Gaming machine

Abstract

To inspect equipment mounted on a game machine.SOLUTION: The game machine includes a main control means for controlling the progress of a game, a plurality of ball entry means provided in a game area where a game ball flows down, allowing the game ball to enter, and including a specific ball entry means, a detection means used for the progress of the game and capable of detecting the entry of the game ball into the ball entry means, and a shift operation means capable of performing a shift operation for shifting to an open state where the game ball can enter the specific ball entry means and a closed state where the game ball cannot enter the specific ball entry means or it is more difficult for the game ball to enter the specific ball entry means than in the open state. The main control means can set an inspection mode in which at least the state of the ball entry means can be inspected when a predetermined operation is performed before the progress of a game is started after power is supplied, the shift operation means can alternately operate in an open state and a closed state when the inspection mode is set, and a time for setting the closed state is longer than a time for setting the open state when the inspection mode is set.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 18

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a major winning lottery is performed on the condition that a game ball enters a start port (start area). When winning a big hit in this major winning lottery, a gaming machine that enables the execution of a major winning game in which a big winning port is opened is known (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When a failure occurs in the equipment installed in the gaming machine, there is a risk that the game cannot be played correctly.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of inspecting the equipment installed in the gaming machine.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, the gaming machine of the present invention includes main control means for controlling the progress of the game, a plurality of ball entry means provided in a game area where game balls flow down, capable of entering game balls, and including specific ball entry means, detection means used for the progress of the game and capable of detecting that a game ball has entered the ball entry means, transition operation means capable of transitioning between an open state in which a game ball can enter the specific ball entry means and a closed state in which a game ball cannot enter the specific ball entry means or the entry of a game ball into the specific ball entry means is more difficult than in the open state. Equipped with, The main control means is It is possible to determine the occurrence of a specific error based on the fact that a game ball has entered the specified ball entry means. Before the game begins after the power is turned on, if a predetermined operation is performed, an inspection mode can be set that allows for the inspection of at least the status of the ball entry means. After the inspection mode is completed, the occurrence of the specific error will not be determined until predetermined conditions are met. The aforementioned movement mechanism is When the aforementioned inspection mode is set, it is possible to alternate between the open state and the closed state. When the aforementioned inspection mode is set, the time spent in the closed state is longer than the time spent in the open state. It is characterized by the following: [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to perform inspections of equipment installed in gaming machines. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the gaming machine according to this embodiment, showing the door in an open state. [Figure 2] This is a front view of the gaming machine according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure illustrates the display unit according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram of the gaming machine according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] This is the address map of the memory area used by the main CPU according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure illustrates the random number determination table for determining a jackpot during low probability periods according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure illustrates the random number determination table for determining a jackpot during high probability mode according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure illustrates the random number generation table for determining the winning pattern according to this embodiment. [Figure 9]It is a diagram for explaining the reach group determination random number determination table according to this embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a diagram for explaining the reach mode determination random number determination table according to this embodiment. [Figure 11] It is a diagram for explaining the variation pattern random number determination table according to this embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a diagram for explaining the variation time determination table according to this embodiment. [Figure 13] It is a diagram for explaining the special electric accessory operation ram set table according to this embodiment. [Figure 14] It is a diagram for explaining the game state setting table for setting the game state after the end of the big role game according to this embodiment. [Figure 15] It is a diagram for explaining the hit determination random number determination table according to this embodiment. [Figure 16] (a) is a diagram for explaining the normal symbol variation time data table according to this embodiment, and (b) is a diagram for explaining the opening / closing control pattern table according to this embodiment. [Figure 17] It is a diagram for explaining the general flow of the inspection mode according to this embodiment. [Figure 18] It is a diagram for explaining the energization control pattern of the solenoid in the inspection mode according to this embodiment. [Figure 19] (a) is a diagram for explaining the first energization control pattern of the solenoid in the inspection mode according to the modification example, and (b) is a diagram for explaining the second energization control pattern of the solenoid in the inspection mode according to the modification example. [Figure 20] It is a diagram for explaining the flow of the inspection of the detection switch and the display during the inspection mode according to this embodiment. [Figure 21] It is a diagram for explaining the relationship between each display and the corresponding switch in the display device unit according to this embodiment. [[ID=_{38]] [Figure 22] It is a diagram for explaining the game machine state flag according to this embodiment. [Figure 23]This is a first flowchart illustrating the CPU initialization process in the main control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 24] This is a second flowchart illustrating the CPU initialization process in the main control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 25] This is a flowchart illustrating the subcommand group set processing in the main control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 26] This flowchart illustrates the power outage recovery process in the main control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 27] This is a flowchart illustrating the timer interrupt processing in the main control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 28] This is a flowchart illustrating the setting-related processing in the main control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 29] This flowchart illustrates the inspection mode-related processing in the main control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 30] This is a flowchart illustrating the processing during inspection mode in the main control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 31] This flowchart illustrates the input / output management process during inspection mode in the main control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 32] This is a flowchart illustrating the switch management process in the main control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 33] This is a flowchart illustrating the gate passage process in the main control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 34] This is a flowchart illustrating the first start port passage process in the main control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 35] This is a flowchart illustrating the second start port passage process in the main control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 36] This is a flowchart illustrating the special pattern random number acquisition process in the main control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 37] This is a flowchart illustrating the performance determination process at the time of acquisition in the main control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 38] This diagram illustrates the special game management phase according to this embodiment. [Figure 39] This is a flowchart illustrating the special game management process in the main control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 40] This is a flowchart illustrating the special symbol variation waiting process in the main control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 41] This is a flowchart illustrating the special symbol hit detection process in the main control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 42] This is a flowchart illustrating the special symbol variation number determination process in the main control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 43] This is a flowchart illustrating the special symbol variation processing in the main control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 44] This is a flowchart illustrating the special symbol stop symbol display process in the main control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 45] This is a flowchart illustrating the fluctuating state update process in the main control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 46] This flowchart illustrates the pre-processing for opening the main prize slot in the main control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 47] This flowchart illustrates the opening and closing switching process for the main prize slot in the main control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 48] This is a flowchart illustrating the control process for opening the main prize slot in the main control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 49] This flowchart illustrates the process for closing the main prize slot in the main control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 50] This is a flowchart illustrating the large prize entry end-of-processing wait in the main control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 51] This diagram illustrates the normal game management phase according to this embodiment. [Figure 52]This is a flowchart illustrating the normal game management process in the main control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 53] This flowchart illustrates the normal pattern change waiting process in the main control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 54] This is a flowchart illustrating the processing during normal pattern variation in the main control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 55] This is a flowchart illustrating the normal symbol stop symbol display process in the main control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 56] This is a flowchart illustrating the pre-processing for opening the ordinary electric prize entry slot in the main control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 57] This flowchart illustrates the switching process for opening and closing the ordinary electric prize slot in the main control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 58] This is a flowchart illustrating the control process for opening the ordinary electric prize slot in the main control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 59] This is a flowchart illustrating the process for closing the ordinary electric prize entry slot in the main control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 60] This flowchart illustrates the normal electric prize entry point end-of-wait processing in the main control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 61] (a) is a diagram illustrating an example of the menu screen during settings confirmation, and (b) is a diagram illustrating an example of the menu screen during inspection mode. [Figure 62] (a) is a diagram illustrating an example of the first examination screen, (b) is a diagram illustrating an example of the second examination screen, and (c) is a diagram illustrating an example of the third examination screen. [Figure 63] This is a flowchart illustrating the sub-CPU initialization process in the sub-control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 64] This is a flowchart illustrating the sub-timer interrupt processing in the sub-control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 65]This flowchart illustrates the process for receiving a setting confirmation status specification command in the sub-control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 66] This flowchart illustrates the process for receiving the inspection mode start command in the sub-control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 67] This flowchart illustrates the process for receiving the inspection mode termination command in the sub-control board according to this embodiment. [Figure 68] This is a flowchart illustrating the operation input processing in the sub-control board according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. The dimensions, materials, and other specific numerical values ​​shown in these embodiments are merely examples to facilitate understanding of the invention and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same function and configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanations, and elements not directly related to the present invention are omitted from the illustrations.

[0010] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, the mechanical and electrical configurations of the gaming machine according to this embodiment, as well as the specific processing on each circuit board, will be described.

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the gaming machine 100 according to this embodiment, showing the door in an open state. As shown in the figure, the gaming machine 100 comprises an outer frame 102 in which a surrounding space is formed by four sides arranged in a substantially rectangular shape, an inner frame 104 attached to the outer frame 102 so as to be openable and closable by a hinge mechanism, and a front frame 106 attached to the inner frame 104 so as to be openable and closable by a hinge mechanism.

[0012] The inner frame 104, like the outer frame 102, has a surrounding space formed by four sides arranged in a roughly rectangular shape, and the game board 108 is held in this surrounding space. The front frame 106 holds a glass or resin transparent plate 110. When these inner frame 104 and front frame 106 are closed relative to the outer frame 102, the game board 108 and the transparent plate 110 face each other roughly parallel to maintain a predetermined distance, and the game board 108 becomes visible from the front side of the gaming machine 100 through the transparent plate 110.

[0013] Figure 2 is a front view of the gaming machine 100 according to this embodiment. As shown in this figure, an operating handle 112 is provided at the lower part of the front frame 106, protruding towards the front of the gaming machine 100. This operating handle 112 is provided so that it can be rotated by the player, and when the player rotates the operating handle 112 to perform a launching operation, a game ball is launched by a launching mechanism (not shown) with a force corresponding to the rotation angle of the operating handle 112. The game ball launched in this manner rises between rails 114a and 114b provided on the game board 108 and is guided to the game area 116.

[0014] The game area 116 is a space formed between the game board 108 and the permeable plate 110, and is an area in which game balls can flow or roll. The game board 108 is equipped with numerous nails and windmills, and game balls guided into the game area 116 collide with the nails and windmills, causing them to flow or roll in irregular directions.

[0015] The game area 116 comprises a first game area 116a and a second game area 116b, which differ in the degree to which game balls enter each other depending on the launch strength of the launching mechanism. The first game area 116a is located on the left side of the game area 116 as viewed from a player facing the game machine 100, and the second game area 116b is located on the right side of the game area 116 as viewed from a player facing the game machine 100. Since the rails 114a and 114b are on the left side of the game area 116, game balls launched by the launching mechanism with a launch strength below a predetermined strength enter the first game area 116a, and game balls launched with a launch strength of a predetermined strength or greater enter the second game area 116b.

[0016] Furthermore, the game area 116 is provided with a first general prize slot 118a, a second general prize slot 118b, and a third general prize slot 118c into which game balls can be entered. The game area 116 is also provided with a first start slot 120 and a second start slot 122 into which game balls can be entered. When a game ball enters one of these first general prize slots 118a, 2nd general prize slot 118b, 3rd general prize slot 118c, 1st start slot 120, or 2nd start slot 122, a predetermined number of prize balls are dispensed to the player. The number of prize balls dispensed can be one or more, and the number of prize balls dispensed from each of the first general prize slots 118a, 2nd general prize slot 118b, 3rd general prize slot 118c, 1st start slot 120, or 2nd start slot 122 can be different or the same. In this case, it is also possible to set the number of prize balls dispensed when a game ball enters the first starting port 120 to be less than the number of prize balls dispensed when a game ball enters the second starting port 122.

[0017] As will be explained in more detail later, a first starting area is provided within the first starting opening 120, and a second starting area is provided within the second starting opening 122. When a game ball enters the first starting opening 120 or the second starting opening 122 and enters the first starting area or the second starting area, a lottery is held to determine one of several pre-determined special symbols. Each special symbol is associated with various game benefits, such as whether or not a major or minor winning game that is advantageous to the player can be performed, or what kind of game state the subsequent game will be in. Therefore, when a game ball enters the first starting opening 120 or the second starting opening 122, the player not only wins a predetermined prize ball, but also gains the opportunity to acquire the right to receive various game benefits.

[0018] The first starting opening 120 is located below the game area 116, and is positioned such that only game balls flowing down the first game area 116a can enter it, or it is positioned in a way that makes it easier for game balls that have entered the first game area 116a to enter than for game balls that have entered the second game area 116b.

[0019] Furthermore, the second starting port 122 is located in the second game area 116b, and only game balls flowing down the second game area 116b can enter it, or it is positioned so that game balls entering the second game area 116b are more likely to enter than game balls entering the first game area 116a. This second starting port 122 is composed of a variable starting port (variable starting prize entry device) having a movable piece 122b, so that the ease with which game balls can enter the second starting port 122 is variable.

[0020] Specifically, the second starting opening 122 is provided with a movable piece 122b that can be opened and closed, and when this movable piece 122b is in the closed position, it is impossible or difficult for game balls to enter the second starting opening 122. The specific configuration of the second starting opening 122 is not particularly limited, but here, the movable piece 122b is assumed to be retracted into the rear side of the game board 108 when in the closed position, and to protrude into the front side of the game board 108 when in the open position. When the movable piece 122b is retracted and in the closed position, the second starting opening 122 is closed, and game balls flow down the front side of the second starting opening 122.

[0021] In response to this, when a game ball passes through the gate 124 provided in the first game area 116a and the second game area 116b, or when a game ball enters the regular symbol operation opening 125 provided in the second game area 116b, it is determined whether or not to perform an auxiliary game in which the second start opening 122 is opened. If it is determined that the auxiliary game should be performed, an auxiliary game is executed in which the second start opening 122 is opened and closed. More specifically, a lottery for regular symbols, described later, is performed based on whether a game ball has passed through the gate 124 or entered the regular symbol operation opening 125. If a winning combination is selected in this lottery, the movable piece 122b is controlled to be open for a predetermined time.

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

[0023] Furthermore, a first large prize opening 126 and a second large prize opening 128 are provided at the bottom of the game area 116. The first large prize opening 126 and the second large prize opening 128 are positioned so that game balls flowing down the second game area 116b can enter them. The first large prize opening 126 is provided with an opening / closing door 126b that can be opened and closed. Normally, the opening / closing door 126b closes the first large prize opening 126, making it impossible for game balls to enter the first large prize opening 126. However, when the aforementioned small prize game is played, the opening / closing door 126b is opened and functions as a receiving tray, making it possible for game balls to enter the first large prize opening 126. When a game ball enters the first large prize opening 126, a predetermined amount of prize balls is paid out to the player.

[0024] Furthermore, the second major prize slot 128 is equipped with an opening / closing door 128b that can be opened and closed. Normally, the opening / closing door 128b closes the second major prize slot 128, making it impossible for game balls to enter it. However, when the aforementioned major prize game is performed, the opening / closing door 128b opens and functions as a receiving tray, allowing game balls to enter the second major prize slot 128. When game balls enter the second major prize slot 128, a predetermined amount of prize balls are paid out to the player. The first major prize slot 126 and the second major prize slot 128 are collectively referred to simply as the major prize slots.

[0025] Furthermore, at the bottom of the game area 116, there is an outlet 130 for discharging game balls that did not enter any of the first general prize slots 118a, second general prize slots 118b, third general prize slots 118c, first start slot 120, second start slot 122, general operation slot 125, first major prize slot 126, and second major prize slot 128 from the game area 116 to the back side of the game board 108.

[0026] Furthermore, the gaming machine 100 is equipped with a performance device that performs effects during gameplay, including a performance display device 200 consisting of a liquid crystal display, a performance mechanism device 202 consisting of a movable device, a performance lighting device 204 consisting of lamps that can be controlled to various lighting patterns and colors, an audio output device 206 consisting of multiple speakers, and performance buttons 208 that accept input from the player.

[0027] The performance display device 200 comprises a main performance display unit 200a and a sub-performance display unit 201a, both consisting of an image display unit for displaying images. The main performance display unit 200a is positioned approximately in the center of the game board 108, visible from the front of the game machine 100. As shown in the figure, performance symbols 210a, 210b, and 210c are displayed in this main performance display unit 200a in a variable manner, and a variable performance is executed in which the result of the big win lottery is notified to the player based on the stopping display pattern of each of these performance symbols 210a, 210b, and 210c. The sub-performance display unit 201a is provided above the main performance display unit 200a and displays auxiliary performance images during the variable performance.

[0028] The special effects device 202 is positioned in front of the main display unit 200a and is normally retracted to the back of the game board 108. However, during the display of the above-mentioned special effects symbols 210a, 210b, and 210c, it moves to the front of the main display unit 200a to give the player a sense of anticipation for a big win.

[0029] The special effects lighting device 204 is installed on the special effects mechanism 202, the game board 108, etc., and is controlled to light up in various ways in accordance with the images displayed on the main special effects display unit 200a.

[0030] The audio output device 206 is located at the top of the front frame 106 and at the bottom of the outer frame 102, and outputs various sounds toward the front of the gaming machine 100 in accordance with the images and other information displayed on the main display unit 200a.

[0031] The performance button 208 is a button that accepts a press operation from the player and is located approximately in the center of the width direction of the gaming machine 100 and below the transparent plate 110. This performance button 208 is activated in accordance with the image displayed on the main performance display unit 200a, and when the player's operation is accepted within the valid operation time, various performances are executed according to that operation.

[0032] The directional pad 209 consists of four buttons—up, down, left, and right—that accept player input, and is located near the effect button 208. The effect button 208 and the directional pad 209 are sometimes used to adjust various settings.

[0033] The light intensity adjustment button 230 is comprised of two switches that detect the player's press. The two switches are spaced apart vertically (the one located further back from the player's perspective is the "upper" switch, and the one located closer to the player is the "lower" switch). When the player's press is detected by the upper switch, the light intensity is increased, and when the player's press is detected by the lower switch, the light intensity is decreased.

[0034] The volume control button 232 is comprised of two switches that detect the player's press. The two switches are spaced apart vertically (the one located further back from the player is the "upper" switch, and the one located closer to the player is the "lower" switch). When the player's press is detected by the upper switch, the volume is increased, and when the player's press is detected by the lower switch, the volume is decreased.

[0035] In the diagram, reference numeral 132 indicates an upper tray into which prize balls dispensed from the gaming machine 100 and game balls dispensed from the game ball dispensing device are led. When this upper tray 132 is full of game balls, the game balls are led to the lower tray 134. The bottom surface of the lower tray 134 has a ball release hole (not shown) for discharging game balls from the lower tray 134. This ball release hole is normally closed by an opening / closing plate (not shown), but by pressing in the ball release knob 134a, the opening / closing plate slides together with the ball release knob 134a, making it possible to discharge game balls from the ball release hole to the bottom of the lower tray 134.

[0036] Furthermore, a display unit 150 is provided on the game board 108 outside the game area 116 and in a position visible to the player.

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

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

[0039] LED25 corresponds to a time-saving status display device (not shown), LED26 corresponds to a probability mode display device (not shown), LED27 corresponds to a status display device (display device that indicates the occurrence of errors, etc.) (not shown), and LEDs28 to 32 correspond to a special electric mechanism continuous operation count display device.

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

[0041] The main control board 300 controls the basic operation of the game. This main control board 300 is equipped with a main CPU 300a, a main ROM 300b, and a main RAM 300c. The main CPU 300a reads the program stored in the main ROM 300b based on input signals from various detection switches and timers, performs calculations, directly controls various devices and displays, or sends commands to other boards according to the results of the calculations. The main RAM 300c functions as a data work area during calculations performed by the main CPU 300a.

[0042] The gaming machine 100 of this embodiment is broadly divided into two types: a special game which is started by the entry of a game ball into the first start port 120 or the second start port 122, and a normal game which is started when a game ball passes through the gate 124 (a game ball enters the normal operation port 125). The main ROM 300b of the main control board 300 stores various programs for running the special game and the normal game, as well as data and tables necessary for each type of game.

[0043] The main control board 300 includes a first general prize slot detection switch 118as for detecting when a game ball enters the first general prize slot 118a, a second general prize slot detection switch 118bs for detecting when a game ball enters the second general prize slot 118b, a third general prize slot detection switch 118cs for detecting when a game ball enters the third general prize slot 118c, a first start slot detection switch 120s for detecting when a game ball enters the first start slot 120, a second start slot detection switch 122s for detecting when a game ball enters the second start slot 122, and a gate 124. A gate detection switch 124s is connected to detect when a game ball has passed through; a general-purpose opening detection switch 125s is connected to detect when a game ball has entered the general-purpose opening 125; a first-large prize opening detection switch 126s is connected to detect when a game ball has entered the first-large prize opening 126; a second-large prize opening detection switch 128s is connected to detect when a game ball has entered the second-large prize opening 128; and an out-ball detection switch 130s is connected to detect when a game ball has been ejected from the game area 116. Detection signals are input from each of these detection switches to the main control board 300.

[0044] Furthermore, a confluence passage is provided on the back of the game board 108, and game balls that enter the first general prize opening 118a, second general prize opening 118b, third general prize opening 118c, first start opening 120, second start opening 122, general operation opening 125, first major prize opening 126, and second major prize opening 128, respectively, and game balls that are guided to the back side from the discharge opening 130, are all merged in the confluence passage and guided to the equipment of the game hall. The out ball detection switch 130s is provided in the confluence passage, and all game balls discharged from the game area 116, in other words, all game balls launched into the game area 116, are detected by the out ball detection switch 130s.

[0045] Furthermore, the main control board 300 is connected to a standard electric mechanism solenoid 122c that operates the movable piece 122b of the second start opening 122, a first large prize opening solenoid 126c that operates the opening / closing door 126b that opens and closes the first large prize opening 126, and a second large prize opening solenoid 128c that operates the opening / closing door 128b that opens and closes the second large prize opening 128. The main control board 300 controls the opening and closing of the second start opening 122, the first large prize opening 126, and the second large prize opening 128.

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

[0047] Furthermore, the gaming machine 100 is equipped with multiple abnormality detection sensors 174 that detect potential abnormalities or fraudulent activity, such as a radio wave detection sensor for detecting radio waves, a magnetic detection sensor for detecting magnetism, and a door open sensor for detecting the open state of the middle frame 104 and the front frame 106. An abnormality detection signal is input from each abnormality detection sensor 174 to the main control board 300.

[0048] Furthermore, a setting change switch 180s is provided on the back of the game board 108. The setting change switch 180s is configured to be accessible by a dedicated key. When the setting change switch 180s is turned ON, it becomes possible to change and check the setting value. As will be described in more detail later, in this embodiment, one of six setting values ​​with different degrees of advantage is stored as a registered setting value in the setting value buffer, and the game proceeds according to the stored registered setting value.

