Gaming machine

Abstract

To provide a gaming machine that can enhance the enjoyment of the game. [Solution] By outputting light from the counting lamp 900 in multiple ways corresponding to the number of balls counted based on the operation of the counting button 18, it is possible to create a performance that celebrates the player in ways corresponding to the number of balls counted based on the operation of the counting button 18, that is, the number of balls increased by playing the game, thereby effectively increasing the player's sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine) is known that has a gaming area where a gaming ball (gaming medium) moves and launches a gaming ball into the gaming area according to the operation of a player. This type of gaming machine conducts a special lottery to determine the outcome of a big win on the condition that the entry of a gaming ball into a start winning hole provided in the gaming area is detected. When the result of the special lottery is a big win, a big win game is executed in which a gaming ball can enter a big winning hole.

[0003] And in this type of gaming machine, there is known a gaming machine called a management gaming machine that circulates gaming balls inside the gaming machine by managing the number of gaming balls that a player can use in the game as numerical data without physically lending or paying out gaming balls to the player (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In this type of gaming machine, there is a display means for displaying the number of gaming balls that a player can use in the game. However, when the number of gaming balls that a player can use in the game is updated in the display means, if the change in the numerical value displayed on the display means can be impressively recognized by the player, the interest of the game can be improved.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of improving the interest of the game. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) The present invention relates to a gaming machine that advances the game according to the result of a lottery, comprising: a display means for displaying a game value that can be used for the game; an update means for updating the game value according to the result of the game; a counting means for counting the game value according to the operation of a counting operation means; and a light-emitting means that outputs light around the display means, wherein the light-emitting means emits light according to the operation of the counting operation means.

[0008] According to the present invention, a light-emitting means that emits light around the display means emits light in response to the operation of the counting operation means, thereby making the change in the game value displayed on the display means more impressive to the player and improving the enjoyment of the game.

[0009] (2) The present invention also allows the light-emitting means to emit light in a plurality of ways corresponding to the amount of game value that is counted in response to the operation of the counting operation means.

[0010] In this way, the change in game value displayed on the display means can be perceived more impressively by the player in accordance with the amount of game value counted in response to the operation of the counting operation means, thereby improving the enjoyment of the game.

[0011] According to the present invention, the enjoyment of games can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a front view showing the external configuration of a game board according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the main prize slot of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4]It is a front view showing the external configuration of the main control display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view of the circulation unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is an exploded view showing the internal structure of the circulation unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a diagram for explaining the functional blocks of the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing the lottery table of the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing the lottery table of the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing the lottery table of the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing the lottery table of the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing the transition of the game state of the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing the image displayed on the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] It is a diagram showing the image displayed on the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] It is a diagram for explaining the functional blocks of the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] It is a top view showing the periphery of the number-of-balls-in-hand display section of the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] It is a diagram for explaining the method of the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] It is a diagram for explaining the method of the gaming machine according to a modified embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. Note that the embodiments described below do not unduly limit the content of the present invention described in the claims. Also, not all of the configurations described in the embodiments are essential constituent elements of the present invention.

[0014] 1. Structure of the gaming machine FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external appearance structure of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. The gaming machine of the present embodiment is a management gaming machine that plays a game using game balls (game media) circulating inside the gaming machine, and includes an outer frame 2 (frame body) forming the outer surface of the gaming machine, a game board 6 provided inside the gaming machine and forming a game area 4 where the game balls move, an inner frame 7 (opening / closing part) holding the game board 6 and various control boards inside the gaming machine, a glass unit 8 that makes the game area 4 visible to the player and impossible to touch, and a front frame 10 formed so as to surround the game area 4 on the front surface of the gaming machine. The front frame 10 forms a front frame opening 11 in a range corresponding to the game area 4 so that the game area 4 is visible to the player, and the glass unit 8 is attached from the back side so as to close the front frame opening 11, thereby forming the front surface of the gaming machine together with the glass unit 8.

[0015] A part of the front frame 10 is made of a translucent material through which light can pass, and inside the part made of the translucent material, a plurality of front frame lamps 12 that output effect lights for enlivening the game and the like are provided. Also, a speaker 14 that outputs effect sounds for enlivening the game and the like is provided on the front frame 10.

[0016] An effect button 16 (effect operation means) operable by the player is provided at the central part of the lower portion of the front frame 10. When the player operates the effect button 16, the effect performed on the gaming machine changes.

[0017] To the right and rear of the performance button 16, there is a ball count display unit 17 capable of displaying the number of balls (game value), which is the number of game balls that can be used in the game machine. In this embodiment, a dedicated unit (not shown) is provided adjacent to the game machine. When cash is inserted into the dedicated unit, or when a dedicated card with one or more ball counts stored in it is inserted, and a game ball lending operation is performed in the dedicated unit, a lending command corresponding to lending game balls to the player is sent from the dedicated unit to the game machine. The number of balls corresponding to the transmitted lending command is subtracted from the number of balls displayed in the dedicated unit and added to the number of balls displayed in the ball count display unit 17.

[0018] A counting button 18 for counting the number of balls is provided on the front side of the ball count display unit 17. When the counting button 18 is operated while the number of balls displayed on the ball count display unit 17 is 1 or more, a counting command corresponding to transferring the number of balls to the dedicated unit is sent from the gaming machine to the dedicated unit. The number of balls corresponding to the sent counting command is subtracted from the number of balls displayed on the ball count display unit 17 and added to the number of balls displayed on the dedicated unit.

[0019] Then, when the number of balls displayed on the ball count display unit 17 is 0, and the number of balls displayed on the dedicated unit is 1 or more, and a return operation is performed on the dedicated unit, the number of balls displayed on the dedicated unit is added to the number of balls stored on the dedicated card, and the dedicated card is returned to the player.

[0020] A handle 20 is provided on the lower right side of the front frame 10. When the number of balls displayed on the ball count display unit 17 is 1 or more, the player rotates the handle 20 clockwise toward the game machine, which activates a launching device (not shown) located inside the game machine, and launches game balls into the game area 4. Each time a game ball is launched, 1 is deducted from the number of balls displayed on the ball count display unit 17. The launching device in this embodiment incorporates a drive device such as a motor that operates the hammer that strikes the game balls, and can launch a maximum of 99 game balls per minute (1.65 per second).

[0021] The inner frame 7 and the front frame 10 are rotatably mounted relative to the outer frame 2 around a frame rotation axis 26 that runs along the left edge of the inner frame 7, the left edge of the front frame 10, and the left edge of the outer frame 2. When a key is inserted into the cylinder lock 27 located above and to the right of the handle 20 and rotated in one direction, the lock is released, allowing the inner frame 7 and the front frame 10 to be opened and closed relative to the outer frame 2.

[0022] Thus, in this embodiment of the gaming machine, the lending and dispensing of game balls is not physically performed on the player, and the number of balls held is managed as numerical data in the gaming machine, so that the player can play the game without directly touching the game balls, and the machine does not have an upper or lower tray for storing game balls, which is a feature of conventional gaming machines.

[0023] Figure 2 is a front view showing the external configuration of the game board 6 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the game board 6 is provided with a circular outer rail 28, and the area enclosed by the outer rail 28 is the game area 4 on which the game balls move. In addition, an inner rail 30 is provided in an arc shape along the outer rail 28 at the left end of the game area 4, and the outer rail 28 and inner rail 30 guide the game balls launched from a launching device (not shown) located below the game board 6 into the game area 4.

[0024] At the back of the game board 6 is a liquid crystal display 31 (effect image display means) that displays visual effects and other images to enhance the gameplay. In the center of the game board 6, a game board opening 32 is formed to allow the player to view the liquid crystal display 31. Also in the center of the game board 6, a decorative section 33 is formed surrounding the game board opening 32. The decorative section 33 has a part made of a translucent material that transmits light, and inside the part made of the translucent material, there are multiple decorative section lamps 34 that emit visual effects and other lights to enhance the gameplay.

[0025] A display element 36 (movable) is provided at the back of the game board 6 and in front of the liquid crystal display 31. The display element 36 is designed to be movable (displaceable) between a stored state, where it is stored below the liquid crystal display 31 as shown in Figure 2, and an exposed state, where it appears to cover a part of the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 31 (not shown).

[0026] In this embodiment, the game balls are prevented from passing through the front side of the game board opening 32 and the decorative section 33, and the game balls launched into the game area 4 fall into either the game area 4 to the left of the game board opening 32 or the game area 4 to the right of the game board opening 32. Numerous game pins (not shown) are driven into the game area 4 so as to intersect with the surface of the game board 6, causing the direction of movement of the game balls as they move through the game area 4 to change randomly.

[0027] A left opening 40 is formed on the left side of the decorative section 33, through which game balls falling from the game area 4 on the left side of the game board opening 32 can pass. Game balls that pass through this left opening 40 pass through a passage 42 provided inside the decorative section 33 and fall onto a stage 44 provided at the bottom of the decorative section 33. The upper surface of this stage 44 is a smooth curved surface, and a gap is formed between the stage 44 and the glass unit 8, allowing game balls to fall downward from the stage 44. Game balls that fall onto the stage 44 from the passage 42 move back and forth on the stage 44 before falling downward from near the center of the stage 44.

[0028] Below the center of the stage 44, there is a first starting prize entry point 46 into which game balls that have fallen downward from near the center of the stage 44 can enter. This first starting prize entry point 46 incorporates a sensor (detection means) that detects each game ball that enters the first starting prize entry point 46, and is configured to collect the game balls inside the game machine once they enter. Each time a game ball is detected to have entered the first starting prize entry point 46, 3 is added to the number of game balls displayed on the game ball count display unit 17, and a special lottery is held to determine whether a big win or a small win has been achieved by obtaining a random value.

[0029] Furthermore, at the lower part of the game area 4 on the left side of the game board opening 32, there are a first general prize entry point 47-1, a second general prize entry point 47-2, and a third general prize entry point 47-3, into which game balls are collected into the game machine once they enter.

[0030] In this embodiment, a sensor is provided in the path through which the game balls that enter the first general prize opening 47-1 pass, and each time a game ball that enters the first general prize opening 47-1 is detected, 4 is added to the number of balls held on the ball count display unit 17, but no special lottery is held.

[0031] On the other hand, the paths through which game balls that enter the second general prize slot 47-2 pass and the paths through which game balls that enter the third general prize slot 47-3 pass are merged (connected) internally into a single path, and a sensor is installed in the merged path to detect each game ball that enters either the second general prize slot 47-2 or the third general prize slot 47-3. Whenever a game ball that enters either the second general prize slot 47-1 or the third general prize slot 47-2 is detected, 3 is added to the number of game balls displayed on the game ball count display unit 17, but no special lottery is held.

[0032] A passage gate 48 is provided in the game area 4 to the right of the game board opening 32, through which game balls pass without being collected inside the game machine. This passage gate 48 has a built-in sensor that detects each game ball passing through it, and each time a game ball is detected passing through the passage gate 48, a random value is obtained and a normal lottery is held to determine whether or not it is a normal win.

[0033] Furthermore, in the game area 4 to the right of the game board opening 32, below the passage gate 48, there is a second start prize entry opening 50 into which game balls are collected into the game machine once they enter. This second start prize entry opening 50 incorporates a sensor (game medium detection means) that detects each game ball that enters the second start prize entry opening 50, and is also equipped with a regular mechanism 52 (auxiliary means) that can operate between a closed state (a state that does not assist in entry / non-assistance state) where it is difficult for game balls to enter and an open state (a state that assists in entry / assistance state) where it is easy for game balls to enter. The regular mechanism 52 incorporates a drive device such as a solenoid that operates the auxiliary mechanism, and when a regular win is achieved in a regular lottery, it is controlled to open under predetermined conditions, thereby executing a regular game. Each time a game ball is detected to have entered the second starting prize entry opening 50, 1 is added to the number of balls held on the ball count display unit 17, and a special lottery is held to determine whether a big win or a small win has been achieved by obtaining a random value.

[0034] The value added to the number of balls displayed on the ball count display unit 17 each time a game ball enters the first starting prize entry opening 46, and the value added to the number of balls displayed on the ball count display unit 17 each time a game ball enters the second starting prize entry opening 50, may be the same value or different values.

[0035] Furthermore, in the game area 4 to the right of the game board opening 32, a fourth general prize opening 47-4 is provided below and to the right of the second starting prize opening 50, into which game balls are collected inside the game machine when they enter. The fourth general prize opening 47-4 has a built-in sensor that detects each game ball that enters it, and for each game ball that enters the fourth general prize opening 47-4, 1 is added to the number of balls held on the ball count display unit 17, but no special lottery is held.

[0036] Furthermore, in the game area 4 to the right of the game board opening 32, there is a large prize opening 54 (third area) into which game balls are collected inside the game machine once they enter. This large prize opening 54 is equipped with a special mechanism 56 that includes a sensor to detect each game ball that enters the large prize opening 54, and a closing member to close the large prize opening 54. The special mechanism 56 is configured to operate between an open state (entry-allowed state) into which game balls can enter the large prize opening 54 and a closed state (entry-restricted state) into which game balls cannot enter. The special mechanism 56 incorporates a drive device such as a solenoid to operate the closing member, and is controlled to open under predetermined conditions in a special game state that starts when a big win or small win is won in a special lottery, thereby executing a big win game or a small win game (special game). Each time a game ball is detected to have entered the large prize slot 54, 10 is added to the number of balls displayed on the ball count display unit 17.

[0037] Figures 3(A) and 3(B) are perspective views showing the large prize opening 54 with the special mechanism 56 in the open state. As shown in Figure 3(A), the large prize opening 54 in this embodiment consists of a specific area 64 located on the left side of the interior of the large prize opening 54 into which a game ball can enter, and a normal area 66 located on the right side of the interior of the large prize opening 54 into which a game ball can enter. The specific area 64 is equipped with a special mechanism 68 that incorporates a sensor to detect when a game ball has entered and a closing member to close the specific area 64. The special mechanism 68 is configured to operate between an open state (ingressable state) into which a game ball can enter the specific area 64, as shown in Figure 3(A), and a closed state (ingressable state) into which a game ball cannot enter the specific area 64, as shown in Figure 3(B). The special mechanism 68 incorporates a drive device such as a solenoid to operate the closing member and is controlled to open under predetermined conditions during a small prize game. Furthermore, when the special mechanism 56 opens and the game ball enters the large prize opening 54, if the specific mechanism 68 is open, the game ball can enter the specific area 64. If the specific mechanism 68 is not open, the game ball cannot enter the specific area 64.

[0038] Furthermore, the normal area 66 incorporates a sensor that detects when a game ball enters, but there is no blocking member to close off the normal area 66, so that a game ball can enter when the special mechanism 56 is open.

[0039] Therefore, when the special mechanism 56 is open and the game ball enters the large prize opening 54, if the specific mechanism 68 is open, the game ball will enter either the specific area 64 or the normal area 66. If the specific mechanism 68 is closed, the game ball will enter the normal area 66 without entering the specific area 64. Once the game ball enters either the specific area 64 or the normal area 66, it is discharged from the large prize opening 54 and collected inside the game machine.

[0040] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, an out-out opening 62 is provided at the bottom of the game area 4 for game balls that have fallen out of the game area 4 without entering any of the prize-winning openings.

[0041] The game ball launching device is configured such that the force of the game ball launch changes by adjusting the amount of rotation of the handle 20 shown in Figure 1. When the amount of rotation of the handle 20 is small, the game ball is launched so that it falls into the game area 4 on the left side of the game board opening 32, and when the amount of rotation of the handle 20 is large, the game ball is launched so that it falls into the game area 4 on the right side of the game board opening 32.

[0042] Accordingly, the player adjusts the amount of rotation of the handle 20 according to the game situation and performs what is called left-handed shooting, in which the game ball falls through the left game area 4, passes through the left opening 40, the passage 42 and the stage 44, and enters the first starting prize entry 46, or enters the first general prize entry 47-1, the second general prize entry 47-2, or the third general prize entry 47-3. Alternatively, the player performs what is called right-handed shooting, in which the game ball falls through the right game area 4, passes through the passage gate 48, or enters the second starting prize entry 50, or enters the large prize entry 54, or enters the fourth general prize entry 47-4.

[0043] In this embodiment of the gaming machine, when a game ball falls through the left-side gaming area 4, the game ball does not pass through the passage gate 48 and does not enter the fourth general prize opening 47-4, the second start prize opening 50, or the large prize opening 54. Furthermore, when a game ball falls through the right-side gaming area 4, the game ball does not enter the first start prize opening 46, the first general prize opening 47-1, the second general prize opening 47-2, or the third general prize opening 47-3.

