treasure box image imitating a treasure box, and the winning result is notified by the appeared image.

[0209] The image that appears from the treasure box image is the image of "9R hit" when the second special symbol is the second type 9R hit H or the second type 9R hit J, the image of "2R hit" when the second special symbol is the second type 2R hit I, and the image of "miss" when the second special symbol is a normal miss.

[0210] The treasure chest image is composed of three types of images with different designs, and the jackpot expectation degree varies according to the type of the treasure chest image. In the case of a poor-looking treasure chest, a losing image is likely to appear. In the case of a normal treasure chest, the three types appear equally. In the case of a luxurious treasure chest, an image with a 9R win or a 2R win is likely to appear.

[0211] The "instant win effect" is an effect in which the left symbol 36L, the right symbol 36R, and the middle symbol 36C stop in order at high speed without performing an effect that provokes whether it will be a jackpot by a reach effect, and the jackpot symbols are aligned. In the case of the first type of jackpot (special symbol F, special symbol J), a combination of decorative symbols 36 of the same symbol stops and is displayed. In the case of the second type of jackpot (special symbol H, special symbol I, special symbol J), after the same decorative symbol 36 stops and is displayed for the left symbol 36L and the right symbol 36R, a special symbol ("V win") indicating a small win is stopped and displayed for the middle symbol 36C.

[0212] As described above, after the special game of the second type 9R win H ends, the game state becomes the high base short state, and after the special game of the second type 9R win J ends, it becomes the normal state. When a notification image notifying the second type 9R win is displayed in the chance effect, it is difficult to identify which second type 9R win has been won, and the effect during the jackpot notifies which win it is. The details of the effect during the jackpot that notifies which jackpot it is will be described later.

[0213] Specifically, although it will be described later in an explanation using a flowchart, during a small win game that triggers a transition to the special symbols H, I, and J in the high base short state, if the game ball does not pass through the specific area 19B of the second large winning opening 17, the game state after the small win game ends transitions from the high base short state to the normal state.

[0214] (Pre-judgment table for jackpot lottery) Figs. 20 and 21 are diagrams showing a preliminary determination table referred to for preliminarily determining the result of the jackpot lottery of the gaming machine 1. Fig. 20 is a diagram showing the preliminary determination table for the jackpot lottery in the first special symbol. Fig. 21 is a diagram showing the preliminary determination table for the jackpot lottery in the second special symbol.

[0215] Specifically, Fig. 21(a) is a diagram showing the preliminary determination table for the jackpot lottery in the second special symbol, which is referred to during the period when the variable display is performed from the end of the jackpot to the 30th rotation. Fig. 21(b) is a diagram showing the preliminary determination table for the jackpot lottery in the second special symbol, which is referred to during the variable display after the next variable display when the special loss a is established and during the period when the variable display is performed from the 31st rotation after the end of the jackpot.

[0216] As shown in Figs. 20 and 21, the preliminary determination table for the jackpot lottery is associated with a special symbol random value, a reach determination random value, a special symbol variation random value, winning information, and a start winning designation command.

[0217] Although it will be described in detail later, upon winning of a game ball in the first start port 14 or the second start port 15, the special symbol random value, the reach determination random value, and the special symbol variation random value for the winning are acquired. By using each of these acquired random values and the preliminary determination table for the jackpot lottery, it becomes possible to determine the lottery result of the variable display based on the winning before the variable display based on the winning is started.

[0218] The preliminary determination table for the jackpot lottery shown in Figs. 20 and 21 and the special symbol variation pattern determination table shown in Fig. 16, Fig. 17, or Fig. 19 are similar tables. However, the preliminary determination table for the jackpot lottery is referred to when a game ball wins in the start port, whereas the special symbol variation pattern determination table is referred to at the start of the special symbol variation, which is different.

[0219] The common part between the preliminary determination table in the big win lottery and the special symbol variation pattern determination table is the distribution of variation patterns for big win, small win, and special loss lottery results. Therefore, for variations resulting in big win, small win, and special loss, at the preliminary determination stage, the planned variation patterns and production contents can be grasped, enabling the performance of production for the planned variations (preview production) before the start of the variation display. Note that the preview production will be described later.

[0220] The different part between the preliminary determination table in the big win lottery and the special symbol variation pattern determination table is the distribution of variation patterns for normal loss. Specifically, in the preliminary determination table in the big win lottery, there is no distribution of variation patterns according to the number of holds, while in the special symbol variation pattern determination table, there is a distribution of variation patterns according to the number of holds.

[0221] Specifically, the distribution of reach determination random values for normal loss in Fig. 20 ("0 to 89", "90 to 99") is different from the distribution of reach determination random values for normal loss (number of holds "0, 1") in Figs. 16 and 17 ("0 to 69", "70 to 99"), and is the same as the distribution of reach determination random values for normal loss (number of holds "2, 3") in Figs. 16 and 17 ("0 to 89", "90 to 99").

[0222] That is, even when the first special symbol is a normal loss, when the reach determination random value is "70 to 89", there are cases where it becomes a reach loss (number of holds "0, 1") and a non-reach loss (number of holds "2, 3") according to the number of holds at the start of the variation. At the preliminary determination stage, it is impossible to grasp the number of holds at the start of the variation. Therefore, in the preliminary determination, only the reach determination random value "90 to 99" for which a reach is made regardless of the number of holds is preliminarily determined as the reach variation production.

[0223] Therefore, when the first special symbol is a normal loss, if the reach determination random value is "90 to 99", it is possible to perform a prediction effect that determines a reach. However, if the reach determination random value is "70 to 89", it is not possible to perform a prediction effect that determines a reach, and only a prediction effect that makes a reach more likely can be executed.

[0224] Also, similarly, since the number of held bets at the start of the variation cannot be grasped at the pre-judgment stage, when the first special symbol is a normal loss and the reach determination random value is "0 to 69", it is also impossible to pre-grasp whether a normal variation or a shortened variation will occur. Note that in the case of a normal loss in the second special symbol, there may be a situation similar to the case of the normal loss in the first special symbol described above.

[0225] (Display screen in the image display device) Next, in order to explain the prediction effect, leaving the explanation of the table stored in the main ROM 110c, the outline of the screen displayed on the image display device 31 will be explained using FIG. 22.

[0226] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed on the image display device 31 of the gaming machine 1. The decorative symbol 36 is composed of a left symbol 36L, a middle symbol 36C, a right symbol 36R, and a fourth symbol 36Z. The left symbol 36L, the middle symbol 36C, and the right symbol 36R are displayed in the center of the display screen. The fourth symbol 36Z is displayed in the lower left of the display screen.

[0227] At the lower center of the image display device 31, a variable image 40 corresponding to the currently ongoing variation is displayed. To the left of the variable image 40, a first hold image 41(1) of the first hold (the hold with the first waiting for variation) of the first special symbol and a first hold image 41(2) of the second hold (the hold with the second waiting for variation) of the first special symbol are displayed. When the number of holds of the first special symbol is at its maximum of 4, a first hold image 41(3) of the third hold (the hold with the third waiting for variation) of the first special symbol and a first hold image 41(4) of the fourth hold (the hold with the fourth waiting for variation) of the first special symbol are displayed to the left of the first hold image (2).

[0228] To the right of the variable image 40, a second hold image 42(1) of the first hold (the hold with the first waiting for variation) of the second special symbol is displayed. When the number of holds of the second special symbol is at its maximum of 4, a second hold image 42(2) of the second hold (the hold with the second waiting for variation) of the second special symbol, a second hold image 42(3) of the third hold (the hold with the third waiting for variation) of the second special symbol, and a second hold image 42(4) of the fourth hold (the hold with the fourth waiting for variation) of the second special symbol are displayed to the right of the second hold image (1).

[0229] At the lower left of the image display device 31, a fourth symbol 36Z, a first hold number image 43, and a second hold number image 44 are displayed. The first hold number image indicates the number of holds of the first special symbol in numbers. The second hold number image indicates the number of holds of the second special symbol in numbers. The number of images of the first hold image 41 is the same as the number indicated by the first hold number image 43, and the number of images of the second hold image 42 is the same as the number indicated by the second hold number image 44.

[0230] When the number of holds of the first special symbol increases due to a winning of a game ball in the first start port 14, the first hold image 41 and the first hold number image 43 corresponding to the increased number of holds are displayed. When the number of holds of the second special symbol increases due to a winning of a game ball in the second start port 15, the second hold image 42 and the second hold number image 44 corresponding to the increased number of holds are displayed.

[0231] When the number of holds of the first special symbol decreases due to the start of the variation of the first special symbol, the first hold image 41 and the first hold numeric image 43 corresponding to the number of holds after the decrease are displayed. When the number of holds of the second special symbol decreases due to the start of the variation of the second special symbol, the second hold image 42 and the second hold numeric image 44 corresponding to the number of holds after the decrease are displayed.

[0232] Note that the display change of the first hold image 41 corresponding to the increase / decrease in the number of holds of the first special symbol is a change effect accompanied by an animation for a predetermined time, whereas the display change of the first hold numeric image 43 is a change effect without an animation shorter than the predetermined time.

[0233] Therefore, the execution time of the display change effect of the first hold image 41 corresponding to the increase / decrease in the number of holds of the first special symbol is longer than the execution time of the display change effect of the first hold numeric image 43 corresponding to the increase / decrease in the number of holds of the first special symbol. Similarly, the execution time of the display change effect of the second hold image 42 corresponding to the increase / decrease in the number of holds of the second special symbol is longer than the execution time of the display change effect of the second hold numeric image 44 corresponding to the increase / decrease in the number of holds of the second special symbol.

[0234] The variation image 40 becomes invisible when the variation display of the first special symbol ends. The first hold image 41(1) moves to and is displayed at the position where the variation image 40 was displayed and changes to the variation image 40 as the variation image 40 becomes invisible. The first hold image 41(2) moves to and is displayed at the position where the first hold image 41(1) was displayed and changes to the first hold image 41(1) as the first hold image 41(1) moves. Note that for the second hold image 42 as well, when the variation display of the second special symbol ends, movement display and display change are performed in the same manner as the first hold image 41.

[0235] The first hold image 41 is composed of images of a plurality of colors (white, blue, yellow, green, red, rainbow) of the same design. The first hold image 41 indicates the jackpot expectation level for the variable display of the hold according to the display color. The jackpot expectation level of the first hold image 41 by the display color increases in the order of rainbow, red, green, yellow, blue, white. Also, the display color of the first hold image 41 can be changed only to a display color with a higher jackpot expectation level than the current display color.

[0236] The display color of the first hold image 41 to be displayed is determined based on the above-described preliminary determination of the jackpot lottery. Thus, the effect produced based on the preliminary determination of the jackpot lottery will hereinafter be referred to as the "preview effect". Also, among the preview effects, those that change the display color etc. of the first hold image 41 and the second hold image 42 will hereinafter be referred to as the "preview hold change effect".

[0237] In the preview hold change effect, the first hold image 41 with the display colors of rainbow, red, and green can be displayed only when the variable display scheduled for the hold by the preliminary determination is a reach variable. On the other hand, the first hold image 41 with the display colors of yellow, blue, and white is displayed regardless of whether it is a reach variable or a non-reach variable.

[0238] As described above, the preview effect is performed to suggest the possibility of a jackpot in the variable display of the hold to be previewed, but it may also be performed to suggest the possibility of a specific loss occurring. Specifically, based on the fact that the establishment of the special loss a in the normal state is determined by the preliminary determination of the jackpot lottery, the preview effect may be performed.

[0239] Also, without being based on the preliminary determination of the jackpot lottery, a preview effect may be performed according to the remaining number of times of the low base short number of times (B). Although it will be described in detail later, the gaming machine 1 suggests the transition of the gaming state to the normal state in the low base short state by executing a specific effect mode, but it may also be performed by the preview effect.

[0240] (Normal symbol determination table) Returning again to the description of the table stored in the main ROM 110c. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing various determination tables for the normal symbols of the gaming machine 1. FIG. 23(a) is a diagram showing the normal symbol determination table of the gaming machine 1. In the normal symbol determination table, the game state, the win / loss determination result, the type of normal symbol, the stopped symbol data, and the normal symbol designation command are associated with each other.

[0241] Based on the hit lottery determination table shown in FIG. 8(c), the win / loss determination result determined based on the normal symbol random value, and the current game state, the main CPU 110a refers to the normal symbol determination table and determines the normal symbol and the stopped symbol data. The main CPU 110a determines the normal symbol designation command based on the determined normal symbol and the stopped symbol data, and transmits the determined normal symbol designation command to the effect control board 120.

[0242] FIG. 23(b) is a diagram showing the variable pattern determination table of the normal symbol. In the variable pattern determination table of the normal symbol, the game state, the win / loss determination result, the variable pattern of the normal symbol, the variable time, and the normal symbol variable designation command are associated with each other. Note that in each game state, the variable time is the same both at the time of a winning determination and at the time of a losing determination, but the variable time may be made different according to the win / loss determination.

[0243] Based on the hit lottery determination table shown in FIG. 8(c), the win / loss determination result determined based on the normal symbol random value, and the current game state, the main CPU 110a refers to the variable pattern determination table of the normal symbol shown in FIG. 23(b) and determines the variable pattern of the normal symbol. The main CPU 110a determines the normal symbol variable designation command based on the determined variable pattern of the normal symbol, and transmits the determined normal symbol designation command to the effect control board 120.

[0244] (Subsidiary game control table) FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the auxiliary game table of the gaming machine 1. FIG. 24(a) is a diagram showing the auxiliary game control table. In the auxiliary game control table, a game state, stop symbol data, an opening time, a table number of the movable piece opening / closing control table for auxiliary games, and an ending time are associated with each other.

[0245] Based on the stop symbol data, the main CPU 110a refers to the auxiliary game control table to determine the opening time, the table number of the movable piece control table for auxiliary games, and the ending time.

[0246] (Movable piece opening / closing control table for auxiliary games) FIG. 24(b) is a diagram showing the movable piece opening / closing control table for auxiliary games. In the movable piece opening / closing control table for auxiliary games, the table number of the movable piece control table for auxiliary games, the number of times the movable piece 15b is opened, the opening time of the movable piece 15b, and the closing time of the movable piece 15b are associated with each other.

[0247] Based on the table number of the movable piece control table for auxiliary games, the main CPU 110a refers to the movable piece opening / closing control table for auxiliary games to determine the number of times the movable piece 15b is opened, the opening time of the movable piece 15b, and the closing time of the movable piece 15b.

[0248] (Various memory areas) FIG. 25 is a diagram showing various memory areas set in the main RAM 110b of the gaming machine 1. FIG. 25(a) is a diagram showing the special symbol memory area. The special symbol memory area has a 0th memory part corresponding to the variation, a 1st special symbol memory area in which determination information obtained when a game ball enters the 1st start port 14 is stored, and a 2nd special symbol memory area in which determination information obtained when a game ball enters the 2nd start port 15 is stored.

[0249] The first special symbol memory area has a first memory section corresponding to the first hold, a second memory section corresponding to the second hold, a third memory section corresponding to the third hold, and a fourth memory section corresponding to the fourth hold. Similarly, the second special symbol memory area has a first memory section corresponding to the first hold, a second memory section corresponding to the second hold, a third memory section corresponding to the third hold, and a fourth memory section corresponding to the fourth hold.

[0250] Note that the number of pieces of determination information stored in the first to fourth memory sections of the first special symbol memory area is the first special symbol hold number (U1), and the number of pieces of determination information stored in the first to fourth memory sections of the second special symbol memory area is the second special symbol hold number (U2).

[0251] FIG. 25(b) is a diagram showing each memory section of the special symbol memory area. As shown in FIG. 25(b), in each memory section of the first special symbol memory area and the second special symbol memory area, areas for storing jackpot random values, special symbol random values, special symbol variation random values, and reach determination random values are provided.

[0252] When a game ball enters the first start port 14 and determination information is acquired, the acquired determination information is stored in the memory section with the smallest number among the first to fourth memory sections of the first special symbol memory area in which the determination information is not stored. Similarly, when a game ball enters the second start port 15 and determination information is acquired, the acquired determination information is stored in the memory section with the smallest number among the first to fourth memory sections of the second special symbol memory area in which the determination information is not stored.

[0253] When the start condition for the variable display of the first special symbol is satisfied in the 0th memory section of the special symbol memory area, the determination information stored in the first memory section of the first special symbol memory area is shifted. Similarly, when the start condition for the variable display of the second special symbol is satisfied in the 0th memory section of the special symbol memory area, the determination information stored in the first memory section of the second special symbol memory area is shifted. Then, when performing the variable display of the special symbol for which the start condition is satisfied, the determination information shifted to the 0th memory section is referred to for performing the variable display of the special symbol.

[0254] FIG. 25(c) is a diagram showing the normal symbol determination area. The normal symbol storage area has a 0th storage unit corresponding to the variation, a 1st storage unit corresponding to the 1st hold, a 2nd storage unit corresponding to the 2nd hold, a 3rd storage unit corresponding to the 3rd hold, and a 4th storage unit corresponding to the 4th hold.

[0255] FIG. 25(d) is a diagram showing each storage unit of the normal symbol storage area. As shown in FIG. 25(d), each storage unit of the normal symbol storage area is provided with an area for storing a normal symbol random value. Since there is one type of variation pattern of the normal symbol for each pass / fail determination result in each game state, a random value for normal symbol variation for distributing the variation patterns of the normal symbol is not provided.