[0049] Furthermore, a RAM clear button is provided on the back of the game board 108 so that it can be pressed, and the pressing of this RAM clear button is detected by the RAM clear switch 182s. The RAM clear switch 182s is connected to the main control board 300, and a RAM clear operation signal is input from the RAM clear switch 182s to the main control board 300. If a RAM clear operation signal is input from the RAM clear switch 182s when the power is turned on, the main CPU 300a clears the main RAM 300c.

[0050] Furthermore, a performance display monitor 184 is provided on the back of the game board 108. The main control board 300 displays registered settings and base ratios on the performance display monitor 184.

[0051] Furthermore, the main control board 300 is connected to the dispensing control board 310 and the sub-control board 330.

[0052] The payout control board 310 controls the launching of game balls and the payout of prize balls. This payout control board 310 also has a CPU, ROM, and RAM, and is connected to the main control board 300 in a bidirectional manner. A game information output terminal board 312 is connected to this payout control board 310, and various information regarding the progress of the game output from the main control board 300 is output to the hall computer of the amusement parlor via the payout control board 310 and the game information output terminal board 312.

[0053] Furthermore, a payout motor 314 is connected to the payout control board 310 for dispensing game balls stored in the storage unit to the player as prize balls. The payout control board 310 controls the payout motor 314 based on a payout quantity specification command transmitted from the main control board 300 to dispense a predetermined number of prize balls to the player. At this time, the number of game balls dispensed is detected by the payout ball counting switch 316s, and it is determined whether the prize balls that should have been dispensed have been dispensed to the player.

[0054] Furthermore, the payout control board 310 is connected to a tray full detection switch 318s that detects when the lower tray 134 is full. This tray full detection switch 318s is installed in the passage that guides the game balls to be paid out as prize balls to the lower tray 134, and each time a game ball passes through this passage, a game ball detection signal is input to the payout control board 310.

[0055] When the lower tray 134 is filled with more than a predetermined amount of game balls, the game balls accumulate in the passage leading to the lower tray 134, and a game ball detection signal is continuously input from the tray full detection switch 318s to the payout control board 310. When the game ball detection signal is continuously input for a predetermined time, the payout control board 310 determines that the lower tray 134 is full and sends a tray full command to the main control board 300. On the other hand, if the continuous input of the game ball detection signal is interrupted after sending the tray full command, the payout control board 310 determines that the full state has been released and sends a tray full release command to the main control board 300.

[0056] Furthermore, the payout control board 310 is connected to a launch control circuit 320 in a bidirectional manner. When the launch control circuit 320 receives launch control data from the payout control board 310, it authorizes the launch. The launch control circuit 320 is connected to a touch sensor 112s, which is provided on the operating handle 112 and detects when a player touches the operating handle 112, and an operating volume 112a, which detects the operating angle of the operating handle 112. When signals are input from the touch sensor 112s and the operating volume 112a, the launch control circuit 320 controls the launch solenoid 112c provided on the game ball launching device to energize and launch the game ball.

[0057] The sub-control board 330 primarily controls various effects during gameplay and standby. This sub-control board 330 is equipped with a sub-CPU 330a, sub-ROM 330b, sub-RAM 330c, and RTC 330d, and is connected to the main control board 300 in a one-way communication manner from the main control board 300 to the sub-control board 330. The sub-CPU 330a reads the program stored in the sub-ROM 330b and performs calculations based on commands transmitted from the main control board 300 and input signals from timers, and also executes and controls the effects. At this time, the sub-RAM 330c functions as a data work area during the calculations performed by the sub-CPU 330a.

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

[0059] Furthermore, the sub-control board 330 operates the performance device 202 and controls the lighting of the performance lighting device 204, as well as controlling the audio output to output sound from the audio output device 206. In addition, when an operation detection signal is input from the performance button detection switch 208s, which detects when the performance button 208 is pressed, and the directional key detection switch 209s, which detects when the directional key 209 is pressed, it performs predetermined processing.

[0060] Furthermore, the sub-control board 330 receives detection signals from the light intensity adjustment switch 230s, which detects the pressing operation of the light intensity adjustment button 230, and from the volume adjustment switch 232s, which detects the pressing operation of the volume adjustment button 232. The sub-control board 330 changes the light intensity in accordance with the detection signal input from the light intensity adjustment switch 230s, and changes the volume in accordance with the detection signal input from the volume adjustment switch 232s.

[0061] Each circuit board is connected to a power supply board (not shown), and power is supplied to each board from the commercial power supply via the power supply board. The power supply board also has a backup power supply consisting of capacitors. The RTC330d, located on the sub-control board 330, receives power from this backup power supply to measure the current time.

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

[0063] The memory area of ​​the main ROM 300b is divided into two parts: a used area (0000H~1A7AH) where the upper limit of the usable capacity is set by regulations and stores programs and data for controlling the progress of the game; and an unused area (2000H~2BFFH) which is not the used area, where the upper limit of the usable capacity is not set and stores programs and data for performing tests as stipulated by the gaming machine regulations, for displaying the performance display monitor 184 (including the process for calculating the base ratio to be displayed on the performance display monitor 184), and for performing various controls during the inspection mode described later.

[0064] The main ROM 300b's usable area includes a program area (0000H~0A89H) where programs for controlling the game's progress are stored, an unused area (0A8AH~0FFFH), and a data area (1000H~1A7AH) where data other than programs is stored. Note that the usable area may be excluded from the unused area (0A8AH~0FFFH).

[0065] The unused area of ​​the main ROM 300b includes a program area (2000H~27FFH) where programs are stored for executing processes for performing tests as defined by the Gaming Machine Regulations, processes for displaying the performance display monitor 184, and processes for performing various controls during the inspection mode described later, and a data area (2800H~2BFFH) where data other than these programs is stored.

[0066] In addition to the used and unused memory areas, the main ROM 300b also includes an unused area (1A7BH~1DFFH), a ROM comment area (1E00H~1EFFH) where arbitrary data such as the program title and version are stored, an unused area (1F00H~1FFFH), an unused area (2C00H~2FBFH), and a program management area (2FC0H~2FFFH) where information necessary for the main CPU 300a to execute the program is stored.

[0067] The memory area of ​​the main RAM 300c is divided into a used area (F000H~F1FFH) that is temporarily used when a program for controlling the progress of the game is being executed, and an unused area (F210H~F228H) that is not used when a program for performing tests specified in the gaming machine regulations, for displaying the performance display monitor 184, or for performing various controls during the inspection mode described later is being executed.

[0068] The main RAM 300c's used area includes a work area (F000H~F12AH) that is temporarily used when a program to control the progress of the game is being executed, an unused area (F12BH~F1D7H), and a stack area (F1D8H~F1FFH) for temporarily saving data while the program to control the progress of the game is being executed. Note that the used area may be excluded from the unused area (F12BH~F1D7H).

[0069] The unused area of ​​the main RAM 300c includes a work area (F210H~F21FH) that is temporarily used when programs are being executed for processes to perform tests as defined by the Gaming Machine Regulations, processes to display the performance display monitor 184, and processes to perform various controls during the inspection mode described later, as well as a stack area (F220H~F228H) for temporarily saving data when these programs are being executed.

[0070] Furthermore, in addition to the used and unused memory areas, the main RAM300c also includes unused areas (F200H~F20FH) and unused areas (F229H~F3FFH).

[0071] Thus, the main ROM 300b and main RAM 300c are provided with separate areas for use, which are used to control the progress of the game, and for use, which are used to perform processes for conducting tests as defined by the gaming machine regulations, processes for controlling the display of the performance display monitor 184, and processes for performing various controls during the inspection mode described later.

[0072] Furthermore, in the main RAM 300c, a 16-byte unused area (F200H~F20FH) is provided between the used area and the unused area. This unused area (F200H~F20FH) is set as a boundary area separating the used area and the unused area, clearly defining the boundary between the used area and the unused area. This prevents the unused area from being used when a program for controlling the progress of the game is being executed, and prevents the used area from being used when programs for conducting tests stipulated in the gaming machine regulations, for controlling the display of the performance display monitor 184, or for performing various controls during the inspection mode described later are being executed.

[0073] The unused area between the used and unused areas only needs to be at least 1 byte, but from a security standpoint, it is preferable to have at least 4 bytes, and even more preferable to have at least 16 bytes. In addition, writing and reading data from the unused area is prohibited, but from a security standpoint, it may be set to be cleared at predetermined intervals.

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

[0075] As described above, the gaming machine 100 of this embodiment has two types of games, special games and regular games, that proceed in parallel. When these two games are played, the game proceeds in one of the game states which is a combination of either a low-probability game state or a high-probability game state and either a non-time-saving game state or a time-saving game state.

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

[0077] Furthermore, the non-time-saving game state is a game state in which the movable piece 122b is less likely to open and game balls are less likely to enter the second start opening 122, while the time-saving game state is a game state in which the movable piece 122b is more likely to open than in the non-time-saving game state and game balls are more likely to enter the second start opening 122. The initial state of the game machine 100 is set to the low-probability game state and the non-time-saving game state, and in this embodiment, this game state is referred to as the normal game state.

[0078] When a player operates the control handle 112 to launch a game ball into the game area 116, and the game ball flowing down the game area 116 enters the first start opening 120 or the second start opening 122, a lottery is held to determine whether or not the player is awarded a game prize (hereinafter referred to as the "Big Prize Lottery"). If the Big Prize Lottery results in a Big Win or a Small Win, the first Big Prize opening 126 and the second Big Prize opening 128 are opened, and a Big Prize game or Small Prize game is executed, allowing game balls to enter the first Big Prize opening 126 and the second Big Prize opening 128. Furthermore, the game state after the Big Prize game ends is set to one of the above game states. The Big Prize Lottery method will be explained below.

[0079] As will be explained in more detail later, when a game ball enters the first start port 120 or the second start port 122, various random values ​​related to the big prize lottery (jackpot determination random number, winning symbol random number, reach group determination random number, reach mode determination random number, and variation pattern random number) are acquired, and each of these random values ​​is stored in the special symbol reserve memory area of ​​the main RAM 300c. Hereafter, the various random numbers stored in the special symbol reserve memory area when a game ball enters the first start port 120 will be collectively referred to as Special 1 Reserve, and the various random numbers stored in the special symbol reserve memory area when a game ball enters the second start port 122 will be collectively referred to as Special 2 Reserve.

[0080] The main RAM 300c's special symbol hold memory area comprises a first special symbol hold memory area and a second special symbol hold memory area. The first and second special symbol hold memory areas each have four memory units (first to fourth memory units). When a game ball enters the first start port 120, special symbol 1 hold is stored sequentially starting from the first memory unit of the first special symbol hold memory area, and when a game ball enters the second start port 122, special symbol 2 hold is stored sequentially starting from the first memory unit of the second special symbol hold memory area.

[0081] For example, when a game ball enters the first start opening 120, if no hold is stored in any of the first to fourth memory units of the first special symbol hold memory area, special hold 1 is stored in the first memory unit. Also, for example, if special hold 1 is stored in the first to third memory units, and a game ball enters the first start opening 120, special hold 1 is stored in the fourth memory unit. Similarly, when a game ball enters the second start opening 122, special hold 2 is stored in the memory unit with the smallest number (ordinal number) among the first to fourth memory units of the second special symbol hold memory area, provided that special hold 2 is not already stored in that unit.

[0082] However, the number of special 1 reserves (X1) and special 2 reserves (X2) that can be stored in the first special reserve memory area and the second special reserve memory area are set to four, respectively. Therefore, for example, when a game ball enters the first start opening 120, if four special 1 reserves are already stored in the first special reserve memory area, no new special 1 reserves will be stored as a result of the game ball entering the first start opening 120. Similarly, when a game ball enters the second start opening 122, if four special 2 reserves are already stored in the second special reserve memory area, no new special 2 reserves will be stored as a result of the game ball entering the second start opening 122.

[0083] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the low-probability jackpot determination random number determination table according to this embodiment. When a game ball enters the first start port 120 or the second start port 122, one jackpot determination random number is obtained from within the range of 0 to 65535. Then, when the jackpot lottery is started, that is, when the jackpot is determined, a jackpot determination random number determination table is selected according to the game state, and the jackpot lottery is performed using the selected jackpot determination random number determination table and the obtained jackpot determination random number.

[0084] In a low-probability game state, when initiating a major prize draw for Special 1 and Special 2 reserves, the low-probability jackpot determination random number table is referenced. In this embodiment, six setting values ​​with different degrees of advantage are provided, and a low-probability jackpot determination random number table is provided for each setting value. During gameplay, the setting value is set to one of the six levels, and the major prize draw is performed by referencing the low-probability jackpot determination random number table corresponding to the currently set setting value (registered setting value stored in the setting value buffer).

[0085] In a low-probability game state, when the setting value is set to 1 (registered setting value = 1), the big win lottery is conducted by referring to the low-probability big win determination random number table a shown in Figure 6(a). According to this low-probability big win determination random number table a, a big win is determined if the big win determination random number is between 10001 and 10218, a small win is determined if the big win determination random number is between 20001 and 21310, and a loss is determined if any other big win determination random number is used. Therefore, the probability of a big win in this case is approximately 1 / 300.6, and the probability of a small win is approximately 1 / 50.

[0086] In a low-probability game state, when the setting value is set to 2 (registered setting value = 2), the big win lottery is conducted by referring to the low-probability big win determination random number table b shown in Figure 6(b). According to this low-probability big win determination random number table b, a big win is determined if the big win determination random number is between 10001 and 10225, a small win is determined if the big win determination random number is between 20001 and 21310, and a loss is determined if any other big win determination random number is used. Therefore, the probability of a big win in this case is approximately 1 / 291.2, and the probability of a small win is approximately 1 / 50.

[0087] In a low-probability game state, when the setting value is set to 3 (registered setting value = 3), the big win lottery is conducted by referring to the low-probability big win determination random number table c shown in Figure 6(c). According to this low-probability big win determination random number table c, a big win is determined if the big win determination random number is between 10001 and 10232, a small win is determined if the big win determination random number is between 20001 and 21310, and a loss is determined if any other big win determination random number is used. Therefore, the probability of a big win in this case is approximately 1 / 282.4, and the probability of a small win is approximately 1 / 50.

[0088] In a low-probability game state, when the setting value is set to 4 (registered setting value = 4), the big win lottery is conducted by referring to the low-probability big win determination random number table d shown in Figure 6(d). According to this low-probability big win determination random number table d, a big win is determined if the big win determination random number is between 10001 and 10239, a small win is determined if the big win determination random number is between 20001 and 21310, and a loss is determined if any other big win determination random number is used. Therefore, the probability of a big win in this case is approximately 1 / 274.2, and the probability of a small win is approximately 1 / 50.

[0089] In a low-probability game state, if the setting value is set to 5 (registered setting value = 5), the big win lottery is conducted by referring to the low-probability big win determination random number table e shown in Figure 6(e). According to this low-probability big win determination random number table e, a big win is determined if the big win determination random number is between 10001 and 10246, a small win is determined if the big win determination random number is between 20001 and 21310, and a loss is determined if any other big win determination random number is used. Therefore, in this case, the probability of a big win is approximately 1 / 266.4, and the probability of a small win is approximately 1 / 50.

[0090] In a low-probability game state, if the setting value is set to 6 (registered setting value = 6), the big win lottery is conducted by referring to the low-probability big win determination random number table f shown in Figure 6(f). According to this low-probability big win determination random number table f, a big win is determined if the big win determination random number is between 10001 and 10253, a small win is determined if the big win determination random number is between 20001 and 21310, and a loss is determined if any other big win determination random number is used. Therefore, the probability of a big win in this case is approximately 1 / 259.0, and the probability of a small win is approximately 1 / 50.

[0091] Figure 7 illustrates the high-probability state jackpot determination random number table according to this embodiment. When a jackpot lottery is initiated for Special 1 and Special 2 reserves in a high-probability game state, the high-probability state jackpot determination random number table is referenced. The high-probability state jackpot determination random number table is also provided for each setting value, similar to the low-probability state jackpot determination random number table.

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

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

[0094] As described above, the major prize draw is conducted according to the registered setting value. At this time, the probability of winning the jackpot differs depending on the registered setting value, and it is easier to win the jackpot when the registered setting value is larger than when it is smaller. Here, it is assumed that the probability of winning a minor prize does not change even if the registered setting value is different, but it is also possible to make the probability of winning a minor prize different for each registered setting value. Furthermore, minor prizes are not mandatory, and it is also possible for only a jackpot or a loss to be determined in the major prize draw.

[0095] Furthermore, while here it is assumed that the probability of winning a jackpot in both the low-probability and high-probability game states differs according to the registered setting value, it is also possible that only the probability of winning a jackpot in either the low-probability or high-probability game state differs according to the registered setting value.

[0096] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the winning symbol random number determination table according to this embodiment. When a game ball enters the first start port 120 or the second start port 122, one winning symbol random number is obtained from the range of 0 to 99. Then, when the above-mentioned major prize lottery determines whether the result is a "big win" or a "minor win", the type of special symbol is determined by the obtained winning symbol random number and the winning symbol random number determination table. At this time, if a "big win" is achieved by special 1 reserve, special 1 winning symbol random number determination table a is selected, as shown in Figure 8(a), and if a "minor win" is achieved by special 1 reserve, special 1 winning symbol random number determination table b is selected, as shown in Figure 8(b). Furthermore, if a "big win" is achieved by special 2 reserve, special 2 winning symbol random number determination table a is selected, as shown in Figure 8(c), and if a "minor win" is achieved by special 2 reserve, special 2 winning symbol random number determination table b is selected, as shown in Figure 8(d). In the following, the special symbols determined by the winning symbol random number, that is, the special symbols determined when a jackpot is determined, will be called jackpot symbols, the special symbols determined when a minor win is determined will be called minor win symbols, and the special symbols determined when a losing result is determined will be called losing symbols.

[0097] According to the special symbol random number determination table a for special 1 shown in Figure 8(a) and the special symbol random number determination table a for special 2 shown in Figure 8(c), the type of special symbol (jackpot symbol) is determined according to the acquired value of the winning symbol random number, as shown in the figure. Furthermore, according to the special symbol random number determination table b for special 1 shown in Figure 8(b) and the special symbol random number determination table b for special 2 shown in Figure 8(d), regardless of the acquired value of the winning symbol random number, the type of special symbol (minor win symbol) is determined to be special symbol a, as shown in the figure.

[0098] On the other hand, if the result of the major prize lottery is "miss," and that result is derived by Special 1 Reserve, then Special Symbol X is determined as the losing symbol without conducting a lottery. Also, if the result of the major prize lottery is "miss," and that result is derived by Special 2 Reserve, then Special Symbol Y is determined as the losing symbol without conducting a lottery.

[0099] In other words, the winning symbol random number determination table is only referenced when the major role lottery result is "Big Win" or "Minor Win," and is not referenced when the major role lottery result is "Loss." Here, it is assumed that the same big win symbol is determined in the special 1 winning symbol random number determination table and the special 2 winning symbol random number determination table, respectively. However, it is also possible to determine different big win symbols in the two tables, or to determine the type of special symbol (big win symbol) by referring to the winning symbol random number determination table 1, regardless of the type of hold.

[0100] In this example, the selection ratio of the jackpot symbol and the minor prize symbol is the same for all settings, but either the jackpot symbol or the minor prize symbol, or both, may be different for each setting.

[0101] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the reach group determination random number judgment table according to this embodiment. Multiple reach group determination random number judgment tables are provided, and a pre-set table is selected according to the type of hold, the number of holds, the game state, the fluctuation state associated with the game state, etc. When a game ball enters the first start opening 120 or the second start opening 122, one reach group determination random number is obtained from the range of 0 to 10006. As described above, when the big win lottery result is derived, a process is performed to determine the fluctuation performance pattern that notifies the big win lottery result. In this embodiment, when the big win lottery result is "miss", the group type is first determined by the reach group determination random number and the reach group determination random number judgment table in determining the fluctuation performance pattern. The fluctuation state is a concept set separately from the game state, which specifies which table is referred to to determine the fluctuation performance pattern.

[0102] For example, when the game state is set to a non-time-saving game state, if a "miss" result is derived from the special 1 reserve, and the number of special 1 reserves (hereinafter simply referred to as "reserve count") when the big win lottery is performed is 0, then as shown in Figure 9(a), the reach group determination random number judgment table 1 is selected. Similarly, when the game state is set to a normal game state, if a "miss" result is derived from the special 1 reserve, and the number of reserves when the big win lottery is performed is 1 to 2, then as shown in Figure 9(b), the reach group determination random number judgment table 2 is selected, and if the number of reserves is 3, then as shown in Figure 9(c), the reach group determination random number judgment table 3 is selected. Note that in Figure 9, the group x listed in the group type column represents an arbitrary group number. Therefore, various group numbers are determined as the group type depending on the acquired reach group determination random number and the type of reach group determination random number judgment table being referenced.

[0103] In this explanation, we have described the random number determination table for determining the reach group, which is referenced when a "miss" major role lottery result is derived based on the special 1 reserve during non-time-saving gameplay. However, the main ROM 300b also stores many other random number determination tables for determining the reach group.

[0104] Furthermore, if the result of the major role lottery is "Big Win" or "Minor Win," the group type is not determined when deciding the variation animation pattern. In other words, the random number judgment table for determining the reach group is only referenced when the result of the major role lottery is "Miss," and is not referenced when the result of the major role lottery is "Big Win" or "Minor Win."

[0105] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the random number determination table for determining the reach mode according to this embodiment. This random number determination table for determining the reach mode is broadly divided into three types: a random number determination table for determining the reach mode when the big role lottery result is a "miss"; a random number determination table for determining the reach mode when the big role lottery result is a "jackpot"; and a random number determination table for determining the reach mode when the big role lottery result is a "minor hit". The random number determination table for determining the reach mode when a miss is provided for each group type determined as described above, while the random number determination table for determining the reach mode when a jackpot and the random number determination table for determining the reach mode when a minor hit are provided for each type of hold.

[0106] Furthermore, each reach mode determination random number judgment table is also provided for each game state and symbol type. Here, an example of the reach mode determination random number judgment table for group x when missing, which is referenced in a predetermined game state and symbol type, is shown in Figure 10(a), an example of the reach mode determination random number judgment table for special 1 when hitting a jackpot is shown in Figure 10(b), an example of the reach mode determination random number judgment table for special 2 when hitting a jackpot is shown in Figure 10(c), an example of the reach mode determination random number judgment table for special 1 when hitting a minor jackpot is shown in Figure 10(d), and an example of the reach mode determination random number judgment table for special 2 when hitting a minor jackpot is shown in Figure 10(e).