[0044] Furthermore, game balls that are launched from the launcher but fail to reach the game area 4 due to weak launch force are returned and enter a foul passage (not shown) located below the game board 6, and are collected inside the game machine. The foul passage is equipped with a sensor that detects each game ball passing through it, and each time a game ball is detected passing through the foul passage, 1 is added to the number of balls held on the ball count display unit 17.

[0045] Furthermore, a main control display unit 70 is provided in the lower right part of the game board 6, outside the game area 4, which indicates various information about the game machine, such as the results of the regular lottery, the results of the special lottery, and the game status, by lighting up and extinguishing multiple lamps.

[0046] Figure 4 is a front view showing the external configuration of the main control display unit 70. As shown in Figure 4, the main control display unit 70 is equipped with a normal symbol display unit 72, a normal hold display unit 74, a first special symbol display unit 76, a first special hold display unit 78, a second special symbol display unit 80, a second special hold display unit 82, and a game status display unit 84.

[0047] The regular symbol display unit 72 is composed of two lamps. When a regular lottery is held, the two lamps flash to display a changing regular symbol, and the two lamps light up or turn off to display a stopped regular symbol, thereby displaying the result of the regular lottery.

[0048] The normal hold display unit 74 consists of two lamps and displays the normal hold number corresponding to the number of normal hold numbers when a normal random value, which is a random value for normal lottery, is not acquired but a normal lottery cannot be performed, such as when a normal symbol is already being displayed in a variable or stopped state when a game ball passes through the passage gate 48. The normal hold number is displayed by a combination of lighting, turning off, or flashing the two lamps.

[0049] The first special symbol display unit 76 is composed of a 7-segment display. When a game ball enters the first starting prize entry opening 46 and a special lottery is held, the 7-segment display flashes to display the first special symbol in a variable manner, and the 7-segment display lights up in one of several different modes to display the first special symbol in a fixed position and show the result of the special lottery.

[0050] The first special reserve display unit 78 consists of two lamps and displays the number of first special reserves corresponding to the number of first special random values ​​that are being held in reserve when, for example, the first special symbol is already being displayed in a variable or stopped state when a game ball enters the first start prize entry opening 46, and the special random value, which is a random value for special lottery, is acquired but the special lottery cannot be performed. The first special reserve display unit 78 displays 0 to 4 first special reserves by a combination of lighting, extinguishing, or flashing the two lamps.

[0051] The second special symbol display unit 80 is composed of a 7-segment display. When a game ball enters the second starting prize entry opening 50 and a special lottery is held, the 7-segment display flashes to display the second special symbol in a variable manner, and the 7-segment display lights up in one of several different modes to display the second special symbol in a fixed position and show the result of the special lottery.

[0052] The second special reserve display unit 82 consists of two lamps and displays the number of second special reserves corresponding to the number of second special random values ​​that are being held in reserve when a special random value is acquired but a special lottery cannot be performed, such as when the second special symbol is already being displayed in a variable or stopped state when a game ball enters the second start prize entry opening 50. The number of second special reserves is displayed by a combination of lighting, extinguishing, or flashing the two lamps.

[0053] The game state display unit 84 is composed of six lamps, and the type of game state currently set is displayed by the combination of lighting, extinguishing, or flashing the six lamps. In this embodiment, five types of game states can be set: a specific state which is the initial state after the power of the game machine is turned on, a slight time reduction state which is the basic game state, a special game state which is started when a jackpot is won in a special lottery, and a first time reduction state, a second time reduction state, and a third time reduction state which shorten the variation time of the first or second special symbol to increase the chances of executing a special lottery. The type of game state set is displayed by the combination of lighting, extinguishing, or flashing the six lamps.

[0054] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the circulation unit 100 that circulates game balls within the game machine. The circulation unit 100 is located below the game board 6 in the inner frame 7 shown in Figure 1, and a first passage 102 (circulation path) is provided at the top of the circulation unit 100 to which game balls that have entered the first starting prize entry 46, the first general prize entry 47-1, the second general prize entry 47-2, the third general prize entry 47-3, the fourth general prize entry 47-4, the second starting prize entry 50, the big prize entry 54, and the out entry 62, i.e., all game balls recovered from the game area 4, arrive.

[0055] In this embodiment, it is recommended to circulate 45 game balls within the circulation unit 100. If there are no game balls in the circulation unit 100, the game machine manager or other person can place 45 game balls into the first passage 102 to fill the circulation unit 100. Therefore, the first passage 102 is wider and deeper than the other passages in the circulation unit 100 so that it can accept many game balls at once.

[0056] At the left end of the bottom of the first passage 102, there is a collection opening 104 sized to allow one game ball at a time to pass through the first passage 102, and the bottom of the first passage 102 is shaped to slope downwards toward the collection opening 104. The collection opening 104 is equipped with a sensor that detects each game ball passing through it.

[0057] Figure 6 is an exploded view showing the internal structure of the circulation unit 100. As shown in Figure 6, the circulation unit 100 is provided with a second passage 106 (circulation path) through which game balls that have entered the collection port 104 from the first passage 102 can pass in a single line. The second passage 106 extends downwards while meandering through the inside of the circulation unit 100.

[0058] In this embodiment, when no game balls are placed in the circulation unit 100, and the manager of the gaming machine places 45 game balls into the first passage 102, the 45 game balls are received into the second passage 106 via the collection port 104.

[0059] In the second passage 106, a sensor is provided near the 43rd game ball when 43 game balls are currently in the second passage 106 to detect if the number of game balls in the second passage 106 is less than 43. In addition, a sensor is provided near the 47th game ball when 47 game balls are currently in the second passage 106 to detect if the number of game balls in the second passage 106 is 47 or more.

[0060] A foul passage (not shown) is connected to the second passage 106 midway through, and game balls that pass through the foul passage merge with game balls that pass through the second passage 106.

[0061] To the left of the second passage 106, a lifting unit 108 is provided to send the game balls that have come down the second passage 106 upward. The lifting unit 108 includes a lifting screw 110 with a spiral projection, a drive device such as a motor to rotate the lifting screw 110, and a lifting passage 112 (circulation path) on the left side of the lifting screw 110 through which the game balls can pass in a single line in the vertical direction. The lower end of the lifting passage 112 is connected to the lower end of the second passage 106, so that game balls are received one by one from the lower end of the second passage 106 to the lower end of the lifting passage 112. The lifting screw 110 is provided so that its spiral projection protrudes into the lifting passage 112, and the game balls received at the lower end of the lifting passage 112 are pushed up by the spiral projection of the lifting screw 110, which is rotated by the motor, and sent to the upper end of the lifting passage 112.

[0062] To the left of the lifting passage 112, although not shown, is a polishing member capable of polishing the game balls passing through the lifting passage 112. The polishing member polishes the game balls by coming into contact with them as they pass through the lifting passage 112.

[0063] The upper end of the lifting passage 112 is connected to the upper end of the third passage 114 (circulation path) through which game balls can pass in a single line. The third passage 114 extends downward towards the rectifier 116, which controls the supply of game balls to the launching device in the right central part of the circulation unit 100.

[0064] The rectifier 116 includes a blocking member 118 that blocks the passage of game balls received from the lower end of the third passage 114, and a drive device such as a solenoid that operates the blocking member 118. The blocking member 118 operates between a blocked state that blocks the passage of game balls and an unblocked state that allows game balls to pass through. The rectifier 116 can hold three game balls when the blocking member 118 is in the blocked state. A sensor is provided at the inlet of the rectifier 116 to detect the third game ball among the three game balls currently in the rectifier 116, and a sensor is provided at the outlet of the rectifier 116 to detect each game ball passing through the outlet of the rectifier 116.

[0065] A launching device (not shown) is located at the lower rear of the rectifier 116. When the handle 20 shown in Figure 1 is rotated, the solenoid of the rectifier 116 activates, causing the shut-off member 118 to de-shut down, and one game ball is sent from the rectifier 116 to the launching device. As the shut-off member 118 shuts down, the motor of the launching device activates, causing the hammer of the launching device to rotate and launch the single game ball that was sent to the launching device.

[0066] At the lower part of the second passage 106, an discharge passage 120 for discharging game balls to the outside is connected so as to branch off from the second passage 106. At the branching point of the second passage 106 and the discharge passage 120, there is a switching member (not shown) that operates between a non-discharge state, in which game balls passing through the second passage 106 are guided directly to the lower end of the second passage 106, and a discharge state, in which they are guided to the discharge passage 120.

[0067] The switching member is connected to a ball release lever 122 located on the front of the lower part of the second passage 106. The ball release lever 122 operates between a closed state, where the switching member is in a non-discharging state, and an open state, where the switching member is in a discharging state. Therefore, the switching member can be switched between the non-discharging state and the discharging state by the gaming machine manager or the like operating the ball release lever 122. The gaming balls guided into the discharge passage 120 are discharged to the outside through a discharge port 124 located to the lower right of the ball release lever 122.

[0068] When the ball release lever 122 is opened, game balls that are located upstream of the branching point between the second passage 106 and the discharge passage 120 pass through the discharge passage 120 and are discharged from the discharge port 124. However, game balls that are located downstream of the branching point between the second passage 106 and the discharge passage 120 and between the rectifier 116 cannot reach the discharge passage 120 and remain there. Therefore, game balls located downstream of the branching point between the second passage 106 and the discharge passage 120 and between the rectifier 116 are launched into the game area 4 by the launching device, passing through the first passage 102, the second passage 106, and the discharge passage 120 and being discharged from the discharge port 124, thereby enabling the discharge of all game balls within the circulation unit 100.

[0069] 2. Functional Blocks Figure 7 is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine of this embodiment. The gaming machine of this embodiment is controlled by a control board that includes a main control board 500, a sub-control board 600, and a frame control board 700. The functions of each control board, such as the main control board 500, the sub-control board 600, and the frame control board 700, are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASICs (gate arrays, etc.), ROM (an example of an information storage medium), or RAM, and software consisting of a given program pre-stored in ROM, etc.

[0070] The main control board 500 performs various calculations to advance the game based on input means such as the through gate sensor 502, the first starting prize entry sensor 504, the second starting prize entry sensor 506, the big prize entry sensor 508, the specific area sensor 510, the normal area sensor 512, the first general prize entry sensor 514, the second general prize entry sensor 516, and the third general prize entry sensor 518, as well as information from the frame control board 700. Based on the calculation results, it controls output means such as the main control display device 520, the normal prize drive device 522, the special prize drive device 524, and the specific prize drive device 526, and transmits information to the sub-control board 600 and the frame control board 700.

[0071] The gate sensor 502 is installed in the gate 48 and outputs a detection signal each time a game ball passes through the gate 48.

[0072] The first start prize entry sensor 504 is installed in the first start prize entry 46 and outputs a detection signal each time a game ball enters the first start prize entry 46.

[0073] The second start prize entry sensor 506 is installed in the second start prize entry 50 and outputs a detection signal each time a game ball enters the second start prize entry 50.

[0074] The large prize slot sensor 508 is installed in the large prize slot 54 and outputs a detection signal each time a game ball enters the large prize slot 54.

[0075] The specific area sensor 510 is located in the specific area 64 and outputs a detection signal each time a game ball enters the specific area 64.

[0076] The normal area sensor 512 is located in the normal area 66 and outputs a detection signal each time a game ball enters the normal area 66.

[0077] The first general prize slot sensor 514 is installed in the first general prize slot 47-1 and outputs a detection signal each time a game ball enters the first general prize slot 47-1.

[0078] The second general prize slot sensor 516 is installed in the path through which game balls that have entered the second general prize slot 47-2 or the third general prize slot 47-3 pass, and outputs a detection signal each time a game ball enters the second general prize slot 47-2 or the third general prize slot 47-3.

[0079] The third general prize slot sensor 518 is located in the fourth general prize slot 47-4 and outputs a detection signal each time a game ball enters the fourth general prize slot 47-4.

[0080] The main control display device 520 is implemented using an LED board or the like, and the main control display unit 70 displays regular symbols in a variable manner and then stops according to the result of a regular lottery, displays special symbols in a variable manner and then stops according to the result of a special lottery, and displays the game status.

[0081] The standard mechanism drive device 522 is implemented by a solenoid or the like provided on the standard mechanism 52, and operates the auxiliary member between a closed state and an open state.

[0082] The special mechanism drive device 524 is implemented by a solenoid or the like provided on the special mechanism 56, and operates the closing member between a closed state and an open state.

[0083] The specific component drive device 526 is implemented by a solenoid or the like provided on the specific component 68, and operates the closing member between a closed state and an open state.

[0084] The main control board 500 also functions as a random number generation means 540, a normal lottery means 542, a normal display control means 543, a normal game execution means 544, a special lottery means 546, a special display control means 548, a minor win game execution means 550, a major win game execution means 552, a game state control means 554, a main communication control means 556, and a main control memory 570.

[0085] The random number generation means 540 is a means for generating random numbers for the lottery, and is implemented by a random number generator that generates hardware random numbers or a program that generates software random numbers. Software random numbers can be generated, for example, based on the count value of an increment counter (a counter that counts numbers so as to cycle within a predetermined count range). In this embodiment, "random numbers" include not only values ​​that are generated randomly in a mathematical sense, but also values ​​that, even if their generation is regular, can function as effectively random numbers because the timing of their acquisition is irregular.

[0086] The ordinary lottery means 542 (determination means) acquires ordinary random values ​​(lottery information) from the random number generation means 540 based on the detection signal from the passage gate sensor 502, stores them in the ordinary random number storage means of the main control memory 570, and performs an ordinary lottery (game determination) to determine (determine) whether the ordinary random values ​​read from the ordinary random number storage means are a win or a loss.

[0087] In detail, the ordinary random number storage means is provided with four ordinary hold storage areas, ordinary hold storage area 1 to ordinary hold storage area 4, as storage areas for holding acquired ordinary random numbers, and one ordinary hold storage area is provided as a storage area for holding ordinary random numbers read from ordinary hold storage area 1 and used for ordinary lottery until the display and stop display of ordinary symbols are finished.

[0088] Furthermore, if no normal random values ​​are stored in any of the normal hold memory areas 1 to 4, when a normal random value is acquired based on a detection signal input from the pass gate sensor 502, the acquired normal random value is stored in normal hold memory area 1.

[0089] Then, when a normal random value is stored in the normal hold memory area 1, if the normal symbols are not in a fluctuating or stopped display state, that is, if no normal random value is held in the normal hold memory area and normal gameplay is not in progress, then the normal random value is read from the normal hold memory area 1 and a normal draw is performed, and the normal random value obtained from the normal draw is held in the normal hold memory area. On the other hand, when a normal random value is stored in the normal hold memory area 1, if the normal symbols are in a fluctuating or stopped display state, that is, if a normal random value is held in the normal hold memory area or normal gameplay is in progress, then the normal random value is held in the normal hold memory area 1.

[0090] If a detection signal is input from the pass gate sensor 502 while a normal random value is being held in the normal hold memory area 1, a new normal random value is acquired, provided that the number of normal random values ​​held in normal hold memory areas 1 to 4 is less than 4, i.e., the number of normal holds is less than 4. The acquired normal random value is stored as a normal random value in the normal hold memory area with the smallest ordinal number among normal hold memory areas 1 to 4 that does not currently hold a normal random value. On the other hand, if the number of normal holds is 4, even if a detection signal is input from the pass gate sensor 502, a new normal random value is not acquired, and no new normal random value is stored in the normal random number storage means.

[0091] When the display of the regular symbols changes and stops, the regular random values ​​held in the regular reserved memory area are erased. If regular random values ​​are stored in regular reserved memory area 1, and provided that a regular game is not currently in progress, the regular random values ​​are read from regular reserved memory area 1 and a regular lottery is performed, and the regular random values ​​obtained from the lottery are held in the regular reserved memory area.

[0092] When a normal random value is read from normal reserved memory area 1, if normal random values ​​are reserved in normal reserved memory areas 2 and beyond, the reserved normal random values ​​are moved to the normal reserved memory area with an ordinal number one less than the original normal reserved memory area. For example, when a normal random value is read from normal reserved memory area 1, if normal random values ​​are reserved in normal reserved memory areas 2 through 4, the normal random values ​​stored in normal reserved memory areas 2 through 4 are moved to normal reserved memory areas 1 through 3, respectively.

[0093] Thus, in the ordinary random number storage means, ordinary random numbers that have been drawn using the ordinary lottery are stored in the ordinary reserve storage area, up to a maximum of one, and ordinary random numbers that have not been drawn using the ordinary lottery are stored in ordinary reserve storage areas 1 to 4, up to a maximum of four.

[0094] The details of the normal lottery are described below. Based on the detection signal input from the passage gate sensor 502, the normal lottery means 542 acquires multiple types of random numbers, such as normal win determination random numbers, normal symbol determination random numbers, and normal variation determination random numbers, and stores these multiple types of random numbers as normal random numbers for one normal lottery in the normal random number storage means. The normal lottery means 542 then performs normal win determination processing, normal symbol determination processing, normal variation determination processing, etc., as part of the normal lottery.