[0256] When a game ball passes through the normal symbol gate 13 and a normal symbol random value is acquired, the acquired determination information is stored in the storage unit with the smallest number among the 1st to 4th storage units of the normal symbol storage area where the determination information is not stored.

[0257] When the start condition for the variation display of the normal symbol is satisfied in the 0th storage unit of the normal symbol storage area, the determination information stored in the 1st storage unit of the normal symbol storage area is shifted. Then, when performing the variation display of the normal symbol for which the start condition is satisfied, the determination information shifted to the 0th storage unit is referred to for performing the variation display of the normal symbol.

[0258] Next, the progress of the game performed by the main control board 110 in the gaming machine 1 will be specifically described using a flowchart.

[0259] (Main process of the main control board) FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the main process of the main control board 110 of the gaming machine 1. The main process is started when a system reset occurs in the main CPU 110a when power is supplied to the main control board 110 by the power supply board 170.

[0260] As shown in FIG. 26, in step S10, the main CPU 110a executes an initialization process. In the initialization process, the main CPU 110a reads a game control program and game control data from the main ROM 110c into the main RAM 110b in response to the power-on. Thereafter, the main CPU 110a determines whether to restore data based on the on / off state of the RAM clear SW 111a provided on the back of the gaming machine 1 at the time of power-on, and the power-off occurrence information and checksum content backed up in the power-off monitoring process (S20) at the time of the previous power-off. If it is determined to restore the data, the data in the main RAM 110b is restored. If it is determined not to restore the data, the main RAM 110b is cleared (RAM clear). Details of the initialization process will be described later.

[0261] Next, in step S20, the main CPU 110a executes a power-off monitoring process. In the power-off monitoring process, the main CPU 110a monitors whether a power-off has occurred in the gaming machine 1. When a power-off occurs, the main CPU 110a stops the emission of the game balls by controlling the solenoid 4a for emission and the solenoid 4b for ball feeding. Also, the main CPU 110a clears the output port and stops the payout of the game balls by the payout device. Further, after performing the process of creating and saving the checksum of the main RAM 110b and setting the power-off occurrence information, the main CPU 110a sets the access to the main RAM 110b to be prohibited in preparation for a power-off. Details of the power-off monitoring process will be described later.

[0262] Next, in step S30, the main CPU 110a performs a game random number value update process. In the game random number value update process, the main CPU 110a updates the random number value for reach determination and the random number value for special symbol variation. Next, in step S40, the main CPU 110a performs an initial random number value update process. In the initial random number value update process, the main CPU 110a updates the jackpot initial random number value, the normal symbol initial random number value, and the special symbol initial random number value.

[0263] The main CPU 110a repeats the loop process from step S20 to step S40 hereafter. During this loop process, the main CPU 110a executes the timer interrupt process described later by generating a clock pulse every predetermined period (for example, 4 ms) by a reset clock pulse generation circuit provided on the main control board 110.

[0264] (Initialization process of the main control board) FIG. 27 and FIG. 28 are diagrams showing a flowchart of the initialization process of the gaming machine 1 in step S10 in FIG. 26.

[0265] In step S10-1, the main CPU 110a performs a security check on the main CPU 110a and waits for processing for 2000 ms.

[0266] In step S10-2, the main CPU 110a permits access to the main RAM 110b. Next, in step S10-3, the main CPU 110a sets the serial communication port.

[0267] Next, in step S10-4, the main CPU 110a sets the watchdog timer. The watchdog timer monitors whether the main control unit 110m of the main control board 110 is operating normally. The main CPU 110a periodically sends a signal indicating that it is operating normally to the watchdog timer, and the watchdog timer is cleared by receiving this signal. When the processing of the main control unit 110m stops or when an infinite loop process of a specific process is being performed, the watchdog timer counts up without clearing the watchdog timer, and when the timer value reaches a predetermined count value, the main control unit 110m is reset.

[0268] Next, in step S10-5, the main CPU 110a transmits a power-on designated command to the effect control board 120. Next, in step S10-6, the main CPU 110a detects the inputs of the touch sensor 3a and the firing volume 3b, and controls the firing solenoid 4a and the ball feed solenoid 4b to enable the firing of the game ball.

[0269] Next, in step S10-7, the main CPU 110a determines whether the RAM clear SW 111a is on. When the RAM clear SW 11a is on, the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S10-11 (FIG. 28). When the RAM clear SW 111a is off, the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S10-8.

[0270] Next, in step S10-8, the main CPU 110a determines whether the power-off occurrence information stored in the main RAM 110b is normal. When the power-off occurrence information is normal, the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S10-9. When the power-off occurrence information is not normal, the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S10-11.

[0271] Next, in step S10-9, the main CPU 110a calculates the checksum of the main RAM 110b. Next, in step S10-10, the main CPU 110a determines whether the calculated checksum is normal. When the calculated checksum is normal, the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S10-16 (FIG. 28). When the calculated checksum is not normal, the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S10-11.

[0272] Note that whether the calculated checksum is normal is determined by whether the checksum calculated at the previous power-off and stored in the main RAM 110b matches the newly calculated checksum in step S10-9.

[0273] In step S10-11, main CPU 110a clears the used area of main RAM 110b. Next, in step S10-12, main CPU 110a sets the RAM when backup is not valid. Next, in step S10-13, main CPU 110a clears the watchdog timer.

[0274] Next, in step S10-14, main CPU 110a sends a RAM clear designation command to effect control board 120 and proceeds to step S10-15. In effect control board 120 that has received the RAM clear designation command, processing for executing RAM clear preparation notification is performed.

[0275] The "RAM clear preparation notification" is processing such as display of an image notifying that RAM clear will be executed on image display device 31, specific light emission of effect lighting devices such as first effect lighting device 340a, and specific voice output ( "RAM clear is in progress") from voice output device 32.

[0276] Next, in step S10-15, main CPU 110a performs initial settings for devices around the CPU and proceeds to step S10-19. Specifically, main CPU 110a sets output settings to effect control board 120, settings for the CTC (counter Timer Circuit) to be used, and the interrupt timer (4 ms) of the CTC to be used.

[0277] In step S10-16, main CPU 110a sets the RAM when backup is valid. Specifically, main CPU 110a clears the backup flag and checksum stored in main RAM 110b, and then restores the data in each used area of main RAM 110b based on power-off occurrence information.

[0278] The data restored based on the power-off occurrence information is data stored in data storage areas such as the special symbol memory area, the special drawing special power processing data memory area, the stop symbol data memory area, the normal symbol reservation memory area, the normal drawing normal power processing data memory area, the normal symbol data memory area, the game state flag memory area, the specific area winning flag memory area, the game state buffer, the round number (R) counter, the big winning opening ball number (C) counter, the first special symbol reservation number (U1) counter, the second special symbol reservation number (U2) counter, the normal symbol reservation number (G) counter, the low base short time number (B) counter, the high base short time number (J) counter, the variation number (L) counter, the open number (S) counter, the special power operation number (K) counter, the special symbol time counter, the special game timer counter, the normal symbol time counter, the auxiliary game timer counter, the production transmission data storage area, etc.

[0279] Next, in step S10-17, the main CPU 110a performs initial settings for the devices around the CPU. Specifically, it sets the output settings to the production control board 120, the settings of the CTC (counter Timer Circuit) to be used, and the interrupt timer (4 ms) of the CTC to be used, etc.

[0280] Next, in step S10-18, the main CPU 110a determines whether the game state stored in the game state flag memory area of the main RAM 110b is the normal state. When the game state stored in the game state flag memory area of the main RAM 110b is the normal state, the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S10-19 for processing. When the game state stored in the game state flag memory area of the main RAM 110b is not the normal state, the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S10-20 for processing.

[0281] In step S10-19, the main CPU 110a transmits a power recovery designation command corresponding to the normal state to the effect control board 120, and proceeds to step S10-23. The reason why the process of step S10-19 is performed after step S10-15 is that the normal state is set in the game state flag storage area of the main RAM 110b in step S10-12.

[0282] In step S10-20, the main CPU 110a determines whether the game state stored in the game state flag storage area of the main RAM 110b is the low base short state. If the game state stored in the game state flag storage area of the main RAM 110b is the low base short state, the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S10-21; if the game state stored in the game state flag storage area of the main RAM 110b is not the low base short state, the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S10-22.

[0283] In step S10-21, the main CPU 110a transmits a power recovery designation command corresponding to the low base short state to the effect control board 120, and proceeds to step S10-23.

[0284] In step S10-22, the main CPU 110a transmits a power recovery designation command corresponding to the high base short state to the effect control board 120, and proceeds to step S10-23.

[0285] In step S10-23, the main CPU 110a transmits a game state designation command corresponding to the game state after power recovery to the effect control board 120, and ends the initialization process.

[0286] (Power-off monitoring process of the main control board) FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the power-off monitoring process of the gaming machine 1.

[0287] In step S20-1, the main CPU 110a sets interrupt prohibition. Next, in step S20-2, the main CPU 110a determines whether the power supply of the gaming machine 1 has been turned off. Specifically, when a power-off detection signal is input from a power supply detection circuit (not shown) provided on the power supply board 170, the main CPU 110a determines that the power supply has been turned off.

[0288] If the main CPU 110a determines that the power supply has been turned off, the process proceeds to step S20-4. If the main CPU 110a determines that the power supply has not been turned off, the process proceeds to step S20-3.

[0289] In step S20-3, the main CPU 110a sets interrupt permission and ends the power-off monitoring process.

[0290] In step S20-4, the main CPU 110a stops the launch of the game ball by controlling the solenoid 4a for launch and the solenoid 4b for ball feeding. Next, in step S20-5, the main CPU 110a clears the output port. Next, in step S20-6, the main CPU 110a sends a power-off designation command to the payout control board 130. Based on receiving the power-off designation command, the payout control board 130 sends a command regarding the output of external information to the main CPU 110a. In step S20-7, the main CPU 110a saves the command regarding the output of external information received from the payout control board 130.

[0291] In step S20-8, the main CPU 110a calculates the checksum of the data within the used area of the main RAM 110b and sets it in a predetermined area of the main RAM 110b.

[0292] Note that the data targeted when the main CPU 110a calculates the checksum includes data stored in data storage areas such as the special symbol storage area, special figure special electric processing data storage area, stop symbol data storage area, normal symbol reservation storage area, general figure general electric processing data storage area, normal symbol data storage area, game state flag storage area, specific area winning flag storage area, game state buffer, round number (R) counter, big winning opening ball entry number (C) counter, first special symbol reservation number (U1) counter, second special symbol reservation number (U2) counter, normal symbol reservation number (G) counter, low base short time count (B) counter, high base short time count (J) counter, variation count (L) counter, open count (S) counter, special electric operation number (K) counter, special symbol time counter, special game timer counter, normal symbol time counter, auxiliary game timer counter, production transmission data storage area, etc.

[0293] Next, in step S20-9, the main CPU 110a sets a backup flag to be referred to at the time of recovery from a power failure in a predetermined area of the main RAM 110b. Next, in step S20-10, the main CPU 110a prohibits access to the main RAM 110b. After that, the main CPU 110a performs an infinite loop process and waits until the supply of the power voltage completely disappears.

[0294] (Timer Interrupt Processing of Main Control Board) FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the timer interrupt processing of the main control board 110 of the gaming machine 1. Except for special cases such as when the power is turned on or off, the main CPU 110a executes timer interrupt processing every generation cycle (for example, 4 ms) in which a clock pulse signal is generated by a reset clock pulse generation circuit provided in the main control board 110.

[0295] When a clock pulse signal is generated, the main CPU 110a saves the information stored in the registers of the main CPU 110a in the stack area in step S100. Next, the main CPU 110a performs counter update processing in step S110. Specifically, the main CPU 110a decrements by 1 the special symbol time counter, the special game timer counter, the normal symbol time counter, and the auxiliary game timer counter stored in the main RAM 110b.

[0296] Next, the main CPU 110a updates the jackpot random value, the normal symbol random value, and the special symbol random value in step S120. Specifically, the main CPU 110a increments each random value and the random counter by 1. When the added random counter exceeds the maximum value of the random range (when the random counter makes one full cycle), the main CPU 110a resets the random counter to 0 and newly updates each random value from the initial random value at that time.

[0297] Next, the main CPU 110a performs initial random value update processing in step S130. Specifically, the main CPU 110a updates the jackpot initial random value, the normal symbol random value, and the special symbol initial random value.

[0298] Next, the main CPU 110a performs input control processing in step S200. Specifically, the main CPU 110a determines whether there is an input to each of the SWs including the general winning port detection SW 12a, the gate detection SW 13a, the first start port detection SW 14a, the second start port detection SW 15a, the first big winning port detection SW 16a, the second big winning port detection SW 17a, the specific area detection SW 18a, the magnetic detection SW 41a, and the radio wave detection SW 42a, and executes predetermined processing if there is an input. Details of the input control processing will be described later.

[0299] Next, the main CPU 110a executes the special figure and special electricity control process in step S300. Specifically, the main CPU 110a updates the value of the special figure and special electricity process data stored in the main RAM 110b according to the progress of the game, and executes a predetermined process based on the updated value of the special figure and special electricity process data. Details of the special figure and special electricity control process will be described later.

[0300] Next, the main CPU 110a executes the normal figure and normal electricity control process in step S400. Specifically, the main CPU 110a updates the value of the normal figure and normal electricity process data stored in the main RAM 110b according to the progress of the game, and executes a predetermined process based on the updated value of the normal figure and normal electricity process data. Details of the normal figure and normal electricity control process will be described later.

[0301] Next, the main CPU 110a executes the payout control process in step S500. Specifically, the main CPU 110a refers to the general winning opening prize ball counter, the first start prize ball counter, the second start prize ball counter, the first big winning opening prize ball counter, and the second big winning opening prize ball counter stored in the main RAM 110b, and transmits a payout number designation command instructing the payout of the number of game balls indicated by each counter to the payout control board 130. When the payout control board 130 receives the payout number designation command transmitted from the main CPU 110a, it controls the payout motor 131 of the payout device to payout the game balls according to the payout number designation command.

[0302] Next, in step S600, the main CPU 110a executes data generation processing. Specifically, the main CPU 110a creates output data related to game progress, such as drive data for the start port opening / closing solenoid 15c, drive data for the first large winning port opening / closing solenoid 16c, drive data for the second large winning port opening / closing solenoid 17c, drive data for the specific area opening / closing solenoid 18d, display data for the first special symbol display device 20, display data for the second special symbol display device 21, display data for the normal symbol display device 24, display data for the first special symbol hold indicator 22, display data for the second special symbol display 23, display data for the normal symbol hold indicator 25, and external information signals output from the game information output terminal board 30.

[0303] Next, in step S700, the main CPU 110a executes output control processing. Specifically, the main CPU 110a outputs each display data, each drive data, and the external information signal generated in the data generation processing of step S600. Also, the main CPU 110a executes processing for transmitting commands set in the effect transmission data storage area and the transmission buffer of the main RAM 110b to the effect control board 120.

[0304] Next, in step S800, the main CPU 110a restores the information saved in the stack area in step S100 to the registers of the main CPU 110a and ends the timer interrupt processing.

[0305] (Input Control Processing of the Main Control Board) FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the input control processing of the main control board 110 of the gaming machine 1.

[0306] In step S210, main CPU 110a executes general winning port detection SW input processing. Specifically, main CPU 110a determines whether there is a detection signal from general winning port detection SW 12a. When there is a detection signal from general winning port detection SW 12a, main CPU 110a performs an update process of adding a predetermined number (for example, 1) to the general winning port prize ball counter stored in main RAM 110b, and proceeds to step S220 for processing. When there is no detection signal from general winning port detection SW 12a, main CPU 110a directly proceeds to step S220 for processing.

[0307] In step S220, main CPU 110a executes big winning port detection SW input processing. Specifically, main CPU 110a determines whether there is a detection signal from first big winning port detection SW 16a or second big winning port detection SW 17a. When there is a detection signal from first big winning port detection SW 16a or second big winning port detection SW 17a, main CPU 110a increments the big winning port ball entry number (C) counter stored in main RAM 110b by 1, and proceeds to step S230 for processing. When there is no detection signal from first big winning port detection SW 16a or second big winning port detection SW 17a, main CPU 110a directly proceeds to step S230 for processing.

[0308] When main CPU 110a determines that an illegal winning error has occurred if there is a detection signal from first big winning port detection SW 16a or second big winning port detection SW 17a when not in a big win state, main CPU 110a sets an illegal winning error designation command in the transmission buffer of main RAM 110b. When effect control board 120 receives the illegal winning error designation command from main CPU 110a, effect control board 120 executes processing to cause image display device 31 to display an illegal winning error notification image and audio output device 32 to output an illegal winning error notification sound.

[0309] Next, in step S230, the main CPU 110a executes the first start port detection SW input process. Specifically, the main CPU 110a determines whether there is an input of a detection signal from the first start port detection SW 14a. If there is no input of a detection signal from the first start port detection SW 14a, the main CPU 110a proceeds directly to step S240. If there is an input of a detection signal from the first start port detection SW 14a, the main CPU 110a executes processes such as updating the bonus ball counter, obtaining various random number values, performing pre-determination processing, and setting various commands, and then proceeds to step S240. The details of the first start port detection SW input process will be described later.