[0107] When a game ball enters the first start port 120 or the second start port 122, a random number for determining the reach mode is obtained from within the range of 0 to 250. If the result of the above-mentioned big win lottery is "miss", as shown in Figure 10(a), a random number determination table for determining the reach mode in the event of a miss, corresponding to the group type determined by the above-mentioned lottery for the group type, is selected, and the variable mode number is determined based on the selected random number determination table for determining the reach mode in the event of a miss and the random number for determining the reach mode. If the result of the above-mentioned big win lottery is "jackpot", as shown in Figures 10(b) and (c), a random number determination table for determining the reach mode in the event of a jackpot, corresponding to the read-out hold type, is selected, and the variable mode number is determined based on the selected random number determination table for determining the reach mode in the event of a jackpot and the random number for determining the reach mode.

[0108] Furthermore, if the result of the above major role lottery is a "minor win," as shown in Figures 10(d) and (e), a random number determination table for determining the reach mode during a minor win corresponding to the read-out hold type is selected, and the variable mode number is determined based on the selected random number determination table for determining the reach mode during a minor win and the reach mode determination random number.

[0109] Furthermore, in each reach mode determination random number judgment table, the reach mode determination random number is associated with the variation pattern random number judgment table, which will be described later, along with the variation mode number. The variation pattern random number judgment table is determined simultaneously with the determination of the variation mode number. In Figure 10, the table x listed in the variation pattern random number judgment table column represents an arbitrary table number. Therefore, the variation mode number and the table number of the variation pattern random number judgment table are determined according to the acquired reach group determination random number and the type of reach mode determination random number judgment table to be referenced. In this embodiment, the variation mode number and the variation pattern number, which will be described later, are set in hexadecimal. In the following, "H" will be used to indicate hexadecimal numbers, but "○○H" in Figures 10 to 12 indicates an arbitrary value represented in hexadecimal.

[0110] As described above, if the result of the major role lottery is "miss," the group type is first determined by the reach group determination random number judgment table and reach group determination random number shown in Figure 9. Then, according to the determined group type and game state, the variation mode number and variation pattern random number judgment table are determined by the miss reach mode determination random number judgment table and reach mode determination random number shown in Figure 10(a).

[0111] On the other hand, if the result of the major role lottery is a "big win" or a "minor win," the random number determination table for determining the reach mode at the time of the big win, shown in Figure 10, is referenced to determine the random number for determining the reach mode, which corresponds to the determined big win symbol or minor win symbol (type of special symbol), the game state at the time of the big win or minor win, and the variable mode number and variable pattern random number determination table are determined using the random number for determining the reach mode.

[0112] Figure 11 illustrates the variable pattern random number determination table according to this embodiment. Here, we show the variable pattern random number determination table x with a predetermined table number x, but many other variable pattern random number determination tables are provided for each table number.

[0113] When a game ball enters the first starting port 120 or the second starting port 122, one random variation pattern number is obtained from the range of 0 to 238. Then, based on the random variation pattern number determination table determined simultaneously with the above-mentioned variation mode number and the obtained random variation pattern number, the variation pattern number is determined as shown in the figure.

[0114] In this way, when the big prize lottery is held, the variation mode number and variation pattern number are determined according to the big prize lottery result, the determined symbol type, the game state, the number of reserved symbols, the type of reserved symbols, etc. These variation mode numbers and variation pattern numbers identify the variation performance pattern, and each of them is associated with the manner and duration of the variation performance.

[0115] Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the variation time determination table according to this embodiment. As described above, once the variation mode number is determined, variation time 1 is determined according to the variation time 1 determination table shown in Figure 12(a). According to this variation time 1 determination table, variation time 1 is associated with each variation mode number, and the corresponding variation time 1 is determined according to the determined variation mode number.

[0116] Furthermore, as described above, once the variation pattern number is determined, variation time 2 is determined according to the variation time 2 determination table shown in Figure 12(b). According to this variation time 2 determination table, variation time 2 is associated with each variation pattern number, and the corresponding variation time 2 is determined according to the determined variation pattern number. The sum of variation times 1 and 2 determined in this way becomes the time of the variation animation that announces the result of the big prize lottery, i.e., the variation time.

[0117] Once the variation mode number is determined as described above, a variation mode command corresponding to the determined variation mode number is transmitted to the sub-control board 330. Once the variation pattern number is determined, a variation pattern command corresponding to the determined variation pattern number is transmitted to the sub-control board 330. The sub-control board 330 primarily determines the first half of the variation performance based on the received variation mode command, and primarily determines the second half of the variation performance based on the received variation pattern command. Details of this will be described later. In the following, the variation mode number and variation pattern number may be collectively referred to as variation information, and the variation mode command and variation pattern command may be collectively referred to as variation commands.

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

[0119] When a special symbol A, B, or C, which is a jackpot symbol, or a special symbol a, which is a minor jackpot symbol, is determined, as shown in Figure 13, an opening and closing process is executed to control the opening and closing of the first jackpot 126 and the second jackpot 128 in a predetermined opening and closing pattern by referring to the special electric mechanism operation ramset table. A jackpot game consists of multiple rounds in which the second jackpot 128 is opened and closed a predetermined number of times, while a minor jackpot game consists of only one round in which the first jackpot 126 is opened and closed a predetermined number of times.

[0120] According to this special electric mechanism operation ramset table, the opening time (waiting time until the first round of gameplay begins), the maximum number of special electric mechanism operations (number of rounds of gameplay performed during one major win or minor win game), the number of openings for the main prize slots (the first and second main prize slots 126 and 128 that are opened in each round of gameplay), the number of special electric mechanism opening / closing switches (the number of times the first and second main prize slots 126 and 128 are opened during one round of gameplay), and the solenoid energizing time (the solenoids 126c and 2nd main prize slot solenoids for each number of times the first and second main prize slots 126 and 128 are opened). The energizing time of the lenoid 128c (i.e., the time the first and second large prize slots 126 and 128 are open for one round), the specified number (the maximum number of prizes that can be won into the first and second large prize slots 126 and 128 in one round of play), the effective closing time of the large prize slots (the time the first and second large prize slots 126 and 128 are closed between rounds of play, i.e., the interval time between rounds), and the ending time (the waiting time from the end of the last round of play until the normal special game resumes) are pre-stored as control data for the big prize game, for each type of big prize symbol and small prize symbol, as shown in the figure.

[0121] In this embodiment, when special symbols A and B, which are the winning symbols, are determined, a grand prize game consisting of 5 rounds is executed in both cases, and when special symbol C is determined, a grand prize game consisting of 15 rounds is executed. Each round ends when a predetermined number (8 balls) of game balls enter the second large prize slot 128, or when a predetermined time (in this case, 29.0 seconds) has elapsed since the second large prize slot 128 was opened.

[0122] Furthermore, if the special symbol a, which is a minor win symbol, is determined, a minor win game consisting of one round of gameplay is executed. In the minor win game executed when special symbol a is determined, the first major prize slot 126 is opened for 0.9 seconds twice during the first round of gameplay, with a predetermined pause in between.

[0123] Figure 14 illustrates a game state setting table for setting the game state after the completion of a major prize game according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, when a major prize game is performed, the game state after the completion of the major prize game is set according to the type of special symbol determined at the time of winning the jackpot.

[0124] According to this game state setting table, if the winning symbol is special symbol A, the game state is set to a low probability game state after the big win game ends. On the other hand, if the winning symbol is special symbol B or C, the game state is set to a high probability game state after the big win game ends, and the number of times the high probability game state continues (hereinafter referred to as "high probability count") is set to 10,000. This means that the high probability game state will continue until the big win lottery result is confirmed 10,000 times. However, the high probability count mentioned above represents the maximum number of times that can continue in a high probability game state, and if a big win is achieved before reaching the above number of consecutive wins, the high probability count will be set again. Therefore, if the game state is set to a high probability game state after the big win game ends, and no big win lottery result is obtained in that high probability game state, and a losing lottery result is obtained 10,000 times, the game state will be changed to a low probability game state.

[0125] Furthermore, after a major win is completed, the game is set to a time-saving game state, and the number of times the time-saving game state will continue (hereinafter referred to as "time-saving rounds") is set. At this time, if the winning symbol is special symbol A, the time-saving rounds are set to 100, and if it is special symbol B or C, the time-saving rounds are set to 10,000. This means that the time-saving game state will continue until the major win lottery result is confirmed to be 100 or 10,000 times. However, the above-mentioned time-saving rounds represent the maximum number of consecutive rounds in one time-saving game state, and if a jackpot is won before reaching the above number of consecutive rounds, the time-saving rounds will be set again.

[0126] Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating the random number determination table for determining a winning combination according to this embodiment. When a game ball flowing down the game area 116 passes through the gate 124 (the game ball enters the regular symbol operation opening 125), a determination process for the corresponding regular symbol (hereinafter referred to as "regular symbol lottery") is performed to determine whether or not to energize the movable piece 122b of the second start opening 122.

[0127] As will be explained in more detail later, when a game ball passes through gate 124 (enters the normal ball operation opening 125), one winning random number is obtained from the range of 0 to 99, and up to four of these random numbers are stored in the normal ball reserve memory area of ​​the main RAM 300c. In other words, the normal ball reserve memory area has four memory units for saving winning random numbers. Therefore, if a game ball passes through gate 124 (enters the normal ball operation opening 125) while all four memory units of the normal ball reserve memory area have already stored winning random numbers, no new winning random number will be stored based on the passage of that game ball. Hereafter, a winning random number stored in the normal ball reserve memory area after a game ball passes through gate 124 (enters the normal ball operation opening 125) will be referred to as a normal ball reserve.

[0128] When a regular symbol draw is initiated in a non-time-saving game state, the random number determination table for non-time-saving game states is referenced, as shown in Figure 15(a). According to this random number determination table for non-time-saving game states, if the random number for determining the win is 0, a winning symbol is determined as the type of regular symbol, and if the random number for determining the win is between 1 and 99, a losing symbol is determined as the type of regular symbol. Therefore, the probability of a winning symbol being determined in a non-time-saving game state, i.e., the probability of winning, is 1 / 100. As will be explained in more detail later, if a winning symbol is determined in this regular symbol draw, the second start opening 122 is controlled to be in an open state, and if a losing symbol is determined, the second start opening 122 is kept in a closed state.

[0129] Furthermore, when starting a regular symbol draw in the shortened play state, the random number determination table for the shortened play state is referenced, as shown in Figure 15(b). According to this random number determination table for the shortened play state, if the random number for determining the winning symbol is between 0 and 98, a winning symbol is determined as the type of regular symbol, and if the random number for determining the winning symbol is 99, a losing symbol is determined as the type of regular symbol. Therefore, the probability of a winning symbol being determined in the shortened play state, i.e., the probability of winning, is 99 / 100.

[0130] Figure 16(a) is a diagram illustrating the normal symbol variation time data table according to this embodiment, and Figure 16(b) is a diagram illustrating the opening / closing control pattern table according to this embodiment. As described above, when a normal symbol lottery is performed, the variation time of the normal symbols is determined. The normal symbol variation time data table is referenced when determining the variation time of a normal symbol when a winning symbol or a losing symbol is determined by the normal symbol lottery. According to this normal symbol variation time data table, if the game state is set to a non-time-saving game state, the variation time is determined to be 10 seconds, and if the game state is set to a time-saving game state, the variation time is determined to be 1 second. Once the variation time is determined in this way, the normal symbol display device 168 is displayed (flashed) for the determined time. When a winning symbol is determined, the normal symbol display device 168 lights up, and when a losing symbol is determined, the normal symbol display device 168 turns off.

[0131] Then, when the winning symbol is determined by the regular symbol lottery and the regular symbol display device 168 lights up, the movable piece 122b of the second start port 122 is energized by referring to the opening / closing control pattern table, as shown in Figure 16(b). In reality, an opening / closing control pattern table is provided for each game state, and the corresponding table is set when the regular electric mechanism solenoid 122c is energized according to the game state when the regular symbol is determined. However, for the sake of explanation, here, the control data corresponding to each game state is shown in a single table.

[0132] Once the winning symbol is determined, the second start port 122 is opened and closed by referring to the opening and closing control pattern table, as shown in Figure 16(b). According to this opening / closing control pattern table, the following are stored in advance as control data for the second start port 122 for each game state, as shown in the figure: time before normal opening (waiting time until the opening of the second start port 122 begins), maximum number of normal electric mechanism opening / closing switches (number of times the second start port 122 is opened), solenoid energizing time (energizing time of the normal electric mechanism solenoid 122c for each number of times the second start port 122 is opened, i.e., the opening time of one second start port 122), specified number (maximum number of possible winnings into the second start port 122 during the entire opening of the second start port 122), normal closing effective time (closing time between each opening of the second start port 122, i.e., pause time), normal effective state time (waiting time from the end of the last opening of the second start port 122), and normal end wait time (waiting time after the normal effective state time has elapsed until the display of the normal symbols, described later, resumes).

[0133] Thus, the non-time-saving game state and the time-saving game state are each associated with opening and closing control conditions for opening and closing the second start opening 122 as game progression conditions. In the time-saving game state, it is easier for game balls to enter the second start opening 122 than in the non-time-saving game state. In other words, in the time-saving game state, as long as game balls pass through the gate 124 (game balls enter the normal opening 125), normal draws are performed one after another, and the second start opening 122 is frequently open, allowing players to perform big draws while reducing the consumption of game balls.

[0134] The opening and closing conditions for the second start port 122 are defined by three elements: the probability of winning with a normal symbol, the duration of the normal symbol's variation display, and the duration of the second start port 122's opening. In this embodiment, two of these elements are set to be more favorable in the time-saving game state than in the non-time-saving game state, so that it is easier for game balls to enter the second start port 122 in the time-saving game state than in the non-time-saving game state. However, one or three of the above three elements may be set to be more favorable in the time-saving game state than in the non-time-saving game state. In any case, the goal is to ensure that the time-saving game state is more favorable in at least one element compared to the non-time-saving game state, so that overall, it is easier for game balls to enter the second start port 122 in the time-saving game state than in the non-time-saving game state. In other words, when the game state is set to a non-time-saving game state, the movable piece 122b should be controlled to open and close according to the first condition, and when the game state is set to a time-saving game state, the movable piece 122b should be controlled to open and close according to the second condition, which is more likely to be in the open state than the first condition.

[0135] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a general-purpose opening 125 is provided in the second game area 116b, and almost all of the game balls that flow down to the bottom of the second game area 116b enter the general-purpose opening 125. When a game ball enters the general-purpose opening 125, one prize ball is dispensed. Therefore, even if a game ball is launched into the second game area 116b in a non-time-saving game state, the number of game balls hardly decreases. However, the general-purpose opening 125 is not an essential configuration, and the board configuration is merely an example. Therefore, a configuration in which the number of game balls decreases when a game ball is launched into the second game area 116b in a non-time-saving game state is also acceptable.

[0136] By the way, if the opening and closing controls of the door 126b of the first large prize opening 126, the door 128b of the second large prize opening 128, and the movable piece 122b of the second start opening 122 are not performed correctly during gameplay, it may interfere with gameplay. Also, if the detection of game balls by each detection switch (first general prize opening detection switch 118as, second general prize opening detection switch 118bs, third general prize opening detection switch 118cs, first start opening detection switch 120s, second start opening detection switch 122s, gate detection switch 124s, general operation opening detection switch 125s, first large prize opening detection switch 126s, second large prize opening detection switch 128s, out ball detection switch 130s) are not performed correctly, it may interfere with gameplay. Furthermore, if the illumination of each display unit (LED1 to LED32) in the display unit 150 is not performed correctly, it may interfere with gameplay. Therefore, this embodiment includes an inspection mode for performing inspections of various devices installed in the gaming machine 100.

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

[0138] Then, when a RAM clear operation signal is input from the RAM clear switch 182s (the RAM clear button is pressed) while the settings are being checked, the test mode is started. In this embodiment, the settings are checked even while the test mode is in progress. Therefore, even while the test mode is in progress, the registered settings can be checked, for example, by being displayed on the performance display monitor 184. The test mode and the settings are maintained until the setting change switch 180s is turned off.

[0139] As shown in Figure 17, when the setting change switch 180s is turned off during inspection mode, the inspection mode and the setting confirmation state end. When the inspection mode and the setting confirmation state end, the game becomes playable, allowing the player to play. In this embodiment, the case where the inspection mode and the setting confirmation state end and the game becomes playable immediately when the setting change switch 180s is turned off during inspection mode is shown, but it is not limited to this. For example, in this embodiment, when the setting change switch 180s is turned off during inspection mode, the game may become playable after a predetermined wait time (e.g., several seconds) has elapsed. In this case, the main performance display unit 200a may perform a performance that notifies the remaining time until the end of the wait time. Alternatively, the inspection mode may end when a predetermined time (e.g., 10 minutes) has elapsed since the system was set to inspection mode. When the inspection mode ends based on the elapsed time, the setting confirmation state is maintained. In this case, when the RAM clear switch is pressed, the inspection mode may be started again.

[0140] Furthermore, during inspection mode, the detection of predetermined errors (such as magnetic errors or radio wave errors) may be disabled. This helps to suppress the risk of unintentional errors.

[0141] During inspection mode, the inspection of various solenoids and the inspection of various detection switches and indicators are performed in parallel. Below, we will first describe the inspection of various solenoids, and then describe the inspection of various detection switches and indicators.

[0142] In this embodiment, as an inspection of various solenoids, the operation of the movable parts can be easily verified by controlling the opening and closing of the opening and closing doors 126b of the first large prize opening 126, the opening and closing doors 128b of the second large prize opening 128, and the movable piece 122b of the second start opening 122.

[0143] Figure 18 illustrates the energization control pattern of the solenoids in the inspection mode according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the first large prize slot solenoid 126c, the second large prize slot solenoid 128c, and the ordinary electric prize mechanism solenoid 122c are controlled to repeatedly perform periodic operations according to the energization control pattern shown in Figure 18. Specifically, as shown in Figure 18, one periodic operation is set to be OFF for time T1 (e.g., 2 seconds), ON for time T2 (e.g., 1 second), OFF for time T3 (e.g., 2 seconds), and ON for time T4 (e.g., 1 second). In this embodiment, the periodic operations of the first large prize slot solenoid 126c, the second large prize slot solenoid 128c, and the ordinary electric prize mechanism solenoid 122c are started synchronously.

[0144] Here, if the proportion of time that each solenoid (first large prize slot solenoid 126c, second large prize slot solenoid 128c, and ordinary electric mechanism solenoid 122c) is energized, i.e., the proportion of time that it is ON, becomes relatively high in one cycle, there is a risk that each solenoid will overheat. Therefore, in this embodiment, by relatively lowering the proportion of time that each solenoid (first large prize slot solenoid 126c, second large prize slot solenoid 128c, and ordinary electric mechanism solenoid 122c) is energized, i.e., the proportion of time that it is ON, in one cycle, it is possible to suppress the risk of each solenoid overheating.

[0145] Specifically, by making the time each solenoid is OFF in one cycle longer than the time each solenoid is ON in one cycle, the risk of overheating in each solenoid is suppressed, and the risk of failure is reduced. In other words, in this embodiment, the so-called duty cycle, which is the ratio of the time each solenoid is energized in one cycle to the time required in one cycle, is set to less than 50%. Preferably, the duty cycle is less than 40%. For example, as described above, if time T1 is 2 seconds, time T2 is 1 second, time T3 is 2 seconds, and time T4 is 1 second, one cycle is 6 seconds, and the time each solenoid is ON in one cycle is 2 seconds. That is, in this embodiment, the duty cycle is approximately 33%. This makes it possible to suppress the risk of overheating in each solenoid and reduce the risk of failure.

[0146] Note that the specific values ​​for time T1 to T4 are not limited to the example above; you should set the values ​​for time T1 to T4 as appropriate so that the duty cycle is at least less than 50%.

[0147] In this embodiment, the case is shown where the first large prize slot solenoid 126c, the second large prize slot solenoid 128c, and the ordinary electric mechanism solenoid 122c start a common periodic operation in synchronous manner. However, the first large prize slot solenoid 126c, the second large prize slot solenoid 128c, and the ordinary electric mechanism solenoid 122c may perform different periodic operations within a range where the duty cycle is at least less than 50%.

[0148] Here, we show a modified example where the periodic operation of the first large prize slot solenoid 126c, the second large prize slot solenoid 128c, and the ordinary electric prize mechanism solenoid 122c are different. Figure 19(a) is a diagram illustrating the first energization control pattern of the solenoids in the inspection mode related to the modified example. As shown in Figure 19(a), the first energization control pattern related to the modified example is set to have one periodic operation of OFF for time T5 (e.g., 1 second), ON for time T6 (e.g., 2 seconds), OFF for time T7 (e.g., 1 second), ON for time T8 (e.g., 2 seconds), and OFF for time T9 (e.g., 6 seconds). In this case, one period is 12 seconds, and the time each solenoid is ON in one period is 4 seconds. That is, in the first energization control pattern related to the modified example, the duty cycle is approximately 33%. This reduces the risk of overheating in each solenoid, thereby lowering the risk of failure. Furthermore, by suppressing the risk of overheating in each solenoid, it is possible to reduce the risk of the solenoids unintentionally stopping due to overheating.

[0149] Figure 19(b) illustrates the second energization control pattern of the solenoid in the inspection mode of the modified example. As shown in Figure 19(b), the first energization control pattern of the modified example is set to operate as follows: OFF for time T9 (e.g., 6 seconds), OFF for time T5 (e.g., 1 second), ON for time T6 (e.g., 2 seconds), OFF for time T7 (e.g., 1 second), and ON for time T8 (e.g., 2 seconds), as one cycle. In this case, one cycle is 12 seconds, and the time each solenoid is ON in one cycle is 4 seconds. That is, in the first energization control pattern of the modified example, the duty cycle is approximately 33%. This makes it possible to suppress the risk of heat generation in each solenoid and reduce the risk of failure.

[0150] In the modified version, the first large prize slot solenoid 126c is controlled by the first energization control pattern shown in Figure 19(a), and the second large prize slot solenoid 128c is controlled by the second energization control pattern shown in Figure 19(b). In addition, the ordinary electric prize mechanism solenoid 122c is controlled by the energization control pattern shown in Figure 18. Thus, the periodic operation of the first large prize slot solenoid 126c, the second large prize slot solenoid 128c, and the ordinary electric prize mechanism solenoid 122c may be made different.