[0095] The normal win determination process is the process of determining whether or not a normal win has been achieved. In the normal win determination process, the normal lottery means 542 performs a random number determination process using the normal lottery table stored in the lottery table storage means of the main control memory 570.

[0096] In this embodiment, the lottery table storage means stores the ordinary lottery table shown in Figure 8(A), and in the ordinary lottery table, a correspondence relationship is set between ordinary wins and 100 random values ​​from 0 to 99 such that an ordinary win is achieved with a probability of 1 / 1.

[0097] The normal lottery means 542 then refers to the normal lottery table regardless of the game state and determines whether the normal win determination random number included in the read normal random number is associated with a normal win, thereby determining whether a normal win has been won. If a normal win has been won, the flag storage means of the main control memory 570 sets the normal win flag to the ON state.

[0098] The normal symbol determination process is the process of determining whether the normal winning symbol will be normal symbol A, normal symbol B, or normal symbol C when a normal win is determined in the normal win determination process. In this embodiment, the normal symbol lottery table shown in Figure 8(B) is stored in the lottery table storage means, and the normal symbol lottery table is set up so that normal symbol A is won with a probability of approximately 99 / 100, normal symbol B is won with a probability of approximately 0.7 / 100, and normal symbol C is won with a probability of approximately 0.3 / 100, with a correspondence between normal symbol A, normal symbol B, normal symbol C and 65536 random values ​​from 0 to 65535.

[0099] The normal lottery means 542 then refers to the normal symbol lottery table regardless of the game state and determines which of the multiple types of normal winning symbols the normal symbol determination random number included in the read normal random number is associated with, thereby determining which of the multiple types of normal winning symbols has been won, and sets the winning flag corresponding to the winning normal winning symbol in the flag storage means to the ON state.

[0100] The normal variation determination process is a process that determines which of several variation types the normal symbol variation should be, according to the game state, the result of the normal win determination process, and the result of the normal symbol determination process. In the normal variation determination process, the normal lottery means 542 first determines, according to the game state, the result of the normal win determination process, and the result of the normal symbol determination process, which of the multiple normal variation lottery tables stored in the lottery table storage means will be used for the random number determination process.

[0101] In this embodiment, the lottery table storage means stores the normal variation lottery tables A to H shown in Figures 8(C) to 8(J). In each normal variation lottery table, each of the 100 random numbers from 0 to 99 is associated with one of the following variation types, where the variation time of the normal symbols is set to 600 seconds (normal symbol special variation A), 601 seconds (normal symbol special variation B), 0.1 seconds (normal symbol special variation C), 20 seconds (normal symbol reach A), 10 seconds (normal symbol reach B), 2 seconds (normal symbol miss A), 1 second (normal symbol miss B), or 0.5 seconds (normal symbol miss C).

[0102] The normal lottery means 542 then, if any of normal symbols A to C are won in a specific state, selects the normal variation lottery table A shown in Figure 8(C); if any of normal symbols A to C are won in a slight time reduction state, selects the normal variation lottery table B shown in Figure 8(D); if any of normal symbols A to C are won in a special game state, selects the normal variation lottery table C shown in Figure 8(E); and if any of normal symbols A to C are won in the first time reduction state, selects the normal variation lottery table shown in Figure 8(F) If you select the normal variation lottery table D shown in Figure 8(G), and if you win with normal symbol A or normal symbol B in the second time-saving state, select the normal variation lottery table E shown in Figure 8(G). If you win with normal symbol C in the second time-saving state, select the normal variation lottery table F shown in Figure 8(H). If you win with normal symbol A in the third time-saving state, select the normal variation lottery table G shown in Figure 8(I). If you win with normal symbol B or normal symbol C in the third time-saving state, select the normal variation lottery table H shown in Figure 8(J).

[0103] The ordinary lottery means 542 then refers to the selected ordinary variation lottery table and determines which of the multiple variation types the one ordinary variation determination random number included in the one ordinary random number read out is associated with.

[0104] Furthermore, when the ordinary lottery means 542 stores ordinary random values ​​in the ordinary random number storage means, it also performs pre-determination processing (game lottery, game determination) such as ordinary win determination processing, ordinary symbol determination processing, and ordinary variation determination processing (pre-determination means).

[0105] In detail, the ordinary lottery means 542 (pre-determination means) obtains an ordinary random value from the random number generation means 540 based on the input of a detection signal from the passage gate sensor 502. Before storing it in the ordinary random number storage means, it performs pre-determination processing on the ordinary random value, such as ordinary win determination processing, ordinary symbol determination processing, and ordinary variation determination processing, according to the game state and the number of reserved balls at that time.

[0106] The ordinary lottery means 542 then stores the pre-determination results, which include the results of the ordinary win determination process, the ordinary symbol determination process, and the ordinary variation determination process, as the ordinary random numbers that were the subject of the pre-determination process, in the ordinary random number storage means.

[0107] The normal display control means 543 is a means for controlling the main control display device 520 based on the lottery results of the normal lottery, and performs normal symbol display control processing and normal hold display control processing.

[0108] In the normal symbol display control process, the normal display control means 543 causes the normal symbols to change and display by flashing the two lamps of the normal symbol display unit 72 for a change time corresponding to the change type of normal symbols determined in the normal change determination process, and in the normal win determination process, depending on whether the normal win winning flag is set to ON state, the normal symbols are stopped and displayed by turning on or off the two lamps of the normal symbol display unit 72, and the result of the normal lottery is displayed on the normal symbol display unit 72.

[0109] More specifically, in this embodiment, if the variation type is Normal Symbol Special Variation A, the variation time of the normal symbols is set to 600 seconds; if the variation type is Normal Symbol Special Variation B, the variation time of the normal symbols is set to 601 seconds; if the variation type is Normal Symbol Special Variation C, the variation time of the normal symbols is set to 0.1 seconds; if the variation type is Normal Symbol Reach A, the variation time of the normal symbols is set to 20 seconds; if the variation type is Normal Symbol Reach B, the variation time of the normal symbols is set to 10 seconds; if the variation type is Normal Symbol Miss A, the variation time of the normal symbols is set to 2 seconds; if the variation type is Normal Symbol Miss B, the variation time of the normal symbols is set to 1 second; and if the variation type is Normal Symbol Miss C, the variation time of the normal symbols is set to 0.5 seconds.

[0110] Therefore, in this embodiment, if the game state at the time of the normal lottery is a specific state or a slightly shortened time state, the type of normal symbol variation is determined to be normal symbol special variation A or normal symbol special variation B, and the normal symbol variation time is set to 600 seconds or 601 seconds. If the game state at the time of the normal lottery is a special game state, a second shortened time state, or a third shortened time state, the type of normal symbol variation is determined to be normal symbol miss A, normal symbol miss B, or normal symbol miss C, and the normal symbol variation time is often set to 0.5 seconds to 2 seconds. Thus, the trigger for executing the normal lottery occurs more frequently when the game state is a special game state, a second shortened time state, or a third shortened time state.

[0111] In the normal hold display control process, the normal display control means 543 displays a number of hold items from 0 to 4 by a combination of lighting, extinguishing, or blinking the two lamps of the normal hold display unit 74, according to the number of normal random values ​​stored in the normal random number storage means.

[0112] The normal game execution means 544 executes one of the normal game A to normal game B depending on the game state, the result of the normal win determination process, and the result of the normal symbol determination process. Specifically, if the game state is a specific state, a special game state, or a slightly shortened time state, the normal game execution means 544 refers to the normal prize control table A shown in Figure 9(A) and executes normal game A regardless of whether normal symbol A, normal symbol B, or normal symbol C is won in the normal lottery. If the game state is the first shortened time state, it refers to the normal prize control table B shown in Figure 9(B) and executes normal game B regardless of whether normal symbol A, normal symbol B, or normal symbol C is won in the normal lottery. If the game state is the second time-saving state, the normal prize control table C shown in Figure 9(C) is referred to, and if normal symbol A or normal symbol B is won in the normal lottery, normal game A is executed, and if normal symbol C is won, normal game B is executed. If the game state is the third time-saving state, the normal prize control table D shown in Figure 9(D) is referred to, and if normal symbol A is won in the normal lottery, normal game A is executed, and if normal symbol B or normal symbol C is won, normal game B is executed.

[0113] In normal gameplay A, the opening time of the normal mechanism 52 is set to 0.1 seconds. When the normal symbols stop and are displayed in a manner indicating a normal win, the drive control of the normal mechanism drive device 522 is performed so that the normal mechanism 52 remains open for 0.1 seconds before returning to the closed state.

[0114] In normal gameplay B, the opening time of the normal mechanism 52 is set to 6 seconds, and when the normal symbols stop and are displayed in a manner indicating a normal win, the drive control of the normal mechanism drive device 522 is performed so that the normal mechanism 52 remains open for 2 seconds before returning to the closed state.

[0115] Therefore, in normal game A, the normal mechanism 52 operates in such a way that the ease with which the game ball enters the second starting prize entry point 50 hardly increases, but in normal game B, the normal mechanism 52 operates in such a way that the ease with which the game ball enters the second starting prize entry point 50 increases.

[0116] The special lottery means 546 (determination means) acquires a special random value (lottery information) from the random number generation means 540 based on a detection signal from the first start prize entry sensor 504 and stores it as the first special random value (first lottery information) in the special random number storage means of the main control memory 570. The special lottery means 546 also acquires a special random value (lottery information) from the random number generation means 540 based on a detection signal input from the second start prize entry sensor 506, which detects each game ball entering the second start prize entry 50, and stores it as the second special random value (second lottery information) in the special random number storage means. The special lottery means 546 then uses the first or second special random value read from the special random number storage means to perform a special lottery (game determination) to determine whether a big win or a small win has occurred.

[0117] In detail, the special random number storage means is provided with four first special reserve storage areas, from first special reserve storage area 1 to first special reserve storage area 4, as storage areas for storing the acquired first special random number. One first special reserve storage area is provided to store the first special random number read from first special reserve storage area 1 and used for the special lottery until the fluctuation and stop display of the first special symbol is completed. One second special reserve storage area is provided to store the acquired second special random number. One second special reserve storage area is provided to store the second special random number read from the second special reserve storage area and used for the special lottery until the fluctuation and stop display of the second special symbol is completed.

[0118] Furthermore, if no special random value is being held in any of the first special hold memory areas 1 to 4, and a special random value is acquired based on a detection signal input from the first start prize entry sensor 504, the acquired special random value is stored in the first special hold memory area 1 as the first special random value.

[0119] Then, when the first special random value is stored in the first special reserve memory area 1, if the first special symbol is not in a fluctuating or stopped display state, that is, if the first special random value is not reserved in the first special reserve memory area, and the game state is not a special game state, or a minor win game is not in progress, then the first special random value is read from the first special reserve memory area 1 and a special lottery is held, and the first special random value obtained from the special lottery is reserved in the first special reserve memory area. On the other hand, when the first special random value is stored in the first special reserve memory area 1, if the first special symbol is in a fluctuating or stopped display state, that is, if the first special random value is reserved in the first special reserve memory area, or the game state is a special game state, or a minor win game is in progress, then the first special random value is reserved in the first special reserve memory area 1.

[0120] If a detection signal is input from the first start prize entry sensor 504 while a first special random value is being held in the first special hold memory area 1, a new special random value is acquired, provided that the number of first special random values ​​held in the first special hold memory areas 1 to 4 is less than 4, i.e., the number of first special holds is less than 4. The acquired special random value is stored as the first special random value in the first special hold memory area with the smallest ordinal number among the first special hold memory areas 1 to 4 where no first special random values ​​are being held. On the other hand, if the number of first special holds is 4, even if a detection signal is input from the first start prize entry sensor 504, a new special random value is not acquired, and a new first special random value is not stored in the special random number storage means.

[0121] When the display of the first special symbol changes and stops, the first special random value that is being held in the first special hold memory area is erased. Then, if the first special random value is stored in the first special hold memory area 1, and provided that the game state is not a special game state or a minor win game is not in progress, the first special random value is read from the first special hold memory area 1 and a special lottery is held, and the first special random value obtained from the special lottery is held in the first special hold memory area.

[0122] When a first special random value is read from the first special reserved memory area 1, if a first special random value is also reserved in the first special reserved memory area 2 or later, the reserved first special random value is moved to the first special reserved memory area with an ordinal number one less than the original first special reserved memory area. For example, when a first special random value is read from the first special reserved memory area 1, if a first special random value is also reserved in each of the first special reserved memory areas 2 through 4, the first special random values ​​stored in each of the first special reserved memory areas 2 through 4 are moved to each of the first special reserved memory areas 1 through 3.

[0123] Furthermore, if no special random value is being held in the second special hold memory area, and a special random value is acquired based on a detection signal input from the second start prize entry sensor 506, the acquired special random value is stored in the second special hold memory area as the second special random value.

[0124] Then, when the second special random value is stored in the second special reserve memory area, if the second special symbol is not in a fluctuating or stopped display state, that is, if the second special random value is not reserved in the second special reserve memory area, and the game state is not a special game state, or a minor win game is not in progress, then the second special random value is read from the second special reserve memory area and a special lottery is held, and the second special random value obtained from the special lottery is reserved in the second special reserve memory area. On the other hand, when the second special random value is stored in the second special reserve memory area, if the second special symbol is in a fluctuating or stopped display state, that is, if the second special random value is reserved in the second special reserve memory area, or the game state is a special game state, or a minor win game is in progress, then the second special random value is reserved in the second special reserve memory area.

[0125] If a detection signal is input from the second start prize entry sensor 506 while a second special random value is being held in the second special hold memory area, that is, if the number of second special holds is 1, then even if a detection signal is input from the second start prize entry sensor 506, a new special random value will not be acquired, and a new second special random value will not be stored in the special random value storage means.

[0126] When the display of the second special symbol changes and stops, the second special random value that is being held in the second special reserve memory area is erased. If the second special random value is stored in the second special reserve memory area, and provided that the game state is not a special game state or a minor win game is not in progress, the second special random value is read from the second special reserve memory area and a special lottery is held, and the second special random value obtained from the special lottery is held in the second special reserve memory area.

[0127] In this embodiment, the first special random number that has undergone a special lottery is reserved in the first special reserved memory area, up to a maximum of one; the first special random number that has not undergone a special lottery is reserved in the first special reserved memory area 1 to the first special reserved memory area 4, up to a maximum of four; the second special random number that has undergone a special lottery is reserved in the second special reserved memory area, up to a maximum of one; and the second special random number that has not undergone a special lottery is reserved in the second special reserved memory area, up to a maximum of one. The first and second special random numbers are then processed in parallel. Alternatively, the second special random number may be processed with priority over the first special random number, or the first or second special random number may be processed according to the order in which they are stored in the special random number storage means, regardless of whether they are the first or second special random number.

[0128] The details of the special lottery are described below. Based on the detection signal input from the first start prize slot sensor 504 or the second start prize slot sensor 506, the special lottery means 546 acquires multiple types of random numbers, such as a special win determination random number, a special symbol determination random number, and a special variation determination random number, and stores these multiple types of random numbers in the special random number storage means as the first special random number or the second special random number for one special lottery. The special lottery means 230 then performs special win determination processing, special symbol determination processing, special variation determination processing, etc., as part of the special lottery.

[0129] The special win determination process is the process of determining whether a big win, a time-saving win, or a minor win has been achieved. In the special win determination process, the special lottery means 546 first selects which of the multiple types of big win lottery tables stored in the lottery table storage means of the main control memory 570 will be used for the random number determination process, depending on whether the special win determination random number for one reading was stored as the first special random number or the second special random number.

[0130] In this embodiment, the lottery table storage means stores the jackpot lottery table A shown in Figure 10(A) and the jackpot lottery table B shown in Figure 10(B).

[0131] In detail, the jackpot lottery table A shown in Figure 10(A) is selected when the random number value for determining a special jackpot that has been read out is stored as the first special random number value. The correspondence between a jackpot or a time-saving jackpot and a random number value from 0 to 65535 is set so that a jackpot is won with a probability of approximately 1 / 220 and a time-saving jackpot is won with a probability of approximately 219 / 220.

[0132] Furthermore, the jackpot lottery table B shown in Figure 10(B) is selected when the random number value for determining a special jackpot that has been read out is stored as the second special random number value. The correspondence between a jackpot or a minor win and a random number value from 0 to 65535 is set so that a jackpot is won with a probability of approximately 1 / 220 and a minor win is won with a probability of approximately 219 / 220.

[0133] The special lottery means 546 then selects jackpot lottery table A regardless of the game state if the random number value read out for one special win is stored as the first special random number value, and selects jackpot lottery table B regardless of the game state if the random number value read out for one special win is stored as the second special random number value.