[0310] Next, in step S240, the main CPU 110a executes the second start port detection SW input process. Specifically, the main CPU 110a determines whether there is an input of a detection signal from the second start port detection SW 15a. If there is no input of a detection signal from the second start port detection SW 15a, the main CPU 110a proceeds directly to step S250. If there is an input of a detection signal from the second start port detection SW 15a, the main CPU 110a executes processes such as updating the bonus ball counter, obtaining various random number values, performing pre-determination processing, and setting various commands, and then proceeds to step S250.

[0311] Note that the details of the second start port detection SW input process are the same as those of the first start port detection SW input process, which will be described in detail later. Specifically, in the second start port detection SW input process, items provided for the first start port, such as replacing the "first special symbol reservation number (U1)" in the first start port detection SW input process with the "second special symbol reservation number (U2)" and replacing the "first start port detection SW 14a" with the "second start port detection SW 15a", are replaced with items provided for the second start port.

[0312] Next, in step S250, the main CPU 110a executes specific area detection SW input processing. Specifically, the main CPU 110a determines whether there is a detection signal from the specific area detection SW 18a. When there is no input of the detection signal from the specific area detection SW 18a, the main CPU 110a proceeds directly to step S260 for processing. When there is an input of the detection signal from the specific area detection SW 18a, the main CPU 110a executes predetermined processing and proceeds to step S260 for processing. Details of the specific area detection SW input processing will be described later.

[0313] Next, in step S260, the main CPU 110a executes gate detection SW input processing. Specifically, the main CPU 110a determines whether there is a detection signal from the gate detection SW 13a. When there is an input of the detection signal from the gate detection SW 13a and the number of ordinary symbol holds (G) is 3 or less, the main CPU 110a adds 1 to the number of ordinary symbol holds (G), obtains an ordinary symbol random number value, and stores the obtained determination information in the smallest numbered storage unit among the first to fourth storage units of the ordinary symbol storage area where the determination information is not stored.

[0314] Even when there is an input of the detection signal from the gate detection SW 13a, if the number of ordinary symbol holds (G) is 4, the main CPU 110a proceeds directly to step S270 for processing. Also, when there is no input of the detection signal from the gate detection SW 13a, the main CPU 110a proceeds directly to step S270 for processing.

[0315] Next, in step S270, the main CPU 110a executes magnetic detection SW input processing. Specifically, the main CPU 110a determines whether there is a detection signal from the magnetic detection SW 41a over a predetermined period.

[0316] When the detection signal from the magnetic detection SW41a exists for a predetermined period, the main CPU 110a sets a magnetic error designation command in the transmission buffer of the main RAM 110b and advances the process to step S280. When the detection signal from the magnetic detection SW41a does not exist for a predetermined period, the main CPU 110a advances the process to step S280 as it is.

[0317] Note that when the effect control board 120 receives a magnetic error designation command from the main CPU 110a, it executes processing for causing the image display device 31 to display a magnetic error notification image and causing the audio output device 32 to output a magnetic error notification sound.

[0318] Next, in step S280, the main CPU 110a executes radio wave detection SW input processing. Specifically, the main CPU 110a determines whether or not the detection signal from the radio wave detection SW42a exists for a predetermined period.

[0319] When the detection signal from the radio wave detection SW42a exists for a predetermined period, the main CPU 110a sets a radio wave error designation command in the transmission buffer of the main RAM 110b and ends the input control processing. When the detection signal from the radio wave detection SW42a does not exist for a predetermined period, the main CPU 110a ends the input control processing as it is.

[0320] Note that when the effect control board 120 receives a radio wave error designation command from the main CPU 110a, it executes processing for causing the image display device 31 to display a radio wave error notification image and causing the audio output device 32 to output a radio wave error notification sound.

[0321] (First startup port detection SW input processing of the main control board) FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the first startup port detection SW input processing of the main control board 110 of the gaming machine 1.

[0322] In step S230-1, main CPU 110a determines whether there is a detection signal from the first start port detection SW 14a. If there is a detection signal from the first start port detection SW 14a, main CPU 110a proceeds to step S230-2. If there is no detection signal from the first start port detection SW 14a, main CPU 110a ends the first start port detection SW input process.

[0323] Next, in step S230-2, main CPU 110a performs an update process of adding a predetermined number (for example, 3) to the start port prize ball counter.

[0324] Next, in step S230-3, main CPU 110a determines whether the count value of the first special symbol hold count (U1) counter is less than 4. If the count value of the first special symbol hold count (U1) counter is less than 4, main CPU 110a proceeds to step S230-4. If the count value of the first special symbol hold count (U1) counter is not less than 4, main CPU 110a ends the first start port detection SW input process.

[0325] Next, in step S230-4, main CPU 110a reads the count value of the first special symbol hold count (U1) stored in the storage area of main RAM 110b, adds 1 to the read count value of the first special symbol hold count (U1), and stores it in the storage area of main RAM 110b.

[0326] Next, in step S230-5, main CPU 110a acquires a jackpot random value and stores the acquired jackpot random value in the smallest numbered storage unit among the first to fourth storage units in the first special symbol storage area provided in main RAM 110b where the jackpot random value is not stored.

[0327] Next, in step S230-6, the main CPU 110a acquires a special symbol random value and stores the acquired special symbol random value in the storage unit with the smallest number among the first to fourth storage units in the first special symbol storage area provided in the main RAM 110b, where the special symbol random value is not stored.

[0328] Next, in step S230-7, the main CPU 110a acquires a reach determination random value and stores the acquired reach determination random value in the storage unit with the smallest number among the first to fourth storage units in the first special symbol storage area provided in the main RAM 110b, where the reach determination random value is not stored.

[0329] Next, in step S230-8, the main CPU 110a acquires a special symbol variation random value and stores the acquired special symbol variation random value in the storage unit with the smallest number among the first to fourth storage units in the first special symbol storage area provided in the main RAM 110b, where the special symbol variation random value is not stored.

[0330] Next, in step S230-9, the main CPU 110a executes a preliminary determination process. Specifically, the main CPU 110a refers to the preliminary determination table (FIG. 20) for jackpot lottery in the first special symbol stored in the main ROM 120c, and determines winning information based on the jackpot random value, special symbol random value, special symbol variation random value, and reach determination random value acquired this time.

[0331] In step S230-10, the main CPU 110a sets the start winning designation command corresponding to the winning information determined in step S230-9 in the effect transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110b.

[0332] Note that the effect control board 120 can execute a preview effect that suggests the possibility of a jackpot or a special loss before the start of the variation of the special symbols based on the winning start designation command received from the main CPU 110a, based on the winning in the first start port 14 this time. Examples of the preview effect include those that occur over multiple variations, such as changes in the display mode (e.g., color, design, etc.) of the first hold image 41 displayed on the image display device 31 or the display of a special background image, those that use a special winning sound as the winning sound output at the time of a winning start, and those that are performed at the time of winning, such as causing special light emission in the effect lighting device.

[0333] In step S230-11, the main CPU 110a sets a special symbol storage number designation command indicating the first special symbol hold number (U1) determined in step S230-4 in the effect transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110b, and ends the first start port detection SW input process. Note that the effect control board 120 performs processes such as increasing the display of the first hold image 41 on the image display device 31 and outputting a winning sound to the audio output device 32 based on the special symbol storage number designation command received from the main CPU 110a.

[0334] (Specific area detection SW input process of the main control board) FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the specific area detection SW input process of the main control board 110 of the gaming machine 1.

[0335] In step S250-1, the main CPU 110a determines whether there is a detection signal from the specific area detection SW 18a. If there is no detection signal from the specific area detection SW 18a, the main CPU 110a ends the specific area detection SW input process. If there is a detection signal from the specific area detection SW 18a, the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S250-2.

[0336] Next, in step S250-2, the main CPU 110a sets the specific area winning flag in the storage area of the specific area winning flag in the main RAM 110b. The specific area winning flag is a flag indicating that a game ball has won in the specific area 19B provided in the second largest winning opening 17. As described above, the second type of jackpot is a jackpot that is triggered when a game ball enters the specific area 19B provided in the second largest winning opening 17.

[0337] Next, in step S250-3, the main CPU 110a sets the specific area winning designation command in the production transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110b.

[0338] Next, in step S250-4, the main CPU 110a stores the game state (the game state when a game ball wins in the specific area 19B) stored in the game state flag of the main RAM 110b in the game state buffer of the main RAM 110b, and ends the specific area detection SW input process.

[0339] (Special drawing special power control process of the main control board) FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the special drawing special power control process of the main control board 110 of the gaming machine 1.

[0340] In step S301, the main CPU 110a loads the special drawing special power processing data stored in the main RAM 110b.

[0341] In step S302, main CPU 110a executes processing corresponding to the loaded special drawing and special electric processing data. Specifically, when the special drawing and special electric processing data is 0, it executes the special symbol storage determination processing of step S310; when the special drawing and special electric processing data is 1, it executes the special symbol variation processing of step S320; when the special electric processing data is 2, it executes the special symbol stop processing of step S330; when the special drawing and special electric processing data is 3, it executes the jackpot game processing of step S340; when the special drawing and special electric processing data is 4, it executes the small win game processing of step S350; when the special drawing and special electric processing data is 5, it executes the jackpot game end processing of step S360. Then, after executing any of the processing, main CPU 110a ends the special drawing and special electric control processing. Details of each control processing will be described later.

[0342] (Special symbol storage determination processing of main control board) FIG. 35 and FIG. 36 are diagrams showing a flowchart of the special symbol storage determination processing of the gaming machine 1.

[0343] In step S310-1, main CPU 110a determines whether the special symbol is in the process of variation. Specifically, main CPU 110a refers to the special symbol time counter stored in main RAM 110b, and if the counter value is 0, it determines that the special symbol is not in the process of variation, and if the counter value is not 0, it determines that the special symbol is in the process of variation. When the special symbol is in the process of variation, main CPU 110a ends the special symbol storage determination processing. When the special symbol is not in the process of variation, main CPU 110a proceeds to step S310-2 for processing.

[0344] In step S310-2, main CPU 110a determines whether the second special symbol reservation number (U2) stored in main RAM 110b is 0. When the second special symbol reservation number (U2) is 0, main CPU 110a proceeds to step S310-4 for processing. When the second special symbol reservation number (U2) is not 0, main CPU 110a proceeds to step S310-3 for processing.

[0345] In step S310-3, the main CPU 110a subtracts 1 from the second special symbol reservation number (U2) in the main RAM 110b, and proceeds to step S310-9.

[0346] In step S310-4, the main CPU 110a determines whether the first special symbol reservation number (U1) stored in the main RAM 110b is 0. If the first special symbol reservation number (U1) is 0, the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S310-6. If the first special symbol reservation number (U1) is not 0, the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S310-5.

[0347] In step S310-5, the main CPU 110a subtracts 1 from the first special symbol reservation number (U1) in the main RAM 110b, and proceeds to step S310-9.

[0348] In step S310-6, the main CPU 110a determines whether the customer waiting state flag stored in the main RAM 110b is set. The customer waiting state flag is a flag indicating that the gaming machine 1 is not performing a special game and that variable display is not being performed in a state where the reservation number is 0 (customer waiting state). If the customer waiting flag is not set, the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S310-7. If the customer waiting flag is set, the special symbol memory determination process ends.

[0349] In step S310-7, the main CPU 110a sets the customer waiting state flag in the customer waiting state flag storage area of the main RAM 110b.

[0350] In step S310-8, the main CPU 110a sets a customer waiting state designation command indicating that the gaming machine 1 is in the customer waiting state in the production transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110b, and ends the special symbol memory determination process.

[0351] In step S310-9, main CPU 110a executes a shift process on the storage area of main RAM 110b. Specifically, when the second special symbol reservation number is decremented by 1 in step S310-3, the data stored in the first storage unit of the second special symbol storage area of main RAM 110b is written to the zero-th storage unit of the special symbol storage area, and the data stored in the second to fourth storage units is written to the storage unit one before it. Also, when the first special symbol reservation number is decremented by 1 in step S310-5, the data stored in the first storage unit of the first special symbol storage area of main RAM 110b is written to the zero-th storage unit of the special symbol storage area, and the data stored in the second to fourth storage units is written to the storage unit one before it.

[0352] Note that the data already stored in the zero-th storage unit of the special symbol storage area before the shift process of the current storage area is overwritten by new data due to the shift process of the current storage area, and thus will be erased.

[0353] Although the variable display of the second special symbol is executed with priority over the variable display of the first special symbol (special 2 priority digestion), the variable display of the first special symbol and the variable display of the second special symbol may be executed in parallel (special 1 and special 2 simultaneous variation), or the variable display of the first special symbol may be executed with priority over the variable display of the second special symbol (special 1 priority digestion).

[0354] In step S310-10, main CPU 110a sets a special symbol reservation number designation command in the production transmission data storage area of main RAM 110b. Specifically, when the second special symbol reservation number (U2) is decremented by 1 in step S310-3, main CPU 110a sets a special symbol reservation number designation command indicating the decremented second special symbol reservation number in the production transmission data storage area of main RAM 110b. Also, when the first special symbol reservation number (U1) is decremented by 1 in step S310-5, main CPU 110a sets a special symbol reservation number designation command indicating the decremented first special symbol reservation number in the production transmission data storage area of main RAM 110b.

[0355] Note that the effect control board 120 refers to a special symbol storage number designation command based on the shift process of the current storage area received from the main CPU 110a, and performs processing to cause the image display device 31 to display a new variable image 40, reduce the display of the first hold image 41 and the second hold image 42, and update and display the images of the first hold digital image 43 and the second hold digital image 44.

[0356] In step S310-11, the main CPU 110a determines whether or not the low base short count (B) stored in the main RAM 110b is 1 or more. If the low base short count (B) stored in the main RAM 110b is 1 or more, the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S310-12. If the low base short count (B) stored in the main RAM 110b is less than 1, the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S310-14.

[0357] In step S310-12, the main CPU 110a subtracts 1 from the low base short count (B) stored in the main RAM 110b and stores it.

[0358] In step S310-13, the main CPU 110a determines whether or not the low base short count (B) after subtracting 1 is 0. If the low base short count (B) after subtracting 1 is 0, the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S310-20. If the low base short count (B) after subtracting 1 is not 0, the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S311.

[0359] In step S310-14, main CPU 110a determines whether the high base short count (J) stored in main RAM 110b is 1 or more. If the high base short count (J) stored in main RAM 110b is 1 or more, main CPU 110a proceeds to step S310-15. If the high base short count (J) stored in main RAM 110b is not 1 or more, main CPU 110a proceeds to step S311.

[0360] In step S310-15, main CPU 110a subtracts 1 from the high base short count (J) stored in main RAM 110b and stores it.

[0361] In step S310-16, main CPU 110a determines whether the high base short count (J) after subtracting 1 is 0. If the high base short count (J) after subtracting 1 is 0, main CPU 110a proceeds to step S310-20. If the high base short count (J) after subtracting 1 is not 0, main CPU 110a proceeds to step S311.

[0362] In step S310-20, main CPU 110a sets the normal game state in the game state flag storage area of main RAM 110b and proceeds to step S311.

[0363] In step S311, main CPU 110a executes the jackpot determination process. Specifically, main CPU 110a refers to various tables stored in main ROM 110c shown in FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 based on the jackpot random number value and special symbol random number value newly stored in the 0th storage unit, and the type of the special symbol display device of the data shifted to the 0th storage unit, and determines the type of the special symbol, the stop symbol data, etc. Details of the jackpot determination process will be described later.

[0364] In step S312, the main CPU 110a determines the variation pattern of the special symbol to be executed. Specifically, based on the type of the special symbol determined in step S311, the reach determination random number value and the special symbol variation random number value newly stored in the 0th storage unit, and the first special symbol reservation count and the second special symbol reservation count, the main CPU 110a refers to the first special symbol variation pattern determination table (FIG. 16 (in the normal state), FIG. 17 (in the short state at low base), FIG. 18 (in the short state at high base)) and the second special symbol variation pattern determination table (FIG. 19) stored in the main ROM 110c to determine the variation pattern of the special symbol at the start of variation.

[0365] In step S313, the main CPU 110a sets a variation pattern designation command corresponding to the variation pattern of the special symbol determined in step S312 in the production transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110b.

[0366] Note that the production control board 120 performs processing for executing a variation production according to the variation pattern of the special symbol based on the variation pattern designation command received from the main CPU 110a.

[0367] In step S314, the main CPU 110a sets a game state designation command corresponding to the game state stored in the game state flag storage area of the main RAM 110b in the production transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110b.

[0368] In step S315, the main CPU 110a sets a short time count designation command corresponding to the short time count (B) at low base and the short time count (J) at high base stored in the game state flag storage area of the main RAM 110b in the production transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110b.

[0369] In step S316, the main CPU 110a executes a process for starting the variable display of the special symbol. Specifically, the main CPU 110a sets variable display data for causing the first special symbol display device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21 to perform variable display of the special symbol in a predetermined area of the main RAM 110b.