[0151] For example, if the structure is such that even if the opening / closing door 126b of the first large prize opening 126 is opened while the opening / closing door 128b of the second large prize opening 128 is open, all the game balls flowing down the second game area 116b will enter the second large prize opening 128, then if the energization control pattern of the first large prize opening solenoid 126c and the second large prize opening solenoid 128c are started in sync with a common periodic operation, it may become difficult to get game balls into the first large prize opening 126 even if the opening / closing door 126b of the first large prize opening 126 is open. For example, if the game area where the first large prize slot 126, the second large prize slot 128, the second starting slot 122, etc., are located is covered with a transparent cover or the like, or if multiple prize slots are treated as a single unit and the front is covered with a resin decorative plate, it becomes impossible to directly move a game ball to the vicinity of any of the prize slots. This increases the likelihood that it will be difficult to insert a ball for inspection into a specific prize slot (especially one located downstream of the covered area).

[0152] As described above, in the modified version, during the time T9 in the first energization control pattern, that is, during the period when the first large prize slot solenoid 126c is OFF, the periods T6 and T7 in the second energization control pattern occur, and the second large prize slot solenoid 128c is turned ON. Similarly, during the time T9 in the second energization control pattern, that is, during the period when the second large prize slot solenoid 128c is OFF, the periods T6 and T7 in the first energization control pattern occur, and the first large prize slot solenoid 126c is turned ON. This makes it possible to suppress the risk of it becoming difficult to get a game ball into either the first large prize slot 126 or the second large prize slot 128.

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

[0154] Furthermore, it is not necessary to synchronize the timing at which the first large prize slot solenoid 126c, the second large prize slot solenoid 128c, and the ordinary electric mechanism solenoid 122c are controlled to be ON and the timing at which they are controlled to be OFF. For example, the energization control may be performed sequentially in the order of the first large prize slot solenoid 126c, the second large prize slot solenoid 128c, and the ordinary electric mechanism solenoid 122c.

[0155] Furthermore, in so-called Type 2 gaming machines, if a distribution device is provided that distributes game balls that enter the large prize slot into specific and non-specific areas, the operation of the distribution device may be controlled in inspection mode. For example, in the case of the energization control pattern shown in Figure 18, the solenoid of the distribution device may be turned ON during time T2, and the solenoid of the distribution device may be turned OFF during time T4. Also, in the case of the energization control patterns shown in Figures 19(a) and (b), the solenoid of the distribution device may be turned ON during time T6, and the solenoid of the distribution device may be turned OFF during time T8. In other words, the operation of the distribution device may be controlled so that one cycle includes both a period in which the large prize slot solenoid is ON and the distribution device solenoid is OFF, and a period in which the large prize slot solenoid is ON and the distribution device solenoid is ON. In this case, the illumination pattern of the lighting device near the large prize winning slot where the distribution device is installed may be set to differ between the period when the distribution device's solenoid is ON and the period when the distribution device's solenoid is OFF. This makes it easier to distinguish between the period when the distribution device's solenoid is ON and the period when the distribution device's solenoid is OFF. Alternatively, the distribution device's solenoid may be configured to switch ON and OFF not in a single cycle, but in two cycles or using two different energization control patterns.

[0156] Next, the inspection of various detection switches and indicators will be described. Figure 20 is a diagram illustrating the flow of inspection of detection switches and indicators in the inspection mode according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 20, in the initial state during the inspection mode, all indicators (LED1 to LED32) of the display unit 150 are controlled to light up. Note that the light emission pattern of the indicators (LED1 to LED32) of the display unit 150 in the initial state during the inspection mode may be any preset pattern and is not limited thereto. For example, in the initial state during the inspection mode, all indicators (LED1 to LED32) of the display unit 150 may be controlled to turn off. Alternatively, in the initial state during the inspection mode, only predetermined indicators (for example, LED1 to LED10) among the indicators (LED1 to LED32) of the display unit 150 may be controlled to light up. The display unit 150 has 32 LEDs, and uses a dynamic lighting method that lights up 1 byte (8 LEDs) for each interrupt process. Therefore, a lighting control method that only requires outputting common data for each interrupt process, such as turning all LEDs on or all LEDs off, simplifies the program.

[0157] In this embodiment, the inspection of the various detection switches is performed, for example, by inserting one game ball into each prize slot. However, the inspection of the various detection switches may also be performed by inserting a so-called gauge rod, which has a sphere attached to the tip of a rod, into each prize slot.

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

[0159] Figure 21 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between each display and corresponding switch in the display unit 150 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 21, in this embodiment, the out-of-bounds bulb detection switch 130s, the first start-up port detection switch 120s, the second start-up port detection switch 122s, the gate detection switch 124s, the first major prize-winning port detection switch 126s, the first general prize-winning port detection switch 118as, the second general prize-winning port detection switch 118bs, the third general prize-winning port detection switch 118cs, the general operation port detection switch 125s, and the second major prize-winning port detection switch 128s are set as detection switches to be inspected. LED1 is associated with the out-of-bounds bulb detection switch 130s. LED2 is associated with the first start-up port detection switch 120s. LED3 is associated with the second start-up port detection switch 122s. LED4 is associated with the gate detection switch 124s. Furthermore, LED 5 is associated with the first major prize slot detection switch 126s. LED 6 is associated with the first general prize slot detection switch 118as. LED 7 is associated with the second general prize slot detection switch 118bs. LED 8 is associated with the third general prize slot detection switch 118cs. LED 9 is associated with the general operation slot detection switch 125s. LED 10 is associated with the second major prize slot detection switch 128s.

[0160] The type of detection switch to be associated with each indicator (LED) can be predetermined and is not limited to the example shown in Figure 21. However, it is preferable to associate detection switches that are more likely to be installed in different gaming machine models with higher numbered indicators (LEDs). For example, since some gaming machine models only have one large prize slot, it is preferable to associate the first large prize slot detection switch 126s with a higher numbered indicator (LED) than the second large prize slot detection switch 128s. This makes it possible to improve the efficiency of the gaming machine design work. For example, it is preferable to associate detection switches that are always installed regardless of the gaming machine model with LEDs 1 to 5, and to associate detection switches that may or may not be installed depending on the gaming machine model with LEDs 6 and beyond.

[0161] Returning to Figure 20, for example, when a game ball is detected by each detection switch in the following order: out ball detection switch 130s, first start port detection switch 120s, second start port detection switch 122s, gate detection switch 124s, first major prize port detection switch 126s, first general prize port detection switch 118as, second general prize port detection switch 118bs, third general prize port detection switch 118cs, general operation port detection switch 125s, and second major prize port detection switch 128s, the lighting control of LEDs 1 to 10 is sequentially started. In this embodiment, once a game ball is detected by a detection switch, the lighting control of the corresponding indicator continues for the period from when the initial state is set until the first game ball is detected by a detection switch and the indicator is turned off.

[0162] Then, when game balls are detected by all the detection switches pre-set for the inspection target, the initial state in inspection mode is set, as shown in Figure 20. When the initial state in inspection mode is set, all the indicators (LED1 to LED32) of the display unit 150 are controlled to light up. In other words, when the initial state in inspection mode is set, the indicators (LED1 to LED10) associated with the detection switches set for the inspection target, and the indicators other than those associated with the detection switches set for the inspection target (LED1 to LED10) (LED11 to LED24) are controlled to light up. This makes it possible to improve the visibility of the transition to inspection mode and the completion of inspection of all detection switches set for the inspection target, thereby improving the convenience of the operator. Thereafter, inspection of various detection switches and indicators can be performed in the same manner.

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

[0164] Furthermore, in the example in Figure 20, the cases in which a game ball is detected by each detection switch in the following order are shown: out ball detection switch 130s, first start port detection switch 120s, second start port detection switch 122s, gate detection switch 124s, first major prize port detection switch 126s, first general prize port detection switch 118as, second general prize port detection switch 118bs, third general prize port detection switch 118cs, general opening detection switch 125s, and second major prize port detection switch 128s. However, the order in which the balls are detected does not matter. In any case, once a game ball is detected by all the detection switches that have been pre-set for the inspection target, the initial state in inspection mode should be set.

[0165] However, a predetermined sequence may be set for each detection switch, and the corresponding indicator (LED) may be controlled to light up only when a game ball is detected by a detection switch specified in that sequence. In this case, the initial state during inspection mode is set when the indicators (LEDs) corresponding to all detection switches predetermined for the inspection target are controlled to light up.

[0166] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 20, when a RAM clear operation signal is input from the RAM clear switch 182s during inspection mode (the RAM clear button is pressed), the initial state during inspection mode is set, regardless of the lighting status of each indicator based on the detection of game balls by the detection switches set for the inspection target, and all indicators (LED1 to LED32) of the display unit 150 are controlled to light up. However, during inspection mode, if game balls are detected by at least one of the detection switches set for the inspection target, and the RAM clear button is pressed, the initial state during inspection mode may be set. In other words, if the initial state during inspection mode is already set, pressing the RAM clear button is treated as invalid, and there is no need to reset the initial state.

[0167] This makes it possible to set the initial state during inspection mode simply by pressing the RAM clear button, without having to restart the gaming machine 100 or detect game balls at all the detection switches that have been pre-set for inspection. This improves the convenience of the operator. For example, it improves the convenience of the operator when it is necessary to perform inspections of the same detection switch multiple times in a row.

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

[0169] Figure 22 is a diagram illustrating the game machine status flag according to this embodiment. In the main control board 300, whether or not the game is in a state where it can proceed is managed by the game machine status flag. The game machine status flag is set to one of six flag values ​​from 00H to 05H. A flag value of 00H indicates that the game is playable. When the game machine status flag is 00H, the game is controlled to proceed, and when the game machine status flag is anything other than 00H, the game is stopped. When the game is stopped, it is impossible for the game ball launcher to launch game balls.

[0170] A flag value of 01H for the game machine status flag indicates a setting change state. When the game machine status flag is 01H, it becomes possible to change the registered setting value. A flag value of 02H for the game machine status flag indicates a setting confirmation state. When the game machine status flag is 02H, it becomes possible to confirm the registered setting value, for example, by displaying it on the performance display monitor 184. A flag value of 03H for the game machine status flag indicates a setting abnormality state. When the game machine status flag is 03H, the game is stopped because the registered setting value is abnormal. A flag value of 04H for the game machine status flag indicates an RWM (read write memory) abnormality state. When the game machine status flag is 04H, the game is stopped. A flag value of 05H for the game machine status flag indicates a checksum abnormality state. When the game machine status flag is 05H, the game is stopped. When the power is turned on, the game machine status flag is set to one of the flag values, and processing is performed according to the game machine status flag.

[0171] During inspection mode, the machine is in a setting confirmation state (02H), making it impossible for the game ball launcher to launch game balls. Therefore, when inspecting the various detection switches and indicators mentioned above during inspection mode, the operator must manually place game balls directly into each starting port, prize slot, etc. However, even if the game is stopped during inspection mode, it may still be possible to launch game balls using the game ball launcher. In this case, when inspecting the various detection switches and indicators mentioned above, game balls may be launched by the game ball launcher and placed into each starting port, prize slot, etc.

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

[0173] When power is supplied from the power supply board, a system reset occurs in the main CPU 300a, and the main CPU 300a performs the following CPU initialization process (S100).

[0174] (Step S100-1) When powered on, the main CPU 300a reads the boot program from the main ROM 300b as part of the initial setup process, and also performs the necessary configuration processes to execute various other operations.

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

[0176] (Step S100-5) The main CPU 300a determines whether it has detected a power failure warning signal. The main control board 300 is equipped with a power failure detection circuit, and when the power supply voltage falls below a predetermined value, the power failure detection circuit outputs a power failure warning signal. If a power failure warning signal is detected, the process proceeds to step S100-3 above; if a power failure warning signal is not detected, the process proceeds to step S100-7.

[0177] (Step S100-7) The main CPU 300a determines whether the wait time set in step S100-3 has elapsed. If it determines that the wait time has elapsed, it proceeds to step S100-9; if it determines that the wait time has not elapsed, it proceeds to step S100-5.

[0178] (Step S100-9) The main CPU 300a performs the necessary processing to allow access to the main RAM 300c.

[0179] (Step S100-11) The main CPU 300a loads the flag value of the gaming machine's state flag before the power was cut off into the D register.

[0180] (Step S100-13) The main CPU 300a calculates a checksum and determines whether the calculated checksum matches (is normal) the checksum stored at the time of power failure, and whether the backup flag is normal. If it is determined that both the backup flag and the checksum are normal, the process moves to step S100-15. If it is determined that either or both are not normal, the process moves to step S100-25.

[0181] (Step S100-15) The main CPU 300a sets the starting address of the main RAM 300c to an address that does not contain the setting value or the gaming machine status flag.

[0182] (Step S100-17) The main CPU 300a determines whether a RAM clear operation signal is being input from the RAM clear switch 182s (i.e., whether the RAM clear button is being pressed). If it determines that a RAM clear operation signal is being input, the process moves to step S100-31; if it determines that no RAM clear operation signal is being input, the process moves to step S100-19.

[0183] (Step S100-19) The main CPU 300a determines whether the flag value of the game machine status flag loaded in step S100-11 is 00H (playable state), whether the setting change switch 180s is ON, and whether the middle frame 104 is open. If it determines that all three conditions are met, the process moves to step S100-21; if it determines that even one of the three conditions is not met, the process moves to step S100-23.

[0184] (Step S100-21) The main CPU 300a sets the gaming machine status flag to 02H (settings confirmation state). In other words, when the middle frame 104 is open, the settings change switch 180s is on, and the RAM clear button is not pressed, and the power is turned on normally, the machine enters the settings confirmation state.

[0185] (Step S100-23) The main CPU 300a performs an initialization process to clear the area of ​​the main RAM 300c that is to be cleared when power is restored, which is the area from the starting address set in step S100-15 above, and then proceeds to step S100-49.

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

[0187] (Step S100-27) The main CPU 300a performs out-of-bounds read / write checks, which involve checking and clearing read / write memory in unused areas.

[0188] (Step S100-29) The main CPU 300a sets the address containing the setting value and the gaming machine status flag to the starting address of the main RAM 300c that is to be cleared.

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

[0190] (Step S100-33) The main CPU 300a determines whether the read / write memory check in step S100-31 is normal. If it determines that it is normal, it proceeds to step S100-37; if it determines that it is not normal, it proceeds to step S100-35.

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

[0192] (Step S100-37) The main CPU 300a determines whether 02H (setting confirmation state) is set in the D register. If it determines that 02H is set, it proceeds to step S100-39; if it determines that 02H is not set, it proceeds to step S100-41.

[0193] (Step S100-39) The main CPU 300a sets the D register to 00H (ready to play).

[0194] (Step S100-41) The main CPU 300a determines whether the setting change conditions are met. If it determines that the setting change conditions are met, the process moves to step S100-43; if it determines that the setting change conditions are not met, the process moves to step S100-45. Here, the setting change conditions include at least the setting change switch 180s being ON, the middle frame 104 being open, and a RAM clear operation signal being input from the RAM clear switch 182s.

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

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

[0197] (Step S100-47) The main CPU 300a performs an initialization process to clear the main RAM 300c that is targeted for clearing during RAM clearing, and then proceeds to step S100-49.

[0198] (Step S100-49) The main CPU 300a performs the process of sending a payout command (RAM clear specification command) to the payout control board 310 to inform it that the main RAM 300c has been cleared (storing the RAM clear specification command in the transmit buffer).

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

[0200] (Step S100-53) The main CPU 300a determines whether the game machine status flag loaded in step S100-51 is 00H (playable state). If it determines that it is 00H, it proceeds to step S110; otherwise, it proceeds to step S100-55.

[0201] (Step S110) The main CPU 300a performs the subcommand set processing. This subcommand set processing will be explained later.

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

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

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

[0205] (Step S100-61) The main CPU 300a updates the initial value update random number for the winning symbol random number. This initial value update random number is used to determine the initial and final values ​​of the winning symbol random number. In other words, when the winning symbol random number update process described later cycles from the initial value update random number for the winning symbol random number to the current initial value update random number - 1, the winning symbol random number is updated to the initial value update random number for the winning symbol random number at that time.

[0206] (Step S100-63) The main CPU 300a analyzes the received data (main command) from the dispensing control board 310 and performs various processes according to the received data.

[0207] (Step S100-65) The main CPU 300a performs processing to send subcommands stored in the transmit buffer to the sub-control board 330.

[0208] (Step S100-67) The main CPU 300a performs the processing required to enable interrupts.

[0209] (Step S100-69) The main CPU 300a updates the random numbers for determining the reach group, the random numbers for determining the reach mode, and the random numbers for determining the variation pattern, and then repeats the process from step S100-59 described above. In the following, the random numbers for determining the reach group, the random numbers for determining the reach mode, and the random numbers for determining the variation pattern will be collectively referred to as random numbers for variation effects.

[0210] Figure 25 is a flowchart illustrating the subcommand group set process (S110) in the main control board 300 according to this embodiment.

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

[0212] (Step S110-3) The main CPU 300a performs subcommand set processing to send predetermined commands to the sub-control board 330. For example, if initialization processing was performed in step S100-47 above, a RAM clear command is set.

[0213] (Step S110-5) The main CPU 300a performs a machine command setting process, which involves setting a machine command indicating the machine type information of the gaming machine 100 into the transmission buffer.

[0214] (Step S110-7) The main CPU 300a performs a setting value specification command setting process, which sets a setting value specification command indicating the registered setting value into the transmission buffer.

[0215] (Step S110-9) The main CPU 300a performs the Special Figure 1 Reserved Command Setting Process, which sets the Special Figure 1 Reserved Command, indicating the number of Special Figure 1 Reserved Commands, into the transmission buffer.

[0216] (Step S110-11) The main CPU 300a performs the Special Figure 2 Reserved Command Setting Process, which sets the Special Figure 2 Reserved Command, indicating the number of Special Figure 2 Reserved Commands, into the transmission buffer.

[0217] (Step S110-13) The main CPU 300a performs a count command setting process, which involves setting a count command indicating the remaining number of turns in the time-saving game state into the transmission buffer.

[0218] (Step S110-15) The main CPU 300a performs a variable pattern selection state specification command setting process, which sets a variable pattern selection state specification command, indicating the variable pattern selection state, into the transmit buffer.

[0219] (Step S110-17) The main CPU 300a performs a special figure phase designation command setting process for setting a special figure phase designation command indicating a special game management phase in the transmission buffer. Note that the special game management phase will be described later.

[0220] (Step S110-19) The main CPU 300a determines whether the special game management phase is in the special symbol variation waiting state. As a result, if it is determined that it is in the special symbol variation waiting state, the process proceeds to step S110-21, and if it is determined that it is not in the special symbol variation waiting state, the sub-command group setting process ends.

[0221] (Step S110-21) The main CPU 300a sets a customer waiting designation command in the transmission buffer and ends the sub-command group setting process.

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

[0223] (Power-off save processing (XINT interrupt processing) of the main control board 300) FIG. 26 is a flowchart for explaining the power-off save processing (XINT interrupt processing) in the main control board 300 according to the present embodiment. The main CPU 300a monitors the power-off detection circuit, and when the power supply voltage becomes below a predetermined value, it interrupts the CPU initialization process and executes the power-off save processing.

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

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

[0226] (Step S300-5) The main CPU 300a determines whether a power-off warning signal is detected. As a result, if it is determined that the power-off warning signal is detected, the process proceeds to step S300-11, and if it is determined that the power-off warning signal is not detected, the process proceeds to step S300-7.

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

[0228] (Step S300-9) The main CPU 300a performs a process to permit interrupts and ends the power-off-time evacuation process.

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

[0230] (Step S300-13) The main CPU 300a executes a checksum setting process to calculate and save the checksum.

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

[0232] (Step S300-17) The main CPU 300a sets a predetermined number of power-off detection signal detections to the counter value of the loop counter to set the power-off occurrence monitoring time.

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

[0234] (Step S300-21) The main CPU 300a determines whether it has detected a power failure warning signal. If it determines that it has detected a power failure warning signal, it proceeds to step S300-17; if it determines that it has not detected a power failure warning signal, it proceeds to step S300-23.

[0235] (Step S300-23) The main CPU 300a decrements the value of the loop counter set in step S300-17 by 1.

[0236] (Step S300-25) The main CPU 300a determines whether the counter value of the loop counter is not zero. If it determines that the counter value is not zero, it proceeds to step S300-19; if it determines that the counter value is zero, it proceeds to the CPU initialization process described above (step S100).

[0237] If a power outage actually occurs, the operation of the gaming machine 100 will stop while steps S300-17 to S300-25 are looping.

[0238] (Timer interrupt processing on the main control board 300) Figure 27 is a flowchart illustrating the timer interrupt processing in the main control board 300 according to this embodiment. The main control board 300 is provided with a reset clock pulse generation circuit that generates a clock pulse at predetermined intervals (4 milliseconds in this embodiment, hereinafter referred to as "4ms"). When a clock pulse is generated by the reset clock pulse generation circuit, the CPU initialization process (step S100) is interrupted and the following timer interrupt processing is executed.

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

[0240] (Step S400-3) The main CPU 300a performs the processing required to enable interrupts.

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

[0242] (Step S400-5) The main CPU 300a outputs the common data set in the common output buffer to the output port, and executes a dynamic port output process for controlling the lighting of the first special symbol display device 160, the second special symbol display device 162, the first special symbol holding display device 164, the second special symbol holding display device 166, the normal symbol display device 168, the normal symbol holding display device 170, the right hit notification display device 172, and the performance display monitor 184.

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

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

[0245] (Step S400-11) The main CPU 300a determines whether the flag value loaded in step S400-9 is 00H (playable state). If it determines that it is 00H, it proceeds to step S400-15; otherwise, it proceeds to step S400-13.

[0246] (Step S400-13) The main CPU 300a determines whether the flag value loaded in step S400-9 is 03H (setting abnormal state) or higher. If it determines that it is 03H or higher, it proceeds to step S400-14; if it determines that it is not 03H or higher, it proceeds to step S450.

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

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

[0249] (Step S400-15) The main CPU 300a performs timer update processing to update various timer counters. Here, unless otherwise specified, the timer counters are decremented each time the main control board 300 processes a timer interrupt, and the decrementing stops when they reach zero.

[0250] (Step S400-17) The main CPU 300a performs the same process as in step S100-61 above to update the initial value random number for the winning symbol random number.

[0251] (Step S400-19) The main CPU 300a performs the process of updating the winning symbol random number. Specifically, it updates the random number counter by incrementing it by 1, and if the result of the increment exceeds the maximum value of the random number range, it resets the random number counter to 0. When the random number counter completes one cycle, it updates the random number from the value of the initial random number used for the winning symbol random number at that time.