[0134] The special lottery means 546 then refers to the selected jackpot lottery table and determines whether the random number for determining a special win that has been read out corresponds to a jackpot, a time-saving win, or a minor win, thereby determining whether a jackpot, a time-saving win, or a minor win has been won. Note that at least one of jackpot lottery table A and jackpot lottery table B may contain a losing outcome.

[0135] The special lottery means 546 then sets the winning flag for the big win in the flag storage means to the ON state if a big win is achieved, sets the winning flag for the time-saving win in the flag storage means to the ON state if a time-saving win is achieved, and sets the winning flag for the time-saving win in the flag storage means to the ON state if a small win is achieved.

[0136] The special symbol determination process is performed when a big win, time-saving win, or minor win is achieved in the special win determination process. If a big win is achieved, the process determines which of the following big win symbols (type of big win) will be used: Big Win 10R Symbol A, Big Win 3R Symbol A, Big Win 10R Symbol B, Big Win 3R Symbol B, Big Win 10R Symbol C, or Big Win 3R Symbol C. If a time-saving win is achieved, the process continues. If this occurs, the process determines whether the time-saving winning symbol (type of time-saving win) will be time-saving winning symbol A or time-saving winning symbol B. If a minor win is achieved, the process determines whether the minor win symbol (type of minor win) will be minor win 10R symbol A, minor win 3R symbol A, minor win 10R symbol B, minor win 3R symbol B, minor win 10R symbol C, or minor win 3R symbol C.

[0137] In the special symbol determination process, the special lottery means 546 first selects which of the multiple types of special symbol lottery tables stored in the lottery table storage means will be used for the random number determination process, depending on whether the special symbol determination random number for one reading was stored as the first special random number or the second special random number.

[0138] In this embodiment, the lottery table storage means stores the special symbol lottery table A shown in Figure 10(C), the special symbol lottery table B shown in Figure 10(D), the special symbol lottery table C shown in Figure 10(E), and the special symbol lottery table D shown in Figure 10(F).

[0139] In detail, the special symbol lottery table A shown in Figure 10(C) is selected when a special symbol determination random number for one reading is stored as the first special random number and a jackpot is won. The correspondence between the jackpot 10R symbol A, jackpot 3R symbol A, jackpot 3R symbol A, jackpot 3R symbol A, jackpot 10R symbol B, and jackpot 3R symbol B and random numbers from 0 to 99 is set up so that the jackpot 10R symbol A is won with a probability of 20 / 100, the jackpot 3R symbol A is won with a probability of 30 / 100, the jackpot 10R symbol B is won with a probability of 20 / 100, and the jackpot 3R symbol B is won with a probability of 30 / 100.

[0140] Furthermore, the special symbol lottery table B shown in Figure 10(D) is selected when the random value for determining a special symbol for one reading is stored as the first special random value, and a time-saving bonus is won. The correspondence between time-saving bonus symbols A and B and random values ​​from 0 to 99 is set so that time-saving bonus symbol A is won with a probability of 15 / 100, and time-saving bonus symbol B is won with a probability of 85 / 100.

[0141] Furthermore, the special symbol lottery table C shown in Figure 10(E) is selected when the random value for determining a special symbol read out once is stored as the second special random value, and a jackpot is won. The correspondence between the jackpot 10R symbol C, the jackpot 3R symbol C and random values ​​from 0 to 99 is set so that the jackpot 10R symbol C is won with a probability of 50 / 100, and the jackpot 3R symbol C is won with a probability of 50 / 100.

[0142] Furthermore, the special symbol lottery table D shown in Figure 10(F) is selected when the random value for determining a special symbol for one reading is stored as the second special random value, and a minor win is achieved. The correspondence between the minor win 10R symbol C, minor win 3R symbol C and random values ​​from 0 to 99 is set so that there is a 50 / 100 probability of winning the minor win 10R symbol C and a 50 / 100 probability of winning the minor win 3R symbol C.

[0143] The special lottery means 546 then, if the random number value for determining the special symbol read out is stored as the first special random number value and a big win is achieved, selects special symbol lottery table A regardless of the game state; if the random number value for determining the special symbol read out is stored as the first special random number value and a time-saving win is achieved, selects special symbol lottery table B regardless of the game state; if the random number value for determining the special symbol read out is stored as the second special random number value and a big win is achieved, selects special symbol lottery table C regardless of the game state; and if the random number value for determining the special symbol read out is stored as the second special random number value and a minor win is achieved, selects special symbol lottery table D regardless of the game state.

[0144] The special lottery means 230 then refers to the selected special symbol lottery table and determines whether the random number value for determining the special symbol read out corresponds to one of multiple types of jackpot symbols, multiple types of time-saving jackpot symbols, or multiple types of minor jackpot symbols, thereby determining which of the multiple types of jackpot symbols, multiple types of time-saving jackpot symbols, or multiple types of minor jackpot symbols has been won.

[0145] The special lottery means 230 then sets the winning flag corresponding to the winning jackpot symbol, time-saving jackpot symbol, or minor jackpot symbol in the flag storage means 2916 to the ON state.

[0146] The special variation determination process is a process that determines which of several variation types the variation type of the first special symbol or the second special symbol will be, according to the game state, the result of the special win determination process, and the result of the special symbol determination process. In the special variation determination process, the special lottery means 546 first determines, according to the game state, the result of the special win determination process, and the result of the special symbol determination process, which of the multiple types of special variation lottery tables stored in the lottery table storage means will be used for the random number determination process.

[0147] In this embodiment, the lottery table storage means stores the special variation lottery tables A to E shown in Figure 11. In each special variation lottery table, each of the 100 random numbers from 0 to 99 is associated with one of the following variation types, where the variation time of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is set to 90 seconds (Super Reach A), 60 seconds (Super Reach B), 30 seconds (Normal Reach), 10 seconds (Miss A), 6 seconds (Miss B), 3 seconds (Miss C), or 0.1 seconds (Special Symbol Special Variation).

[0148] In detail, the probability of selecting Super Reach A, Super Reach B, and Normal Reach is higher in Special Variation Lottery Table A, Special Variation Lottery Table B, and Special Variation Lottery Table C than in Special Variation Lottery Table D. Furthermore, in Special Variation Lottery Table A and Special Variation Lottery Table C, the probability of selection is in the order of Super Reach A > Super Reach B > Normal Reach, while in Special Variation Lottery Table B and Special Variation Lottery Table D, the probability is in the order of Normal Reach > Super Reach B > Super Reach A. In addition, Miss A, Miss B, and Miss C are not included in the lottery in Special Variation Lottery Table A, Special Variation Lottery Table B, and Special Variation Lottery Table C.

[0149] The special lottery means 546 then selects special variation lottery table A if a big win, small win, or time-saving win symbol A is won in a specific state; selects special variation lottery table B if a time-saving win symbol B is won in a specific state; selects special variation lottery table C if a big win or small win is won in a slight time-saving state; selects special variation lottery table D if time-saving win symbol A or time-saving win symbol B is won in a slight time-saving state; and selects special variation lottery table E if a big win or small win is won in the first time-saving state, second time-saving state, or third time-saving state.

[0150] The special lottery means 546 then refers to the selected special variation lottery table and determines which of the multiple variation types the special variation determination random number included in the read special random number corresponds to. Specifically, if the read special random number is the first special random number, the variation type of the first special symbol is determined to be the winning variation type. If the read special random number is the second special random number, the variation type of the second special symbol is determined to be the winning variation type.

[0151] In this embodiment, the expected probability of winning a big win or a small win differs for each of the Super Reach A, Super Reach B, and Normal Reach. Furthermore, if the Short Time Winning Symbol A or Short Time Winning Symbol B is won in the Short Time State, the more the number of First Special Reserves, the more likely it is that a variation type with a shorter variation time, such as Miss C, will be determined, thereby increasing the number of opportunities to execute the special lottery.

[0152] Furthermore, when the special lottery means 546 stores the first special random value or the second special random value in the special random number storage means, it also performs pre-determination processing (game lottery, game determination) such as special win determination processing, special symbol determination processing, and special variation determination processing (pre-determination means).

[0153] In detail, the special lottery means 546 (pre-determination means) obtains a special random number value from the random number generation means 540 based on the input of a detection signal from the first start prize entry sensor 504 or the second start prize entry sensor 506. Before storing the first special random number value or the second special random number value in the special random number storage means, the means performs pre-determination processing such as special win determination processing, special symbol determination processing, and special variation determination processing for the first special random number value or the second special random number value, depending on the game state and the number of reserved balls at that time.

[0154] The special lottery means 546 then stores the pre-determination results, including the results of the special win determination process, the special symbol determination process, and the special variation determination process, as the pre-determination processes, in the special random number storage means, associating them with the first special random number or the second special random number that was the subject of the pre-determination process.

[0155] The special display control means 548 is a means for controlling the main control display device 520 based on the results of the special lottery, and performs a first special symbol display control process, a second special symbol display control process, a first special hold display control process, and a second special hold display control process.

[0156] The first special symbol display control process is performed when a first special random value is read from the special random number storage means and a special lottery is conducted. The special display control means 548 causes the first special symbol to change and display by flashing the 7-segment display of the first special symbol display unit 76 for a variation time corresponding to the variation type of the first special symbol determined in the special variation determination process. In this embodiment, the display mode of the 7-segment display is predetermined to correspond to the result of the special win determination process or the result of the special symbol determination process. The special display control means 548 causes the first special symbol to stop displaying by displaying the 7-segment display in one of several display modes according to the result of the special win determination process or the result of the special symbol determination process, and displays the result of the special lottery on the first special symbol display unit 76.

[0157] The second special symbol display control process is performed when a second special random value is read from the special random number storage means and a special lottery is conducted. The special display control means 548 displays the second special symbol in a variable state by blinking the 7-segment display of the second special symbol display unit 80 for a variable time corresponding to the variable type of the second special symbol determined in the special variable determination process. Then, depending on the result of the special win determination process or the result of the special symbol determination process, the 7-segment display is displayed in one of several display modes to stop the second special symbol, and the result of the special lottery is displayed on the second special symbol display unit 80.

[0158] In the first special hold display control process, the special display control means 548 displays a number of holds from 0 to 4 by a combination of lighting, extinguishing, or flashing the two lamps of the first special hold display unit 78, according to the number of first special random values ​​stored in the special random number storage means.

[0159] In the second special hold display control process, the special display control means 548 displays a number of holds from 0 to 1 by a combination of lighting, extinguishing, or flashing the two lamps of the second special hold display unit 82, according to the number of second special random values ​​stored in the special random number storage means.

[0160] The minor prize game execution means 550 executes the minor prize game based on the results of the special lottery.

[0161] The mini-win game is executed based on the winning of mini-win 10R symbol A, mini-win 3R symbol A, mini-win 10R symbol B, mini-win 3R symbol B, mini-win 10R symbol C, or mini-win 3R symbol C in the special lottery. The mini-win game execution means 550 sets the upper limit of the round counter in the main control memory 570 to a value equivalent to one round, which is a predetermined number of rounds for the mini-win (for example, 1). When the special mechanism 56 operates in a predetermined manner during a 1-round mini-win game, an increment update is performed by adding a value equivalent to one round (for example, 1) to the stored value of the round counter. When the stored value of the round counter reaches the upper limit (for example, 1), the mini-win game ends.

[0162] In detail, during a minor win game, the special feature drive device 524 is controlled to operate a predetermined special feature 56 such that when the special feature 56 is in the open state, the open timer in the main control memory 570 counts to 1.7 seconds, and then the special feature drive device 526 is controlled to operate a predetermined specific feature 68 such that when the special feature 56 is in the open state, the specific feature 68 is also in the open state, and then when the minor win game ends, the specific feature drive device 526 is controlled to operate.

[0163] Then, in a round of minor wins, when the special feature 56 operates in a predetermined manner, or when the major prize entry sensor 508 detects the entry of one game ball, the value of the major prize count counter in the main control memory 570, which adds a value equivalent to one game ball (for example, 1), reaches its upper limit (for example, 10). When the special feature drive device 524 and the specific feature drive device 526 are driven so that the special feature 56 and the specific feature 68 are closed, the conditions for the end of one round are met, and "1" is added to the value of the round counter.

[0164] In this embodiment of the minor prize game, the special mechanism 56 is opened for 1.7 seconds, and the specific mechanism 68 is kept open. Therefore, if the game balls are continuously launched so that they enter the large prize opening 54, the game balls can be made to enter the specific area 64 and the normal area 66.

[0165] The jackpot game execution means 552 executes one of the jackpot games A to D based on the result of the special lottery.

[0166] Jackpot game A is executed based on the winning of jackpot 10R symbols A, 10R symbols B, and 10R symbols C in the special lottery. The jackpot game execution means 552 sets a value (for example, 10) corresponding to a predetermined number of rounds, which is 10, as the upper limit of the round counter for jackpot 10R symbols A, 10R symbols B, and 10R symbols C. Each time the special mechanism 56 operates in a predetermined manner in each round, an increment update is performed, adding a value (for example, 1) corresponding to the number of rounds for one round to the stored value of the round counter. When the stored value of the round counter reaches the upper limit (for example, 10), jackpot game A ends.

[0167] In detail, in jackpot game A, during each jackpot game from the 1st to the 10th round, the special feature drive device 524 is controlled to close the special feature 56 when the special feature 56 is in the open state, either when the open timer counts 29 seconds, or when the value of the jackpot winnings counter reaches its upper limit (for example, 10). Then, the conditions for the end of one round are met, and "1" is added to the value of the round counter.

[0168] Jackpot game B is executed based on the winning of jackpot 3R symbols A, B, and C in the special lottery. The jackpot game execution means 552 sets a value (for example, 3) corresponding to a predetermined number of rounds, which is 3, as the upper limit of the round counter. Each time the special mechanism 56 operates in a predetermined manner in each round, an increment update is performed, adding a value (for example, 1) corresponding to one round to the stored value of the round counter. When the stored value of the round counter reaches the upper limit (for example, 3), jackpot game B ends.

[0169] In detail, in jackpot game B, during the jackpot game of each round from the 1st to the 3rd round, the special mechanism drive device 524 is controlled to close the special mechanism 56 when the opening timer counts 29 seconds after the special mechanism 56 is open, or when the value of the jackpot count counter reaches its upper limit (for example, 10). Then, the conditions for the end of one round are met, and "1" is added to the value of the round counter.

[0170] The jackpot game C is executed based on the detection of a game ball entering a specific area 64 during a mini-jackpot game based on the winning of mini-jackpot 10R symbols A, B, or C. The jackpot game execution means 552 sets a value (for example, 9) corresponding to a predetermined number of rounds, which is 9, as the upper limit of the round counter. Each time the special mechanism 56 operates in a predetermined manner during each round, an increment update is performed, adding a value (for example, 1) corresponding to one round to the stored value of the round counter. When the stored value of the round counter reaches the upper limit (for example, 9), the jackpot game C ends.

[0171] In detail, in the big win game C, the small win game is considered the first round, and in the big win games of the subsequent second to tenth rounds, the special feature drive device 524 is controlled to close the special feature 56 when the special feature 56 is in the open state and the open timer counts 29 seconds, or when the value of the big win counter reaches its upper limit (for example, 10). Then, the conditions for the end of one round are met, and "1" is added to the value of the round counter 2933.

[0172] Big win game D is executed based on the detection of a game ball entering a specific area 64 during a mini-win game based on the winning of mini-win 3R symbols A, B, or C. The big win game execution means 552 sets a value equivalent to two predetermined rounds (for example, 2) for mini-win 3R symbols A, B, and C as the upper limit of the round counter, and performs an increment update by adding a value equivalent to one round (for example, 1) to the stored value of the round counter each time the special mechanism 56 operates in a predetermined manner in each round. When the stored value of the round counter reaches the upper limit (for example, 2), big win game C ends.

[0173] In detail, in the jackpot game D, the special feature drive device 524 is controlled so that the special feature 56 closes when the special feature 56 is in the open state, either when the opening timer counts 29 seconds after the special feature 56 is in the open state, or when the value of the jackpot count counter reaches its upper limit (for example, 10). Then, the conditions for the end of one round are met, and "1" is added to the value of the round counter 2933.

[0174] As shown in Figure 12, the game state control means 554 performs game state control processing to transition the game state between a specific state, a slightly shortened time state, a special game state, a first shortened time state, a second shortened time state, and a third shortened time state based on the fulfillment of predetermined transition conditions. The transition conditions for the game state may consist of one condition or multiple conditions. If multiple conditions are defined, the game state can be transitioned to another game state based on the fulfillment of one of the multiple predetermined conditions, or on the fulfillment of all of the multiple predetermined conditions.

[0175] The "Specific State" is the initial game state among several types of game states, and from the Specific State, it is possible to transition to the "Short Time Reduction State," the "Second Short Time Reduction State," and the "Special Game State."