[0370] Next, in step S317, the main CPU 110a sets the variable time of the special symbol. Specifically, the main CPU 110a sets the variable time corresponding to the variable pattern of the special symbol determined in step S312 in the special symbol time counter in the main RAM 110b. Note that the special symbol time counter is subtracted every 4 ms in the counter update process within the timer interrupt process of step S110 (FIG. 30) described above.

[0371] Next, in step S318, the main CPU 110a sets 1 in the special figure special power processing data storage area of the main RAM 110b and ends the special symbol storage determination process.

[0372] Note that in the data generation process within the timer interrupt process of step S600 (FIG. 30) described above, the main CPU 110a creates the lighting and extinguishing data of the LEDs of the first special symbol display device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21 based on the display data set in step S316. Then, in the output control process within the timer interrupt process of step S700 (FIG. 30) described above, the main CPU 110a outputs the lighting and extinguishing data of the LEDs created in step S600 to the first special symbol display device 20 and the second special symbol display device 21, thereby starting the variable display of the special symbol on the first special symbol display device 20 and the second special symbol display device 21.

[0373] (Jackpot determination process of the main control board) FIG. 37 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the jackpot determination process of the gaming machine 1.

[0374] In step S311-1, the main CPU 110a determines whether the special symbol that starts the variable display is a jackpot. Specifically, based on the jackpot random value newly stored in the 0th storage unit of the special symbol storage area, when the data newly stored in the 0th storage unit is shifted from the 1st special symbol storage area, the main CPU 110a refers to the jackpot lottery determination table (Fig. 8(a)) for the 1st special symbol display device stored in the main ROM 110c. When the data newly stored in the 0th storage unit is shifted from the 2nd special symbol storage area, the main CPU 110a refers to the jackpot lottery determination table (Fig. 8(b)) for the 2nd special symbol display device stored in the main ROM 110c to determine whether the special symbol that starts the variable display is a jackpot.

[0375] If the special symbol that starts the variable display is a jackpot, the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S311-2. If the special symbol that starts the variable display is not a jackpot, the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S311-5.

[0376] In step S311-2, the main CPU 110a executes the jackpot symbol determination process. Specifically, based on the special symbol random value newly stored in the 0th storage unit and the type of the special symbol display device that starts the variable display, the main CPU 110a refers to the jackpot symbol determination table (Fig. 9(a)) stored in the main ROM 110c to determine the type of the special symbol that starts the variable display and the stop symbol data, and stores the determined stop symbol data in the stop symbol data area of the main RAM 110b.

[0377] In step S311-3, the main CPU 110a sets the symbol designation command corresponding to the stop symbol data determined in step S311-2 in the production transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110b.

[0378] Next, in step S311-4, the main CPU 110a stores the game state information (game state information at the time of executing the jackpot determination process) stored in the game state flag of the main RAM 110b in the game state buffer of the main RAM 110b, and ends the jackpot determination process.

[0379] In step S311-5, the main CPU 110a determines whether the special symbol that starts the variable display is a minor win. Specifically, when the data newly stored in the 0th storage unit of the special symbol storage area is shifted from the second special symbol storage area, the main CPU 110a refers to the jackpot lottery determination table for the second special symbol display device (FIG. 8(b)) stored in the main ROM 110c based on the jackpot random number value newly stored in the 0th storage unit, and determines whether the special symbol that starts the variable display is a minor win.

[0380] The reason for performing the minor win determination only when the data newly stored in the 0th storage unit of the special symbol storage area is shifted from the second special symbol storage area is that the minor win is set to be determined only for the second special symbol (FIG. 8(b)). Therefore, when the data newly stored in the 0th storage unit is shifted from the first special symbol storage area, the main CPU 110a determines that the special symbol that starts the variable display is not a minor win.

[0381] Although the winning determination of the minor win is set to be performed only for the second special symbol, the winning determination of the minor win may be performed for both the first special symbol and the second special symbol, or may be set to be performed only for the first special symbol.

[0382] Then, when the special symbol that starts the variable display is a minor win, the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S311-6. When the special symbol that starts the variable display is not a minor win, the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S311-8.

[0383] Next, in step S311-6, the main CPU 110a executes the small hit symbol determination process. Specifically, based on the special symbol random number value newly stored in the 0th storage unit, the main CPU 110a refers to the small hit symbol determination table (Fig. 9(b)) stored in the main ROM 110c, determines the type of the special symbol at which the variable display starts and the stop symbol data, and stores the determined stop symbol data in the stop symbol data area of the main RAM 110b.

[0384] Next, in step S311-7, the main CPU 110a sets the symbol designation command corresponding to the stop symbol data determined in step S311-6 in the production transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110b, and ends the big hit determination process.

[0385] In step S311-8, the main CPU 110a determines whether the special symbol at which the variable display starts is a special loss. Specifically, when the data newly stored in the 0th storage unit of the special symbol storage area is shifted from the 1st special symbol storage area, the main CPU 110a refers to the big hit lottery determination table (Fig. 8(a)) for the 1st special symbol display device stored in the main ROM 110c based on the big hit random number value newly stored in the 0th storage unit, and determines whether the special symbol at which the variable display starts is a special loss.

[0386] The reason for determining the special loss only when the data newly stored in the 0th storage unit of the special symbol storage area is shifted from the 1st special symbol storage area is that the special loss is set to be determined only for the 1st special symbol (see Fig. 8). Therefore, when the data newly stored in the 0th storage unit is shifted from the 2nd special symbol storage area, the main CPU 110a determines that the special symbol at which the variable display starts is not a special loss.

[0387] Then, when the special symbol that starts the variable display is a special loss, the main CPU 110a proceeds to the process of step S311-9. When the special symbol that starts the variable display is not a special loss, the main CPU 110a proceeds to the process of step S311-11.

[0388] In step S311-9, the main CPU 110a executes special loss symbol determination processing. Specifically, based on the special symbol random number value newly stored in the 0th storage unit, the main CPU 110a refers to the special loss symbol determination table (Fig. 10(a)) stored in the main ROM 110c, determines the type of the special symbol that starts the variable display and the stop symbol data, and stores the determined stop symbol data in the stop symbol data area of the main RAM 110b.

[0389] Next, in step S311-10, the main CPU 110a sets the symbol designation command corresponding to the stop symbol data determined in step S311-9 in the production transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110b, and ends the jackpot determination process.

[0390] In step S311-11, the main CPU 110a performs normal loss symbol determination processing. Specifically, based on the type of the special symbol display device that starts the variable display and the special symbol random number value newly stored in the 0th storage unit, the main CPU 110a refers to the normal loss symbol determination table (Fig. 10(b)) stored in the main ROM 110c, determines the type of the special symbol that starts the variable display and the stop symbol data, and stores the determined stop symbol data in the stop symbol data area of the main RAM 110b.

[0391] In step S311-12, the main CPU 110a sets the symbol designation command corresponding to the stop symbol data determined in step S311-11 in the production transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110b, and ends the jackpot determination process.

[0392] (Special Symbol Variable Processing of the Main Control Board) FIG. 38 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a special symbol variation process of the main control board 110 of the gaming machine 1.

[0393] In step S320-1, the main CPU 110a determines whether the variation time of the special symbol has elapsed. Specifically, the main CPU 110a refers to the special symbol time counter stored in the main RAM 110b, and if the counter value is 0, it determines that the variation time of the special symbol has elapsed, and if the counter value is not 0, it determines that the variation time of the special symbol has not elapsed. When the variation time of the special symbol has elapsed, the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S320-2. When the variation time of the special symbol has not elapsed, the main CPU 110a ends the special symbol variation process.

[0394] In step S320-2, the main CPU 110a executes a process for performing a stop display of the special symbol. Specifically, the main CPU 110a clears the display data set in step S316 of the special symbol storage determination process, and sets, in a predetermined area of the main RAM 110b, display data for causing the special symbol corresponding to the stop symbol data set in the stop symbol data area of the main RAM 110b to be stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21.

[0395] Next, in step S320-3, the main CPU 110a sets a symbol determination command indicating that the special symbol has stopped in the effect transmission storage area of the main RAM 110b.

[0396] Next, in step S320-4, the main CPU 110a sets the symbol stop time. Specifically, the main CPU 110a sets the symbol stop time (for example, 0.5 seconds) in the special symbol time counter storage area of the main RAM 110b.

[0397] Next, in step S320-5, the main CPU 110a sets 2 in the special drawing special power processing data storage area of the main RAM 110b, and ends the special symbol variation process.

[0398] (Special Symbol Stop Processing of Main Control Board) FIG. 39 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the special symbol stop processing of the main control board 110 of the gaming machine 1.

[0399] In step S330-1, the main CPU 110a determines whether the stop time of the special symbol has ended. Specifically, when the special symbol time counter in the main RAM 110b is 0, the main CPU 110a determines that the stop time of the special symbol has ended and proceeds to step S330-2. When the special symbol time counter in the main RAM 110b is not 0, the main CPU 110a determines that the stop time of the special symbol has not ended and ends the special symbol stop processing.

[0400] In step S330-2, the main CPU 110a adds 1 to the variation count (L) counter in the main RAM 110b.

[0401] Next, in step S330-3, the main CPU 110a determines whether the stop symbol data stored in the stop symbol data storage area in the main RAM 110b is a jackpot. When the stop symbol data is a jackpot, the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S330-4. When the stop symbol data is not a jackpot, the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S330-11.

[0402] In step S330-4, the main CPU 110a sets the normal state game state flag in the game state flag storage area of the main RAM 110b. Next, in step S330-5, the main CPU 110a resets the low base short count (B) counter and the high base short count (J) counter in the main RAM 110b. Next, in step S330-6, the main CPU 110a resets the variation count (L) counter in the main RAM 110b.

[0403] Next, the main CPU 110a executes the first jackpot game preparation process in step S330-7. Specifically, the main CPU 110a determines the reference destination of the special game control table for the first jackpot (FIG. 13(a)) stored in the main ROM 110c based on the symbol stop data stored in the stop symbol data storage area of the main RAM 110b.

[0404] Next, the main CPU 110a sets the opening designation command in step S330-8. Specifically, the main CPU 110a determines the opening designation command from the reference destination of the special game control table for the first jackpot determined in step 330-7, and sets the determined opening designation command in the production transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110b.

[0405] Note that when the effect control board 120 receives the opening designation command from the main CPU 110a, it performs processing for executing the opening effect of the jackpot game on the image display device 31, the audio output device 32, etc.

[0406] Next, the main CPU 110a sets the start interval time in step S330-9. Specifically, the main CPU 110a determines the opening time from the reference destination of the special game control table for the first jackpot determined in step 330-7, and sets the determined opening time in the special game timer counter of the main RAM 110b.

[0407] Next, the main CPU 110a sets 3 in the special drawing special electric processing data storage area of the main RAM 110b in step S330-10, and proceeds to the process in step S330-24.

[0408] In step S33-11, main CPU 110a determines whether the stop symbol data stored in the stop symbol data storage area of main RAM 110b is a near miss. If the stop symbol data is a near miss, main CPU 110a proceeds to step S330-12. If the stop symbol data is not a near miss, main CPU 110a proceeds to step S330-16.

[0409] In step S330-12, main CPU 110a executes near miss game preparation processing. Specifically, based on the stop symbol data stored in the stop symbol data storage area of main RAM 110b, main CPU 110a determines the reference destination of the special game control table for near misses (Fig. 13(c)) stored in main ROM 110c. Also, main CPU 110a resets the value of the special electric operation number (K) counter.

[0410] In step S330-13, main CPU 110a sets an opening designation command. Specifically, main CPU 110a determines the opening designation command from the reference destination of the special game control table for near misses determined in step S330-12, and sets the determined opening designation command in the production transmission data storage area of main RAM 110b.

[0411] Next, in step S330-14, main CPU 110a sets the start interval time. Specifically, main CPU 110a determines the opening time from the reference destination of the special game control table for near misses determined in step 330-12, and sets the determined opening time in the special game timer counter of main RAM 110b.

[0412] Next, in step S330-15, main CPU 110a sets 4 in the special drawing special electric processing data storage area of main RAM 110b, and proceeds to step S330-24.

[0413] In step S330-16, main CPU 110a determines whether the counter value of the number of fluctuations (L) in main RAM 110b has reached the specified number of times (800 times). If the counter value of the number of fluctuations (L) has reached the specified number of times (800 times), main CPU 110a transfers the process to step S330-17. If the counter value of the number of fluctuations (L) has not reached the specified number of times (800 times), main CPU 110a transfers the process to step S330-19.

[0414] In step S330-17, main CPU 110a resets the low-base short count (B) counter and the number of fluctuations (L) counter in main RAM 110b, and proceeds to step S330-18.

[0415] In step S330-18, main CPU 110a sets the game state flag of the high-base short state in the game state flag storage area of main RAM 110b, sets 100 in the high-base short count (J) counter of main RAM 110b, and proceeds to step S330-22.

[0416] In step S330-19, main CPU 110a determines whether the stop symbol data stored in the stop symbol data storage area in main RAM 110b is a special loss. If the stop symbol data is a special loss, main CPU 110a proceeds to step S330-20. If the stop symbol data is not a special loss, main CPU 110a proceeds to step S330-22.

[0417] In step S330-20, the main CPU 110a executes game state setting processing. Specifically, based on the stop symbol data stored in the stop symbol data storage area of the main RAM 110b and the game state flag stored in the game state flag storage area, the main CPU 110a refers to the special losing symbol stop setting table (FIG. 12) stored in the main ROM 110c, determines the game state at the time of a special losing stop, and sets the determined game state in the game state flag storage area of the main RAM 110b.

[0418] Next, in step S330-21, the main CPU 110a executes remaining count setting processing. Specifically, based on the stop symbol data stored in the stop symbol data storage area of the main RAM 110b and the game state flag stored in the game state flag storage area, the main CPU 110a refers to the special losing symbol stop setting table (FIG. 12) stored in the main ROM 110c, determines the low base short count (B) and the high base short count (J) at the time of a special losing stop, and sets the determined low base short count (B) and high base short count (J) at the time of a special losing stop in the low base short count (B) counter and the high base short count (J) counter of the main RAM 110b.

[0419] Next, in step S330-22, the main CPU 110a generates a count command specified by the low base short count (B) counter of the main RAM 110b and generates a count command specified by the high base short count (J) counter of the main RAM 110b, and sets the generated count commands in the production transmission data storage area.

[0420] In step S330-23, the main CPU 110a sets 0 in the special symbol special power processing data storage area of the main RAM 110b and proceeds to step S330-24.

[0421] In step S330-24, the main CPU 110a sets a game state designation command corresponding to the game state stored in the game state flag storage area of the main RAM 110b in the production transmission data storage area, and ends the special symbol stop process.

[0422] (Jackpot game process of the main control board) FIG. 40 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the jackpot game process of the main control board 110 of the gaming machine 1.

[0423] In step S340-1, the main CPU 110a determines whether the current process is during the jackpot opening. If the main CPU 110a is during the opening, the process proceeds to step S340-2. If the main CPU 110a is not during the opening, the process proceeds to step S340-6.

[0424] In step S340-2, the main CPU 110a determines whether the start interval time has elapsed. Specifically, if the special game timer counter stored in the main RAM 110b is 0, the main CPU 110a determines that the start interval time has elapsed and proceeds to step S340-3. If the special symbol time counter stored in the main RAM 110b is not 0, the main CPU 110a determines that the start interval time has not elapsed and ends the current jackpot game process.

[0425] In step S340-3, the main CPU 110a sets the count value of the round number (R) counter stored in the main RAM 110b to 1.

[0426] In step S340-4, main CPU 110a executes the big winning opening process. Specifically, main CPU 110a reads out the table number of the big winning opening / closing control table from the reference destination of the first type jackpot special game control table (Fig. 13(a)) determined in step S330-7 and the reference destination of the second type jackpot special game control table (Fig. 13(b)) determined in step S351-5 described later. Based on the read table number and the current round number (R), main CPU 110a refers to the first type jackpot big winning opening / closing control table (Fig. 14(a)) or the second type jackpot big winning opening / closing control table (Fig. 14(b)) stored in main ROM 110c, determines the opening time of the first big winning opening 16, and sets the determined opening time in the special game timer counter. Also, main CPU 110a sets the energization data for energizing the first big winning opening solenoid 16c to open the first big winning opening / closing door 16b. Further, main CPU 110a sets 1 in the special power operation number (K) of main RAM 110b.

[0427] In step S340-5, main CPU 110a executes the round start command transmission determination process. Specifically, main CPU 110a sets the round start command corresponding to the current round number (R) in the production transmission data storage area and ends the jackpot game process.

[0428] In step S340-6, main CPU 110a determines whether the current process is during the ending of a jackpot. If main CPU 110a is during the ending, the process proceeds to step S340-17. If main CPU 110a is not during the ending, the process proceeds to step S340-7.

[0429] In step S340-7, main CPU 110a determines whether the first large winning opening 16 is closed. Specifically, when no energization data is set in the first large winning opening opening / closing solenoid 16c, main CPU 110a determines that the first large winning opening 16 is closed. If the first large winning opening 16 is closed, main CPU 110a proceeds to step S340-8. If the first large winning opening 16 is not closed, main CPU 110a proceeds to step S340-9.