[0252] Although a detailed explanation will be omitted, in this embodiment, the jackpot determination random number and the win determination random number use hardware random numbers updated by a hardware random number generation unit built into the main control board 300. The hardware random number generation unit updates both the jackpot determination random number and the win determination random number according to a certain rule, automatically changing the random number sequence each time the random number sequence completes a cycle, and changing the starting value each time the system is reset.

[0253] (Step S500) The main CPU 300a performs switch management processing to determine whether or not there is signal input from the first start gate detection switch 120s, the second start gate detection switch 122s, the gate detection switch 124s, the general operation gate detection switch 125s, the first major prize gate detection switch 126s, and the second major prize gate detection switch 128s. Details of this switch management processing will be described later.

[0254] (Step S600) The main CPU 300a executes special game management processing to control the progress of the special game described above. Details of this special game management processing will be described later.

[0255] (Step S700) The main CPU 300a executes the normal game management process to control the progress of the normal gameplay described above. Details of this normal game management process will be described later.

[0256] (Step S400-21) The main CPU 300a performs error management processing to determine various errors and configure settings according to the error determination results. If an error is determined to have occurred, the main CPU 300a sets an error specification command corresponding to the type of error.

[0257] (Step S400-23) The main CPU 300a checks the first general prize slot detection switch 118as, the second general prize slot detection switch 118bs, the third general prize slot detection switch 118cs, the first start slot detection switch 120s, the second start slot detection switch 122s, the first major prize slot detection switch 126s, and the second major prize slot detection switch 128s, and executes prize slot switch processing to add the corresponding prize ball control counters, etc.

[0258] (Step S400-25) The main CPU 300a executes payout control management processing to create and send payout commands based on the counter value of the prize ball control counter set in step S400-23 above.

[0259] (Step S400-27) The main CPU 300a executes external information management processing to set output data for external information to be output externally from the game information output terminal board 312.

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

[0261] (Step S400-31) The main CPU 300a performs solenoid output image synthesis processing to synthesize the solenoid output images of the standard electric prize solenoid 122c, the first large prize slot solenoid 126c, and the second large prize slot solenoid 128c, and store them in the output port buffer.

[0262] (Step S400-33) The main CPU 300a performs port output processing to output the values ​​of the common output buffer stored in each output port buffer to the output port.

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

[0264] (Step S400-37) The main CPU 300a uses the unused area of ​​the main RAM 300c to perform processing to calculate the base ratio to be displayed on the performance display monitor 184, and executes performance display monitor control processing to set the calculated base ratio as common data to be displayed on the performance display monitor 184 in the common output buffer. In the performance display monitor control processing, the base ratio is calculated at predetermined intervals. The performance display monitor 184 may switch between displaying the base ratio for the current period and the base ratio for previous periods at predetermined intervals. In addition, the base ratio displayed on the performance display monitor 184 may be switched according to predetermined operations. Furthermore, if the game machine status flag is 01H or 02H, the main CPU 300a displays the registered setting value set in the setting value buffer on the performance display monitor 184.

[0265] (Step S400-39) The main CPU 300a restores its registers and terminates the timer interrupt processing.

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

[0267] (Step S450-1) The main CPU 300a determines whether the flag value of the gaming machine status flag is 01H (settings changed state). If it determines that the value is 01H, it proceeds to step S450-3; if it determines that the value is not 01H, it proceeds to step S450-15.

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

[0269] (Step S450-5) The main CPU 300a determines whether the RAM clear switch 182s is ON (whether a RAM clear operation signal is being input). If it determines that the RAM clear switch 182s is ON, the process moves to step S450-7; if it determines that the RAM clear switch 182s is OFF, the process moves to step S450-9.

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

[0271] (Step S450-9) The main CPU 300a determines whether the setting value of the processing area is within the range of 1 to 6. If it determines that the setting value is within the range of 1 to 6, it proceeds to step S450-13; otherwise, it proceeds to step S450-11.

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

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

[0274] (Step S450-15) The main CPU 300a determines whether the flag value of the gaming machine status flag is 02H (setting confirmation state). If it is determined to be 02H, the process moves to step S460; otherwise, the process moves to step S450-17.

[0275] (Step S460) The main CPU 300a performs inspection mode-related processing, which will be explained in more detail later.

[0276] (Step S450-17) The main CPU 300a determines whether the setting change switch 180s is turned on. If it determines that the setting change switch 180s is turned on, it terminates the setting-related processing. If it determines that the setting change switch 180s is not turned on, it proceeds to step S450-19.

[0277] (Step S450-19) The main CPU 300a sets a command indicating the completion of configuration-related processing into the send buffer.

[0278] (Step S110) The main CPU 300a executes the subcommand set processing shown in Figure 25. That is, when setting-related processing is executed, the following commands are sent to the sub-control board 330 upon completion: machine command, setting value specification command, special figure 1 hold specification command, special figure 2 hold specification command, count command, variation pattern selection state specification command, special figure phase specification command, and customer waiting specification command.

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

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

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

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

[0283] (Step S460-3) The main CPU 300a determines whether a RAM clear operation signal is being input from the RAM clear switch 182s (i.e., whether the RAM clear button is being pressed). If it determines that a RAM clear operation signal is being input, the process moves to step S460-5; if it determines that no RAM clear operation signal is being input, the process related to the test mode is terminated.

[0284] (Step S460-5) The main CPU 300a turns on the test mode flag. This means that if the RAM clear button is pressed while the settings are being checked, the test mode will start from its initial state.

[0285] (Step S460-7) The main CPU 300a sets a test mode start command in the transmit buffer to indicate that the test mode has started, and terminates the test mode-related processing. This transmits to the sub-control board 330 that the test mode has started.

[0286] Figure 30 is a flowchart illustrating the above-described in-test mode processing (S470) according to this embodiment. During in-test mode processing, the above-described unused areas of the main ROM 300b and main RAM 300c are used.

[0287] (Step S470-1) The main CPU 300a reads various input port information and performs port input processing in inspection mode to accurately acquire the latest switch status. As described above, when not in inspection mode, the port input processing in step S400-7 performs a double reading of the signal. On the other hand, in port input processing during inspection mode, the frequency of detecting game balls is relatively low compared to during gameplay, and the possibility of false detection is low, so the result of a single reading may be saved without performing a double reading of the on / off state of the signal. This makes it possible to reduce the processing load during inspection mode.

[0288] (Step S470-3) The main CPU 300a determines whether the setting change switch 180s is off or not. If it determines that the setting change switch 180s is off, the process moves to step S470-5; if it determines that the setting change switch 180s is on, the process moves to step S470-9.

[0289] (Step S470-5) The main CPU 300a turns off the test mode flag. This means that if the setting change switch 180s is turned off while in test mode, the test mode will end.

[0290] (Step S470-7) The main CPU 300a sets a test mode termination command in the transmit buffer, indicating that the test mode has ended, and terminates the processing during that test mode. This communicates the termination of the test mode to the sub-control board 330.

[0291] (Step S470-9) The main CPU 300a determines whether a RAM clear operation signal is being input from the RAM clear switch 182s (i.e., whether the RAM clear button is being pressed). If it determines that a RAM clear operation signal is being input, the process moves to step S470-11; if it determines that no RAM clear operation signal is being input, the process moves to step S480.

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

[0293] (Step S480) The main CPU 300a performs input / output management processing during the test mode, which will be explained in more detail later.

[0294] (Step S470-13) The main CPU 300a executes an LED display setting process in test mode, which sets common data, which is information specifying the LEDs to be lit, into the common output buffer. This data is used to control the lighting of each display unit (LED1 to LED32) of the display unit 150 in a predetermined order using dynamic lighting control, with each LED being lit in 1-byte (8-byte) units.

[0295] (Step S470-15) The main CPU 300a outputs common data set in the common output buffer to the output port and performs dynamic port output processing in inspection mode to control the lighting of each indicator (LED1 to LED32) of the display unit 150.

[0296] (Step S470-17) The main CPU 300a refers to the solenoid energization control pattern shown in Figure 18 and extracts and updates solenoid control data for energizing the first large prize slot solenoid 126c, the second large prize slot solenoid 128c, and the normal electric prize mechanism solenoid 122c, as well as timer data which is the energization time or the energization stop time. Then, based on the extracted and updated solenoid control data, it executes a solenoid energization control process in inspection mode to either start energizing the first large prize slot solenoid 126c, the second large prize slot solenoid 128c, and the normal electric prize mechanism solenoid 122c, or to stop energizing the first large prize slot solenoid 126c, the second large prize slot solenoid 128c, and the normal electric prize mechanism solenoid 122c. By executing this solenoid energization control process, the following steps S470-19 and S470-21 will control the starting or stopping of energization of the first large prize slot solenoid 126c, the second large prize slot solenoid 128c, and the regular electric mechanism solenoid 122c.

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

[0298] (Step S470-21) The main CPU 300a executes solenoid output image port output processing in test mode to output the solenoid output image stored in the output port buffer to the output port, and then terminates the processing in test mode.

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

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

[0301] (Step S480-3) The main CPU 300a determines whether or not a signal has been received from the detection switch set in step S480-1. If a signal has been received from the detection switch, the process moves to step S480-5; if no signal has been received from the detection switch, the process moves to step S480-7.

[0302] (Step S480-5) Based on the correspondence shown in Figure 21, the main CPU 300a decides to control the illumination of the indicator lights of the display unit 150 corresponding to the detection switch set in step S480-1. If the signal input is from the first detection switch during the initial state of the inspection mode, the CPU decides to temporarily turn off all indicator lights (LED1 to LED32) of the display unit 150, and then illuminate the indicator lights of the display unit 150 corresponding to the detection switch set in step S480-1.

[0303] (Step S480-7) The main CPU 300a determines whether the processing in steps S480-1 to S480-5 has been completed for all detection switches to be inspected (10 switches in this embodiment, see Figure 21). If the processing in steps S480-1 to S480-5 has been completed for all detection switches to be inspected, the process moves to step S480-9. If the processing in steps S480-1 to S480-5 has not been completed for all detection switches to be inspected, the process moves to step S480-1.

[0304] (Step S480-9) The main CPU 300a determines whether the inspection completion condition has been met, which is that game balls are detected by all detection switches set for the inspection target and LEDs 1 to 10 are all controlled to light up. If the inspection completion condition is met, the process moves to step S480-11; otherwise, the input / output management process in that inspection mode is terminated.

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

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

[0307] The setting-related processing will be executed repeatedly while the setting change switch 180s is ON. During the setting-related processing, if the game machine status flag is set to 01H (setting change state), pressing the RAM clear button will be accepted as a setting change operation for the registered setting value. In other words, during the setting change processing (S450-1 to S450-13) that accepts setting change operations, the registered setting value stored in the setting value buffer will be switched to one of the multiple setting values ​​provided in response to the setting change operation. Also, during the setting-related processing, if the game machine status flag is set to 02H (setting confirmation state), pressing the RAM clear button will be accepted as an operation to start the inspection mode or to set the initial state of the inspection mode.

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

[0309] This makes it possible to use the unused areas of the main ROM 300b and main RAM 300c for various controls during inspection mode, without using the aforementioned used areas of the main ROM 300b and main RAM 300c. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the risk that the memory capacity of the aforementioned used areas of the main ROM 300b and main RAM 300c will be strained in order to perform various controls during inspection mode. In addition, by not executing dynamic port output processing (step S400-5), port input processing (step S400-7), LED display setting processing (step S400-29), solenoid output image synthesis processing (step S400-31), and port output processing (step S400-33) during inspection mode, it is possible to suppress the risk of false detection of various errors or unintentional initiation of special game or normal game variations when the inspection mode ends and the system transitions to a playable state.

[0310] Next, we will explain in detail the switch management process in step S500, the special game management process in step S600, and the normal game management process in step S700, which are part of the timer interrupt processing described above.

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

[0312] (Step S500-1) The main CPU 300a determines whether the gate detection switch has been turned ON or the general-purpose opening detection switch has been turned ON, that is, whether a game ball has passed through the gate 124 and the detection signal from the gate detection switch 124s has been turned ON, or whether a game ball has entered the general-purpose opening 125 and the detection signal from the general-purpose opening detection switch 125s has been turned ON. If it is determined that the gate detection switch has been turned ON or the general-purpose opening detection switch has been turned ON, the process moves to step S510. If it is determined that the gate detection switch has not been turned ON or the general-purpose opening detection switch has not been turned ON, the process moves to step S500-3.

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

[0314] (Step S500-3) The main CPU 300a determines whether the first start port detection switch is ON, that is, whether a game ball has entered the first start port 120 and a detection signal has been input from the first start port detection switch 120s. If it determines that the first start port detection switch is ON, the process moves to step S520; if it determines that the first start port detection switch is NOT ON, the process moves to step S500-5.

[0315] (Step S520) The main CPU 300a executes the first start gate passage process based on the entry of a game ball into the first start gate 120. Details of this first start gate passage process will be described later.

[0316] (Step S500-5) The main CPU 300a determines whether the second start port detection switch is ON, that is, whether a game ball has entered the second start port 122 and a detection signal has been input from the second start port detection switch 122s. If it determines that the second start port detection switch is ON, the process moves to step S530; if it determines that the second start port detection switch is NOT ON, the process moves to step S500-7.

[0317] (Step S530) The main CPU 300a executes a second start gate passage process based on the entry of a game ball into the second start gate 122. Details of this second start gate passage process will be described later.

[0318] (Step S500-7) The main CPU 300a determines whether the big prize hole detection switch is ON, that is, whether a game ball has entered the first big prize hole 126 and the second big prize hole 128 and a detection signal has been input from the first big prize hole detection switch 126s and the second big prize hole detection switch 128s. If it is determined that the big prize hole detection switch is ON, the process moves to step S500-9; if it is determined that the big prize hole detection switch is NOT ON, the process moves to step S500-11.

[0319] (Step S500-9) The main CPU 300a determines whether a major prize game or a minor prize game is currently in progress, and whether the game balls were properly entered into the first major prize slot 126 and the second major prize slot 128. If it determines that a major prize game or a minor prize game is not in progress, it executes a predetermined fraud detection process. If it determines that a major prize game or a minor prize game is in progress and that the game balls were properly entered into the first major prize slot 126 and the second major prize slot 128, it increments the major prize slot ball count counter by 1 and sets the major prize slot entry designation command in the transmission buffer.

[0320] (Step S500-11) The main CPU 300a determines whether the general prize entry detection switch is ON, that is, whether a game ball has entered the first general prize entry 118a, the second general prize entry 118b, or the third general prize entry 118c and a detection signal has been input from the first general prize entry detection switch 118as, the second general prize entry detection switch 118bs, or the third general prize entry detection switch 118cs. If it is determined that the general prize entry detection switch is ON, the process moves to step S500-13; if it is determined that the general prize entry detection switch is NOT ON, the process moves to step S500-15.

[0321] (Step S500-13) The main CPU 300a sets the command for designating a general prize winner in the transmission buffer.

[0322] (Step S500-15) The main CPU 300a determines whether the out-of-bounds ball detection switch is turned ON, that is, whether a detection signal has been input from the out-of-bounds ball detection switch 130s. If it is determined that the out-of-bounds ball detection switch is turned ON, the process moves to step S500-17. If it is determined that the out-of-bounds ball detection switch is not turned ON, the switch management process is terminated.

[0323] (Step S500-17) The main CPU 300a sets the out-of-bounds ball detection command in the transmit buffer and terminates the switch management process.

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

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

[0326] (Step S510-3) The main CPU 300a determines whether the counter value of the normal symbol ball count counter is greater than or equal to the maximum value, that is, whether the counter value of the normal symbol ball count counter is 4 or greater. If it determines that the counter value of the normal symbol ball count counter is greater than or equal to the maximum value, the gate passage process is terminated. If it determines that the normal symbol ball count counter is not greater than or equal to the maximum value, the process moves to step S510-5.

[0327] (Step S510-5) The main CPU 300a updates the counter value of the normal symbol ball count counter to the current counter value plus "1".

[0328] (Step S510-7) The main CPU 300a determines which of the four memory units in the general data hold memory area will be used to save the acquired winning random number.

[0329] (Step S510-9) The main CPU 300a saves the random number used to determine the winner, obtained in step S510-1, to the target memory unit calculated in step S510-7.

[0330] (Step S510-11) The main CPU 300a sets a "normal diagram hold" command, which indicates the number of normal diagrams held in the normal diagram hold memory area, into the transmission buffer and terminates the gate passage process.

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

[0332] (Step S520-1) The main CPU 300a sets the special symbol identification value to "00H". The special symbol identification value is used to identify whether the hold type is Special 1 hold or Special 2 hold. The special symbol identification value (00H) indicates Special 1 hold, and the special symbol identification value (01H) indicates Special 2 hold.

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

[0334] (Step S535) The main CPU 300a executes the special symbol random number acquisition process and then terminates the first start gate passage process. This special symbol random number acquisition process is executed using a module common to the second start gate passage process (step S530). Therefore, the details of the special symbol random number acquisition process will be explained after the explanation of the second start gate passage process.

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

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

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

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

[0339] (Step S530-5) The main CPU 300a loads the normal game management phase. As will be explained in more detail later, the normal game management phase indicates the stage of the normal game execution process, that is, the progress of the normal game, and is updated according to the stage of the normal game execution process.

[0340] (Step S530-7) The main CPU 300a determines whether the normal game management phase loaded in step S530-5 is "04H". The normal game management phase "04H" indicates that the normal electric prize entry opening control process is underway. In this normal electric prize entry opening control process, the normal electric prize solenoid 122c is energized and the movable piece 122b is controlled to the open state. Therefore, the CPU determines whether the second start opening 122 is in a state where it can be properly opened. If the CPU determines that the normal game management phase is not "04H", it terminates the second start opening passage process. If the CPU determines that the normal game management phase is "04H", it proceeds to step S530-9.

[0341] (Step S530-9) The main CPU 300a updates the counter value of the normal electric prize ball entry counter to the current counter value plus "1", and then terminates the process of passing through the second start gate.

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

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

[0344] (Step S535-3) The main CPU 300a loads the number of reserved balls for the target special symbol. Here, if the special symbol identification value loaded in step S535-1 is "00H", the counter value of the special symbol 1 reserved ball counter, i.e., the number of special 1 reserved balls, is loaded. Also, if the special symbol identification value loaded in step S535-1 is "01H", the counter value of the special symbol 2 reserved ball counter, i.e., the number of special 2 reserved balls, is loaded.

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

[0346] (Step S535-7) The main CPU 300a determines whether the number of target special symbol reserved balls loaded in step S535-3 is equal to or greater than the upper limit. If it determines that it is equal to or greater than the upper limit, it proceeds to step S535-21; otherwise, it proceeds to step S535-9.

[0347] (Step S535-9) The main CPU 300a updates the counter value of the target special symbol ball count counter to the current counter value plus "1".

[0348] (Step S535-11) The main CPU 300a determines which of the eight memory units in the special symbol hold memory area will be used to save the acquired jackpot determination random number.

[0349] (Step S535-13) The main CPU 300a acquires the jackpot determination random number loaded in step S535-5, the winning symbol random number updated in step S400-19, the reach group determination random number, reach mode determination random number, and variation pattern random number updated in step S100-69, and stores them in the target memory unit calculated in step S535-11.

[0350] (Step S535-15) The main CPU 300a performs a special symbol reserve ball entry order setting process, which updates and stores the entry order of special symbol reserve balls 1 and 2 stored in the special symbol reserve memory area.

[0351] (Step S536) The main CPU 300a performs an acquisition-time performance determination process based on the various random numbers stored in the target memory unit in step S535-13 above, which involves a preliminary lottery for major roles, a preliminary determination of winning symbols, and a preliminary determination of variation information. In this acquisition-time performance determination process, a pre-read specification command indicating the variation information to be determined when newly stored reserved information is read is sent to the sub-control board 330. This acquisition-time performance determination process will be described later.

[0352] (Step S535-17) The main CPU 300a loads the counter values ​​for the Special Symbol 1 Reserved Ball Counter and the Special Symbol 2 Reserved Ball Counter.

[0353] (Step S535-19) The main CPU 300a sets a special symbol hold designation command in the transmission buffer based on the counter value loaded in step S535-17 above. Here, the special symbol 1 hold designation command is set based on the counter value of the special symbol 1 hold ball count counter (special 1 hold count), and the special symbol 2 hold designation command is set based on the counter value of the special symbol 2 hold ball count counter (special 2 hold count). As a result, each time a special 1 hold or special 2 hold is stored, the special 1 hold count and special 2 hold count are transmitted to the sub-control board 330.

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

[0355] (Step S535-23) The main CPU 300a checks the normal game management phase loaded in step S535-21 and determines whether it is below the normal electric prize entry opening control state described later. If it is determined that it is below the normal electric prize entry opening control state, the process moves to step S535-25. If it is determined that it is not below the normal electric prize entry opening control state, the special symbol random number acquisition process is terminated.

[0356] (Step S535-25) The main CPU 300a determines whether or not an abnormal prize has been awarded. If it determines that an abnormal prize has been awarded, it executes a predetermined abnormal prize award error processing process at the starting gate and terminates the special symbol random number acquisition process (step S535).

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

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

[0359] (Step S536-3) The main CPU 300a executes a special symbol provisional determination process to provisionally determine the special symbols. Here, if the result of the provisional big win lottery in step S536-1 (the result derived by the special symbol provisional win determination process) is a big win or a small win, the system loads the winning symbol random number, the winning type (whether it is a big win or a small win), and the hold type stored in the target memory in step S535-13, selects the corresponding winning symbol random number determination table, extracts the special symbol determination data, and saves the extracted special symbol determination data (type of big win or small win symbol). If the result of the provisional big win lottery in step S536-1 is a miss, the system saves the predetermined special symbol determination data for misses (type of miss symbol).

[0360] (Step S536-5) The main CPU 300a sets the pre-read symbol type specification command (pre-read specification command) corresponding to the special symbol judgment data saved in step S536-3 into the transmission buffer.

[0361] (Step S536-7) The main CPU 300a determines whether the result derived from the special symbol win provisional determination process in step S536-1 is a big win or a small win. If it determines that it is a big win or a small win, it proceeds to step S536-9; if it determines that it is neither a big win nor a small win (i.e., a loss), it proceeds to step S536-11.

[0362] (Step S536-9) The main CPU 300a sets the random number determination table for determining the reach mode when a big win occurs (see Figures 10(b) and (c)) or the random number determination table for determining the reach mode when a small win occurs (Figures 10(d) and (e)), and then proceeds to step S536-19.