[0176] In a specific state, regardless of whether regular symbol A, regular symbol B, or regular symbol C is drawn in the regular lottery, the regular variation lottery table A shown in Figure 8(C) is referenced, and a special regular symbol variation A is executed in which the variation time of the regular symbol is set to 600 seconds. The regular feature control table A shown in Figure 9(A) is referenced, and a regular game A is executed in which the opening time of the regular feature 52 is set to 0.1 seconds.

[0177] Therefore, in this specific state, it is difficult to get the game ball into the second starting prize entry point 50, making it more advantageous for the player to shoot to the left.

[0178] The slight time reduction state is initiated when the time reduction winning symbol B is hit in a specific state, and it is possible to transition from the slight time reduction state to the special game state or the specific state.

[0179] In the slightly shortened time state, regardless of whether regular symbol A, regular symbol B, or regular symbol C is won in the regular lottery, the regular variation lottery table B shown in Figure 8(D) is referenced, and a special regular symbol variation B is executed in which the variation time of the regular symbol is set to 601 seconds, and the regular mechanism control table A shown in Figure 9(A) is referenced, and a regular game A is executed in which the opening time of the regular mechanism 52 is set to 0.1 seconds.

[0180] Therefore, in the slightly shortened time state, it is more difficult to get the game balls into the second starting prize entry point 50, making it a game state where the player has an advantage if they shoot to the left.

[0181] In the shortened time state, the period from when the first special symbol is displayed to when it stops is considered one special first spin, and the period from when the second special symbol is displayed to when it stops is considered one special second spin. The total number of special spins, which is the sum of the number of special first spins and the number of special second spins, is counted. As shown in Figure 12, the game ends when the total number of special spins in the shortened time state reaches 1000, and the game transitions to a specific state.

[0182] In detail, the game state control means 554, when the game state transitions to the slightly shortened time state, writes a value (e.g., 1000) corresponding to a predetermined total number of special variations (e.g., 1000 times) to the total special variation counter of the main control storage means 570, and subtracts a value (e.g., 1) corresponding to one total special variation from the stored value of the total special variation counter each time the first or second special variation occurs in the slightly shortened time state. Then, when the stored value of the total special variation counter reaches a threshold (e.g., 0) or when a special game state is started, the slightly shortened time state is terminated.

[0183] Furthermore, even if the bonus symbol B is won in any game state other than the specified state, the game state will not change, and even if the bonus symbol B is won in the slight bonus state, the value will not be added to the total special fluctuation counter.

[0184] The special game state is initiated when a jackpot is won in a special lottery during a specific state, a slightly shortened time state, the first shortened time state, the second shortened time state, or the third shortened time state. It ends when a predetermined number of rounds (executions) of special gameplay are performed, depending on the type of jackpot symbol. The special game state is also initiated when the entry of a game ball into a specific area 64 is detected during a minor win game. It ends when a predetermined number of rounds of jackpot gameplay are performed, depending on the type of minor win symbol.

[0185] In detail, when a special game state is initiated based on the winning of 10R jackpot symbols A, B, or C in the special lottery, the special game state ends after 10 rounds of special gameplay (rounds 1 through 10) have been completed.

[0186] Furthermore, if a special game state is initiated based on the winning of the jackpot 3R symbol A, jackpot 3R symbol B, or jackpot 3R symbol C in the special lottery, the special game state will end once the 3 rounds of special gameplay (rounds 1 through 3) have been completed.

[0187] Furthermore, if a special game state is initiated based on the game ball entering a specific area 64 during a minor win game, the special game state ends when the nine rounds of the big win game (rounds 2 through 10) are completed.

[0188] Furthermore, if no game balls are detected entering the specific area 64 during a minor win game, the special game state will not start, and the game state will transition to the specific state.

[0189] In the special game state, regardless of whether regular symbol A, regular symbol B, or regular symbol C is drawn in the regular lottery, the regular variation lottery table C shown in Figure 8(E) is referenced, and regular symbol miss A is executed, in which the variation time of the regular symbol is set to 2 seconds. The regular mechanism control table A shown in Figure 9(A) is referenced, and regular game A is executed, in which the opening time of the regular mechanism 52 is set to 0.1 seconds.

[0190] Therefore, in the slightly shortened time state, it is more difficult to get the game ball into the second starting prize entry point 50, but it is easier to get the game ball into the main prize entry point 54, making it a game state where playing to the right is more advantageous for the player.

[0191] The first time-saving state begins when the special game state based on winning a 10R jackpot symbol A or a 3R jackpot symbol A ends, or when the special game state that has been triggered via a minor win game based on winning a 10R minor win symbol A or a 3R minor win symbol A ends. From the first time-saving state, it is possible to transition to a special game state or a specific state.

[0192] In the first time-saving state, regardless of whether regular symbol A, regular symbol B, or regular symbol C is won in the regular lottery, the regular variation lottery table D shown in Figure 8(F) is referenced, and a special regular symbol variation C is executed in which the variation time of the regular symbol is set to 0.1 seconds, and the regular mechanism control table B shown in Figure 9(B) is referenced, and a regular game B is executed in which the opening time of the regular mechanism 52 is set to 2 seconds.

[0193] Therefore, as shown in Figure 12, in the first time-saving state, when a normal lottery is held, there is a 1 / 1 probability that the game ball will enter the second starting prize entry point 50, making it a game state in which playing to the right is more advantageous for the player.

[0194] In the first time-saving state, in addition to the total number of special spins mentioned above, the number of second special spins is counted, and the number of normal spins is counted, with each normal spin from the time the normal symbols are displayed until they stop being counted as one normal spin. The state ends and transitions to a specific state when the number of normal spins in the first time-saving state reaches 100, the number of second special spins in the first time-saving state reaches 1, or the total number of special spins in the first time-saving state reaches 10.

[0195] More specifically, the game state control means 554, upon transitioning the game state to the first time-saving state, writes a value (e.g., 100) corresponding to a predetermined number of normal fluctuations (e.g., 100) to the normal fluctuation counter of the main control storage means 570, writes a value (e.g., 1) corresponding to a predetermined number of second special fluctuations (e.g., 1) to the second special fluctuation counter of the main control storage means 570, and writes a value (e.g., 10) corresponding to a predetermined total number of special fluctuations (e.g., 10) to the total special fluctuation counter.

[0196] Then, in the first time-saving state, each time a normal variation occurs, a value equivalent to the number of normal variations per instance (for example, 1) is subtracted from the stored value of the normal variation counter. Each time a second special variation occurs, a value equivalent to the number of second special variations per instance (for example, 1) is subtracted from the stored value of the second special variation counter. Each time a first or second special variation occurs, a value equivalent to the total number of special variations per instance (for example, 1) is subtracted from the stored value of the total special variation counter.

[0197] Then, the first time-saving state is terminated when the memory value of the normal fluctuation counter reaches a threshold (for example, 0), when the memory value of the second special fluctuation counter reaches a threshold (for example, 0), when the memory value of the total special fluctuation counter reaches a threshold (for example, 0), or when a special game state is started.

[0198] The second time-saving state begins when the special game state based on winning a 10R jackpot symbol B or a 3R jackpot symbol B ends, or when the special game state that has been triggered via a minor win game based on winning a 10R minor win symbol B or a 3R minor win symbol B ends, or when the time-saving jackpot symbol A is won in a specific state. From the second time-saving state, it is possible to transition to the special game state or the specific state.

[0199] In the second time-saving state, if normal symbol A or normal symbol B is won in the normal lottery, the normal variation lottery table E shown in Figure 8(G) is referenced, and one of the following is executed: normal symbol reach A, normal symbol reach B, normal symbol reach B, normal symbol reach B, normal symbol reach B, or normal symbol miss A

[0200] Therefore, as shown in Figure 12, in the second time-saving state, when a normal lottery is held, there is a probability of approximately 0.3 / 100 that it will be easier to get the game ball into the second starting prize entry point 50, making it a game state in which playing to the right is more advantageous for the player.

[0201] In the second time-saving state, the number of normal spins, the number of second special spins, and the total number of special spins are counted. The state ends and transitions to a specific state when the number of normal spins in the second time-saving state reaches 150, the number of second special spins in the second time-saving state reaches 1, or the total number of special spins in the second time-saving state reaches 10.

[0202] More specifically, the game state control means 554, upon transitioning the game state to the second time-saving state, writes a value (e.g., 150) corresponding to a predetermined number of normal spins (e.g., 150 spins) to the normal spin counter, a value (e.g., 1) corresponding to a predetermined number of second special spins (e.g., 1 spin) to the second special spin counter, and a value (e.g., 10) corresponding to a predetermined total number of special spins (e.g., 10 spins) to the total special spin counter.

[0203] Then, in the second time-saving state, each time a normal variation occurs, a value equivalent to the number of normal variations per instance (for example, 1) is subtracted from the memory value of the normal variation counter; each time a second special variation occurs, a value equivalent to the number of second special variations per instance (for example, 1) is subtracted from the memory value of the second special variation counter; and each time a first or second special variation occurs, a value equivalent to the total number of special variations per instance (for example, 1) is subtracted from the memory value of the total special variation counter.

[0204] Then, the second time-saving state is terminated when the memory value of the normal fluctuation counter reaches a threshold (for example, 0), when the memory value of the second special fluctuation counter reaches a threshold (for example, 0), when the memory value of the total special fluctuation counter reaches a threshold (for example, 0), or when the special game state is started.

[0205] The third time-saving state begins when the special game state based on winning a 10R jackpot symbol C or a 3R jackpot symbol C ends, or when the special game state that has been triggered via a minor win game based on winning a 10R minor win symbol C or a 3R minor win symbol C ends. From the second time-saving state, it is possible to transition to a special game state or a specific state.

[0206] In the third time-saving state, if regular symbol A is won in the regular lottery, the regular variation lottery table G shown in Figure 8(I) is referenced, and one of the following is executed: regular symbol reach A, where the variation time of the regular symbol is set to 20 seconds; regular symbol reach B, where it is set to 10 seconds; or regular symbol miss C, where it is set to 0.5 seconds. The regular mechanism control table D shown in Figure 9(D) is referenced, and regular game A is executed, where the opening time of the regular mechanism 52 is set to 0.1 seconds. However, if regular symbol B or regular symbol C is won in the regular lottery, the regular variation lottery table H shown in Figure 8(J) is referenced, and one of the following is executed: regular symbol reach A, where the variation time of the regular symbol is set to 20 seconds; or regular symbol reach B, where it is set to 10 seconds. The regular mechanism control table D shown in Figure 9(D) is referenced, and regular game B is executed, where the opening time of the regular mechanism 52 is set to 2 seconds.

[0207] Therefore, as shown in Figure 12, in the third time-saving state, when a normal lottery is held, there is a probability of approximately 1 / 100 that the game ball will enter the second starting prize entry point 50, making it a game state in which playing to the right is more advantageous for the player.

[0208] In the third time-saving state, the number of normal spins, the number of second special spins, and the total number of special spins are counted. The state ends and transitions to a specific state when the number of normal spins in the third time-saving state reaches 100, the number of second special spins in the second time-saving state reaches 1, or the total number of special spins in the second time-saving state reaches 10.

[0209] More specifically, the game state control means 554, upon transitioning the game state to the third time-saving state, writes a value (e.g., 100) corresponding to a predetermined number of normal spins (e.g., 100 spins) to the normal spin counter, a value (e.g., 1) corresponding to a predetermined number of second special spins (e.g., 1 spin) to the second special spin counter, and a value (e.g., 10) corresponding to a predetermined total number of special spins (e.g., 10 spins) to the total special spin counter.

[0210] Then, in the third time-saving state, each time a normal variation occurs, a value equivalent to the number of normal variations per instance (for example, 1) is subtracted from the memory value of the normal variation counter; each time a second special variation occurs, a value equivalent to the number of second special variations per instance (for example, 1) is subtracted from the memory value of the second special variation counter; and each time a first or second special variation occurs, a value equivalent to the total number of special variations per instance (for example, 1) is subtracted from the memory value of the total special variation counter.

[0211] Then, the second time-saving state is terminated when the memory value of the normal fluctuation counter reaches a threshold (for example, 0), when the memory value of the second special fluctuation counter reaches a threshold (for example, 0), when the memory value of the total special fluctuation counter reaches a threshold (for example, 0), or when the special game state is started.

[0212] Furthermore, even if the bonus symbol A is won in any game state other than the specified state, the game state will not change. Also, even if the bonus symbol A is won in the second bonus state, no value will be added to the normal spin counter, the second special spin counter, or the total special spin counter.

[0213] Furthermore, if a game ball does not enter the second starting prize entry point 50 during a normal game B in the first, second, or third time-saving state, the first, second, or third time-saving state will continue as is, provided that there are remaining normal spins. On the other hand, if a game ball does not enter the specific area 64 during a small win game, the specific state will start even if there are remaining normal spins.

[0214] The following describes the gameplay flow of this embodiment using Figure 12. First, in the initial state, when the left-handed shot is performed and the game ball enters the first starting prize entry point 46, a special lottery is held for the first special random value, and a time-saving bonus is won with a probability of approximately 219 / 220. Of these, if the time-saving bonus symbol A is won with a probability of 85 / 100, the second time-saving state begins, and if the time-saving bonus symbol B is won with a probability of 15 / 100, the slight time-saving state begins.

[0215] In the slightly shortened time state, when a left-handed shot is made and the game ball enters the first starting prize entry point 46, a special lottery is held based on the first special random value, and the slightly shortened time state continues until a jackpot is won with a probability of approximately 1 / 220, or until the total number of special spins reaches 1000.

[0216] In this embodiment, when a special lottery is held for the first special random value in a specific state, the user is assigned to either a slightly shortened state or a specific state, but it is more likely that the user will be assigned to the slightly shortened state and remain in that state.

[0217] In specific states and slightly shortened states, a jackpot is won with a probability of approximately 1 / 220 in a special lottery for the first special random value, and if a jackpot 10R symbol A or jackpot 3R symbol A is won with a probability of 50 / 100, the first shortened state will start after the special game state of the initial jackpot ends, and if a jackpot 10R symbol B or jackpot 3R symbol B is won with a probability of 50 / 100, the second shortened state will start after the special game state of the initial jackpot ends.

[0218] In the first time-saving state, when the player shoots to the right and the game ball passes through the gate 48, a normal lottery is held for the normal random value, and if normal symbol A, normal symbol B, or normal symbol C is won with a probability of 1 / 1, normal game B is executed and the game ball enters the second starting entry point 50, a special lottery is held for the second special random value, and if a big win or a small win is won with a probability of 1 / 1, the special game state of consecutive wins begins. In other words, in the first time-saving state, if the player continues to shoot to the right, the special game state of consecutive wins begins when the first normal lottery, i.e., the first normal variation, takes place.

[0219] In the first time-saving state, a special regular symbol variation C, with a variation time of 0.1 seconds, is determined as the variation type for regular symbols in the regular lottery, and a special special symbol variation, with a variation time of 0.1 seconds, is determined as the variation type for the second special symbol in the special lottery. As a result, if the player continues to shoot to the right, the special game state of consecutive wins will start immediately.

[0220] In this embodiment, the jackpot game in the initial special game state and the jackpot game (second game) or minor jackpot game (second game) in the consecutive jackpot special game state transitioned from the first time-saving state are played consecutively. The number of balls held in the initial special game state, i.e., the number of game balls acquired by the player, and the number of game balls acquired by the player in the consecutive jackpot special game state transitioned from the first time-saving state are cumulatively updated and displayed on the liquid crystal display 31, so that the initial special game state and the consecutive jackpot special game state transitioned from the first time-saving state are presented as if they were a single special game state. In this embodiment, the player is made to feel that they have acquired a large number of game balls in a single special game state.

[0221] In the second time-saving state, when the ball is shot to the right and passes through gate 48, a normal lottery is held based on the normal random value, and if normal symbol C is won with a probability of approximately 0.3 / 100, normal game B is executed and the ball enters the second starting prize entry 50, a special lottery is held based on the second special random value, and if a big win or a small win is won with a probability of 1 / 1, the special game state of consecutive wins begins. Also in the second time-saving state, a specific state is started when the number of normal spins reaches 150.

[0222] During the first and second time-saving states, a special lottery is held for the second special random value. If a big win or a small win is achieved, the player will win either the Big Win 10R symbol C, the Big Win 3R symbol C, the Small Win 10R symbol C, or the Small Win 3R symbol C. After the special game state of consecutive wins ends, the third time-saving state begins.