[0430] In step S340-8, main CPU 110a determines whether the closing time of the first large winning opening 16 has elapsed. Specifically, when the value of the special game timer counter is 0, main CPU 110a determines that the closing time of the first large winning opening 16 has elapsed. If main CPU 110a determines that the closing time of the first large winning opening 16 has elapsed, it proceeds to step S340-4. If main CPU 110a determines that the closing time of the first large winning opening 16 has not elapsed, it ends the jackpot game process.

[0431] In step S340-9, main CPU 110a determines whether the release end condition of the first large winning opening 16 is satisfied. Specifically, when the count value of the large winning opening ball entry number (C) counter in main RAM 110b reaches a specified number (for example, 9), or when the special game timer counter 0 (when the release time has elapsed), main CPU 110a determines that the release end condition of the first large winning opening 16 is satisfied. If the release end condition of the first large winning opening 16 is satisfied, main CPU 110a proceeds to step S340-10. If the release end condition of the first large winning opening 16 is not satisfied, it ends the jackpot game process.

[0432] In step S340-10, main CPU 110a executes the closing process of the first major winning opening 16. Specifically, main CPU 110a stops the energization data that was energizing the first major winning opening solenoid 16c in order to close the first major winning opening closing door 16b. Also, main CPU 110a refers to the first major jackpot winning opening opening / closing control table (Fig. 14(a)), determines the closing time of the first major winning opening 16 based on the count value of the current round number (R) counter, and sets the determined closing time in the special game timer counter.

[0433] In step S340-11, main CPU 110a executes the round data initialization process. Specifically, main CPU 110a resets the count value of the winning opening ball entry number (C) counter in main RAM 110b. Note that main CPU 110a does not reset the count value of the round number (R) counter in main RAM 110b.

[0434] Next, in step S340-12, main CPU 110a determines whether the count value of the round number (R) in main RAM 110b is the maximum value. If the count value of the round number (R) in main RAM 110b is the maximum value, main CPU 110a proceeds to step S340-14. If the count value of the round number (R) in main RAM 110b is not the maximum value, main CPU 110a proceeds to step S340-13.

[0435] In step S340-13, main CPU 110a adds 1 to the count value of the round number (R) in main RAM 110b and ends the jackpot game process.

[0436] In step S340-14, main CPU 110a resets the count value of the round number (R) in main RAM 110b.

[0437] In step S340-15, the main CPU 110a sets an ending designation command. Specifically, the main CPU 110a reads the ending designation command from the reference destination of the first jackpot special game control table (FIG. 13(a)) determined in step S330-7 and the reference destination of the second jackpot special game control table (FIG. 13(b)) determined in step S351-5 described later, and sets the read ending designation command in the production transmission data storage area.

[0438] In step S340-16, the main CPU 110a reads the ending time from the reference destination of the first jackpot special game control table (FIG. 13(a)) determined in step S330-7 and the reference destination of the second jackpot special game control table (FIG. 13(b)) determined in step S351-5 described later, and sets the read ending time in the special game timer counter.

[0439] In step S340-17, the main CPU 110a determines whether the end interval time has elapsed. Specifically, when the value of the special game timer counter is 0, the main CPU 110a determines that the end interval time has elapsed. When the main CPU 110a determines that the end interval time has elapsed, it proceeds to step S340-18. When the main CPU 110a determines that the end interval time has not elapsed, it ends the jackpot game process.

[0440] In step S340-18, the main CPU 110a sets 5 in the special drawing special power processing data of the main RAM 110b and ends the jackpot game process.

[0441] (Low jackpot game process of the main control board) FIG. 41 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the low jackpot game process of the main control board 110 of the gaming machine 1.

[0442] In step S350-1, main CPU 110a determines whether the current process is during a small win opening. If main CPU 110a determines that it is during an opening, it proceeds to step S350-2. If main CPU 110a determines that it is not during an opening, it proceeds to step S350-5.

[0443] In step S350-2, main CPU 110a determines whether the start interval time has elapsed. Specifically, if the special game timer counter in main RAM 110b is 0, main CPU 110a determines that the start interval time has elapsed and proceeds to step S350-3. If the special game timer counter in main RAM 110b is not 0, main CPU 110a determines that the start interval time has not elapsed and ends the small win game process.

[0444] In step S350-3, main CPU 110a executes the big winning opening process. Specifically, main CPU 110a increments the value of the special power operation number (K) counter in main RAM 110b by 1. Main CPU 110a refers to the small win big winning opening / closing control table (Figure 15(a)) stored in main ROM 110c, determines the opening time based on the current value of the special power operation number (K) counter, and sets the determined opening time in the special game timer counter of main RAM 110b. Then, main CPU 110a sets the energization data to energize the second big winning opening solenoid 17c in order to open the second big winning opening / closing door 17b.

[0445] Next, in step S350-4, the main CPU 110a executes specific winning opening / closing control processing. Specifically, the main CPU 110a refers to the specific area opening / closing control table (Fig. 15(b)) stored in the main ROM 110c, determines the opening time after the second largest winning opening 17 is opened, the opening time of the slide member 19C, and the closing time of the slide member 19C, sets each determined time in a predetermined counter in a predetermined area of the main RAM 110b, and ends the small win game process. Note that movement control of the slide member 19C is executed based on the values of these set predetermined counters.

[0446] In step S350-5, the main CPU 110a determines whether the current process is during the ending of a small win. If the main CPU 110a is during the ending, the process proceeds to step S350-13. If the main CPU 110a is not during the ending, the process proceeds to step S350-6.

[0447] In step 350-6, the main CPU 110a determines whether the second largest winning opening 17 is open. Specifically, if energization data is set in the second largest winning opening opening / closing solenoid 17c, the main CPU 110a determines that the second largest winning opening 17 is open. If the main CPU 110a determines that the second largest winning opening 17 is open, the process proceeds to step S350-8. If the main CPU 110a determines that the second largest winning opening 17 is not open, the process proceeds to step S350-7.

[0448] In step S350-7, the main CPU 110a determines whether the closing time of the second largest winning opening 17 has elapsed. Specifically, if the value of the special game timer counter is 0, the main CPU 110a determines that the closing time of the second largest winning opening 17 has elapsed. If the main CPU 110a determines that the closing time of the second largest winning opening 17 has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S350-3. If the main CPU 110a determines that the closing time of the second largest winning opening 17 has not elapsed, the small win game process ends.

[0449] In step S350-8, the main CPU 110a determines whether the release end condition of the second largest winning opening 17 is satisfied. Specifically, when the count value of the winning opening ball entry number (C) counter in the main RAM 110b reaches a specified number (for example, 9), when the special game timer counter is 0 (when the release time has elapsed), or when the specific area winning flag is set, the main CPU 110a determines that the release end condition of the second largest winning opening 17 is satisfied. When the release end condition of the second largest winning opening 17 is satisfied, the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S350-9. When the release end condition of the second largest winning opening 17 is not satisfied, the main CPU 110a ends the small win game process.

[0450] In step S350-9, the main CPU 110a executes the closing process of the second largest winning opening 17. Specifically, in order to close the second largest winning opening and closing door 17b, the main CPU 110a stops the energization data that was energizing the second largest winning opening solenoid 17c. Also, the main CPU 110a refers to the closing time in the small win winning opening opening / closing control table stored in the main ROM 110c, determines the closing time of the second largest winning opening 17 based on the current count value of the special power operation number (K) counter, and sets the determined closing time in the special game timer counter.

[0451] In step S350-10, the main CPU 110a determines whether the small win game has ended. Specifically, when the value of the special power operation number (K) counter in the main RAM 110b is 10, which is the maximum value, when the value of the winning opening ball entry number (C) counter reaches a specified number (for example, 9), or when the specific area winning flag is set, the main CPU 110a determines that the small win game has ended. When the main CPU 110a determines that the small win game has ended, it proceeds to step S350-11. When the main CPU 110a determines that the small win game has not ended, it ends the small win game process.

[0452] In step S350-11, the main CPU 110a executes the small hit game end process. Specifically, the main CPU 110a resets the value of the special electric operation number (K) counter and the value of the big winning opening ball entry number (C) counter in the main RAM 110b.

[0453] Next, in step S350-12, the main CPU 110a executes the ending process. Specifically, the main CPU 110a sets the small hit ending designation command in the production transmission data storage area.

[0454] In step S350-13, the main CPU 110a determines whether the end interval time has elapsed. Specifically, when the value of the special game timer counter in the main RAM 110b is 0, the main CPU 110a determines that the end interval time has elapsed. If the main CPU 110a determines that the end interval time has elapsed, it proceeds to step S350-14. If the main CPU 110a determines that the end interval time has not elapsed, it ends the small hit game process.

[0455] In step S350-14, the main CPU 110a determines whether the specific area winning flag is set in the specific area winning flag storage area of the main RAM 110b. If the main CPU 110a determines that the specific area winning flag is not set, it proceeds to step S350-15. If the main CPU 110a determines that the specific area winning flag is set, it proceeds to step S351.

[0456] In step S350-15, the main CPU 110a sets the normal state flag in the game state flag storage area of the main RAM 110b.

[0457] In step S350-16, the main CPU 110a sets 0 in the special drawing special electric processing data of the main RAM 110b and ends the small hit game process.

[0458] In step S351, main CPU 110a executes the second type jackpot game transition process and then ends the small win game process. The second type jackpot game transition process will be described later.

[0459] As shown in the description of the above flowchart, if no game ball enters the specific area 19B during the small win game, the game state after the end of the small win game becomes the normal state. Therefore, even if a small win that triggers the second type jackpot which transitions to the high base short state is achieved, if no game ball enters the specific area 19B during the small win game, not only can the second type jackpot not be obtained, but also the game state will transition to a normal state that is more disadvantageous than the high base short state after the end of the small win game.

[0460] However, if in all small wins like this, just once no game ball enters the specific area 19B during the game and the game state is made to transition from the high base short state to the normal state after the end of the small win game, it can be said that it is too harsh on the player.

[0461] Therefore, even if no game ball enters the specific area 19B during the small win game in the high base short state, it may be possible to make the game state transition to the normal state only in the case of a specific small win.

[0462] Specifically, it may be possible to make the game state transition to the normal state only when no game ball enters the specific area 19B, only in the case of a small win that triggers the second type jackpot (second type 9R win J) which transitions to the normal state after the end. Also, even in the case of a small win that triggers the second type jackpot which transitions to the high base short state after the end, it may be possible to make the game state transition to the normal state only when no game ball enters the specific area 19B, limited to a specific small win (for example, a small win that triggers the second type 2R win I).

[0463] Further, according to the number of small wins in which the game ball did not enter the specific area 19B during the game, it may be configured to shift from the high base short state to the normal state. For example, the number of small win games in which the game ball did not enter the specific area 19B may be counted, and it may be configured to shift from the high base short state to the normal state after the end of the small win game when the count value reaches the third time.

[0464] Furthermore, according to both the number of small wins in which the game ball did not enter the specific area 19B during the game and the type of small win, it may be configured to shift from the high base short state to the normal state after the end of the small win game.

[0465] Also, during the low base short state, since the release time of the movable piece 15b is 0.11 seconds, it is extremely difficult for the game ball to enter the second start port 15 compared to the high base short state. However, depending on the launch intensity and launch timing of the game ball, in extremely rare cases, the game ball may enter the second start port 15 even during the low base short state, and it may also happen that a small win is won in the winning or losing lottery according to the entry.

[0466] In that situation, if the player deliberately stops launching the game ball during the small win game and the game ball does not enter the specific area 19B during the small win game, it becomes possible to intentionally shift to the normal state, which is more advantageous than the low base short state, in order to shift from the low base short state to the normal state.

[0467] Therefore, in the small win that occurred during the low base short state, even if the game ball did not enter the specific area 19B during the small win game, it may be configured to continue the low base short state without shifting to the normal state after the end of the small win game.

[0468] (Second type big win game transition process of the main control board) FIG. 42 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the second type big win game transition process of the main control board 110 of the gaming machine 1.

[0469] In step S351-1, main CPU 110a clears the winning flag storage area in a specific area of main RAM 110b. Next, in step S351-2, main CPU 110a sets the normal state flag in the game state flag storage area of main RAM 110b.

[0470] Next, in step S351-3, main CPU 110a resets the counter value of the low base short count (B) counter and the counter value of the high base short count (J) counter in main RAM 110b. Next, in step S351-4, main CPU 110a resets the counter value of the variation count (L) counter in main RAM 110b.

[0471] Next, in step S351-5, main CPU 110a executes the second type jackpot game preparation process. Specifically, based on the stop symbol data stored in the stop symbol data storage area of main RAM 110b, main CPU 110a determines the reference destination of the special game control table for the second type jackpot (Fig. 13(b)) stored in main ROM 110c. Main CPU 110a reads the opening time from the determined reference destination, sets the determined opening time in the special game timer counter of main RAM 110b, and sets 0 in the count value of the round number (R) counter of main RAM 110b. Main CPU 110a reads the opening specified command from the determined reference destination and sets the read opening specified command in the production transmission data storage area.

[0472] Next, in step S351-6, main CPU 110a sets 3 in the special symbol special power processing data of main RAM 110b and ends the second type jackpot game transition process.

[0473] (Jackpot game end process of main control board) Fig. 43 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the jackpot game end process of main control board 110 of gaming machine 1.

[0474] In step S360-1, main CPU 110a loads the stop symbol data stored in the stop symbol data storage area of main RAM 110b and the game state information stored in the game state buffer.

[0475] Next, in step S360-2, main CPU 110a executes remaining count setting processing. Specifically, based on the loaded stop symbol data and game state information, main CPU 110a refers to the special game end setting table (FIG. 11) stored in main ROM 110c, and determines the low base short count (B) and the high base short count (J) at the end of the special game. Main CPU 110a sets the determined low base short count (B) and high base short count (J) in the low base short count (B) counter and the high base short count (J) counter of main RAM 110b, respectively.

[0476] Next, in step 360-3, main CPU 110a executes game state setting processing. Specifically, based on the loaded stop symbol data and game state information, main CPU 110a refers to the special game end setting table (FIG. 11) stored in main ROM 110c, and determines the game state at the end of the special game. Main CPU 110a sets the determined game state at the end of the special game in the game state flag storage area of main RAM 110b.

[0477] Next, in step S360-4, main CPU 110a sets the game state designation command corresponding to the game state stored in the game state flag storage area of main RAM 110b in the production transmission data storage area.

[0478] Next, in step S360-5, main CPU 110a sets 0 in the special figure special power processing data of main RAM 110b, and ends the big win game end processing.

[0479] (General diagram and general power control processing of the main control board) FIG. 44 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the normal pattern power control process of the main control board 110 of the gaming machine 1.

[0480] In step S401, the main CPU 110a loads the normal pattern power control process data in the main RAM 110b. In step S402, the main CPU 110a refers to the branch destination address from the loaded normal pattern power control process data.

[0481] Thereafter, the main CPU 110a executes the process of the branch destination address referred to in step S402. Specifically, when the value of the loaded normal pattern power control process data is 0, the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S410, and when the value of the loaded normal pattern power control process data is 1, the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S420.

[0482] In step S410, the main CPU 110a executes the normal symbol variation process and ends the normal pattern power control process. In step S420, the main CPU 110a executes the auxiliary game process and ends the normal pattern power control process. Details of the normal symbol variation process and the auxiliary game process will be described later.

[0483] (Normal Symbol Variation Process of the Main Control Board) FIG. 45 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the normal symbol variation process of the main control board 110 of the gaming machine 1.

[0484] In step S410-1, the main CPU 110a determines whether the normal symbol is in the process of being variably displayed. When the normal symbol is in the process of being variably displayed, the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S410-12. When the normal symbol is not in the process of being variably displayed, the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S410-2.

[0485] In step S410-2, main CPU 110a determines whether the counter value of the normal symbol retention number (G) counter in main RAM 110b is 0. When the counter value of the normal symbol retention number (G) counter is 0, main CPU 110a ends the normal symbol variation process. When the counter value of the normal symbol retention number (G) counter is not 0, main CPU 110a proceeds to step S410-3.

[0486] In step S410-3, main CPU 110a subtracts 1 from the counter value of the normal symbol retention number (G) counter in main RAM 110b.

[0487] Next, in step S410-4, main CPU 110a executes a shift process on the normal symbol determination information stored in the normal symbol storage area of main RAM 110b. Specifically, main CPU 110a shifts the normal symbol determination information stored in the first to fourth storage units of the normal symbol storage area shown in FIG. 25(c) to the previous storage unit. Since the normal symbol determination information stored in the first storage unit is shifted to the 0th storage unit, the normal symbol determination information that had been stored in the 0th storage unit until now will be erased by this shift process.

[0488] Next, in step S410-5, main CPU 110a executes a winning determination process for the normal symbol. Specifically, main CPU 110a refers to the winning lottery table for the normal symbol display device (FIG. 8(c)) stored in main ROM 110c, and based on the normal symbol random number value newly stored in the 0th storage unit of the normal symbol storage area of main RAM 110b in step S410-4, determines whether the normal symbol lottery is a success or failure.

[0489] Next, in step S410-6, the main CPU 110a executes the normal symbol determination process. Specifically, the main CPU 110a refers to the normal symbol determination table (Fig. 23(a)) stored in the main ROM 110c, and based on the current game state and the pass / fail determination result obtained in step S410-5, determines the type of the normal symbol to stop and the stop symbol data, and sets the determined stop symbol data in the normal symbol data storage area of the main RAM 110b.