[0363] (Step S536-11) The main CPU 300a loads the random number used to determine the reach group, which was stored in the target memory unit in step S535-13 above.

[0364] (Step S536-13) The main CPU 300a determines whether the random number used to determine the reach group loaded in step S536-11 is a fixed value (8500 or greater). Here, the group type is determined by referring to the random number determination table for determining the reach group, which is selected according to the number of reserved numbers stored. At this time, the random number used to determine the reach group is obtained from the range of 0 to 10006. If the value of the random number used to determine the reach group is 8500 or greater, the same random number determination table is selected regardless of the number of reserved numbers. If the value of the random number used to determine the reach group is less than 8500, a different random number determination table is selected according to the number of reserved numbers. Hereinafter, among the random numbers used to determine the reach group, values ​​in the range of 0 to 8499 for which a different random number determination table is selected according to the number of reserved numbers will be referred to as undefined values, and values ​​in the range of 8500 to 10006 for which the same random number determination table is selected regardless of the number of reserved numbers will be referred to as fixed values. If it is determined that the random number used to determine the reach group loaded in step S536-11 is a fixed value (8500 or greater), the process moves to step S536-15. If it is determined that the random number used to determine the reach group loaded in step S536-11 is not a fixed value (8500 or greater), the process moves to step S536-27.

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

[0366] (Step S536-17) The main CPU 300a sets a random number determination table for determining the reach mode when a loss occurs (see Figure 10(a)) corresponding to the group type provisionally determined in step S536-15 above, and then moves the process to step S536-19.

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

[0368] (Step S536-21) The main CPU 300a sets a look-ahead specified variable mode command (look-ahead specified command) corresponding to the variable mode number provisionally determined in step S536-19 above into the transmit buffer.

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

[0370] (Step S536-25) The main CPU 300a sets the pre-read specified variation pattern command (pre-read specified command) corresponding to the variation pattern number provisionally determined in step S536-23 above into the transmission buffer, and terminates the acquisition time performance determination process.

[0371] (Step S536-27) The main CPU 300a sets an undefined value command (pre-read specified variation mode command and pre-read specified variation pattern command = 7FH) in the transmission buffer for newly stored hold data in the target memory unit, indicating that the group type, i.e., the variation pattern, will change according to the number of hold data at the time the hold data is read, and then terminates the performance determination process at the time of acquisition.

[0372] Figure 38 is a diagram illustrating the special game management phase according to this embodiment. As already explained, in this embodiment, a special game triggered by the entry of a game ball into the first start port 120 or the second start port 122, and a normal game triggered by the passage of a game ball through the gate 124 (entry of a game ball into the normal operation port 125) proceed simultaneously. The processing related to the special game is executed in stages and repeatedly, and the main control board 300 manages each of these special game-related processes through the special game management phase.

[0373] As shown in Figure 38, the main ROM 300b stores multiple special game control modules for executing and controlling special games, and each of these special game control modules is associated with a special game management phase. Specifically, if the special game management phase is "00H", a module for executing the "special symbol variation waiting process" is called; if the special game management phase is "01H", a module for executing the "special symbol variation in progress process" is called; if the special game management phase is "02H", a module for executing the "special symbol stop symbol display process" is called; if the special game management phase is "03H" or "07H", a module for executing the "pre-opening process for the big prize slot" is called; if the special game management phase is "04H" or "08H", a module for executing the "big prize slot opening control process" is called; if the special game management phase is "05H" or "09H", a module for executing the "big prize slot closing valid process" is called; and if the special game management phase is "06H" or "0AH", a module for executing the "big prize slot closing wait process" is called.

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

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

[0376] (Step S600-3) The main CPU 300a selects the special game control module corresponding to the special game management phase loaded in step S600-1 above.

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

[0378] (Step S600-7) The main CPU 300a loads the special game timer, which manages the control time for special games, and then terminates the special game management process.

[0379] Figure 40 is a flowchart illustrating the special symbol variation waiting process in the main control board 300. This special symbol variation waiting process is executed when the special game management phase is "00H".

[0380] (Step S610-1) The main CPU 300a determines whether the counter value of the special symbol 2 reserved ball counter, i.e., the special 2 reserved ball count (X2), is "1" or greater. If it determines that the special 2 reserved ball count (X2) is "1" or greater, the process moves to step S610-7; if it determines that the special 2 reserved ball count (X2) is not "1" or greater, the process moves to step S610-3.

[0381] (Step S610-3) The main CPU 300a determines whether the counter value of the special symbol 1 reserved ball counter, i.e., the special 1 reserved ball count (X1), is "1" or greater. If it determines that the special 1 reserved ball count (X1) is "1" or greater, the process moves to step S610-7; if it determines that the special 1 reserved ball count (X1) is not "1" or greater, the process moves to step S610-5.

[0382] (Step S610-5) The main CPU 300a sets the customer waiting command in the transmission buffer, executes the customer waiting setting process to set the machine to a customer waiting state, and then terminates the special symbol variation waiting process.

[0383] (Step S610-7) The main CPU 300a blocks the special symbol 2 reserved balls stored in the first to fourth memory units of the second special symbol reserved ball storage area, or the special symbol 1 reserved balls stored in the first to fourth memory units of the first special symbol reserved ball storage area, to the memory unit with the smaller ordinal number. Specifically, in step S610-1 above, if it is determined that the number of special symbol 2 reserved balls is "1" or more, the special symbol 2 reserved balls stored in the second to fourth memory units of the second special symbol reserved ball storage area are transferred to the first to third memory units. In addition, the main RAM 300c is provided with a memory unit 0 to be processed, and the special symbol 2 reserved balls stored in the first memory unit are block-transferred to the memory unit 0. Furthermore, in step S610-3 above, if it is determined that the number of special symbol 1 reserved balls is "1" or more, the special symbol 1 reserved balls stored in the second to fourth memory units of the first special symbol reserved ball storage area are transferred to the first to third memory units, and the special symbol 1 reserved balls stored in the first memory unit are block-transferred to the zero memory unit. In this special symbol storage area shift process, the counter value of the target special symbol reserved ball count counter corresponding to the reserved ball type transferred to the zero memory unit is deducted by "1", and a reserved ball reduction specification command indicating that the special symbol 1 reserved balls or special symbol 2 reserved balls have been reduced by "1" is set in the transmission buffer.

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

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

[0386] (Step S610-13) The main CPU 300a saves the special symbol stop symbol number corresponding to the special symbol judgment data extracted in step S610-11 above. As described above, the first special symbol display device 160 is composed of eight predetermined indicators (LED1 to LED8). The second special symbol display device 162 is composed of eight predetermined indicators (LED9 to LED16). Each indicator that makes up the first special symbol display device 160 and each indicator that makes up the second special symbol display device 162 are associated with a number (counter value). The special symbol stop symbol number determined here indicates the number (counter value) of the indicator that is ultimately lit.

[0387] (Step S612) The main CPU 300a executes a special symbol variation number determination process that determines the variation mode number and variation pattern number. Details of this special symbol variation number determination process will be described later.

[0388] (Step S610-15) The main CPU 300a loads the variation mode number and variation pattern number determined in step S612 above, and determines variation time 1 and variation time 2 by referring to the variation time determination table. Then, it sets the total duration of the determined variation times 1 and 2 in the special symbol variation timer.

[0389] (Step S610-17) The main CPU 300a performs a reserve area setting process, which includes storing the game state when a major role lottery is executed in the game state buffer. In this reserve area setting process, if the result of the major role lottery is a jackpot, it stores game state information to be set after the major role game, the type of jackpot symbol (special symbol judgment data), etc., in the reserve area of ​​the main RAM 300c.

[0390] (Step S610-19) The main CPU 300a executes a process to set the special symbol display counter in the first special symbol display device 160 or the second special symbol display device 162 in order to start the display of the special symbols. Each indicator (LED) that makes up the first special symbol display device 160 and the second special symbol display device 162 is associated with a counter value, and the indicator corresponding to the counter value set in the special symbol display counter is controlled to light up. Here, the counter value corresponding to the indicator that will be lit when the display of the special symbols starts to light up is set in the special symbol display counter. Note that the special symbol display counter is provided separately as a special symbol 1 display counter corresponding to the first special symbol display device 160 and a special symbol 2 display counter corresponding to the second special symbol display device 162, and here, the counter value is set in the counter corresponding to the hold type.

[0391] (Step S610-21) The main CPU 300a loads the counter values ​​of the Special Symbol 1 Reserve Ball Count Counter and the Special Symbol 2 Reserve Ball Count Counter, and sets the Special Symbol Reserve Designation Command in the transmission buffer. Here, the Special Symbol 1 Reserve Designation Command is set based on the counter value of the Special Symbol 1 Reserve Ball Count Counter (Special Symbol 1 Reserve Count), and the Special Symbol 2 Reserve Designation Command is set based on the counter value of the Special Symbol 2 Reserve Ball Count Counter (Special Symbol 2 Reserve Count). Also here, the Special Symbol Winning Order Command, corresponding to the winning order of the Special Symbol 1 Reserve and Special Symbol 2 Reserve stored in step S610-7 above, is set in the transmission buffer. As a result, each time a Special Symbol 1 Reserve or Special Symbol 2 Reserve is consumed, the number of Special Symbol 1 Reserves and Special Symbol 2 Reserves, as well as the winning order of each of these Reserves, are transmitted to the sub-control board 330.

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

[0393] Figure 41 is a flowchart illustrating the special symbol hit detection process (S611) according to this embodiment.

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

[0395] (Step S611-3) The main CPU 300a loads the registered settings from the settings buffer.

[0396] (Step S611-5) The main CPU 300a determines whether the registered setting value loaded in step S611-3 is within the normal range. If it determines that the value is within the normal range, it proceeds to step S611-11; otherwise, it proceeds to step S611-7.

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

[0398] (Step S611-9) The main CPU 300a sets a setting error status command (subcommand) in the transmission buffer and terminates the special symbol hit detection process. When this setting error status command is transmitted to the sub-control board 330, a notification indicating a setting error is issued.

[0399] (Step S611-11) The main CPU 300a refers to the jackpot determination random number judgment table corresponding to the information loaded in steps S611-1 and S611-3 above, and sets the lower limit and upper limit values, respectively, for determining whether it is a jackpot or a minor win.

[0400] (Step S611-13) The main CPU 300a compares the jackpot determination random number transferred to the 0th memory unit with the above lower and upper limits and performs a determination process (jackpot lottery) to determine whether a jackpot or a minor win has been achieved.

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

[0402] Figure 42 is a flowchart illustrating the special pattern variation number determination process in the main control board 300 according to this embodiment.

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

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

[0405] In the first to fourth variation states, the selection of which table to use is defined for each variation state based on the number of times the symbols are displayed in variation (number of variations). Therefore, when the variation pattern selection state flag is 01H or higher, the main CPU 300a selects a pre-set table based on both the variation pattern selection state flag and the number of variations, and then determines the variation information by referring to the selected table. On the other hand, in the normal variation state, the variation information is determined by referring to the table corresponding to the current game state, etc., regardless of the number of variations.

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

[0407] (Step S612-5) The main CPU 300a determines whether the result of the major prize lottery in step S611 is a big win or a minor win. If it determines that it is a big win or a minor win, it proceeds to step S612-7. If it determines that it is neither a big win nor a minor win (it is a miss), it proceeds to step S612-11.

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

[0409] (Step S612-9) If the variable pattern selection status flag loaded in step S612-7 is 01H or higher, the main CPU 300a sets a random number determination table for determining the reach mode based on the variable pattern selection status flag and the counter value of the variable count counter. If the variable pattern selection status flag loaded in step S612-7 is 00H, the main CPU 300a sets a random number determination table for determining the reach mode corresponding to the current game state and the type of hold.

[0410] (Step S612-11) If the type of the read-out hold is Special 2 hold, the main CPU 300a checks the counter value of the Special Symbol 2 hold ball count counter, and if the type of the read-out hold is Special 1 hold, it checks the counter value of the Special Symbol 1 hold ball count counter.

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

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

[0413] (Step S612-17) The main CPU 300a sets up a random number determination table for determining the reach mode in case of a loss, which corresponds to the group type determined in step S612-15 above.

[0414] (Step S612-19) The main CPU 300a determines the variable mode number based on the reach mode determination random number judgment table set in step S612-9 or step S612-17 and the reach mode determination random number transferred to the 0th memory unit in step S610-7. At this point, the variable pattern random number judgment table is also determined along with the variable mode number.

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

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

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

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

[0419] (Step S620-1) The main CPU 300a executes the process of updating the special symbol variation base counter. The special symbol variation base counter is set so that it completes one cycle in a predetermined period (for example, 100ms). Specifically, if the counter value of the special symbol variation base counter is "0", a predetermined counter value (for example, 25) is set, and if the counter value is "1" or greater, the counter value is updated to a value obtained by subtracting "1" from the current counter value.

[0420] (Step S620-3) The main CPU 300a determines whether the counter value of the special symbol variation base counter updated in step S620-1 is "0". If the counter value is "0", the process moves to step S620-5; otherwise, the process moves to step S620-9.

[0421] (Step S620-5) The main CPU 300a performs a special symbol variation timer update process, which subtracts a predetermined value from the timer value of the special symbol variation timer set in step S610-15 above.

[0422] (Step S620-7) The main CPU 300a determines whether the timer value of the special symbol variation timer, which was updated in step S620-5 above, is "0". If the timer value is "0", the process moves to step S620-15; otherwise, the process moves to step S620-9.

[0423] (Step S620-9) The main CPU 300a updates the special symbol display timers that measure the illumination time of each display unit constituting the first special symbol display device 160 and the second special symbol display device 162. Specifically, if the timer value of the special symbol display timer is "0", a predetermined timer value is set, and if the timer value is "1" or greater, the timer value is updated to a value obtained by subtracting "1" from the current timer value.

[0424] (Step S620-11) The main CPU 300a determines whether the timer value of the special symbol display timer is "0". If it determines that the timer value of the special symbol display timer is "0", it proceeds to step S620-13. If it determines that the timer value of the special symbol display timer is not "0", it terminates the special symbol variation process.

[0425] (Step S620-13) The main CPU 300a updates the counter value of the special symbol display counter to be updated and terminates the special symbol variation processing. As a result, each display unit lights up sequentially at predetermined time intervals.

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

[0427] (Step S620-17) The main CPU 300a saves the special symbol stop symbol number (counter value) determined in step S610-13 above to the target special symbol display symbol counter. As a result, the determined special symbol is displayed as stopped on the first special symbol display device 160 or the second special symbol display device 162.

[0428] (Step S620-19) The main CPU 300a sets a special symbol stop command in the transmission buffer, indicating that a special symbol has stopped being displayed on the first special symbol display device 160 or the second special symbol display device 162.

[0429] (Step S620-21) The main CPU 300a sets the special symbol variation stop time, which is the time for the special symbol to be displayed in a stopped state, to the special game timer and terminates the special symbol variation processing.

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

[0431] (Step S630-1) The main CPU 300a determines whether the timer value of the special game timer set in step S620-21 is not "0". If it determines that the timer value of the special game timer is not "0", it terminates the special symbol stop symbol display process. If it determines that the timer value of the special game timer is "0", it moves to step S630-3.

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

[0433] (Step S630-5) The main CPU 300a determines whether the result of the major role lottery is a jackpot. If it determines that it is a jackpot, it proceeds to step S630-19; if it determines that it is not a jackpot, it proceeds to step S630-7.

[0434] (Step S630-7) The main CPU 300a executes the count limit management process. Here, it loads the special symbol probability state flag to check whether the current game state is a low probability game state or a high probability game state. If the game state is a high probability game state, it updates the high probability count limit counter value to a value obtained by subtracting "1" from the current counter value. If the high probability count limit counter value becomes "0" as a result of updating it, it sets the special symbol probability state flag corresponding to the low probability game state. As a result, in the high probability game state, once the special symbols have been confirmed a predetermined number of times without winning a jackpot, the game state will transition to the low probability game state.

[0435] Furthermore, a time-saving state flag is loaded here to identify whether the game state is a non-time-saving game state or a time-saving game state, and the current game state is checked to determine whether it is a non-time-saving game state or a time-saving game state. If the game state is a time-saving game state, the counter value of the time-saving count counter is updated to a value obtained by subtracting "1" from the current counter value. If the counter value becomes "0" as a result of updating the time-saving count counter, the time-saving state flag corresponding to a non-time-saving game state is set. As a result, in a time-saving game state, once the special symbols have been confirmed a predetermined number of times without winning a jackpot, the game state will transition to a non-time-saving game state.

[0436] (Step S631) The main CPU 300a performs a change state update process to update the change state. This change state update process will be described later using Figure 45.

[0437] (Step S630-11) The main CPU 300a sets a command to the transmission buffer that specifies the game state when a special symbol is confirmed, indicating the game state at the time the special symbol is confirmed.

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

[0439] (Step S630-15) The main CPU 300a determines whether the result of the major prize draw is a minor prize. If it determines that it is a minor prize, it proceeds to step S630-21; if it determines that it is not a minor prize, it proceeds to step S630-17.

[0440] (Step S630-17) The main CPU 300a updates the special game management phase to "00H" and terminates the special symbol stop symbol display process. As a result, the special game management process based on hold 1 is terminated, and if special hold 1 or special hold 2 is stored, processing will be performed to start the display of the special symbol variation based on the next hold.

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

[0442] (Step S630-21) The main CPU 300a sets the data for the special electric mechanism operation ramset table according to the type of special symbol that has been determined.

[0443] (Step S630-23) The main CPU 300a performs the process of setting the maximum number of special electric mechanism operations. Specifically, it refers to the data set in step S630-21 above and sets a predetermined number (counter value corresponding to the type of special symbol = number of rounds) as the counter value in the special electric mechanism maximum operation counter. This special electric mechanism maximum operation counter indicates the number of rounds that can be executed in the upcoming big prize game. Meanwhile, the main RAM 300c is equipped with a special electric mechanism continuous operation counter, and the current number of rounds is managed by adding "1" to the counter value of the special electric mechanism continuous operation counter at the start of each round game. At the start of the big prize game, a process to reset (update to "0") the counter value of this special electric mechanism continuous operation counter is also executed.

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

[0445] (Step S630-27) The main CPU 300a sets an opening designation command in the transmission buffer to inform the sub-control board 330 of the start of a major or minor win game. This opening designation command is set for each opening time, and in this case, the opening designation command corresponding to the opening time saved in step S630-25 above is set in the transmission buffer.

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

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

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

[0449] (Step S631-3) The main CPU 300a determines whether the number of fluctuations has reached a predetermined number. If it determines that the number of fluctuations has reached the predetermined number, it proceeds to step S631-5; if it determines that the number of fluctuations has not reached the predetermined number, it proceeds to step S631-9.

[0450] (Step S631-5) The main CPU 300a resets (sets to 0) the counter value (number of changes) of the change count counter.

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

[0452] (Step S631-9) The main CPU 300a loads the variable pattern selection status flag, sets the variable status specification command corresponding to the loaded variable pattern selection status flag, and then terminates the variable status update process.

[0453] Figure 46 is a flowchart illustrating the pre-processing for opening the main prize slot in the main control board 300 according to this embodiment. This pre-processing for opening the main prize slot is performed when the special game management phase is "03H" or "07H".

[0454] (Step S640-1) The main CPU 300a determines whether the timer value of the special game timer is not "0". If it determines that the timer value of the special game timer is not "0", it terminates the pre-processing for opening the big prize slot. If it determines that the timer value of the special game timer is "0", it proceeds to step S640-3.

[0455] (Step S640-3) The main CPU 300a updates the counter value of the special electric mechanism continuous operation count counter to the current counter value plus "1".

[0456] (Step S640-5) The main CPU 300a sets a command to specify the opening of the large prize slots in the transmission buffer to transmit to the sub-control board 330 that the first large prize slot 126 and the second large prize slot 128 have started to open (the start of the round game).

[0457] (Step S641) The main CPU 300a executes the process of switching the opening and closing of the main prize slot. This process will be explained later.

[0458] (Step S640-7) The main CPU 300a updates the special game management phase to the current value plus 01H ("04H" or "08H"), and terminates the pre-processing for opening the big prize slot.

[0459] Figure 47 is a flowchart illustrating the opening and closing switching process of the main prize slot in the main control board 300 according to this embodiment.

[0460] (Step S641-1) The main CPU 300a determines whether the counter value of the special electric mechanism opening / closing switch count counter is the upper limit of the number of times the special electric mechanism is opened and closed (the number of times the first large prize opening 126 and the second large prize opening 128 are opened and closed during one round of gameplay). If it is determined that the counter value is the upper limit, the process of opening and closing the large prize openings is terminated. If it is determined that the counter value is not the upper limit, the process moves to step S641-3.

[0461] (Step S641-3) The main CPU 300a refers to the data in the special electric mechanism operation ramset table and extracts solenoid control data for controlling the energization of the first large prize slot solenoid 126c or the second large prize slot solenoid 128c, as well as timer data which is the energization time or de-energization time of the first large prize slot solenoid 126c or the second large prize slot solenoid 128c, based on the counter value of the special electric mechanism opening / closing switch counter.

[0462] (Step S641-5) Based on the solenoid control data extracted in step S641-3 above, the main CPU 300a executes a large prize solenoid energization control process to either start energizing the first large prize solenoid 126c or the second large prize solenoid 128c, or to stop energizing the first large prize solenoid 126c or the second large prize solenoid 128c. This execution of the large prize solenoid energization control process results in the start or stop of energizing the first large prize solenoid 126c or the second large prize solenoid 128c being controlled in steps S400-31 and S400-33 above.

[0463] (Step S641-7) The main CPU 300a saves the timer value based on the timer data extracted in step S641-3 above to the special game timer. The timer value saved to the special game timer here is the maximum opening time for the first and second large prize winning slots 126 and 128 in one go.

[0464] (Step S641-9) The main CPU 300a determines whether the first large prize slot solenoid 126c or the second large prize slot solenoid 128c is in the power-on state, that is, whether the control process to start powering the first large prize slot solenoid 126c or the second large prize slot solenoid 128c was performed in step S641-5 above. If it is determined that the power-on state has been started, the process moves to step S641-11; if it is determined that the power-on state has not been started, the large prize slot opening / closing switching process is terminated.

[0465] (Step S641-11) The main CPU 300a updates the counter value of the special electric mechanism opening / closing count counter to the current counter value plus "1", and then terminates the opening / closing process for the large prize slot.