[0223] In the third time-saving state (second game state), when the ball is shot to the right and passes through the gate 48 (first area), a normal lottery (first game judgment) is performed based on the normal random value (first game information). If normal symbol B or normal symbol C is won with a probability of approximately 1 / 100 (first result), normal game B (first game) is executed and the ball enters the second starting prize entry 50 (second area). A special lottery (second game judgment) is performed based on the second special random value (second game information), and if a big win or a small win is won with a probability of 1 / 1 (second result), the special game state for consecutive wins (first game state) begins. Also, in the third time-saving state, a specific state begins when the number of normal spins reaches 100.

[0224] Then, even in the third time-saving state, a special lottery is held for the second special random value, and if a big win or a small win is achieved, a big win 10R symbol C, a big win 3R symbol C, a small win 10R symbol C, or a small win 3R symbol C will be awarded, and the third time-saving state will begin after the special game state of consecutive wins ends.

[0225] In this embodiment, when one normal game B is played, if the player continues to shoot to the right, it is possible to get 2 to 3 game balls into the second starting prize entry opening 50 during the 2 seconds that the normal prize mechanism 52 is open. However, in the special random number storage means, once the first game ball enters the second starting prize entry opening 50 and one set of second special random values ​​is stored, after the valid period during which the detection of game balls by the second starting prize entry opening sensor 506 is effective in that normal game B has elapsed, one set of second special random values ​​is read from the second special reserve storage area and the first special lottery is performed.

[0226] Therefore, even if the second or subsequent game balls enter the second starting prize entry point 50 during a single normal game B, no new second special random value is reserved because the maximum number of second special reserved values ​​has been reached. Thus, a maximum of one second special random value is reserved during a single normal game B.

[0227] In this embodiment, when one normal game B is played, a maximum of one special lottery is held, and a special game state with one consecutive win is initiated. When the special game state with one consecutive win ends, the third time-saving state is initiated with no second special random value being held in the special random number storage means.

[0228] The main communication control means 556 performs control to transmit signals and commands (information) to the sub-control board 600 and the frame control board 700. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, only unidirectional communication from the main control board 500 to the sub-control board 600 is possible between the main control board 500 and the sub-control board 600, and the communication connection is such that signals and commands cannot be transmitted from the sub-control board 600 to the main control board 500. On the other hand, bidirectional communication is possible between the main control board 500 and the frame control board 700.

[0229] For example, based on the detection signal from the first start prize slot sensor 504, a prize command indicating a prize in the first start prize slot 46 is sent to the frame control board 700, based on the detection signal from the second start prize slot sensor 506, a prize command indicating a prize in the second start prize slot 50 is sent to the frame control board 700, based on the detection signal from the large prize slot sensor 508, a prize command indicating a prize in the large prize slot 54 is sent to the frame control board 700, and the first general prize slot sensor 5 Based on the detection signal from 14, a prize command indicating a prize in the first general prize slot 47-1 is sent to the frame control board 700. Based on the detection signal from the second general prize slot sensor 516, a prize command indicating a prize in the second general prize slot 47-2 or the third general prize slot 47-3 is sent to the frame control board 700. Based on the detection signal from the third general prize slot sensor 518, a prize command indicating a prize in the fourth general prize slot 47-4 is sent to the frame control board 700.

[0230] Furthermore, the main communication control means 556 (external signal output means) performs processing to control the output state of external signals output to external devices 584, such as the hall computer 580, which is a computer that centrally manages the gaming machines installed in the gaming hall, and the data counter 582, which is individually connected to the gaming machines and displays information related to the gaming machine's game history. Specifically, the main communication control means 556 controls the output state of the symbol display signal, which notifies the hall computer 580 and the data counter 582 that the first special symbol or the second special symbol is being displayed in a variable or stopped state, between an on state and an off state, and controls the output state of the special game in progress signal, which notifies that the machine is set to a special game state each time it is set to a special game state, between an on state and an off state.

[0231] Each time a symbol display signal is output, the hall computer 580 and data counter 582 update and display the number of games played, which indicates the number of special draws in the gaming machine. Each time a special game signal is output, the hall computer 580 and data counter 582 update and display the number of big wins, which indicates the number of times the special game state has been set in the gaming machine.

[0232] The sub-control board 600 performs various calculations to execute effects in accordance with the progress of the game based on information from the main control board 500, the frame control board 700, and input means such as the effect input switch 602, and controls the effect devices 626 such as the effect display device 620, sound device 622, and movable drive device 624 based on the calculation results.

[0233] The performance input switch 602 is provided on the performance button 16 and detects operations on the performance button 16 and outputs a detection signal.

[0234] The performance display device 620 is realized by a front frame lamp 12, a liquid crystal display 31, decorative lamps 34, etc., and outputs performances such as light and images.

[0235] The sound device 622 is implemented by speakers 14, etc., and outputs effects such as sound and vibration.

[0236] The movable drive device 624 is implemented by a solenoid, motor, etc., which operates the performance object 36, and moves the performance object 36 between a stored state and an extended state.

[0237] Furthermore, the sub-control board 600 functions as a performance control means 640 and a sub-control storage means 670.

[0238] The performance control means 640 controls the performance device 626 to perform effects that enhance or assist the game, such as controlling the performance display device 620 to light up or blink the front frame lamp 12 and decorative lamp 34, displaying images on the liquid crystal display 31, controlling the sound device 622 to output sound from the speaker 14, and driving the movable drive device 624 to operate movable objects such as performance objects 36, based on signals and commands transmitted from the main control board 500, detection signals from the performance input switch 602, and performance data stored in the sub-control storage means 670.

[0239] In particular, the sub-control storage means 670 stores a large amount of performance image data, such as video data (animation data) and still image data, for displaying images on the liquid crystal display 31. Based on this performance image data, the performance control means 640 draws an image to the frame buffer of the sub-control storage means 670 every frame (1 / 30 second), and displays the drawn image on the liquid crystal display 31, thereby displaying the performance image on the liquid crystal display 31.

[0240] For example, the performance control means 640 performs lottery performance processing, state performance processing, etc., in response to the occurrence of game events such as game balls entering the first starting prize entry point 46 or the second starting prize entry point 50, operation of the performance button 16, and changes in the game state.

[0241] In detail, during the lottery animation processing, the animation control means 640 determines the animation content of the variation animation based on the result of the special lottery transmitted from the main control board 500, according to the variation type of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, so that the variation time of the first special symbol or the second special symbol and the animation animation time are the same. Then, the variation animation starts in conjunction with the start of the variation of the first special symbol in the first special symbol display unit 76, and the animation symbol image is displayed in a manner corresponding to the manner of the first special symbol that is stopped and displayed in the first special symbol display unit 76. Similarly, the variation animation starts in conjunction with the start of the variation of the second special symbol in the second special symbol display unit 80, and the animation symbol image is displayed in a manner corresponding to the manner of the second special symbol that is stopped and displayed in the second special symbol display unit 80.

[0242] In the lottery animation processing, the animation control means 640, when the game state is the first time-saving state or the second time-saving state, determines the content of the variation animation based on the result of the ordinary lottery transmitted from the main control board 500, according to the variation type of ordinary symbols, so that the variation time of the ordinary symbols and the animation time of the variation animation are the same. Then, the variation animation starts in conjunction with the start of the variation of the ordinary symbols on the ordinary symbol display unit 72, and the animation symbol image is displayed in a manner corresponding to the manner of the ordinary symbols that were stopped and displayed on the ordinary symbol display unit 72.

[0243] Specifically, as shown in Figure 13(A), the performance control means 640 displays a background image (not shown) across the entire display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 31, and displays the left performance symbol 350, the middle performance symbol 352, and the right performance symbol 354 as performance symbol images in front of the background image. Here, each of the left performance symbol 350, the middle performance symbol 352, and the right performance symbol 354 includes a number portion (identification portion) that shows one of a predetermined number of types, and a decorative portion that decorates the number portion, such as a rectangular portion around the number portion.

[0244] Then, as shown in Figure 13(B), the performance control means 640, upon the start of the variable display of the first special symbol, the second special symbol, or the regular symbol, causes the left performance symbol 350, the middle performance symbol 352, and the right performance symbol 354 to vary, and then, in a manner corresponding to the result of the special lottery or the regular lottery, causes the left performance symbol 350, the middle performance symbol 352, and the right performance symbol 354 to stop displaying, and also, in a manner corresponding to each of the multiple types of performance patterns, changes the background image on the liquid crystal display 31 or plays and displays a performance video in which character images move, thereby executing a variable performance on the liquid crystal display 31 according to the type of performance pattern. The downward arrows in the figure indicate that the left performance symbol 350, the middle performance symbol 352, and the right performance symbol 354 are each being displayed in a variable state at high speed.

[0245] For example, if a miss A is determined in the special variation determination process for the first special symbol, the variation display of the left performance symbol 350, the middle performance symbol 352, and the right performance symbol 354 will begin as the variation display of the first special symbol begins, as shown in Figure 13(B). As shown in Figure 13(C), the left performance symbol 350 will first be temporarily stopped and displayed in one of the modes (in Figure 13(C), the mode showing "5"), but will shake slightly. Then, as shown in Figure 13(D), the right performance symbol 354 will be temporarily stopped and displayed in a mode different from the left performance symbol 350 (non-reach mode).

[0246] Then, before the first special symbol is displayed, as shown in Figure 13(E), the middle performance symbol 352 is temporarily displayed in a different manner (scattered miss manner) than the left performance symbol 350 and the right performance symbol 354, and at almost the same time that the first special symbol is displayed, as shown in Figure 13(F), the middle performance symbol 352 is displayed in a confirmed stop manner so that it stops completely in a different manner (scattered miss manner) than the left performance symbol 350 and the right performance symbol 354.

[0247] For example, if Super Reach A is determined in the special variation determination process for the first special symbol, the variation display of the left performance symbol 350, the middle performance symbol 352, and the right performance symbol 354 will start as the variation display of the first special symbol begins, as shown in Figure 14(A). As shown in Figure 14(B), the left performance symbol 350 will first be temporarily stopped and displayed, and then, as shown in Figure 14(C), the middle performance symbol 352 will remain in a variation state while the right performance symbol 354 will be temporarily stopped and displayed in the same manner (reach state) as the left performance symbol 350. Then, as shown in Figure 14(D), the playback display of the performance video corresponding to the determined reach performance pattern will start, and the playback display of the performance video will end within the variation time of the first special symbol.

[0248] In detail, in the example shown in Figure 14(D), a video of character A fighting character B is being played and displayed in the center of the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 31. When this video is being played and displayed, instead of the left animation symbol 350, the middle animation symbol 352, and the right animation symbol 354 displayed in the center of the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 31, a reduced left animation symbol 360 corresponding to the left animation symbol 350, a reduced middle animation symbol 362 corresponding to the middle animation symbol 352, and a reduced right animation symbol 364 corresponding to the right animation symbol 354 are displayed in the upper right of the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 31. That is, as shown in Figure 14(D), the reduced left animation symbol 360 and the reduced right animation symbol 364 are temporarily stopped and displayed in the same manner (reach manner) while the reduced middle animation symbol 362 is displayed in a variable state.

[0249] If a jackpot is won, as shown in Figure 14(E), a video showing character A defeating character B is played and displayed in the center of the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 31, and the shrinking animation symbol 362 is temporarily stopped and displayed in the upper right of the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 31 in the same manner (winning manner) as the shrinking left animation symbol 360 and the shrinking right animation symbol 364, thereby provisionally informing the player that a jackpot has been won.

[0250] Then, the video showing character A defeating character B ends, and as shown in Figure 14(F), the left performance symbol 350, the middle performance symbol 352, and the right performance symbol 354 are displayed in the center of the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 31, which are temporarily stopped. Then, as shown in Figure 14(G), the left performance symbol 350, the middle performance symbol 352, and the right performance symbol 354 are displayed in the center of the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 31, which are definitively stopped, and a sound effect informing the player that a jackpot has been won is output from the speaker 14, thus definitively informing the player that a jackpot has been won.

[0251] On the other hand, if a jackpot is not won, as shown in Figure 14(H), a video showing character A being defeated by character B is played in the center of the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 31, and the shrinking animation symbol 362 is temporarily stopped in the upper right of the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 31 in a different manner (a failed reach) than the shrinking left animation symbol 360 and the shrinking right animation symbol 364, thereby provisionally informing the player that a jackpot was not won.

[0252] Then, the video showing character A being defeated by character B ends, and as shown in Figure 14(I), the left performance symbol 350, the middle performance symbol 352, and the right performance symbol 354 are displayed in the center of the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 31, which are temporarily stopped. Then, as shown in Figure 14(J), the left performance symbol 350, the middle performance symbol 352, and the right performance symbol 354 are displayed in the center of the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 31, which are definitively stopped, informing the player that they did not win a jackpot.

[0253] In the lottery animation process, the same animation may be performed whether or not a jackpot is won. Therefore, when the same animation is performed, it can greatly increase the player's expectation of winning a jackpot.

[0254] In this embodiment, for each of the multiple types of effects, the expected probability of winning is predetermined as the degree to which the outcome will be favorable to the player when each effect is executed. The selection rate for each of the multiple types of effects is set in both the effect lottery table referenced when the outcome will be favorable to the player and the effect lottery table referenced when the outcome will not be favorable to the player, so that effects with a higher expected probability are more likely to be executed when the outcome will be favorable to the player than effects with a lower expected probability.

[0255] In this embodiment, the left special symbol 350, middle special symbol 352, and right special symbol 354 are displayed on the liquid crystal display 31 in a performance pattern corresponding to the variation type of the first special symbol, second special symbol, and normal symbol in the state display device 70, and various performances are executed to increase the player's expectation of a favorable result. At the same time, the left special symbol 350, middle special symbol 352, and right special symbol 354 are temporarily stopped and then stopped in a manner corresponding to the result of the special lottery or normal lottery, thereby informing the player of the result of the special lottery.

[0256] Furthermore, the performance control means 640 controls the movable drive device 624 in accordance with the progression of the performance pattern image and the variation performance image to operate the movable object as a variable performance. Specifically, in this embodiment, the performance control means 640 controls the movable drive device 624, such as a solenoid or motor, to move the performance object 36 from a stored state to an exposed state, or from an exposed state back to a stored state.

[0257] Furthermore, each variation in the game features different display patterns for the game symbols and animation images, as well as different movement patterns for the movable parts. The probability of selecting each variation, depending on the result of the special or regular lottery, and the execution time from start to finish also differ. As a result, each variation in the game features offers different expectations for winning a jackpot or a regular win, as well as different expectations for winning various symbols.

[0258] In the state presentation processing, the presentation control means 640 performs state presentations that indicate the current game state to the player by operating character images, changing background images, or operating movable objects on the liquid crystal display 31, based on signals and commands transmitted from the main control board 500, according to the current game state.

[0259] More specifically, the performance control means 640 causes the liquid crystal display 31 to display a normal state image corresponding to a specific state or a slightly shortened time state if the current game state is a specific state or a slightly shortened time state; if the current game state is a special game state, it causes the liquid crystal display 31 to display a special game state image corresponding to a special game state; if the current game state is a first shortened time state, it causes the liquid crystal display 31 to display a first shortened time state image corresponding to a first shortened time state; if the current game state is a second shortened time state, it causes the liquid crystal display 31 to display a second shortened time state image corresponding to a second shortened time state; and if the current game state is a third shortened time state, it causes the liquid crystal display 31 to display a third shortened time state image corresponding to a third shortened time state.

[0260] Furthermore, the performance control means 640 controls the output of a specific performance sound from the speaker 14, the display of a specific performance image on the liquid crystal display 31, or the operation of a movable object based on the fact that the performance button 16 has been operated at a predetermined timing.

[0261] Figure 15 is a functional block diagram of the frame control board 700. The frame control board 700 performs various calculations to control the launch of game balls, the circulation of game balls within the game machine, and the management (storage) and display of the number of game balls held, based on information from the main control board 500, input means such as the ball release switch 702, rectifier inlet sensor 704, rectifier outlet sensor 706, foul ball sensor 708, out sensor 710, insufficient number of circulating balls sensor 712, excessive number of circulating balls sensor 714, counting switch 716, operation volume 718, touch sensor 720, launch stop switch 722, and open sensor 724, as well as information from the dedicated unit control board 800. Based on the calculation results, it controls output means such as the number of game balls held display device 740, rectifier drive device 742, launch drive device 744, and lifting drive device 746, and transmits information to the dedicated unit control board 800.

[0262] The ball removal switch 702 is located on a ball removal button (not shown) on the frame control board 700, and detects operation on the ball removal button and outputs a detection signal. Since the ball removal button is located on the frame control board 700, it can be operated by the administrator of the gaming machine when the inner frame 7 is open relative to the outer frame 2.

[0263] The rectifier inlet sensor 704 is installed at the inlet of the rectifier 116 and outputs a detection signal each time a game ball passes through the inlet of the rectifier 116. When three game balls are present in the rectifier 116, the sensor continues to output the detection signal when a third game ball is present at the inlet of the rectifier 116.