[0490] Next, in step S410-7, the main CPU 110a sets the normal symbol designation command. Specifically, the main CPU 110a sets the normal symbol designation command corresponding to the stop symbol data determined in step S410-6 in the production transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110b.

[0491] Next, in step S410-8, the main CPU 110a executes the normal symbol variation pattern determination process. Specifically, the main CPU 110a refers to the normal symbol variation pattern determination table (Fig. 23(b)) stored in the main ROM 110c, and based on the pass / fail determination result determined in step S410-5 and the current game state, determines the normal symbol variation pattern.

[0492] Next, in step S410-9, the main CPU 110a sets the normal symbol variation pattern designation command. Specifically, the main CPU 110a sets the normal symbol variation pattern designation command corresponding to the normal symbol variation pattern determined in step S410-8 in the production transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110b.

[0493] Next, in step S410-10, the main CPU 110a starts the normal symbol variation display. Specifically, the main CPU 110a sets the normal symbol display data for causing the normal symbol display device 24 to perform the normal symbol variation display in a predetermined area of the main RAM 110b.

[0494] Note that the main CPU 110a creates the lighting and extinguishing data of the LEDs of the normal symbol display device 24 based on the normal symbol display data set in the above-mentioned predetermined area in the data generation process within the timer interrupt process of step S600 (FIG. 30). Then, in the output control process within the timer interrupt process of step S700 (FIG. 30) described above, the main CPU 110a outputs the lighting and extinguishing data of the LEDs created in step S600 to the normal symbol display device 24, thereby starting the variable display of the normal symbol on the normal symbol display device 24.

[0495] Next, in step S410-11, the main CPU 110a sets the variable time of the normal symbol. Specifically, the main CPU 110a sets the variable time corresponding to the variable pattern of the normal symbol determined in step S410-8 in the normal symbol time counter of the main RAM 110b, and ends the normal symbol variable process.

[0496] In step S410-12, the main CPU 110a determines whether the variable time of the normal symbol has ended. Specifically, when the normal symbol time counter in the main RAM 110b is 0, the main CPU 110a determines that the variable time of the normal symbol has ended. When the main CPU 110a determines that the variable time of the normal symbol has ended, the process proceeds to step S410-13. When the main CPU 110a determines that the variable time of the normal symbol has not ended, the normal symbol variable process ends.

[0497] In step S410-13, the main CPU 110a executes the normal symbol variable stop process. Specifically, the display data set in a predetermined area of the main RAM 110b in step S410-10 is cleared. Then, the main CPU 110a sets, in a predetermined area of the main RAM 110b, the display data for stopping the display of the normal symbol corresponding to the stop symbol data determined in step 410-6.

[0498] Next, in step S410-14, the main CPU 110a sets the normal symbol determination command in the production transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110b.

[0499] Next, in step S410-15, the main CPU 110a determines whether the stop symbol data of the normal symbol stored in the normal symbol data storage area of the main RAM 110b is a winning combination. If the stop symbol data of the normal symbol is a winning combination, the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S410-16. If the stop symbol data of the normal symbol is not a winning combination, the main CPU 110a ends the normal symbol variation process.

[0500] In step S410-16, the main CPU 110a executes the opening preparation process for the second start port 15. Specifically, the main CPU 110a refers to the auxiliary game control table (FIG. 24(a)) stored in the main ROM 110c, and determines the table number of the movable piece opening / closing control table for auxiliary games based on the stop symbol data of the normal symbol stored in the normal symbol data storage area of the main RAM 110b. The main CPU 110a refers to the movable piece opening / closing control table for auxiliary games (FIG. 24(b)) stored in the main ROM 110c, and determines the reference destination of the movable piece opening / closing control table for auxiliary games based on the determined table number.

[0501] In step S410-17, the main CPU 110a sets the start interval time for the second start port 15. Specifically, the main CPU 110a refers to the auxiliary game control table (FIG. 24(a)) stored in the main ROM 110c, and determines the start interval time for the auxiliary game based on the stop symbol data of the normal symbol stored in the normal symbol data storage area of the main RAM 110b. The main CPU 110a sets the determined start interval time in the auxiliary game timer counter of the main RAM 110b. Also, the main CPU 110a sets 0 to the count value of the number of openings (S) in the main RAM 110b.

[0502] In step S410-18, the main CPU 110a sets 1 in the general drawing general power processing data in the main RAM 110b and ends the normal symbol variation process.

[0503] (Auxiliary game process of the main control board) FIG. 46 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the auxiliary game process of the main control board 110 of the gaming machine 1.

[0504] In step S420-1, the main CPU 110a determines whether it is during the opening state of the auxiliary game. If the main CPU 110a is during the opening state of the auxiliary game, the process proceeds to step S420-2. If the main CPU 110a is not during the opening state of the auxiliary game, the process proceeds to step S420-4.

[0505] In step S420-2, the main CPU 110a determines whether the opening time has elapsed. Specifically, if the count value of the auxiliary game timer counter in the main RAM 110b is 0, the main CPU 110a determines that the opening time has elapsed. If the main CPU 110a determines that the opening time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S420-3. If the main CPU 110a determines that the opening time has not elapsed, the auxiliary game process ends.

[0506] In step S420-3, the main CPU 110a executes the release process of the movable piece 15b. Specifically, the main CPU 110a adds 1 to the count value of the release count (S) in the main RAM 110b, and sets the energization data for energizing the start port opening / closing solenoid 15c to release the movable piece 15b of the second start port 15. The main CPU 110a reads the release time from the reference destination of the auxiliary game movable piece opening / closing control table (FIG. 24(b)) determined in step S410-16, and sets the read release time in the auxiliary game timer counter in the main RAM 110b.

[0507] In step S420-4, main CPU 110a determines whether it is in the ending state of the sub-game. If main CPU 110a is in the ending state of the sub-game, it proceeds to step S420-12. If main CPU 110a is not in the ending state of the sub-game, it proceeds to step S420-5.

[0508] In step S420-5, main CPU 110a determines whether the movable piece 15b of the second start port 15 is closed. Specifically, if the energization data for energizing the start port opening / closing solenoid 15c is not set, main CPU 110a determines that the movable piece 15b of the second start port 15 is closed. If main CPU 110a determines that the movable piece 15b of the second start port 15 is closed, it proceeds to step S420-6. If main CPU 110a determines that the movable piece 15b of the second start port 15 is not closed, it proceeds to step S420-7.

[0509] In step S420-6, main CPU 110a determines whether the closing time of the movable piece 15b of the second start port 15 has elapsed. Specifically, if the value of the sub-game timer counter is 0, main CPU 110a determines that the closing time of the movable piece 15b of the second start port 15 has elapsed. If main CPU 110a determines that the closing time of the movable piece 15b of the second start port 15 has elapsed, it proceeds to step S420-3. If main CPU 110a determines that the closing time of the movable piece 15b of the second start port 15 has not elapsed, it ends the sub-game process.

[0510] In step S420-7, main CPU 110a determines whether the release end condition of the movable piece 15b of the second start port 15 is satisfied. Specifically, when the count value of the second start port ball entry number (M) counter in main RAM 110b reaches a specified number (for example, 9), or when the auxiliary game timer counter is 0 (when the release time has elapsed), main CPU 110a determines that the release end condition of the movable piece 15b of the second start port 15 is satisfied. When main CPU 110a determines that the release end condition of the movable piece 15b of the second start port 15 is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S420-8. When main CPU 110a determines that the release end condition of the movable piece 15b of the second start port 15 is not satisfied, the auxiliary game process ends.

[0511] In step S420-8, main CPU 110a executes the closing process of the movable piece 15b of the second start port 15. Specifically, main CPU 110a stops the energization data for energizing the second start port opening / closing solenoid 15c. Also, main CPU 110a reads the closing time from the reference destination of the auxiliary game movable piece opening / closing control table (FIG. 24(b)) determined in step S410-16, and sets the read closing time in the auxiliary game timer counter of main RAM 110b.

[0512] In step S420-9, main CPU 110a determines whether to end the auxiliary game. Specifically, when the count value of the number of release times (S) in main RAM 110b reaches the maximum number of times, or when the count value (M) of the second start port ball entry number (M) counter reaches a specified number (9), main CPU 110a determines to end the auxiliary game. When main CPU 110a determines to end the auxiliary game, the process proceeds to step S420-10. When main CPU 110a determines not to end the auxiliary game, the auxiliary game process ends.

[0513] In step S420-10, main CPU 110a executes the sub-game end process. Specifically, main CPU 110a clears the count value of the open count (S) counter in main RAM 110b and the count value of the second start port ball entry number (M) counter.

[0514] In step S420-11, main CPU 110a sets the ending time. Specifically, main CPU 110a refers to the sub-game control table (Fig. 24(a)) stored in main ROM 110c, determines the ending time of the sub-game based on the stop symbol data of the normal symbol stored in the normal symbol data storage area of main RAM 110b, and sets the determined ending time in the sub-game timer counter.

[0515] In step S420-12, main CPU 110a determines whether the ending time of the sub-game has elapsed. Specifically, when the sub-game timer counter in main RAM 110b is 0, main CPU 110a determines that the ending time has elapsed. If main CPU 110a determines that the ending time has elapsed, it proceeds to step S420-13. If main CPU 110a determines that the ending time has not elapsed, it ends the sub-game process.

[0516] In step S420-13, main CPU 110a sets 0 in the normal symbol normal power process data in main RAM 110b and ends the sub-game process.

[0517] (Main process of the effect control unit) Fig. 47 is a diagram showing the flowchart of the main process of the effect control unit 120m of the gaming machine 1. The main process of the effect control unit 120m starts when a system reset occurs in the sub-CPU 120a of the effect control unit 120m from the power supply board 170 by a power-on operation.

[0518] In step S1000, the sub-CPU 120a executes an initialization process. Specifically, in response to power-on, the sub-CPU 120a reads a program and data for main processing from the sub-ROM 120c into the sub-RAM 120b, and initializes various flags and various data stored in the sub-RAM 120b.

[0519] Note that the initialization process by the sub-CPU 120a is set to have an extremely short processing time compared to the initialization process by the main-CPU 110a. Therefore, when the initialization process by the main-CPU 110a starts, the effect control unit 120m is in a state where it can receive commands from the main-CPU 110a.

[0520] Next, in step S1100, the sub-CPU 120a executes an update process for various effect random values stored in the sub-RAM 120b. Thereafter, the sub-CPU 120a repeatedly executes the process of step S1100 until a predetermined interrupt process is executed.

[0521] (Timer interrupt process of the effect control unit) FIG. 48 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the timer interrupt process of the effect control unit 120m of the gaming machine 1. The sub-CPU 120a periodically executes a timer interrupt process in response to a clock pulse generated at a predetermined period (for example, 4 ms) by a reset clock pulse generation circuit (not shown) provided in the effect control unit 120m.

[0522] In step S1300, the sub-CPU 120a saves the information in the register of the sub-CPU 120a in the stack area. Next, in step S1400, the sub-CPU 120a executes a process of updating the count values of various timers stored in the sub-RAM 120b.

[0523] In step S1500, the sub-CPU 120a executes command analysis processing. The command analysis processing is a process in which the sub-CPU 120a analyzes various commands transmitted from the main control board 110 stored in the reception buffer of the sub-RAM 120b. Details of the command analysis processing will be described later.

[0524] Note that when the effect control unit 120m receives various commands from the main control board 110, a command reception interrupt process by the effect control unit 120m occurs, and the received commands are stored in the reception buffer of the sub-RAM 120b.

[0525] In step S1600, the sub-CPU 120a executes customer waiting effect control processing. Specifically, when the customer waiting effect flag is set in the customer waiting effect flag storage area and the sub-CPU 120a determines that the count value of the customer waiting effect timer count in the sub-RAM 120b is 0, the sub-CPU 120a sets the customer waiting state execution flag in the customer waiting effect flag area of the sub-RAM 120b and sets the effect pattern designation command for the customer waiting effect in the transmission buffer of the sub-RAM 120b. Note that the setting of the customer waiting effect standby flag and the setting of the customer waiting effect timer are processes performed in the customer waiting effect preparation process in step S1512 of the command analysis processing described later.

[0526] Note that when the overall control unit 141 and the lamp / drive control unit 150 receive the effect pattern designation command for the customer waiting effect from the effect control unit 120m, they perform processing for repeatedly executing the customer waiting effect for a predetermined time. Note that the execution process of the customer waiting effect and the standby process of the customer waiting effect end when a game state designation command, an effect symbol designation command, a variation pattern designation command, etc. are transmitted from the main CPU 110a.

[0527] In step S1700, the sub-CPU 120a executes production input control processing. Specifically, the sub-CPU 120a performs processing according to input signals from the production button SW35a, the cross key detection SW39a, the cross key detection SW39b, the cross key detection SW39c, the cross key detection SW39d, and the cross key detection SW39e.

[0528] In step S1800, the sub-CPU 120a executes data output processing. Specifically, the sub-CPU 120a transmits various commands stored in the transmission buffer of the sub-RAM 120b to the overall control unit 141 and the lamp / drive control unit 150.

[0529] In step S1900, the sub-CPU 120a restores the information saved in the stack area in step S1300 to the registers of the sub-CPU 120a and ends the timer interrupt processing.

[0530] (Command analysis processing of the production control unit) FIG. 49, FIG. 50, and FIG. 51 are diagrams showing a flowchart of the command analysis processing of the production control unit 120m of the gaming machine 1.

[0531] In step S1501, the sub-CPU 120a refers to the reception buffer of the sub-RAM 120b and checks whether there is a command received from the main control board 110. If there is a command received in the reception buffer, the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1502. If there is no command received in the reception buffer, the sub-CPU 120a ends the command analysis processing.

[0532] In step S1502, the sub-CPU 120a determines whether the command in the reception buffer is a RAM clear specified command. If the command in the reception buffer is a RAM clear specified command, the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1503. If the command in the reception buffer is not a RAM clear specified command, the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1504.

[0533] In step S1503, the sub-CPU 120a executes RAM clear notification processing. Specifically, the sub-CPU 120a sets a RAM clear notification instruction command for starting the RAM clear notification processing in the transmission buffer of the sub-RAM 120b, and ends the command analysis processing.

[0534] Note that the RAM clear notification instruction command set in the transmission buffer of the sub-RAM 120b is transmitted to the overall control unit 141 and the lamp / drive control unit 150. When the overall control unit 141 and the lamp / drive control unit 150 receive the RAM clear notification instruction command, they execute processing for performing the RAM clear notification processing.

[0535] In step S1504, the sub-CPU 120a determines whether the command in the reception buffer is a power-on / power-recovery command. If the command in the reception buffer is a power-on / power-recovery command, the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1505. If the command in the reception buffer is not a power-on / power-recovery command, the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1509.

[0536] In step S1505, the sub-CPU 120a executes power-on notification processing. Specifically, the sub-CPU 120a sets a power-on notification instruction command for starting the power-on notification processing in the transmission buffer of the sub-RAM 120b.

[0537] Note that the power-on notification instruction command set in the transmission buffer of the sub-RAM 120b is transmitted to the overall control unit 141 and the lamp / drive control unit 150. When the overall control unit 141 and the lamp / drive control unit 150 receive the power-on notification instruction command, they execute processing for performing the power-on notification processing.

[0538] In step S1506, the sub-CPU 120a determines whether the command corresponding to the power recovery specified command in the reception buffer is a command corresponding to the low base short state. If the command corresponding to the power recovery specified command in the reception buffer is a command corresponding to the low base short state, the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1507. If the command corresponding to the power recovery specified command in the reception buffer is not a command corresponding to the low base short state, the sub-CPU 120a ends the command analysis process.

[0539] In step S1507, the sub-CPU 120a sets a special background image setting flag in the special background image setting flag storage area of the sub-RAM 120b. The special background image setting flag is a flag set to display a background image different from the actual gaming state on the image display device 31 immediately after power-on or immediately after the jackpot ends.

[0540] Next, in step S1508, the sub-CPU 120a sets the count value of the special background variation number (P) counter in the sub-RAM 120b to the initial value of 30 and ends the command analysis process.

[0541] In step S1509, the sub-CPU 120a determines whether the command in the reception buffer is an error-related specified command. If the command in the reception buffer is an error-related specified command, the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1510. If the command in the reception buffer is not an error-related specified command, the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1511.

[0542] The error-related specified commands include a magnetic error specified command, a radio wave error specified command, an illegal winning error specified command, a door opening error start specified command, a door opening error end specified command, a dish full error specified command, a right hitting error specified command, etc.

[0543] The magnetic error designation command is a command transmitted from the main CPU 110a when the main CPU 110a detects a detection signal from the magnetic detection SW41a for a predetermined period. The radio wave error designation command is a command transmitted from the main CPU 110a when the main CPU 110a detects a detection signal from the radio wave detection SW42a for a predetermined period.

[0544] The illegal winning error designation command is a command transmitted from the main CPU 110a when the main CPU 110a detects the winning of a game ball at the second start port 15 when not in the auxiliary game, or the winning of a game ball at the first big winning port 16 or the second big winning port 17 when not in the big win game.