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

[0467] (Step S650-1) The main CPU 300a determines whether the timer value of the special game timer saved in step S641-7 is not "0". If it determines that the timer value of the special game timer is not "0", it proceeds to step S650-5. If it determines that the timer value of the special game timer is "0", it proceeds to step S650-3.

[0468] (Step S650-3) The main CPU 300a determines whether the counter value of the special electric mechanism opening / closing switch count counter is the upper limit of the number of times the special electric mechanism can be opened / closed. If it determines that the counter value is the upper limit, the process moves to step S650-7; if it determines that the counter value is not the upper limit, the process moves to step S641.

[0469] (Step S641) In step S650-3 above, if the counter value of the special electric mechanism opening / closing switch count counter is determined not to be the upper limit of the number of times the special electric mechanism can be opened / closed, the main CPU 300a executes the process in step S641 above.

[0470] (Step S650-5) The main CPU 300a determines whether the counter value of the large prize-winning ball counter, which was updated in step S500-9 above, has reached a predetermined number, that is, whether the same number of game balls as the maximum number of balls that can be won in one round have entered the first large prize-winning ball 126 or the second large prize-winning ball 128. If it determines that the predetermined number has not been reached, the large prize-winning ball opening control process is terminated, and if it determines that the predetermined number has been reached, the process moves to step S650-7.

[0471] (Step S650-7) The main CPU 300a executes the necessary prize-winning gate closing process to close the first prize-winning gate 126 and the second prize-winning gate 128 by stopping the power supply to the first prize-winning gate solenoid 126c and the second prize-winning gate solenoid 128c. As a result, the first prize-winning gate 126 and the second prize-winning gate 128 are closed.

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

[0473] (Step S650-11) The main CPU 300a updates the special game management phase to a value obtained by adding 01H to the current value ("05H" or "09H").

[0474] (Step S650-13) The main CPU 300a sets a command to specify that the first and second prize winning holes 126 and 128 have been closed, and then terminates the prize winning hole opening control process.

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

[0476] (Step S660-1) The main CPU 300a determines whether the timer value of the special game timer saved in step S650-9 is not "0". If it determines that the timer value of the special game timer is not "0", it terminates the process of activating the closing of the big prize slot. If it determines that the timer value of the special game timer is "0", it proceeds to step S660-3.

[0477] (Step S660-3) The main CPU 300a determines whether the counter value of the special electric mechanism continuous operation count counter matches the counter value of the special electric mechanism maximum operation count counter, that is, whether the number of rounds of gameplay that have been set in advance has ended. If it is determined that the counter value of the special electric mechanism continuous operation count counter matches the counter value of the special electric mechanism maximum operation count counter, the process moves to step S660-9; if it is determined that they do not match, the process moves to step S660-5.

[0478] (Step S660-5) The main CPU 300a updates the special game management phase to "03H". Note that if the special game management phase is "05H", that is, during the control of a minor win game, the number of rounds for the minor win game is "1", so step S660-3 above will always be judged as YES, and the process will not proceed to that step.

[0479] (Step S660-7) The main CPU 300a saves the predetermined closure time for the large prize slot to the special game timer and terminates the process of activating the closure of the large prize slot. As a result, the next round of gameplay begins.

[0480] (Step S660-9) The main CPU 300a executes the ending time setting process, which saves the ending time to a special game timer.

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

[0482] (Step S660-13) The main CPU 300a sets an ending specification command, indicating the start of the ending, into the transmission buffer and terminates the process of activating the closing of the grand prize jackpot.

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

[0484] (Step S670-1) The main CPU 300a determines whether the timer value of the special game timer saved in step S660-9 is not "0". If it determines that the timer value of the special game timer is not "0", it terminates the big prize entry end wait process. If it determines that the timer value of the special game timer is "0", it proceeds to step S670-3.

[0485] (Step S670-3) The main CPU 300a executes a state setting process to determine the game state after a major win has ended. Here, the game state after a major win is set based on the winning symbols that triggered the major win. Specifically, if the winning symbols that triggered the major win were special symbols B and C, the game is set to a high-probability game state and a time-saving game state, and the number of high-probability rounds and time-saving rounds are set to 10,000. If the winning symbols that triggered the major win were special symbols A, the game is set to a low-probability game state and a time-saving game state, and the number of time-saving rounds is set to 100.

[0486] Furthermore, based on the winning symbols that triggered the major win or minor win, this process also sets the spin pattern selection status flag and the number of spins in order to determine the spin state after the major win or minor win has ended.

[0487] (Step S670-5) The main CPU 300a sets a game state change specification command in the transmission buffer to transmit the game state that will be set after the end of a major game.

[0488] (Step S670-7) The main CPU 300a sets the number of counts specified in step S670-3, which were saved in the above step, into the transmission buffer.

[0489] (Step S670-9) The main CPU 300a sets a variable state specification command in the transmission buffer to transmit the variable state that is set after the end of a major win game or a minor win game.

[0490] (Step S670-11) The main CPU 300a updates the special game management phase to "00H" and terminates the waiting process for the end of the big prize entry. As a result, if special 1 or special 2 reserves are stored, the display of the special symbols will resume.

[0491] Figure 51 is a diagram illustrating the normal game management phase according to this embodiment. As already explained, in this embodiment, the processing related to normal gameplay, triggered by the passage of a game ball through the gate 124 (entry of a game ball into the normal operation opening 125), is executed in stages and repeatedly. The main control board 300 manages each of these normal game-related processes through the normal game management phase.

[0492] As shown in Figure 51, the main ROM 300b stores multiple normal game control modules for executing and controlling normal gameplay, and each of these normal game control modules is associated with a normal game management phase. Specifically, if the normal game management phase is "00H", a module for executing the "normal symbol variation waiting process" is called; if the normal game management phase is "01H", a module for executing the "normal symbol variation in progress process" is called; if the normal game management phase is "02H", a module for executing the "normal symbol stop symbol display process" is called; if the normal game management phase is "03H", a module for executing the "normal electric prize entry opening pre-processing" is called; if the normal game management phase is "04H", a module for executing the "normal electric prize entry opening control process" is called; if the normal game management phase is "05H", a module for executing the "normal electric prize entry closing effective process" is called; and if the normal game management phase is "06H", a module for executing the "normal electric prize entry closing wait process" is called.

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

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

[0495] (Step S700-3) The main CPU 300a selects the normal game control module corresponding to the normal game management phase loaded in step S700-1 above.

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

[0497] (Step S700-7) The main CPU 300a loads the normal game timer, which manages the control time for normal gameplay.

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

[0499] (Step S710-1) The main CPU 300a loads the counter value of the normal symbol reserve ball counter and determines whether the counter value is "0", that is, whether there are "0" normal symbol reserves. If it determines that the counter value is "0", it terminates the normal symbol variation waiting process, and if it determines that the counter value is not "0", it moves to step S710-3.

[0500] (Step S710-3) The main CPU 300a blocks the normal symbol reserves (winning random numbers) stored in the first to fourth memory units of the normal symbol reserve memory area and transfers them to the memory unit with the smaller ordinal number. Specifically, it transfers the normal symbol reserves stored in the second to fourth memory units to the first to third memory units. The main RAM 300c is also provided with a zero memory unit to be processed, and it transfers the normal symbol reserves stored in the first memory unit to the zero memory unit. During this normal symbol memory area shift process, the counter value of the normal symbol reserve ball count counter is deducted by "1", and a normal symbol reserve reduction command, indicating that the normal symbol reserve has been reduced by "1", is set in the transmission buffer.

[0501] (Step S710-5) The main CPU 300a loads the random number that determines the winning combination, which has been transferred to the 0th memory unit, selects a random number determination table that corresponds to the current game state, performs a regular symbol draw, and executes a regular symbol winning determination process that stores the result of that draw.

[0502] (Step S710-7) The main CPU 300a saves the regular symbol stop number corresponding to the result of the regular symbol lottery in step S710-5 above. In this embodiment, the regular symbol display device 168 is composed of one LED lamp, and the regular symbol display device 168 is lit up in the case of a win, and the regular symbol display device 168 is turned off in the case of a loss. The regular symbol stop number determined here indicates whether or not the regular symbol display device 168 will be lit up in the end. For example, if a win is achieved, "0" is determined as the regular symbol stop number, and if a loss is achieved, "1" is determined as the regular symbol stop number.

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

[0504] (Step S710-11) The main CPU 300a determines the normal symbol variation time based on the winning random number transferred to the 0th memory unit in step S710-3 and the normal symbol variation time data table set in step S710-9.

[0505] (Step S710-13) The main CPU 300a saves the normal symbol variation time determined in step S710-11 above to the normal game timer.

[0506] (Step S710-15) The main CPU 300a executes a process to set the normal symbol display counter in the normal symbol display device 168 in order to start the display of changing normal symbols. If the counter value of this normal symbol display counter is set to, for example, "0", the normal symbol display device 168 is controlled to light up, and if the counter value is set to "1", the normal symbol display device 168 is controlled to turn off. Here, a predetermined counter value is set to the normal symbol display counter when the display of changing normal symbols starts.

[0507] (Step S710-17) The main CPU 300a sets a "Plant Hold Specification Command" in the transmission buffer, which indicates the number of Plan Holds stored in the Plan Hold Storage Area.

[0508] (Step S710-19) The main CPU 300a sets a normal symbol specification command in the transmission buffer based on the normal symbol stop symbol number determined in step S710-7 above, that is, the symbol type (winning symbol or losing symbol) determined by the normal symbol hit determination process.

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

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

[0511] (Step S720-1) The main CPU 300a determines whether the timer value of the normal game timer saved in step S710-13 is "0". If the timer value is "0", the process moves to step S720-9; otherwise, the process moves to step S720-3.

[0512] (Step S720-3) The main CPU 300a updates the regular symbol display timer, which measures the on-time and off-time of the regular symbol display device 168. Specifically, if the timer value of the regular symbol display timer is "0", a predetermined timer value is set, and if the timer value is "1" or greater, the timer value is updated to a value obtained by subtracting "1" from the current timer value.

[0513] (Step S720-5) The main CPU 300a determines whether the timer value of the normal symbol display timer is "0". If it determines that the timer value of the normal symbol display timer is "0", it proceeds to step S720-7. If it determines that the timer value of the normal symbol display timer is not "0", it terminates the normal symbol variation process.

[0514] (Step S720-7) The main CPU 300a updates the counter value of the normal symbol display counter. Here, if the counter value of the normal symbol display counter was a value indicating that the normal symbol display device 168 was off, it is updated to a value indicating that it was on. If the counter value was indicating that the normal symbol display device 168 was on, it is updated to a value indicating that it was off, and the normal symbol variation process is terminated. As a result, the normal symbol display device 168 will repeatedly turn on and off (blink) at predetermined time intervals throughout the normal symbol variation time.

[0515] (Step S720-9) The main CPU 300a saves the regular symbol stop symbol number (counter value) determined in step S710-7 above to the regular symbol display symbol counter. As a result, the regular symbol display device 168 is ultimately controlled to light up or turn off, and the result of the regular symbol lottery is announced.

[0516] (Step S720-11) The main CPU 300a sets the normal symbol change stop time, which is the time it takes for the normal symbols to stop displaying, to the normal game timer.

[0517] (Step S720-13) The main CPU 300a sets a normal symbol stop command in the transmit buffer, indicating that the normal symbol stop display has started.

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

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

[0520] (Step S730-1) The main CPU 300a determines whether the timer value of the normal game timer set in step S720-11 is not "0". If it determines that the timer value of the normal game timer is not "0", it terminates the normal symbol stop symbol display process. If it determines that the timer value of the normal game timer is "0", it moves to step S730-3.

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

[0522] (Step S730-5) The main CPU 300a determines whether the result of the lottery is a win. If it determines that it is a win, it proceeds to step S730-9; if it determines that it is not a win (it is a loss), it proceeds to step S730-7.

[0523] (Step S730-7) The main CPU 300a updates the normal game management phase to "00H" and terminates the normal symbol stop and symbol display processing. As a result, the normal game management processing based on the 1 normal symbol hold is terminated, and if a normal symbol hold is stored, processing is performed to start the display of the changing normal symbols based on the next hold.

[0524] (Step S730-9) The main CPU 300a refers to the data in the opening / closing control pattern table and saves the time before the normal power is opened as a timer value to the normal game timer.

[0525] (Step S730-11) The main CPU 300a updates the normal game management phase to "03H" and terminates the normal symbol stop symbol display process. As a result, the opening and closing control of the second start port 122 begins.

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

[0527] (Step S740-1) The main CPU 300a determines whether the timer value of the normal game timer is not "0". If it determines that the timer value of the normal game timer is not "0", it terminates the pre-processing for opening the normal electric prize entry point. If it determines that the timer value of the normal game timer is "0", it proceeds to step S741.

[0528] (Step S741) The main CPU 300a executes the process of switching the opening and closing of the standard electric prize entry slot. This process of switching the opening and closing of the standard electric prize entry slot will be described later.

[0529] (Step S740-3) The main CPU 300a updates the normal game management phase to "04H" and terminates the pre-processing for opening the normal electric prize entry point.

[0530] Figure 57 is a flowchart illustrating the switching process for opening and closing the ordinary electric prize slot in the main control board 300 according to this embodiment.

[0531] (Step S741-1) The main CPU 300a determines whether the counter value of the normal electric mechanism opening / closing count counter is the upper limit of the normal electric mechanism opening / closing count (the number of times the movable piece 122b opens and closes during one opening / closing control). If it determines that the counter value is the upper limit, the normal electric mechanism prize entry opening / closing switching process is terminated. If it determines that the counter value is not the upper limit, the process moves to step S741-3.

[0532] (Step S741-3) The main CPU 300a refers to the data in the opening / closing control pattern table and extracts solenoid control data (power supply control data or power supply deactivation control data) for controlling the power supply of the ordinary electric mechanism solenoid 122c, and timer data which is the power supply time (solenoid power supply time) or power supply deactivation time (ordinary power closing effective time = pause time) of the ordinary electric mechanism solenoid 122c, based on the counter value of the ordinary electric mechanism opening / closing switch count counter.

[0533] (Step S741-5) Based on the solenoid control data extracted in step S741-3 above, the main CPU 300a executes a solenoid power supply control process to either start or stop the power supply to the solenoid 122c. This solenoid power supply control process allows for the start or stop of power supply to the solenoid 122c in steps S400-31 and S400-33.

[0534] (Step S741-7) The main CPU 300a saves the timer value based on the timer data extracted in step S741-3 above to the normal game timer. The timer value saved to the normal game timer here is the maximum opening time of the second start opening 122 in one go.

[0535] (Step S741-9) The main CPU 300a determines whether the standard electric prize solenoid 122c is in the power-on state, that is, whether the control process to start powering the standard electric prize solenoid 122c was performed in step S741-5 above. If it is determined that the power-on state is in place, the process moves to step S741-11; if it is determined that the power-on state is not in place, the standard electric prize entry opening opening / closing switching process is terminated.

[0536] (Step S741-11) The main CPU 300a updates the counter value of the normal electric mechanism opening / closing count counter to the current counter value plus "1".

[0537] Figure 58 is a flowchart illustrating the control process for opening the normal electric prize slot in the main control board 300 according to this embodiment. This control process for opening the normal electric prize slot is executed when the normal game management phase is "04H".

[0538] (Step S750-1) The main CPU 300a determines whether the timer value of the normal game timer saved in step S741-7 is not "0". If it determines that the timer value of the normal game timer is not "0", it proceeds to step S750-5. If it determines that the timer value of the normal game timer is "0", it proceeds to step S750-3.

[0539] (Step S750-3) The main CPU 300a determines whether the counter value of the normal electric mechanism opening / closing switch count counter is the upper limit of the normal electric mechanism opening / closing switch count. If it determines that the counter value is the upper limit, the process moves to step S750-7; if it determines that the counter value is not the upper limit, the process moves to step S741.

[0540] (Step S741) In step S750-3 above, if the counter value of the normal electric mechanism opening / closing count counter is determined not to be the upper limit of the normal electric mechanism opening / closing count, the main CPU 300a executes the process of step S741 above.

[0541] (Step S750-5) The main CPU 300a determines whether the counter value of the ordinary electric prize ball entry counter, which was updated in step S530-9 above, has reached a specified number, that is, whether the same number of game balls as the maximum number of prize balls that can be entered during one opening and closing control have entered the second start opening 122. If it determines that the specified number has not been reached, the ordinary electric prize entry opening control process is terminated, and if it determines that the specified number has been reached, the process moves to step S750-7.

[0542] (Step S750-7) The main CPU 300a executes the necessary process to close the second start port 122 by stopping the power supply to the ordinary electric mechanism solenoid 122c. As a result, the second start port 122 is closed.

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

[0544] (Step S750-11) The main CPU 300a updates the normal game management phase to "05H" and terminates the normal electric prize entry opening control process.

[0545] Figure 59 is a flowchart illustrating the process for activating the closing of the ordinary electric prize entry slot in the main control board 300 according to this embodiment. This process for activating the closing of the ordinary electric prize entry slot is executed when the ordinary game management phase is "05H".

[0546] (Step S760-1) The main CPU 300a determines whether the timer value of the normal game timer saved in step S750-9 is not "0". If it determines that the timer value of the normal game timer is not "0", it terminates the normal electric prize entry opening closing process. If it determines that the timer value of the normal game timer is "0", it proceeds to step S760-3.

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

[0548] (Step S760-5) The main CPU 300a updates the normal game management phase to "06H" and terminates the normal electric prize entry gate closing process.

[0549] Figure 60 is a flowchart illustrating the normal electric prize entry point end-wait processing in the main control board 300 according to this embodiment. This normal electric prize entry point end-wait processing is executed when the normal game management phase is "06H".

[0550] (Step S770-1) The main CPU 300a determines whether the timer value of the normal game timer saved in step S760-3 is not "0". If it determines that the timer value of the normal game timer is not "0", it terminates the normal electric prize entry point end wait process. If it determines that the timer value of the normal game timer is "0", it proceeds to step S770-3.

[0551] (Step S770-3) The main CPU 300a updates the normal game management phase to "00H" and terminates the normal electric prize entry point end wait processing. As a result, if a normal symbol hold is stored, the display of the normal symbol fluctuations will resume.

[0552] The following describes the various effects performed during the setting confirmation state and the inspection mode. As mentioned above, when the power is turned on normally with the middle frame 104 open, the setting change switch 180s turned on, and the RAM clear button not pressed, the system enters the setting confirmation state, and a setting confirmation state specification command is sent to the sub-control board 330. Upon receiving the setting confirmation state specification command from the main control board 300, the main effect display unit 200a displays a setting confirmation menu screen as shown in Figure 61(a). Figure 61(a) is a diagram illustrating an example of the setting confirmation menu screen.

[0553] As shown in Figure 61(a), on the settings confirmation menu screen, the words or image "Settings Confirmation in Progress" are displayed at the top of the main display unit 200a to indicate that settings are being confirmed.

[0554] Then, in the center of the main display unit 200a, selectable items are displayed by operating the directional keys 209. In the example shown in Figure 61(a), the selectable items displayed are "Error History" and "Store Menu". The "Error History" is a menu that allows users to check the history of errors, setting changes, and setting checks that occurred during the operation of the gaming machine 100 in chronological order. The "Store Menu" is a menu that allows users to set an "Energy Saving Mode" to reduce power consumption, set the illumination pattern of the frame lamps in the game standby state, and set the illumination pattern of the frame lamps during gameplay. When a confirmation operation (pressing the performance button 208) is performed on the setting confirmation menu screen, a detailed screen (not shown) corresponding to the selected item is displayed on the main display unit 200a.

[0555] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 61(a), during the settings confirmation menu screen, the words or image "Press RAM Clear button to enter inspection mode" are displayed at the bottom of the main display unit 200a.

[0556] When the RAM clear button is pressed, the inspection mode is started, and an inspection mode start command is sent to the sub-control board 330. Upon receiving the inspection mode start command from the main control board 300, the main display unit 200a displays the inspection mode menu screen as shown in Figure 61(b). Figure 61(b) illustrates an example of the inspection mode menu screen.

[0557] As shown in Figure 61(b), during inspection mode, the menu screen displays the words or image "In Inspection Mode" at the top of the main display unit 200a to indicate that inspection mode is in progress.

[0558] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 61(b), in the inspection mode menu screen, selectable items are displayed in the center of the main display unit 200a by operating the directional keys 209. In the example shown in Figure 61(b), the selectable items displayed are "Input Device / Speaker Inspection," "LED Inspection," and "Movable Part Inspection." When a confirmation operation (pressing the performance button 208) is performed on the inspection mode menu screen, the inspection screen corresponding to the selected item is displayed on the main display unit 200a.

[0559] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 61(b), during inspection mode, the menu screen displays the message "To exit inspection mode, return the setting key to OFF (horizontal)" at the bottom of the main display unit 200a, either as text or an image.

[0560] Figure 62(a) is a diagram illustrating an example of the first inspection screen. When the "Input Device / Speaker Inspection" item is selected on the menu screen during inspection mode (Figure 61(b)) and a confirmation operation is performed, the first inspection screen shown in Figure 62(a) is displayed on the main display unit 200a. When the first inspection screen is displayed, an output operation is started in which predetermined inspection sounds are sequentially output from each of the multiple audio output devices 206. Also, as shown in Figure 62(a), an inspection completed indicator (a circle displayed to the left of "Left Center Speaker" in the example shown in Figure 62(a)) is displayed to correspond to the audio output device 206 that has successfully outputted the inspection sound.

[0561] Furthermore, while the first inspection screen is displayed, if a press operation of the inspection target, such as the directional pad 209, the light intensity adjustment button 230, or the volume adjustment button 232, is detected, an inspection completed indicator (a circle displayed to the left of the "directional pad" in the example shown in Figure 62(a)) will be displayed corresponding to the inspection target (directional pad 209, light intensity adjustment button 230, or volume adjustment button 232) for which a press operation was detected.

[0562] In other words, while the first inspection screen is displayed, an inspection is performed to determine whether the audio output device 206, the directional keys 209, the light intensity adjustment button 230, and the volume adjustment button 232 are functioning correctly.

[0563] Furthermore, if a press operation of the performance button 208 is detected while the first inspection screen is displayed, the inspections related to the sound output device 206, the directional keys 209, the light intensity adjustment button 230, and the volume adjustment button 232 are interrupted. Then, the display of the first inspection screen ends, and the inspection mode menu screen (Figure 61(b)) is displayed again on the main performance display unit 200a.