[0264] The rectifier outlet sensor 706 is located at the outlet of the rectifier 116 and outputs a detection signal each time a game ball passes through the outlet of the rectifier 116.

[0265] The foul ball sensor 708 is installed in the foul passage and outputs a detection signal each time a game ball passes through the foul passage.

[0266] The out-sensor 710 (specific detection means) is installed in the collection port 104 and outputs a detection signal each time a game ball passes through the collection port 104.

[0267] The circulating ball count shortage sensor 712 is installed in the second passage 106 and outputs a detection signal when the number of game balls remaining in the second passage 106 is 43 or more.

[0268] The ball count excess sensor 714 is installed in the second passage 106 and outputs a detection signal when the number of game balls remaining in the second passage 106 is 47 or more.

[0269] The counting switch 716 is located on the counting button 18 and detects operations performed on the counting button 18, outputting a detection signal.

[0270] The operating volume 718 is located on the handle 20 and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the rotation angle of the handle 20.

[0271] The touch sensor 720 (contact detection means) is provided on the handle 20 and detects the player's contact with the handle 20 and outputs a detection signal.

[0272] The firing stop switch 722 is located on the firing stop button of the handle 20 and detects operation on the firing stop button and outputs a detection signal.

[0273] The open sensor 724 is installed in the inner frame 7 and detects whether the inner frame 7 and the front frame 10 are open to the outer frame 2, or whether the front frame 10 is open to the inner frame 7 and the outer frame 2, and outputs a detection signal.

[0274] The ball count display device 740 is implemented using an LED board or the like, and displays the number of balls in the ball count display unit 17.

[0275] The rectifier drive device 742 is implemented by a solenoid or the like provided on the rectifier 116, and operates the interruption member 118 between the interrupted state and the uninterrupted state.

[0276] The launch drive device 744 is realized by a motor or the like provided in the launch device, and operates the hammer of the launch device.

[0277] The lifting drive device 746 is realized by a motor or the like provided in the lifting unit 108, and operates the lifting screw 110.

[0278] The dedicated unit control board 800 is provided in the dedicated unit and is realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), ROM (an example of an information storage medium), or RAM, or software consisting of a given program stored in advance in the ROM or the like.

[0279] Then, based on input means such as a touch panel, a bill discriminator, a card reader, etc., and information from the frame control board 700, the dedicated unit control board 800 performs various calculations for lending out game balls or returning the number of balls in hand, and based on the calculation results, controls output means such as a dedicated unit display device, a bill acceptor, a card writer, etc., and transmits information to the frame control board 700.

[0280] The frame control board 700 functions as a frame state control means 760, a ball-in-hand number management means 762, a launch control means 764, a circulation control means 766, a circulated ball number determination means 768, a frame communication control means 774, and a frame control memory 780.

[0281] The frame state control means 760 sets the management state managed by the frame control board 700 to one of a startup preparation state, which is a state from when the power of the gaming machine is turned on until communication with the main control board 500 and the dedicated unit control board 800 becomes possible; a normal management state, which is a state where communication with the main control board 500 and the dedicated unit control board 800 is possible and gaming can be executed; and a ball discharge state, which is a state where gaming cannot be executed and the game balls inside the gaming machine can be discharged to the outside.

[0282] Specifically, when the detection signal from the ball extraction switch 702 is in the OFF state when the power of the gaming machine is turned on, that is, when the gaming machine is turned on with the ball extraction button not pressed, the frame state control means 760 sets the management state to the startup preparation state and then to the normal management state. When the detection signal from the ball extraction switch 702 is in the ON state when the power of the gaming machine is turned on, that is, when the gaming machine is turned on with the ball extraction button pressed, the management state is set to the ball extraction state. Since the set management state is maintained until the power is turned off, when changing the management state, it is necessary to turn off the power of the gaming machine and then turn it on again.

[0283] The held ball number management means 762 (update means, counting means) updates the value corresponding to the held ball number stored in the held ball number counter 782 of the frame control memory 780 based on commands from the main control board 500 and the dedicated unit control board 800 in the normal management state, and controls the held ball number displayed on the held ball number display device 740 based on the value stored in the held ball number counter 782.

[0284] Specifically, the held ball number management means 762 adds the value corresponding to the lent ball number to the value corresponding to the held ball number stored in the held ball number counter 782 based on the lending command transmitted from the dedicated unit control board 800. In this embodiment, every time a lending command is received, 125 corresponding to the lent ball number of 125 is added to the value of the held ball number counter 782.

[0285] Also, the held ball number management means 762 subtracts 1 from the value of the held ball number counter 782 assuming that one game ball is launched from the launcher based on the detection signal from the rectifier outlet sensor 706, and adds 1 to the value of the held ball number counter 782 assuming that one launched game ball is returned based on the detection signal from the foul ball sensor 708.

[0286] Furthermore, the ball count management means 762 adds a value to the ball count counter 782 that corresponds to a predetermined number of prize balls for each prize slot, based on the prize entry command transmitted from the main control board 500 that corresponds to each prize slot. Specifically, based on the winning command indicating entry into the first starting prize slot 46, 3 is added to the ball count counter 782; based on the winning command indicating entry into the first general prize slot 47-1, 4 is added to the ball count counter 782; based on the winning command indicating entry into the second general prize slot 47-2 or the third general prize slot 47-3, 3 is added to the ball count counter 782; based on the winning command indicating entry into the fourth general prize slot 47-4, 1 is added to the ball count counter 782; based on the winning command indicating entry into the second starting prize slot 50, 1 is added to the ball count counter 782; and based on the winning command indicating entry into the large prize slot 54, 10 is added to the ball count counter 782.

[0287] Furthermore, when the value of the ball count counter 782 is 1 or greater, the ball count management means 762 sends a counting command to the dedicated unit control board 800 based on the detection signal from the counting switch 716, and subtracts the value corresponding to the counting command from the value of the ball count counter 782. In this embodiment, when a short press operation is performed on the counting button 18 with a pressing time of less than 1 second, a counting command corresponding to the short press operation is sent to the dedicated unit control board 800, and 1 is subtracted from the value of the ball count counter 782. When a long press operation is performed on the counting button 18 with a pressing time of 1 second or more but less than 4 seconds, a counting command corresponding to the long press operation is sent to the dedicated unit control board 800 every 0.5 seconds, and 250 is subtracted from the value of the ball count counter 782. Also, when a long press operation of 4 seconds or more is performed on the counting button 18 with a pressing time of 4 seconds or more, a counting command corresponding to the long press operation of 4 seconds or more is sent to the dedicated unit control board 800, and the value of the ball count counter 782 is set to 0.

[0288] The launch control means 764 controls the rectifier drive unit 742 and the launch drive unit 744 based on the value of the ball count counter 782, the launch permission signal from the main control board 500 that permits the launch of game balls, and detection signals from the rectifier inlet sensor 704, the rectifier outlet sensor 706, the operation volume 718, the touch sensor 720, and the launch stop switch 722.

[0289] In detail, under normal management conditions, the launch control means 764 controls the rectifier drive unit 742 so that the rectifier inlet sensor 704 operates to send one game ball to the launching device every 1.65 seconds when the value of the ball count counter 782 is 1 or more, the detection signal from the rectifier inlet sensor 704 has been ON for more than 2 seconds, meaning that 3 game balls are present in the rectifier 116, the detection signal from the operation volume 718 is ON, the detection signal from the touch sensor 720 is ON, the detection signal from the launch stop switch 722 is OFF, and the launch permission signal from the main control board 500 is ON. When one game ball is sent to the launching device, the launch drive unit 744 controls the rectifier drive unit 744 so that the hammer operates to strike the game ball.

[0290] In addition, under normal management conditions, the launch control means 764 controls the rectifier drive unit 742 so that the rectifier 116's blocking member 118 does not send game balls to the launching device, and controls the launching drive unit 744 so that the launching device's hammer does not strike game balls, if the value of the ball count counter 782 is 0, if the detection signal from the rectifier inlet sensor 704 has not been ON for more than 2 seconds, i.e., if there are no 3 game balls remaining in the rectifier 116, if the detection signal from the rectifier outlet sensor 706 is ON, if the detection signal from the operation volume 718 is OFF, if the detection signal from the touch sensor 720 is OFF, if the detection signal from the launch stop switch 722 is ON, or if the launch permission signal from the main control board 500 is OFF.

[0291] On the other hand, in the ball-removal state, unlike the normal management state, the launch control means 764 controls the rectifier drive unit 742 so that the rectifier outlet sensor 706 is OFF, the detection signal from the rectifier inlet sensor 704 is OFF, the launch permission signal from the main control board 500 is OFF, the detection signal from the rectifier outlet sensor 706 is OFF, the detection signal from the operation volume 718 is ON, the detection signal from the touch sensor 720 is ON, and the detection signal from the launch stop switch 722 is OFF, so that the rectifier drive unit 742 performs an action to send one game ball to the launching device every 1.65 seconds, and when one game ball is sent to the launching device, the launch drive unit 744 performs an action to strike the game ball with a hammer.

[0292] Furthermore, in the ball-removal state, the launch control means 764 controls the rectifier drive unit 742 so that the rectifier 116's blocking member 118 does not send game balls to the launching device, and controls the launching drive unit 744 so that the launching device's hammer does not strike game balls, when the detection signal from the rectifier outlet sensor 706 is ON, the detection signal from the touch sensor 720 is OFF, the detection signal from the operation volume 718 is OFF, or the detection signal from the launch stop switch 722 is ON.

[0293] The circulation control means 766 controls the lifting drive device 746 based on the value of the ball count counter 782, the launch permission signal from the main control board 500, the detection signals from the rectifier inlet sensor 704, the operation volume 718, the touch sensor 720, the launch stop switch 722, and the open sensor 724.

[0294] In detail, under normal management conditions, the circulation control means 766 controls the lifting drive device 746 so that the lifting screw 110 lifts the game balls into the third passage 114 when the value of the ball count counter 782 is 1 or more, the detection signal from the operation volume 718 is ON, the detection signal from the touch sensor 720 is ON, the detection signal from the launch stop switch 722 is OFF, and the launch permission signal from the main control board 500 is ON.

[0295] In addition, under normal management conditions, the circulation control means 766 controls the lifting drive device 746 so that the lifting screw 110 does not lift game balls into the third passage 114 when the value of the ball count counter 782 is 0, the detection signal from the operation volume 718 is OFF, the detection signal from the touch sensor 720 is OFF, the detection signal from the launch stop switch 722 is ON, or the launch permission signal from the main control board 500 is OFF.

[0296] In other words, as the launching device fires a game ball, the lifting screw 110 lifts the game ball into the third passage 114.

[0297] Furthermore, under normal management conditions, the circulation control means 766 controls the lifting drive device 746 so that the lifting screw 110 lifts game balls into the third passage 114 if the open sensor 724 has been in the ON state for more than 2 seconds, that is, if the inner frame 7 and front frame 10 have been open to the outer frame 2 for more than 2 seconds.

[0298] Furthermore, under normal management conditions, the circulation control means 766 controls the lifting drive device 746 so that the lifting screw 110 does not lift game balls into the third passage 114 if the open sensor 724 is ON, if the detection signal of the rectifier inlet sensor 704 has been ON for more than 2 seconds, that is, if there are 3 game balls in the rectifier 116 even though the inner frame 7 and front frame 10 are open to the outer frame 2, or if the open sensor 724 has been OFF for more than 2 seconds, that is, if the inner frame 7 and front frame 10 have been closed to the outer frame 2 for more than 2 seconds.

[0299] On the other hand, in the ball removal state, unlike the normal management state, the circulation control means 766 controls the lifting drive device 746 so that the lifting screw 110 lifts the game balls into the third passage 114 when the value of the ball count counter 782 is 0, the launch permission signal from the main control board 500 is OFF, the detection signal from the operation volume 718 is ON, the detection signal from the touch sensor 720 is ON, and the detection signal from the launch stop switch 722 is OFF.

[0300] Furthermore, in the ball-removal state, the circulation control means 766 controls the lifting drive device 746 so that the lifting screw 110 does not lift game balls into the third passage 114 if the detection signal from the operation volume 718 is OFF, the detection signal from the touch sensor 720 is OFF, or the detection signal from the launch stop switch 722 is ON.

[0301] In other words, when the balls are removed, the value of the ball count counter 782 is 0, and the launch permission signal from the main control board 500 is OFF. However, if the manager of the gaming machine touches the handle 20 and rotates it, the rectifier drive unit 742, the launch drive unit 744, and the lifting drive unit 746 will operate.

[0302] This allows the balls to be released from the discharge port 124 after passing through the first passage 102, the second passage 106, and the discharge passage 120, even when the ball release lever 122 is in the open position.

[0303] The circulating ball count determination means 768 determines whether the number of game balls in the second passage 106 is too low based on the detection signal from the circulating ball count deficiency sensor 712, and outputs a deficiency error if the number of game balls is too low. The circulating ball count determination means 768 also determines whether the number of game balls in the second passage 106 is too high based on the detection signal from the circulating ball count excess sensor 714, and outputs an excess error if the number of game balls is too high.

[0304] The frame communication control means 774 controls the transmission of signals and commands to the main control board 500 and the dedicated unit control board 800. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, two-way communication is possible between the frame control board 700 and the dedicated unit control board 800, but there is no direct communication connection between the sub-control board 600 and the frame control board 700.

[0305] 3. Method of the present embodiment FIG. 16 is a top view showing details around the held ball number display section 17 (display means) shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 16, a count button 18 is provided on the front side of the held ball number display section 17 around the held ball number display section 17, and a count lamp 900 (light emitting means) capable of outputting light as an effect display device 620 is provided from the front side to the right side of the held ball number display section 17. The count lamp 900 is divided into five regions: a first light emitting region, a second light emitting region, a third light emitting region, a fourth light emitting region, and a fifth light emitting region in order from the left. LEDs are provided inside each of the first light emitting region, the second light emitting region, the third light emitting region, the fourth light emitting region, and the fifth light emitting region, and each can output light individually.

[0306] In the present embodiment, based on the fact that a lending operation of a game ball is performed in the dedicated unit (a predetermined opportunity for updating the game value), or based on the fact that an operation of pressing the count button 18 is performed (a predetermined opportunity for updating the game value), light is output from the count lamp 900.

[0307] In detail, as shown in Figure 17, when a game ball is dispensed in the dedicated unit and 125 is added to the value of the ball count counter 782, a count-up display is executed on the ball count display unit 17, increasing the number of balls displayed by 125. At the same time, the fifth, fourth, third, second, and first light-emitting regions light up and then turn off in white in that order over 0.5 seconds, resulting in a left-white pattern lighting effect where the white-lit parts of the counting lamp 900 flow from right to left as each light-emitting region emits white light. This creates the effect that data for 125 game balls is being sent from the dedicated unit located on the right side of the game machine to the game machine.

[0308] Furthermore, when the counting button 18 is briefly pressed and 1 is subtracted from the value of the ball count counter 782, a countdown display is executed on the ball count display unit 17, decreasing the number of balls displayed by 1. At the same time, the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth light-emitting areas light up and then turn off in white in that order over 0.5 seconds, resulting in a right-white pattern lighting effect where the white-lit parts of the counting lamp 900 flow from left to right as each light-emitting area emits white light. This creates the effect that data for one game ball is being sent from the gaming machine to a dedicated unit located on the right side of the gaming machine.

[0309] Furthermore, when the counting button 18 is pressed and held, and 250 is subtracted from the value of the ball count counter 782, a countdown display is executed on the ball count display unit 17, decreasing the number of balls displayed by 250, and a white light pattern on the right is flashed once. This indicates that data for 250 game balls has been sent from the gaming machine to the dedicated unit.

[0310] Furthermore, if the ball count counter 782 is less than 250 and the counting button 18 is pressed and held, the ball count counter 782 will be reset to 0, a countdown display will be executed on the ball count display unit 17 until the number of balls displayed decreases to 0, and a white light pattern will flash once. This will indicate that data for 1 to 249 game balls is being sent from the gaming machine to the dedicated unit.

[0311] Furthermore, if the counting button 18 is pressed and held for more than 4 seconds, and the value of the ball count counter 782 is reduced to 0, a countdown display is executed on the ball count display unit 17, decreasing the number of balls displayed until it reaches 0. At the same time, a white light pattern on the right is repeatedly activated while the number of balls decreases from 1 to 2499 after the countdown display has started. This simulates that data for 1 to 2499 game balls is being sent from the gaming machine to the dedicated unit.

[0312] Furthermore, from the start of the countdown display until the number of balls decreases from 2500 to 4999, the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth light-up areas light up in blue and then turn off in that order over 0.5 seconds. This repeats a right-blue pattern of lighting effects, where the blue-lit parts of the 900 counting lamps flow from left to right as each light-up area emits blue light. This simulates that data for 2500 to 4999 game balls is being sent from the gaming machine to the dedicated unit.