[0545] The door open error start designation command is a command transmitted from the main CPU 110a when the payout CPU detects a detection signal from the door open detection SW134 for a predetermined period. The door open error end designation command is a command transmitted from the main CPU 110a when the payout CPU detects that the detection signal from the door open detection SW134 has changed from on to off.

[0546] The dish full error designation command is a command transmitted from the main CPU 110a when the payout CPU detects a detection signal from the full detection SW133 for a predetermined period. The right hit error designation command is a command transmitted from the main CPU 110a when the main CPU 110a detects the passage of a game ball through the normal symbol gate 13 during a period when left hitting should be performed, such as in the normal state or the short low base state.

[0547] The sub CPU 120a executes error notification processing in step S1510. Specifically, the sub CPU 120a sets an error notification instruction command corresponding to the type of the received error system designation command in the transmission buffer of the sub RAM 120b and ends the command analysis processing.

[0548] Note that the error notification instruction command set in the transmission buffer of the sub-RAM 120b is transmitted to the overall control unit 141 and the lamp / drive control unit 150. When the overall control unit 141 and the lamp / drive control unit 150 receive the error notification instruction command, they execute a process for performing error notification processing.

[0549] In step S1511, the sub-CPU 120a determines whether the command in the reception buffer is a customer waiting state designation command. If the command in the reception buffer is a customer waiting state designation command, the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1512. If the command in the reception buffer is not a customer waiting state designation command, the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1513.

[0550] In step S1512, the sub-CPU 120a executes a customer waiting production preparation process. Specifically, the sub-CPU 120a sets a customer waiting production standby flag in the customer waiting production flag storage area of the sub-RAM 120b, sets a waiting time (for example, 15 seconds) in the customer waiting production timer count area of the sub-RAM 120b, and ends the command analysis process. Note that the execution process of the customer waiting production is performed in the customer waiting production control process of step S1600 described above.

[0551] In step S1513, the sub-CPU 120a determines whether the command in the reception buffer is a game state designation command. If the command in the reception buffer is a game state designation command, the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1514. If the command in the reception buffer is not a game state designation command, the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1516.

[0552] In step S1514, the sub-CPU 120a executes a game state setting process. Specifically, the sub-CPU 120a determines the current game state information from the game state designation command in the reception buffer, and stores the determined game state information in the game state information storage area of the sub-RAM 120b.

[0553] In step S1515, the sub-CPU 120a executes background image display control processing. Specifically, the sub-CPU 120a determines the background image to be displayed based on the special background image setting flag stored in the special background image setting flag storage area of the sub-RAM 120b, the game state information stored in the game state information storage area of the sub-RAM 120b, etc., and sets the production pattern designation command of the determined background image in the transmission buffer of the sub-RAM 120b. Note that the details of the background image display control processing will be described later. After executing the background image display control processing, the sub-CPU 120a ends the command analysis processing.

[0554] In step S1516, the sub-CPU 120a determines whether the command in the reception buffer is a special symbol hold count designation command. If the command in the reception buffer is a special symbol hold count designation command, the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1517. If the command in the reception buffer is not a special symbol hold count designation command, the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1518.

[0555] In step S1517, the sub-CPU 120a executes hold count update processing. Specifically, the sub-CPU 120a executes processing such as setting the hold memory count corresponding to the received special symbol hold count designation command in the hold memory count counter of the sub-RAM 120b. After performing the hold count update processing, the sub-CPU 120a ends the command update processing.

[0556] In step S1518, the sub-CPU 120a determines whether the command in the reception buffer is a start winning designation command. If the command in the reception buffer is a start winning designation command, the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1519. If the command in the reception buffer is not a start winning designation command, the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1520.

[0557] In step 1519, the sub-CPU 120a executes the pre-reading effect determination process. Specifically, the sub-CPU 120a determines whether to execute a pre-reading effect based on the received start winning designation command, the counter value of the hold memory number counter in the sub-RAM 120b, and the game state information stored in the game state information storage area.

[0558] When the sub-CPU 120a executes a pre-reading effect, it determines the type of the pre-reading effect to be executed and the pre-reading effect scenario data, stores the determined pre-reading effect scenario data in the pre-reading effect scenario storage area of the sub-RAM 120b, and sets an initial value corresponding to the determined pre-reading effect scenario data to the counter value in the pre-reading effect counter storage area. The sub-CPU 120a sets an effect pattern designation command for starting the pre-reading effect in the transmission buffer of the main RAM 120b.

[0559] The pre-reading effects are composed of multiple types of pre-reading effects, such as a hold change pre-reading effect that changes the display mode of the first hold image 41 or the second hold image 42, a pre-reading zone effect that changes the background image over multiple fluctuations, and an effect that displays a pre-reading effect when the decorative symbol 36 temporarily stops. Note that multiple pre-reading effects can be executed alone or in parallel by setting multiple sets of pre-reading scenario data.

[0560] In step S1520, the sub-CPU 120a determines whether the command in the reception buffer is an effect symbol designation command. When the command in the reception buffer is an effect symbol designation command, the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1521. When the command in the reception buffer is not an effect symbol designation command, the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1522.

[0561] In step S1521, the sub-CPU 120a executes the effect symbol determination process. Specifically, based on the received effect symbol designation command, the sub-CPU 120a determines effect symbol data that specifies the symbols to be stopped at the left symbol 36L, the middle symbol 36C, the right symbol 36R, and the fourth symbol 36Z. Then, the sub-CPU 120a sets an effect pattern designation command corresponding to the determined effect symbol data in the transmission buffer of the sub-RAM 120b, and ends the command analysis process.

[0562] In step S1522, the sub-CPU 120a determines whether the command in the reception buffer is a time shortening count designation command. If the command in the reception buffer is a time shortening count designation command, the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1523. If the command in the reception buffer is not a time shortening count designation command, the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1524.

[0563] In step S1523, the sub-CPU 120a executes the time shortening count control process. Specifically, based on the received time shortening count designation command, the sub-CPU 120a sets the time shortening count corresponding to the received time shortening count designation command in the low base time shortening count (BK) and the high base time shortening count (JK) of the sub-RAM 120b, and ends the command analysis process.

[0564] In step S1524, the sub-CPU 120a determines whether the command in the reception buffer is a variation pattern designation command. If the command in the reception buffer is a variation pattern designation command, the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1525. If the command in the reception buffer is not a variation pattern designation command, the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1532.

[0565] In step S1525, the sub-CPU 120a determines whether prefetch production scenario data is stored in the prefetch production scenario storage area of the sub-RAM 120b. If the prefetch production scenario data is stored, the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1526. If the prefetch production scenario data is not stored, the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1527.

[0566] In step S1526, the sub-CPU 120a executes prefetch production control processing. Specifically, the sub-CPU 120a sets an effect pattern designation command corresponding to the prefetch production to be executed in the transmission buffer of the main RAM 120b based on the prefetch production scenario data stored in the prefetch production scenario storage area of the sub-RAM 120b and the counter value in the prefetch production counter storage area. If the current variable display is a variable display to be prefetched, the sub-CPU 120a resets the prefetch production scenario storage area and the count value in the prefetch production counter storage area. If the current variable display is a variable display prior to the variable display to be prefetched, the sub-CPU 120a decrements the count value in the prefetch production counter storage area by 1.

[0567] Note that the prefetch production determination processing in step S1519 and the effect pattern designation command set in the transmission buffer in the above prefetch production control processing are transmitted to the overall control unit 141 and the lamp / drive control unit 150 by the output control processing in step S1800. When receiving the effect pattern designation command related to this prefetch, the overall control unit 141 and the lamp / drive control unit 150 perform processing to cause the image display device 31, the audio output device 32, the effect driving devices 330a, 330b, 330c, and the effect lighting devices 340a, 340b, 340c, 340d to execute a prefetch production according to the command.

[0568] The sub-CPU 120a executes variable effect pattern determination processing in step S1527. Specifically, the sub-CPU 120a refers to a variable effect pattern determination table stored in the sub-ROM 120c based on the received variable pattern designation command and the effect random number value stored in the sub-RAM 120b, and determines a variable effect pattern. The sub-CPU 120a sets an effect pattern designation command corresponding to the determined variable effect pattern in the transmission buffer of the sub-RAM 120b. The details of the variable effect pattern determination processing will be described later.

[0569] Note that the effect pattern designation command set in the transmission buffer by the above variable effect pattern determination processing is transmitted to the overall control unit 141 and the lamp / drive control unit 150 by the output control processing in step S1800. When the overall control unit 141 and the lamp / drive control unit 150 receive the effect pattern designation command related to this variable effect, they perform processing to cause the image display device 31, the audio output device 32, the effect drive devices 330a, 330b, 330c, and the effect lighting devices 340a, 340b, 340c, 340d to execute a variable effect according to the command.

[0570] In step S1528, the sub-CPU 120a determines whether the current gaming state is a high base short state. Specifically, the sub-CPU 120a determines whether the gaming state information stored in the gaming state information storage area of the main RAM 120b is a high base short state. If the current gaming state is a high base short state, the sub-CPU 120a ends the command analysis processing. If the current gaming state is not a high base short state, the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1529.

[0571] In step S1529, the sub-CPU 120a determines whether the received variation pattern designation command is a variation pattern designation command corresponding to the variation display of the first special symbol. If the received variation pattern designation command corresponds to the variation display of the first special symbol, the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1530. If the received variation pattern designation command does not correspond to the variation display of the first special symbol, the sub-CPU 120a ends the command analysis process.

[0572] In step S1530, the sub-CPU 120a determines whether it is a variation display in which the jackpot symbol that becomes the low base short state after the special game ends stops. The jackpot that becomes the low base short state after the jackpot ends is the first type 2R per C in the low base short state and the high base short state (FIG. 11).

[0573] If it is a variation display in which the jackpot symbol that becomes the low base short state after the special game ends stops, the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1531. If it is not a variation display in which the jackpot symbol that becomes the low base short state after the special game ends stops, the sub-CPU 120a ends the command analysis process.

[0574] In step S1531, the sub-CPU 120a sets the special background image standby setting flag in the special background image standby setting flag storage area of the sub-RAM 120b and ends the command analysis process.

[0575] In step S1532, the sub-CPU 120a determines whether the command in the reception buffer is a symbol determination command. If the command in the reception buffer is a symbol determination command, the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1533. If the command in the reception buffer is not a symbol determination command, the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1545.

[0576] In step S1533, the sub-CPU 120a executes the symbol determination process. Specifically, the sub-CPU 120a sets an effect pattern designation command for stopping the display of the decorative symbol 36 in the image display device 31 in the transmission buffer of the sub-RAM 120b.

[0577] Note that the effect pattern designation command set in the transmission buffer in the above symbol determination process is transmitted to the overall control unit 141 and the lamp / drive control unit 150 by the output control process in step S1800. When receiving this effect pattern designation command, the overall control unit 141 and the lamp / drive control unit 150 perform processes for causing the image display device 31, the audio output device 32, the effect driving devices 330a, 330b, 330c, and the effect lighting devices 340a, 340b, 340c, 340d to execute an effect regarding the stop of the decorative symbol 36.

[0578] In step S1534, the sub-CPU 120a determines whether the training mode setting flag in the sub-RAM 120b is set. If the training mode setting flag in the sub-RAM 120b is set, the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1535. If the training mode setting flag in the sub-RAM 120b is not set, the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1539.

[0579] Note that the training mode setting flag is a flag set in S1527-7 in the variable effect pattern determination process described later (Fig. 57). Specifically, regarding the training mode setting flag, when starting the training mode effect at the time when the remaining number of times of the low base short number of times (B) reaches 20 times until the specified number of times, the true training mode setting flag (value of 1) is set. When starting the training mode effect at the time when the remaining number of times reaches 220 times or 420 times until the specified number of times, the false training mode setting flag (value of 2) is set. When neither is set, 0 is set. Therefore, when a value of 1 or 2 is set in the training mode setting flag, the sub-CPU 120a determines that the training mode setting flag is set.

[0580] The exercise mode effect is an effect that suggests that in the ground mode, which indicates a short low-base state, the digestion of the number of short low-base times (B) is approaching the specified number of times, and also suggests that there is a possibility of approaching the transition to the sea mode.

[0581] The exercise mode effect starts when the remaining number of short low-base times (B) reaches 20 times until the specified number of times, and also when it reaches 220 times and 420 times until the specified number of times, and is continuously executed during the 20 times of variable display. In the final variation of the exercise mode effect (the variation effect at the 20th rotation from the start of the exercise mode effect), the exercise mode success effect or the exercise mode failure effect is executed.

[0582] The exercise mode success effect is an effect that is always executed when the exercise mode effect starts when the remaining number of times until the number of short low-base times (B) reaches the specified number of times is 20 times. Also, when the exercise mode effect starts when the remaining number of times until the number of short low-base times (B) reaches the specified number of times is 220 times or 420 times, depending on the value of the random number value for the effect, the exercise mode success effect or the exercise mode failure effect is executed.

[0583] After the exercise mode success effect is performed, an effect notifying the transition to the sea mode is performed, and after the exercise mode failure effect is performed, an effect notifying the continuation of the ground mode is performed. After the execution of the exercise mode success effect or the exercise mode failure effect, the game effect is executed in the effect mode where the transition is notified.

[0584] Therefore, when the ground mode continues after the execution of the exercise mode failure effect, the game state is determined to be the short low-base state. On the other hand, when transitioning to the sea mode after the exercise mode success effect, the game state becomes either the normal state or the short low-base state. The details of the exercise mode will be described later.

[0585] In step S1535, the sub-CPU 120a subtracts 1 from the number of fluctuations (TM) in the training mode of the sub-RAM 120b. In step S1536, the sub-CPU 120a determines whether the number of fluctuations (TM) in the training mode of the sub-RAM 120b is 1 or more. If the number of fluctuations (TM) in the training mode is 1 or more, the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1537. If the number of fluctuations (TM) in the training mode is not 1 or more, the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1538.

[0586] In step S1537, the sub-CPU 120a sets a training mode continuous effect. Specifically, the sub-CPU 120a sets a display of the remaining number of times of the training mode corresponding to the number of fluctuations (TM) in the training mode subtracted by 1 in step S1535, and a chance-up effect whose execution is determined by a predetermined lottery based on the effect random value, the training mode setting flag, and the remaining number of times of the training mode, in the transmission buffer of the sub-RAM 120b, and ends the command analysis process.

[0587] Note that the chance-up effect executed during the training mode effect is an effect suggesting the possibility of executing the training mode success effect, and is an effect that is more likely to be executed when the true training mode setting flag is set than when the false training mode setting flag is set.

[0588] In step S1538, the sub-CPU 120a executes a training mode notification effect control process. Specifically, the sub-CPU 120a executes a training mode success notification effect or a training mode failure notification effect based on the value set in the training mode setting flag of the sub-RAM 120b and the effect random value. The details of the training mode notification effect control process will be described later.

[0589] In step S1539, sub-CPU 120a determines whether a special background image setting flag is set in the special background image setting flag storage area of sub-RAM 120b. If the special background image setting flag is set, sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1540. If the special background image setting flag is not set, sub-CPU 120a ends the command analysis process.

[0590] In step S1540, sub-CPU 120a determines whether to shift to the production mode. Specifically, by setting the special background image setting flag, sub-CPU 120a stops the situation where the sea mode is being executed despite being in the low base state, and determines whether to shift to the production mode to the ground mode according to the low base state.

[0591] More specifically, when the current gaming state is the low base short state and the variable production pattern is any one of the variable production patterns 77, 78 (special loss d), variable production pattern 82 (normal loss), and variable production pattern 90 (normal loss) shown in FIG. 53, sub-CPU 120a determines to shift to the production mode. The details of FIG. 53, which is a diagram showing the variable production pattern, will be described later.

[0592] If sub-CPU 120a determines to shift to the production mode, it proceeds to step S1541. If it does not determine to shift to the production mode, it proceeds to step S1542.

[0593] In step S1541, sub-CPU 120a sets 0 to the counter value of the special background variation number (P) in sub-RAM 120b, and proceeds to step S1544.

[0594] In step S1542, the sub-CPU 120a decrements the counter value of the special background variable (P) in the sub-RAM 120b. In step S1543, the sub-CPU 120a determines whether the counter value of the special background variable (P) in the sub-RAM 120b is 1 or more. When the special background variable (P) is 1 or more, the sub-CPU 120a ends the command analysis process. When the special background variable (P) is not 1 or more, the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1544.

[0595] In step S1544, the sub-CPU 120a clears the special background image setting flag storage area in the sub-RAM 120b and ends the command analysis process. As shown in the flowchart, the clearing of the special background image setting flag storage area in step S1544 may be executed by two routes: step S1543 or step S1541. Specifically, when the clearing of the special background image setting flag storage area in step S1544 passes through step S1541, it is executed based on the variation pattern, and when it passes through step S1543, it is executed based on the special background variable (P) becoming 0.

[0596] In step S1545, the sub-CPU 120a determines whether the command in the reception buffer is a special game system designated command. When the command in the reception buffer is a special game system designated command, the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1546. When the command in the reception buffer is not a special game system designated command, the sub-CPU 120a ends the command analysis process. Note that the special game system designated command includes a big win opening designated command, a big win round start command, a big win ending designated command, and the like.