[0564] Furthermore, the menu screen during inspection mode may display the progress of the inspections performed on the first to third inspection screens. For example, if the inspection on the first inspection screen has not yet been performed, an image with "-" written near "Input Device / Speaker Inspection" may be displayed; if the inspection on the first inspection screen has been performed without any abnormalities, an image with "○" written near "Input Device / Speaker Inspection" may be displayed; and if an abnormality is detected in the inspection on the first inspection screen, an image with "×" written near "Input Device / Speaker Inspection" may be displayed.

[0565] Furthermore, the inspection history during inspection mode may be made memorized. For example, the menu screen during inspection mode may include an option to memorize the details of the current inspection and an option to display the memorized inspection details (inspection results and inspection date and time). By configuring it in this way, a history of when abnormalities are found in amusement parlors can be kept, and the details of the abnormalities can be checked as history when the equipment is received and inspected at the manufacturer's factory, which can lead to identifying the faulty part and reducing the man-hours required for repairs.

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

[0567] In other words, while the second inspection screen is displayed, an inspection is performed to determine whether the performance lighting device 204 is functioning correctly. The inspection of the performance lighting device 204 is mainly performed by the inspector's visual inspection, but if an abnormality is found, the system may be configured to store information about the abnormality and the location of the abnormality through a predetermined operation (an abnormality history storage operation) of an input device such as the performance button 208 or the directional pad 209.

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

[0569] Figure 62(c) is a diagram illustrating an example of the third inspection screen. When the "Inspection of Movable Parts" item is selected on the menu screen (Figure 61(b)) during inspection mode and a confirmation operation is performed, the third inspection screen shown in Figure 62(c) is displayed on the main display unit 200a. When the third inspection screen is displayed, an initial operation is started in which the performance part device 202 is driven from its initial position to its operating position based on a predetermined operating pattern, and then driven from the operating position back to its initial position. During the execution of the initial operation, the remaining time until the initial operation is completed may be displayed on the main display unit 200a. Furthermore, the initial operation may be executed repeatedly, or it may be executed only a predetermined number of times.

[0570] In other words, while the third inspection screen is displayed, an inspection is performed to determine whether the performance device 202 is functioning correctly. The inspection of the performance device 202 is performed by visual inspection by the inspector and by programmatically monitoring whether the initial operation of the performance device is completed. Basically, if the initial operation is not completed, the abnormality history is automatically stored programmatically, but the third inspection, like the second inspection, may also be made possible by a predetermined operation of the input device (an abnormality history storage operation) to store the abnormality history.

[0571] Furthermore, if a press operation of the performance button 208 is detected while the third inspection screen is displayed, the inspection of the performance device 202 is interrupted. When the initial operation of the performance device 202 is completed, the performance device 202 is moved to its initial position and then stopped. This makes it possible to suppress the risk of the performance device 202 stopping unintentionally in a position other than the initial position. When the performance device 202 moves to the initial position, the third inspection is completed, the display of the third inspection screen ends, and the inspection mode menu screen (Figure 61(b)) is displayed again on the main performance display unit 200a.

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

[0573] Furthermore, although the second and third inspection screens in this embodiment shown in Figure 62 are described as displaying the text "Performing LED inspection" and "Performing movable part inspection," when multiple performance lighting devices 204 and multiple performance part devices 202 are operated in a predetermined order, the system may be configured to move the cursor according to the name of the performance lighting device 204 or performance part device 202 performing the inspection operation to notify the ongoing inspection status, or to display the device being inspected by showing a schematic diagram of the performance lighting device 204 or performance part device 202 performing the inspection operation, thereby enabling identification of the inspection target during the inspection operation. In conjunction with these displays, announcements such as "Performing LED inspection" and "Performing movable part inspection" may also be made by voice or other means.

[0574] Furthermore, when the operation of the performance device 202 based on the third inspection is confirmed by executing the third inspection, "movable device inspection," from the menu screen of the inspection mode (see Figure 61(b)), the initial operation of the performance device 202 is performed. Therefore, if the third inspection is repeatedly and continuously executed, it may lead to failure of the motor or solenoid, which is the drive source of the performance device 202. For this reason, the system may be configured to provide a predetermined cooling time (cool-down time) after each or every third inspection, one or more times.

[0575] Furthermore, in the operation check of the performance device 202 based on the third inspection, the performance device 202 is configured to start initial operation when "Movable Device Inspection" (third inspection) is selected from the inspection mode menu screen. However, if the performance device 202 is operated with the front frame 106 open, the performance device 202 installed in the front frame 106 may interfere with an adjacent game machine, or vibrations associated with the movement and closing of the front frame 106 or middle frame 104 may lead to malfunction of the performance device 202. Therefore, the inspection may be configured to start when the frame is closed after the start operation of the third inspection, or when the performance button 208 is operated.

[0576] Next, the processing on the sub-control board 330 will be described. In the following description, the processing on the sub-control board 330 will mainly focus on the processing during the inspection mode.

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

[0578] (Step S1000-1) When power is turned on, the sub-CPU 330a reads the CPU initialization program from the sub-ROM 330b and performs initialization and setting processes for flags and other items stored in the sub-RAM 330c.

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

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

[0581] (Step S1100-1) Sub-CPU 330a saves the registers.

[0582] (Step S1100-3) Sub-CPU 330a performs the processing required to enable interrupts.

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

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

[0585] (Step S1300) Sub-CPU 330a performs the operation input processing described later.

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

[0587] (Step S1100-9) Sub-CPU 330a restores the registers and terminates the sub-timer interrupt processing.

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

[0589] (Step S1210-1) Upon receiving a command to specify the setting confirmation status, the sub-CPU 330a displays the setting confirmation menu screen shown in Figure 61(a) on the main display unit 200a.

[0590] (Step S1210-3) Furthermore, the sub-CPU 330a outputs a predetermined setting confirmation voice message from the voice output device 206 and terminates the processing of receiving the setting confirmation state specification command. The setting confirmation voice message may be output intermittently from the voice output device 206 until the setting confirmation state is terminated. Alternatively, once the setting confirmation state is set, the setting confirmation voice message may be output from the voice output device 206 for a predetermined period of time.

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

[0592] (Step S1220-1) Upon receiving the command to start inspection mode, subCPU330a turns on the inspection mode flag to indicate that it is in inspection mode.

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

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

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

[0596] (Step S1230-1) Upon receiving the command to end inspection mode, the sub-CPU 330a determines whether the inspection mode menu screen (Figure 61(b)) is currently displayed. If the inspection mode menu screen is currently displayed, the process moves to step S1230-3; otherwise, the process moves to step S1230-5.

[0597] (Step S1230-3) Sub-CPU 330a terminates the display of the menu screen while in inspection mode.

[0598] (Step S1230-5) Furthermore, the sub-CPU 330a determines whether the first inspection screen (Figure 62(a)), the second inspection screen (Figure 62(b)), or the third inspection screen (Figure 62(c)) is currently being displayed. If any of the first to third inspection screens are currently being displayed, the process moves to step S1230-7; otherwise, the process moves to step S1230-9.

[0599] (Step S1230-7) Sub-CPU 330a terminates the display of the first to third inspection screens that are currently being shown.

[0600] (Step S1230-9) Sub-CPU 330a turns off the "in inspection mode" flag and terminates the process of receiving the command to end the inspection mode.

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

[0602] (Step S1300-1) Sub-CPU 330a determines whether the inspection mode flag is on or off. If the inspection mode flag is on, the process moves to step S1300-3; if the inspection mode flag is off, the operation input process is terminated.

[0603] (Step S1300-3) Sub-CPU 330a determines whether the inspection mode menu screen (Figure 61(b)) is currently displayed. If the inspection mode menu screen is currently displayed, the process moves to step S1300-5; otherwise, the process moves to step S1300-27.

[0604] (Step S1300-5) The sub-CPU 330a determines whether a selection operation (operation of the directional keys 209) has been input to select an item on the screen during inspection mode. If a selection operation has been input, the process moves to step S1300-7; otherwise, the process moves to step S1300-9.

[0605] (Step S1300-7) The sub-CPU 330a highlights the item selected by the selection operation. In this case, the performance button 208 may be controlled to light up in a way that suggests the item selected by the selection operation. For example, if the "Input Device / Speaker Inspection" item is selected, the performance button 208 may be controlled to light up in red; if the "LED Inspection" item is selected, the performance button 208 may be controlled to light up in green; and if the "Movable Device Inspection" item is selected, the performance button 208 may be controlled to light up in blue.

[0606] (Step S1300-9) SubCPU 330a determines whether a confirmation operation (pressing the performance button 208) has been input while the "Input Device / Speaker Check" item is selected. If a confirmation operation has been input for the "Input Device / Speaker Check" item, the process moves to step S1300-11; otherwise, the process moves to step S1300-15.

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

[0608] (Step S1300-13) The sub-CPU 330a starts an output operation that sequentially outputs predetermined test audio from each of the multiple audio output devices 206. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 62(a), the sub-CPU 330a displays a "tested" indicator corresponding to the audio output device 206 that successfully output the test audio.

[0609] (Step S1300-15) Sub-CPU 330a determines whether a confirmation operation (pressing the performance button 208) has been input while the "LED inspection" item is selected. If a confirmation operation for the "LED inspection" item has been input, the process moves to step S1300-17; otherwise, the process moves to step S1300-21.

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

[0611] (Step S1300-19) The sub-CPU 330a starts a lighting operation to control the illumination of the stage lighting device 204 based on a predetermined light emission pattern.

[0612] (Step S1300-21) SubCPU 330a determines whether a confirmation operation (pressing the performance button 208) has been input while the "Inspection of movable parts" item is selected. If a confirmation operation for the "Inspection of movable parts" item has been input, the process moves to step S1300-23; otherwise, the process moves to step S1300-27.

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

[0614] (Step S1300-25) The sub-CPU 330a drives the performance device 202 from its initial position to its operating position based on a predetermined operating pattern, and then starts an initial operation to drive it back from the operating position to its initial position.

[0615] (Step S1300-27) Sub-CPU 330a determines whether the first inspection screen (Figure 62(a)) is currently being displayed. If the first inspection screen is currently being displayed, the process moves to step S1300-29; otherwise, the process moves to step S1300-33.

[0616] (Step S1300-29) The sub-CPU 330a determines whether or not a press operation has been detected on the directional pad 209, the light intensity adjustment button 230, or the volume adjustment button 232, which are the targets of inspection. If a press operation on the target of inspection is detected, the process moves to step S1300-31; otherwise, the process moves to step S1300-33.

[0617] (Step S1300-31) As shown in Figure 62(a), the sub-CPU 330a displays an "inspected" indicator corresponding to the inspected object (the directional pad 209, the light intensity adjustment button 230, or the volume adjustment button 232, which are the inspected objects) in which a press operation was detected.

[0618] (Step S1300-33) Furthermore, the sub-CPU 330a determines whether a press operation of the performance button 208, i.e., an interruption operation, has been detected while any of the first inspection screen (Figure 62(a)), second inspection screen (Figure 62(b)), or third inspection screen (Figure 62(c)) is being displayed. If an interruption operation is detected, the process moves to step S1300-35; if no interruption operation is detected, the operation input process is terminated.

[0619] (Step S1300-35) The sub-CPU 330a executes interruption processing. Specifically, for example, if an interruption operation is detected while the first inspection screen is being displayed, it terminates the output operation of the audio output device 206, which was started in step S1300-13. If an interruption operation is detected while the second inspection screen is being displayed, it terminates the lighting operation of the performance lighting device 204, which was started in step S1300-19. If an interruption operation is detected while the third inspection screen is being displayed, it terminates the initial operation of the performance device 202, which was started in step S1300-25. When terminating the initial operation of the performance device 202, it moves the performance device 202 to its initial position and then stops it.

[0620] (Step S1300-37) Sub-CPU 330a terminates the display of the first to third inspection screens that are currently being shown.

[0621] (Step S1300-39) The sub-CPU 330a displays the inspection mode menu screen shown in Figure 61(b) on the main display unit 200a and then terminates the operation input processing.

[0622] Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications or alterations can be conceived within the scope of the claims, and these will naturally also fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0623] In the above embodiment, an example of how the present invention can be applied to a Type I gaming machine was described, but the gameplay of gaming machines to which the present invention can be applied is not limited to this. For example, it goes without saying that the present invention can also be applied to Type II gaming machines and Type I and Type II mixed machines. Therefore, only one of the big win symbols or small win symbols may be provided. In any case, the gameplay of gaming machines to which the present invention can be applied is not particularly limited and can be applied to gaming machines of any type.

[0624] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes a case in which the progress of the game is controlled according to registered setting values, registered setting values ​​are not mandatory. In other words, it is not necessary to provide registered setting values. If registered setting values ​​are not provided, a performance switch that can be accessed by a dedicated performance key may be provided instead of the setting change switch 180s (key switch using a setting key) in the above embodiment. Also, if registered setting values ​​are not provided, a standby state in which the player is unable to play may be provided instead of the setting change state and setting confirmation state in the above embodiment.

[0625] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when starting the inspection mode, the main control board 300 is configured to send an inspection mode start command to the sub-control board 330. In the inspection mode, the main control board 300 operates the first large prize slot solenoid 126c, the second large prize slot solenoid 128c, and the normal electric mechanism solenoid 122c in sequence according to a predetermined energization control pattern. The system may be configured to light up or flash nearby decorative LEDs in accordance with the timing of each of the first large prize slot solenoid 126c, the second large prize slot solenoid 128c, and the normal electric mechanism solenoid 122c's operation (at the start of operation or from just before the start of operation until the end of operation), thereby assisting the inspector in timing the entry of game balls into the variable prize slots under inspection. In addition, LEDs near switches of other prize slots and out slots (discharge ports 130) under inspection may also be lit to clearly indicate the location of the switches under inspection, thereby enabling the inspector to visually understand the location of the switches under inspection.

[0626] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the inspection mode is configured to check the detection operation of game balls for various ball entry points. At the end of the inspection mode (end of the setting confirmation mode), in order to prevent game balls that were stuck due to jamming or other reasons during inspection from being mistakenly detected even though the game is not being played, the main control board 300 may be configured to perform a wait process for a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) at the end of the inspection mode. In this configuration, the sub-control board 330 may be configured to display "Inspection mode ending" or "3 seconds remaining" on the display device 200 upon receiving the inspection mode end command, and to output an audio message such as "Inspection mode ending."

[0627] Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows the execution method of the inspection mode in a gaming machine 100 equipped with a performance display device 200, in a gaming machine that is not equipped with a performance display device 200, the lighting pattern of a specific performance lighting device 204 (for example, an LED provided on a performance button 208) may be configured to indicate the inspection item being performed. As an example of the lighting pattern of a specific performance lighting device 204, it may be configured to light up red for the first inspection which inspects the input device and speaker, light up green for the second inspection which inspects the performance lighting device 205, and light up blue for the third inspection which inspects the performance mechanism device 202. In this case, when the state corresponds to the state of the inspection mode menu shown in Figure 61(b), it may be possible to identify that an inspection mode is being selected by lighting the appropriate color for each inspection slowly blinking at low brightness, and voice guidance may also be provided. Furthermore, even for models that do not have the performance display device 200, it is preferable to standardize the operation of the performance button 208 in inspection mode so that it is a common operation within the manufacturer, making it easier to understand the inspection mode even for gaming machines that do not have the performance display device 200.

[0628] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the control mode of the sub-control board 330 during inspection mode was such that notification was given during the execution of inspection mode in the notification mode shown in Figures 61 and 62. However, in the above embodiment, during inspection mode, the main control board 300 is in a setting confirmation state, and since being controlled for setting confirmation is important information for security reasons, notification equivalent to setting confirmation may be continued during inspection mode through a part of the image display of the performance display device 200, audio notification from the speaker, or a part of the performance lighting device 204 (such as a part of the frame lamp's LED). For example, notification may be given by displaying "Setting Confirmation in Progress" in small letters in the upper left of the notification screen of the performance display device 200 during inspection mode, outputting the voice "Setting Confirmation in Progress" from the speaker at regular intervals, although the period will be longer than before transitioning to inspection mode, or by continuing to flash red on the upper right LED of the front frame 106 (a light emission mode equivalent to "Setting Confirmation in Progress").

[0629] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the "Setting Confirmation Menu Screen" (Figure 61(a)) is displayed when the setting confirmation state is in progress and before transitioning to inspection mode, and the "Inspection Mode Menu" (Figure 61(b)) is displayed when the setting confirmation state is in progress and after transitioning to inspection mode. However, since the inspection mode is terminated by turning off the setting key (or the performance key if the setting function is not installed), and the setting confirmation state is terminated at the same time, the system may be configured so that after transitioning to inspection mode, menu items for referring to the "Error History" on the "Setting Confirmation Menu Screen" or for setting the gaming machine via the "Store Menu" can be displayed on the "Inspection Mode Menu".

[0630] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when the inspection mode is terminated, an inspection mode termination command is sent from the main control board 300 to the sub-control board 330, and the display of the menu screen during inspection mode is terminated. The termination of the inspection mode is indicated by the sending of a setting-related termination specification command (S450-19), which is a command that notifies the termination of the setting confirmation state (or the termination of the game stop state by the performance key if the setting function is not installed). The sub-control board 330 is configured to prioritize the notification of the termination of the setting confirmation state based on the highly confidential and secure setting-related termination command (such as an audio notification saying "Settings have been confirmed" or flashing the decorative lamps on the front frame red) over the termination of the inspection mode.

[0631] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the display mode of the display unit 150 is reset to its initial state by operating the RAM clear switch 182s during inspection mode. However, it may also be possible to reset the energization control patterns of the first large prize slot solenoid 126c, the second large prize slot solenoid 128c, and the ordinary electric prize mechanism solenoid 122c to their initial state. In this way, if the number of repetitions of the energization control pattern is set to a predetermined number of times, it will become difficult for balls to enter the large prize slots and the prize slots related to the ordinary electric prize mechanism after a certain period of time, but it will be possible to return to a state where inspection is possible again by operating the RAM clear switch 182s. In addition, when the initial state is set by operating the RAM clear switch 182s, it may be possible to send an inspection mode start command in the same way as when transitioning to inspection mode, or to send an inspection mode reset command to notify that the inspection mode has been reset.

[0632] Furthermore, while the inspection mode is running, game balls are inserted into various prize slots to check their operation, but since the settings are being checked (gameplay is stopped), processes such as prize determination are omitted. During the inspection mode, the performance display monitor 184 does not change the value of the base ratio displayed on it, so the performance display monitor 184 may be kept off-light to make it easier to understand that the base ratio calculation is not being performed. Note that the display mode of the performance display monitor 184 in inspection mode only needs to be different from the playable state, and may be other display modes other than being off-light (such as a rapidly flashing "-" display).

[0633] In any case, the present invention is A main control means for controlling the progress of the game (in the above embodiment, a main control board 300 as an example), A game area (in the above embodiment, for example, game area 116) through which game balls flow down is provided, into which game balls can be entered, and a plurality of ball entry means (in the above embodiment, for example, a first general prize entry opening 118a, a second general prize entry opening 118b, a third general prize entry opening 118c, a first start opening 120, a second start opening 122, a gate 124, a general operation opening 125, a first major prize entry opening 126, a second major prize entry opening 128, and an outlet 130) are provided, A detection means used in the progress of the game, capable of detecting when a game ball has entered the ball entry means (in the above embodiment, as an example, a first general prize entry detection switch 118as, a second general prize entry detection switch 118bs, a third general prize entry detection switch 118cs, a first start entry detection switch 120s, a second start entry detection switch 122s, a gate detection switch 124s, a general operation entry detection switch 125s, a first large prize entry detection switch 126s, a second large prize entry detection switch 128s, and an out ball detection switch 130s), A mechanism for changing movement (ordinary electric mechanism solenoid 122c, first large prize slot solenoid 126c, second large prize slot solenoid 128c) is provided, which is capable of changing between an open state in which a game ball can be entered into a specific ball entry means and a closed state in which a game ball cannot be entered into the specific ball entry means or in which it is more difficult for a game ball to be entered into the specific ball entry means than in the open state. Equipped with, The main control means is, Before the game starts after power-on (for example, in the above embodiment, during the setting confirmation state), if a predetermined operation (for example, pressing the RAM clear button in the above embodiment) is performed, an inspection mode (for example, the inspection mode in the above embodiment) that can at least inspect the status of the ball entry means can be set (for example, the processing of steps S460-1 to S460-7 in the above embodiment), The means of changing movement is, When inspection mode is set, it can operate alternately between the open and closed states (Figures 18 and 19). This method is widely applicable to gaming machines where, when inspection mode is set, the time spent in the closed state is longer than the time spent in the open state (Figures 18 and 19). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0634] 100 gaming machines 116 Gaming Area 118a First General Prize Entrance 118as First General Prize Entry Detection Switch 118b Second General Prize Entrance 118bs Second General Prize Entry Detection Switch 118c Third General Prize Entrance 118cs Third General Prize Entry Detection Switch 120 First Starter Port 120s First start port detection switch 122 Second Starter Port 122c Standard Electric Solenoid 122s Second start port detection switch Gate 124 124s Gate detection switch 125 General Operation Port 125s General Diagram Operation Port Detection Switch 126 First Grand Prize Winner 126c First Grand Prize Winning Solenoid 126s First major prize slot detection switch 128 Second Grand Prize Winner 128c 2nd Grand Prize Winning Solenoid 128s Second large prize slot detection switch 130 Outlet 130s Out-of-bounds ball detection switch 150 Display Units 180s setting change switch 182s RAM Clear Switch 300 Main control board 300a Main CPU 300b Main ROM 300c Main RAM

Claims

[Claim 1] A main control means for controlling the progress of the game, It is provided in the game area through which game balls flow, and is capable of receiving game balls, and includes multiple ball-receiving means, including a specific ball-receiving means. A detection means used in the progress of the game, capable of detecting when a game ball has entered the ball entry means, A change-shift mechanism capable of transitioning between an open state in which a game ball can be entered into the specified game ball entry mechanism and a closed state in which a game ball cannot be entered into the specified game ball entry mechanism or in which it is more difficult to enter a game ball into the specified game ball entry mechanism than in the open state, Equipped with, The main control means is It is possible to determine the occurrence of a specific error based on the fact that a game ball has entered the specified ball entry means. Before the game begins after the power is turned on, if a predetermined operation is performed, an inspection mode can be set that allows for the inspection of at least the status of the ball entry means. After the inspection mode is completed, the occurrence of the specific error will not be determined until predetermined conditions are met. The aforementioned movement mechanism is When the aforementioned inspection mode is set, it is possible to alternate between the open state and the closed state. When the aforementioned inspection mode is set, the time spent in the closed state is longer than the time spent in the open state. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

Images