[0597] In step S1546, the sub-CPU 120a executes special game performance control processing. Specifically, in the special game performance control processing, the sub-CPU 120a sets, in the transmission buffer of the sub-RAM 120b, a performance pattern designation command for causing the jackpot performance corresponding to the received special game system designation command to be executed by the image display device 31, the audio output device 32, the performance drive devices 330a, 330b, 330c, and the performance lighting devices 340a, 340b, 340c, 340d. Note that the details of the special game performance control processing will be described later. When the sub-CPU 120a executes the special game performance control processing, it ends the command analysis processing.

[0598] (Variable performance pattern determination table) FIGS. 52, 53, 54, and 55 are diagrams showing a variable performance pattern determination table for the first special symbol variation of the gaming machine 1. FIG. 56 is a diagram showing a variable performance pattern determination table for the second special symbol variation of the gaming machine 1.

[0599] The variable performance pattern determination table for the first special symbol variation includes four types of tables: a table (FIG. 52) referred to during the period in which variable display in the sea mode in the normal state is performed, a table (FIG. 53) referred to during the period in which variable display in the sea mode in the low base short state is performed, a table (FIG. 54) referred to during the period in which variable display in the ground mode is performed, and a table (FIG. 55) referred to during the period in which variable display in the high base short state is performed.

[0600] The variable performance pattern determination table for the second special symbol variation includes two types of tables: a table (FIG. 56(a)) referred to during the period in which variable display from after the end of the jackpot to the 30th rotation is performed, and a table (FIG. 56(b)) referred to during the period in which variable display after the next variable display when the special loss a is established and variable display from after the 31st rotation after the end of the jackpot are performed.

[0601] The variable presentation pattern is a presentation mode of variable presentation performed using the image display device 31, the audio output device 32, the presentation driving devices 330a, 330b, 330c, and the presentation lighting devices 340a, 340b, 340c, 340d.

[0602] First, each term described in the presentation configuration of the variable presentation pattern determination table shown in FIGS. 52 to 56 will be explained.

[0603] "Normal variation" refers to a variable presentation in which the decorative patterns 36L and 36R stop at different types of patterns, indicating a variable presentation in which a reach state is not formed. "Shortened variation" refers to a variable presentation in which the decorative patterns 36L and 36R stop at different types of patterns, and a variable display in which a reach state is not formed, indicating a variable presentation with a shorter variable time than the normal variation. "Normal reach" refers to a reach variable presentation performed in a state where the same type of pattern is temporarily stopped between the decorative patterns 36L and 36R.

[0604] "SP reach A" and "SP reach B" refer to reach variable presentations that are performed according to the variation of the first special symbol, have a higher jackpot expectation than the normal reach, and result in a 10R win of the first type when winning. "SP reach C" and "SP reach D" refer to reach variable presentations that are performed according to the variation of the first special symbol, have a higher jackpot expectation than the normal reach, and mainly result in a 2R win of the first type when winning. Note that "SP reach C" and "SP reach D" are also executed as part of the variable presentation resulting in a 10R win of the first type (such as variable presentation pattern 4), and in that case, notification (round upgrade notification) of a 10R win during the jackpot is performed. "SP reach G" and "SP reach H" refer to reach variable presentations that are mainly performed according to the variation of the second special symbol, have a higher jackpot expectation than the normal reach, and result in a 10R win of the first type F when winning. "SP reach I" and "SP reach J" refer to reach variable presentations that are mainly performed according to the variation of the second special symbol, have a higher jackpot expectation than the normal reach, and result in a 2R win of the first type G when winning.

[0605] Note that, as shown in FIG. 56(a), “SP Reach G”, “SP Reach H”, “SP Reach I”, and “SP Reach J” are mainly performed according to the variable display of the second special symbol as described above, but may also be performed according to the variable display of the first special symbol in the short state at the high base.

[0606] In the short state at the high base, since the right-handed game is played, the game ball rarely enters the first starting port 14 and the variable display of the first special symbol is rarely performed, but the variable of the first special symbol may be performed in specific situations. Specifically, the specific situation means when the player hits the ball to the left and the game ball enters the first starting port 14 when the variable of the second special symbol is not being performed in the short state at the high base, or when there is a hold number of the first special symbol when the variable display of the second special symbol ends.

[0607] “Full Rotation Reach” is a reach variation effect in which the same type of left symbol 36L, middle symbol 36C, and right symbol 36R are aligned and vary at a low speed. The full rotation reach is executed only when D per 10R of the first type or F per 10R of the first type is established, so it is an effect that notifies the establishment of D or F per 10R of the first type and the transition to the short state at the high base after the big win ends.

[0608] “Roulette Effect” is an effect that is performed according to the variation of the first special symbol during the execution of the sea mode and is performed in a part of the special loss or normal loss, and indicates an effect of selectively displaying any of the three types of outcomes of “ground mode”, “sea mode”, and “undersea temple mode”. “Chance Effect” is an effect that is performed according to the variation of the second special symbol and is executed after the normal reach loss effect, and indicates an effect of winning a small win or indicating a normal loss. “Battle Effect” is an effect that is performed according to the variation of the first special symbol during the execution of the sea mode and is an effect that develops from a normal reach, and indicates an effect of notifying a big win, mode transition, or mode continuation.

[0609] The "direct hit effect" is an effect where the left symbol 36L, the right symbol 36R, and the middle symbol 36C stop quickly in order without performing an effect that incites whether a big win will occur due to a reach effect, and the big win symbols align. In the case of the first type of big win (special symbol F, special symbol J), a combination of decorative symbols 36 of the same symbol stops and is displayed. In the case of the second type of big win (special symbol H, special symbol I, special symbol J), after the same decorative symbol 36 stops and is displayed on the left symbol 36L and the right symbol 36R, a special symbol ("V win") indicating a small win selection stops and is displayed on the middle symbol 36C.

[0610] The variable effect pattern determination table for the first special symbol shown in FIGS. 52 to 55 will be described below.

[0611] FIG. 52 is a diagram showing a variable effect pattern determination table for the first special symbol variation in the sea mode in the normal state. FIG. 53 is a diagram showing a variable effect pattern determination table for the first special symbol variation in the sea mode in the low base short state. FIG. 54 is a diagram showing a variable effect pattern determination table for the first special symbol variation in the ground mode. FIG. 55 is a diagram showing a variable effect pattern determination table for the first special symbol variation in the high base short state.

[0612] The variable effect patterns for the first special symbol variation shown in FIGS. 52 and 53 are both tables referred to when the effect mode is the sea mode. The battle effect that can only be executed in the sea mode can be executed in any game state of the normal state and the low base short state, but the effect patterns of the battle effect that can be executed are different between the normal state and the low base short state. The difference in the effect patterns of the battle effect in the normal state and the low base short state will be specifically described below.

[0613] As shown in FIG. 52, in the battle effect in the sea mode in the normal state, the effect patterns for winning (variable effect patterns 14, 20, 23), the effect patterns for a draw (variable effect patterns 6, 10, 33, 41), and the effect patterns for losing (variable effect patterns 25, 27, 29) can be executed.

[0614] In the battle performance in the normal state, the transition to the high base time-short state is notified by the occurrence of the above-described winning performance pattern. Specifically, when the variable performance pattern 14 is executed, C occurs per 2R of the first type, and after the jackpot ends, the game transitions to the high base time-short state. When the variable performance pattern 20 is executed, D occurs per 10R of the first type, and after the jackpot ends, the game transitions to the high base time-short state. When the variable performance pattern 23 is executed, special loss a occurs, and after the loss stops, the game transitions to the high base time-short state.

[0615] As described in the game flow shown in FIG. 6, the transition to the high base time-short state due to the establishment of C per 2R of the first type and special loss a is performed only in the normal state and not in the low base time-short state. Therefore, the battle victory performances executed in the variable performance pattern 14 and the variable performance pattern 23 can be executed in the normal state but cannot be executed in the low base time-short state.

[0616] Therefore, when C per 2R of the first type is established in the normal state, the battle victory performance (variable performance pattern 14) is executed, but when C per 2R of the first type is established in the low base time-short state, the battle victory performance is not executed, and for example, SP reach D is executed as shown in FIG. 53 (variable performance pattern 63).

[0617] Also, when special loss a is established in the normal state, the battle victory performance is executed, but when special loss a is established in the low base time-short state as shown in FIG. 53, the battle draw B performance is executed to notify the continuation of the performance mode (variable performance pattern 72).

[0618] Note that when special loss a is established in the low base time-short state, instead of performing the battle draw performance (variable performance pattern 72), a losing performance of the SP reach may be performed.

[0619] Also, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the variation time of variation pattern 31 in which a battle victory effect (variation effect pattern 23) is performed when special miss a occurs in the normal state is T31 (50 seconds), and the variation time of variation pattern 64 in which a battle draw effect (variation effect pattern 72) is performed when special miss a occurs in the low base short state is T44 (35 seconds). Therefore, when special miss a occurs in the sea mode, the execution time of the variation effect is longer in the normal state than in the low base short state.

[0620] On the other hand, the transition to the high base short state after the end of D per 10R of the first type occurs after the end of D per 10R of the first type in both the normal state and the low base short state. Therefore, in both the normal state and the low base short state, a battle victory effect of "normal variation → normal reach → battle effect (victory) → re-draw (7 symbols)" can be executed (variation effect pattern 20, variation effect pattern 69).

[0621] In the battle effect in the normal state, the transition to the low base short state is notified by the occurrence of a defeat effect pattern. Specifically, when special miss b occurs, a battle defeat effect according to variation effect pattern 25 is executed, when special miss c occurs, a battle defeat effect according to variation effect pattern 27 is executed, when special miss d occurs, a battle defeat effect according to variation effect pattern 29 is executed, and after the execution of the defeat effect, a transition to the ground mode is performed.

[0622] As described in the game flow shown in FIG. 6, when special miss b, special miss c, or special miss d occurs, the game state transitions to the low base short state if the state before the occurrence of the special miss is the normal state, but remains in the low base short state if the state before the occurrence of the special miss is the low base short state.

[0623] Therefore, even if the battle defeat effect is executed in the low base short state, although the game state does not actually change, since the game state after the occurrence of a special losing outcome is the low base short state, there is no contradiction between the content indicated by the result of the battle effect and the current game state (such as variation effect pattern 78).

[0624] In variation effect patterns 74 (when special losing outcome b occurs) and 76 (when special losing outcome c occurs) shown in FIG. 53, a battle draw effect is executed. On the other hand, in variation effect pattern 78 (when special losing outcome d occurs) shown in FIG. 53, a battle defeat effect is executed.

[0625] This is because, even though it is in the low base short state, the sea mode is executed in order to deliberately give the player an expectation of the normal state. By executing the continuous effect of the sea mode, the aim is to continue the player's expectation of the normal state. However, in variation effect patterns 74 and 76 as well, it may be possible to notify the transition to the ground mode by executing the battle defeat effect in the same way as in variation effect pattern 78.

[0626] Also, when special losing outcome b, special losing outcome c, and special losing outcome d occur in the normal state, a battle defeat effect is always executed to notify the transition to the ground mode. However, similar to the case of the low base short state, the sea mode may be continued by executing a battle draw effect even if the actual game state is the low base short state.

[0627] Next, the roulette effect can be executed in any sea mode of the normal state and the low base short state, but the executable effect patterns are different between the normal state and the low base short state. Specifically, the differences in the roulette effect patterns in the normal state and the low base short state will be described below.

[0628] In the roulette performance, when a special loss occurs, depending on the pattern of the outcome selected on the roulette, it notifies the transition to the underwater temple mode, the continuation of the sea mode, or the transition to the ground mode. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 52, when a special loss a occurs in the normal state, the roulette performance notifies the transition to the underwater temple mode (variable performance pattern 22), and when special losses b, c, and d occur in the normal state, the roulette performance notifies the transition to the ground mode (variable performance patterns 24, 26, 28).

[0629] As described in the game flow shown in Fig. 6, the transition to the high base short state due to the occurrence of special loss a is performed only in the normal state and not in the low base short state. Therefore, the notification of the transition to the underwater temple mode when special loss a occurs can be executed in the normal state but not in the low base short state. Thus, as shown in Fig. 53, in the roulette performance when special loss a occurs in the low base short state, it notifies the continuation of the sea mode without notifying the transition to the underwater temple mode (variable performance pattern 71).

[0630] The reason for notifying the continuation of the sea mode without notifying the transition to the ground mode while in the low base short state is that, similar to the battle performance (variable performance pattern 72) when special loss a occurs in the sea mode in the low base short state, the sea mode is being executed in order to deliberately give the player a sense of expectation in the normal state even though it is in the low base short state. By executing the continuation performance of the sea mode, it aims to continue the player's sense of expectation of staying in the normal state. However, in variable performance pattern 71, it may also notify the transition to the ground mode and notify that the current game state is the low base short state.

[0631] Also, in the roulette performance when special losses b and c occur in the low base short state, both notify the continuation of the sea mode (variable performance patterns 73, 75), and when special loss d occurs, it notifies the transition to the ground mode (variable performance pattern 77).

[0632] As shown in the game flow of FIG. 6, when special losses b, special losses c, and special losses d occur in the short state at the low base, since the short state at the low base is maintained, it is possible to notify the transition to the ground mode in any case. However, since the sea mode is being executed in order to expect the player to stay in the normal state, in the roulette effect when special losses b and special losses c occur, the transition to the ground mode is not notified, and the transition to the ground mode is notified only in the roulette effect when special loss d occurs.

[0633] In addition, in the roulette effect in the short state at the low base, when special losses b, special losses c, and special losses d occur, it is possible to always notify the transition to the ground mode and notify that the current game state is the short state at the low base, or conversely, it is possible to always continue the sea mode.

[0634] Also, in the roulette effect when special losses b, special losses c, and special losses d occur in the normal state, the transition to the ground mode is always notified. However, by notifying the continuation of the sea mode in the same way as special loss b in the short state at the low base, etc., even when the game state transitions to the short state at the low base, the sea mode may be continued.

[0635] In the roulette effect when a normal loss occurs in the short state at the low base, depending on the value of the effect random number value, there are cases where the transition to the ground mode is notified (variation effect pattern 82, variation effect pattern 90) and cases where the continuation of the sea mode is notified (variation effect pattern 81, variation effect pattern 91). In addition, in the roulette effect executed by a normal loss in the short state at the low base, it is possible to always notify the continuation of the sea mode, or it is possible to always notify the transition to the ground mode.

[0636] FIG. 54 is a diagram showing a variation effect pattern determination table for the first special symbol variation in the ground mode. Note that the ground mode is an effect mode that can be executed only in the short state at the low base. As shown in the column of the effect configuration in FIG. 54, in the ground mode, there is no variation effect pattern that performs a battle effect and a roulette effect.

[0637] FIG. 55 is a diagram showing a variation effect pattern determination table for the first special symbol variation in the short state at the high base. As described above, in the short state at the high base, since the right-handed game is performed, it is rare for a game ball to enter the first start port 14, and since the situation where the first special symbol varies is rare, the variation effect pattern determination table for the first special symbol variation for the short state at the high base shown in FIG. 55 is not referred to except in specific situations.

[0638] Note that the specific situations include cases where, in the short state at the high base, when all the variation displays of the second special symbol have ended in a state where the reservation memory for the variation of the first special symbol is stored, or when a game ball enters the first start port 14 in a state where the variation display of the second special symbol is not being performed, etc.

[0639] When a first type jackpot is established by the lottery result of the first special symbol in the short state at the high base, variation effects (variation effect patterns 150 to 163) such as normal reach, SP reach G, SP reach H, SP reach I, SP reach J, and full rotation reach are executed. Note that these variation effects are the same as the effects selected in the variation effect pattern determination table for the second special symbol variation, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 56(a).

[0640] In this embodiment, the SP reach executed in the variation effect of the first special symbol in the short state at the high base and the SP reach executed in the variation effect of the seco...

Claims

Claim 1 Special symbol display means for variably displaying a special symbol and stopping the display of the special symbol as a game result, and main control means for controlling the transition of game states including a first normal state, a second normal state, and a specific game state advantageous to the player. When the special symbol varies and the special symbol stops, the second normal state is more likely to transition to the specific game state compared to the first normal state. When the special symbol stops in the first normal state, the first normal state can be maintained. When the special symbol varies and the small win symbol stops, a small win game can be executed. It is possible to set the game state after the end of the small win game in the specific game state to the second normal state. Game effect means capable of executing a normal mode effect in the first normal state, a special mode effect in the second normal state, and a specific game mode effect in the specific game state. During the execution of the normal mode effect in the first normal state, different symbol variation effects can be executed when the special symbol stops and when other losing symbols stop. During the execution of the special mode effect in the second normal state, different symbol variation effects can be executed when the special symbol stops and when other losing symbols stop. It is possible to execute a common mode effect in the first normal state and the second normal state. The special symbol includes a first special symbol and a second special symbol. When the first special symbol stops in the second normal state, the same symbol variation effect as the specific symbol variation effect when the first special symbol stops in the first normal state can be executed. A gaming machine characterized in that during the execution of the specific game mode effect in the specific game state, the same symbol variation effect can be executed when the first special symbol stops and when the second special symbol stops, and the symbol variation effect is different from the specific symbol variation effect.

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