[0313] Furthermore, from the start of the countdown display until the number of balls decreases from 5000 to 9999, the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth light-up areas light up green and then turn off in that order over 0.5 seconds. This creates a repeating right-green pattern of lighting effects where the green-lit parts of the 900 counting lamps flow from left to right as each light-up area emits green light. This simulates the sending of data for 5000 to 9999 game balls from the gaming machine to the dedicated unit.

[0314] Furthermore, from the start of the countdown display until the number of balls decreases by 10,000 to 19,999, each light-emitting area lights up purple in the order of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth light-emitting areas in 0.5 seconds, and then turns off. This repeats a right-purple pattern of lighting effects, where the purple-lit parts of the counting lamp 900 flow from left to right as each light-emitting area emits purple light. This simulates that data for 10,000 to 19,999 game balls is being sent from the gaming machine to the dedicated unit.

[0315] Furthermore, from the start of the countdown display until the number of balls decreases by 20,000 to 29,999, each light-emitting area lights up red and then turns off in the order of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth light-emitting areas in 0.5 seconds. This repeats a right-red pattern of lighting effects, where the parts of the counting lamp 900 that are lit red flow from left to right as each light-emitting area emits red light. This simulates that data for 20,000 to 29,999 game balls is being sent from the gaming machine to the dedicated unit.

[0316] Furthermore, while the number of balls decreases by more than 30,000 after the countdown display begins, the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth light-up areas will light up in purple, blue, green, yellow, and red respectively every 0.5 seconds. Then, in a cyclical manner, each light-up area will light up in the order of purple → blue → green → yellow → red → purple → ..., causing the parts of the 900 counting lamps that are lit up in each color to flow from left to right, with each light-up area emitting light of each color, repeating a right rainbow pattern. This simulates that data for more than 30,000 game balls is being sent from the gaming machine to the dedicated unit.

[0317] In this embodiment, light is output from the counting lamp 900 in multiple ways corresponding to the number of balls (amount of game value) counted based on the operation of the counting button 18. This makes it possible to create a celebratory effect for the player in ways corresponding to the number of balls counted based on the operation of the counting button 18, i.e., the number of balls increased through gameplay, thereby effectively enhancing the player's sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.

[0318] In this embodiment, if an error occurs in the gaming machine, the decorative lamps 34 on the game board 6, the game board lamps that illuminate the game board 6, and the performance button lamps built into the performance button 16 will turn off, while the front frame lamps 12 and the counting lamps 900 will light up red, thereby informing the player that an error has occurred.

[0319] Furthermore, even when an error occurs, pressing the counting button 18 will deduct the value of the ball count counter 782 and the countdown display on the ball count display unit 17 will be executed. However, when an error occurs, the front frame lamp 12 and the counting lamp 900 will light up red using the highest priority run player, so even when the counting button 18 is pressed, the lighting effect of the counting lamp 900 corresponding to the number of balls being counted will not be executed.

[0320] In this embodiment, when the value of the MY counter, which counts the difference between the number of balls held by the player increased through gameplay and the number of balls collected from the out-out port 62, reaches a predetermined value, a complete function is activated that stops the game, indicating that the player's profit has reached its upper limit. In this embodiment, even when the complete function is activated, the decorative lamps 34 on the game board 6, the game board lamps that illuminate the game board 6, and the performance button lamps built into the performance button 16 are turned off, and the front frame lamp 12 lights up red using the highest priority runner, thereby informing the player that the complete function has been activated. However, when the complete function is activated, it is necessary to press the counting lamp 900 to count the number of balls held, so the counting lamp 900 does not light up red and remains off.

[0321] When the complete function is activated, pressing the counting button 18 will deduct the value from the ball count counter 782, trigger a countdown display on the ball count display unit 17, and activate a lighting effect on the counting lamp 900 corresponding to the number of balls being counted.

[0322] Thus, in this embodiment, when the number of balls held increases significantly through gameplay and the complete function is activated, the front frame lamp 12 lights up red, similar to when an error occurs, but the counting lamp 900 can also be used to create a celebratory effect for the player in a manner corresponding to the increased number of balls held, thereby effectively enhancing the player's satisfaction and sense of accomplishment.

[0323] In this embodiment, light is output from the counting lamp 900 based on the fact that a game ball has entered the large prize opening 54 (a predetermined trigger for updating the game value).

[0324] In detail, when a game ball enters the large prize opening 54 and 10 is added to the value of the ball count counter 782, a count-up display is executed on the ball count display unit 17, increasing the number of balls held by 10, and a left red pattern flashing effect is executed twice. This indicates that a game ball has entered the large prize opening 54 and the data for 10 game balls has been added to the number of balls held.

[0325] In this embodiment, when a game ball enters the large prize pocket 54, light is emitted from the counting lamp 900, which allows for a celebratory effect for the player during the special game state, effectively enhancing the player's sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.

[0326] Unlike other lamps that function as part of the performance display device 620, such as the front frame lamp 12 and the decorative lamp 34, the counting lamp 900 is not intended for use in variable performances. Therefore, the illumination of the counting lamp 900 is not performed as a performance intended to indicate the likelihood of winning a jackpot in special lotteries such as variable performances.

[0327] 4. Variations The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible. These modifications are introduced below. The embodiments described above, as well as the various methods described below as modifications, can be appropriately combined and adopted as control methods to realize the present invention.

[0328] For example, the counting lamp 900 may be controlled by the frame control board 700 instead of the sub-control board 600.

[0329] Furthermore, when the counting button 18 is pressed and held for 4 seconds or more, the counting lamp 900 may be repeatedly illuminated in a manner corresponding to the number of balls displayed on the ball count display unit 17 until the number of balls displayed on the ball count display unit 17 becomes 0.

[0330] In this case, for example, when the counting button 18 is pressed, the following may be performed: if the number of balls displayed on the ball count display unit 17 is between 1 and 2499, the right white pattern light effect will be repeatedly performed; if it is between 2500 and 4999, the right blue pattern light effect will be repeatedly performed; if it is between 5000 and 9999, the right green pattern light effect will be repeatedly performed; if it is between 10000 and 19999, the right purple pattern light effect will be repeatedly performed; if it is between 20000 and 29999, the right red pattern light effect will be repeatedly performed; and if it is 30000 or more, the right rainbow pattern light effect will be repeatedly performed.

[0331] Furthermore, the lighting effects of the counting lamp 900, which correspond to the number of balls counted based on the operation of the counting button 18, may be configured so that the playback time of each lighting effect differs. In this case, the more balls counted based on the operation of the counting button 18, the shorter the playback time of each lighting effect may be.

[0332] Additionally, the color and frequency of the counting lamp 900's illumination effects, corresponding to each operation and each winning slot, may be varied for each model of gaming machine.

[0333] Furthermore, if a game ball enters the first starting prize entry point 46, the left white pattern flashing effect may be executed once, regardless of the pre-determined result.

[0334] Additionally, the lighting effect of the counting lamp 900 may be disabled when a game ball enters the first starting prize entry point 46, the first general prize entry point 47-1, the second general prize entry point 47-2, the third general prize entry point 47-3, the fourth general prize entry point 47-4, or the second starting prize entry point 50.

[0335] Furthermore, even if a game ball enters the large prize winning slot 54, the presence or absence and manner of the counting lamp 900's illumination effect may differ depending on the type of winning symbol that triggered the start of the special game state.

[0336] In this case, for example, in the special lottery for the first special random value, it is possible to win with jackpot symbol A, jackpot symbol B, or jackpot symbol C. If jackpot symbol A or jackpot symbol B is won, the left display symbol 350, the middle display symbol 352, and the right display symbol 354 are displayed in a variable manner, and then the left display symbol 350, the middle display symbol 352, and the right display symbol 354 are displayed in a fixed manner. However, if jackpot symbol C is won, the left display symbol 350, the middle display symbol 352, and the right display symbol 354 are displayed in a variable manner, and then a specific display different from the left display symbol 350, the middle display symbol 352, and the right display symbol 354 is displayed.

[0337] In the special game state resulting from the winning of either jackpot symbol A or jackpot symbol B, a first special name display is shown to indicate the transition to the special game state by showing the name of the special game state. Then, a special background image, which is the background image for the special game state, is displayed, along with a second special name display showing the name of the special game state, a round display showing the round of the jackpot game currently in progress, and a count display showing the number of game balls that entered the big prize slot 54 in each round of the jackpot game. When a game ball enters the big prize slot 54, the counting lamp 900 lights up. However, in the special game state resulting from the winning of jackpot symbol C, a specific background image different from the special background image is displayed, and the first special name display, second special name display, round display, and count display are not displayed. The counting lamp 900 does not light up even when a game ball enters the big prize slot 54.

[0338] Furthermore, in the special game state based on the winning of jackpot symbol A or jackpot symbol B, when a game ball enters the large prize entry opening 54, a left red pattern light-up effect is performed. However, in the special game state based on the winning of jackpot symbol C, when a game ball enters the large prize entry opening 54, a left white pattern light-up effect may be prevented from being performed.

[0339] Furthermore, based on the fact that a game ball enters one of the prize slots (a predetermined trigger for updating the game value), the counting lamp 900 may be configured to output light in a manner corresponding to the prize slot into which the game ball entered.

[0340] More specifically, as shown in Figure 18, when a game ball enters the first starting prize entry opening 46 and 3 is added to the value of the ball count counter 782, a count-up display is executed on the ball count display unit 17, increasing the number of balls displayed by 3, and one of several types of lighting effects is executed once on the counting lamp 900.

[0341] In this example, when a game ball enters the first starting prize entry point 46, the counting lamp 900 has multiple lighting effects. In addition to the left white pattern described above, the left blue pattern is as follows: each light area lights up blue in the order of the 5th, 4th, 3rd, 2nd, and 1st light areas in 0.5 seconds, and then turns off, so that the blue-lit parts of the counting lamp 900 flow from right to left. The left blue pattern is as follows: each light area lights up green in the order of the 5th, 4th, 3rd, 2nd, and 1st light areas in 0.5 seconds, and then turns off, so that the green-lit parts of the counting lamp 900 flow from right to left. The following patterns are stored: Left Green Pattern, where each light-emitting area emits green light in a flowing manner; Left Purple Pattern, where each light-emitting area lights up purple and then turns off in the order of the 5th, 4th, 3rd, 2nd, and 1st light-emitting areas in 0.5 seconds, causing the purple-lit parts of the counting lamp 900 to flow from right to left; Left Red Pattern, where each light-emitting area lights up red and then turns off in the order of the 5th, 4th, 3rd, 2nd, and 1st light-emitting areas in 0.5 seconds, causing the red-lit parts of the counting lamp 900 to flow from right to left.

[0342] Furthermore, each of the multiple types of light-up effects has a predetermined expected probability of winning, which indicates the degree to which the outcome will be favorable to the player when the effect is performed. To ensure that light-up effects with a higher expected probability are more likely to be performed when the outcome is favorable to the player than those with a lower expected probability, the selection rates for each of the multiple types of light-up effects are set in both the effect lottery table referenced when the outcome is favorable to the player and the effect lottery table referenced when the outcome is not favorable to the player. In this example, the expected probability of a favorable outcome for the player increases in the order of left white pattern < left blue pattern < left green pattern < left purple pattern < left red pattern.

[0343] Then, when a game ball enters the first starting entry point 46 and 3 is added to the number of balls held counter 782, one of the following light-up effects is randomly determined based on the pre-determined result: left white pattern, left blue pattern, left green pattern, left purple pattern, or left red pattern. The determined light-up effect is then executed once. This indicates that a game ball has entered the first starting entry point 46 and that the number of game balls has been increased by 3, and also suggests the likelihood of a special lottery based on the game ball entering the first starting entry point 46.

[0344] Furthermore, when a game ball enters the first general prize entry opening 47-1 and 4 is added to the value of the ball count counter 782, a count-up display is executed on the ball count display unit 17, increasing the number of balls held by 4, and a left white pattern light effect is executed once. This indicates that a game ball has entered the first general prize entry opening 47-1 and the data for 4 game balls has been added to the number of balls held.

[0345] Furthermore, when a game ball enters the second general prize entry point 47-2 or the third general prize entry point 47-3 and 3 is added to the value of the ball count counter 782, a count-up display is executed on the ball count display unit 17, increasing the number of balls held by 3, and a left white pattern light effect is executed once. This indicates that a game ball has entered the second general prize entry point 47-2 or the third general prize entry point 47-3 and the data for 3 game balls has been added to the number of balls held.

[0346] Furthermore, when a game ball enters the fourth general prize entry opening 47-4 and 1 is added to the value of the ball count counter 782, a count-up display is executed on the ball count display unit 17, increasing the number of balls held by 4, and a left red pattern flashing effect is executed once. This indicates that a game ball has entered the fourth general prize entry opening 47-4 and the data for one game ball has been added to the number of balls held.

[0347] Furthermore, when a game ball enters the second starting prize entry point 50 and 1 is added to the value of the ball count counter 782, a count-up display is executed on the ball count display unit 17, increasing the number of balls held by 1, and a left red pattern flashing effect is executed once, regardless of the pre-determined result. This indicates that a game ball has entered the second starting prize entry point 50 and the data for one game ball has been added to the number of balls held.

[0348] In this way, the counting lamp 900 emits light in multiple ways corresponding to the winning slot into which the game ball enters, thereby creating a performance that celebrates the player in a way corresponding to the winning slot into which the game ball entered, and effectively increasing the player's sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.

[0349] Additionally, the lighting effect of the 900 counting lamp may be included as part of the variation animation.

[0350] In this case, counting in response to the operation of the counting button 18 is possible at any time as long as the gaming machine is functioning normally, and game balls can enter the prize pockets even while a variation effect is being performed. Therefore, it is desirable that the lighting effect of the counting lamp 900 in the variation effect is not performed at times that overlap with the lighting effect of the counting lamp 900 in response to the operation of the counting button 18 or the lighting effect of the counting lamp 900 in response to the entry of game balls. For example, the runner used in the lighting effect of the counting lamp 900 in response to the operation of the counting button 18 or the lighting effect of the counting lamp 900 in response to the entry of game balls may be set to have a higher priority than the runner used in the lighting effect of the counting lamp 900 in the variation effect.

[0351] The counting lamp 900 may also be illuminated when certain errors occur, such as errors related to counting, or when a check operation is performed to determine whether the gaming machine is functioning correctly.

[0352] Alternatively, instead of or in addition to the passage gate 48, a normal lottery may be held when a game ball enters, but a normal operation opening may be provided that allows the game ball to be collected inside the game machine.

[0353] Alternatively, in one round of normal game B, when the first game ball enters the second starting prize entry 50 and one set of second special random values ​​is stored in the second special reserve memory area, one set of second special random values ​​is immediately read from the second special reserve memory area and the first special lottery is performed. In this way, when the second game ball enters the second starting prize entry 50 in one round of normal game B, the next set of second special random values ​​may be stored in the second special reserve memory area.

[0354] In this case, up to two sets of second special random values ​​are held in one normal game B, so when one normal game B is played, up to two special draws are performed, resulting in two consecutive wins in the special game state. When the first consecutive win special game state from one normal game B ends, in the second or third time-saving state, a special symbol variation with a variation time of 0.1 seconds is determined as the variation type of the second special symbol in the special draw, and the second consecutive win special game state immediately begins.

[0355] Furthermore, a jackpot game in the special game state resulting from the first consecutive win of one normal game B, and a jackpot game or minor win game in the special game state resulting from the second consecutive win of one normal game B, are performed consecutively, and the number of game balls acquired by the player in the special game state resulting from the first consecutive win of one normal game B, and the number of game balls acquired by the player in the special game state resulting from the second consecutive win of one normal game B, are cumulatively updated and displayed on the LCD display 31, so that the special game state resulting from the first consecutive win of one normal game B and the special game state resulting from the second consecutive win of one normal game B are presented as if they were one special game state.

[0356] Furthermore, the second or third time-saving state between the special game state resulting from the first consecutive win in one normal game B and the special game state resulting from the second consecutive win in one normal game B is terminated in an extremely short period by setting the variation time of the second special symbol to 0.1 seconds. This prevents the normal symbol B or normal symbol C from being won in the normal lottery during the second or third time-saving state, thereby preventing the special game state from being repeated further.

[0357] Furthermore, a second special reserve memory area 1 and a second special reserve memory area 2 are provided as memory areas for holding the acquired second special random values, and a maximum of three second special random values ​​may be held in one normal game B.

[0358] Alternatively, the lending and dispensing of game balls may be done physically to the player. In this case, an upper tray for storing game balls is provided in the lower center of the front frame 10, a dispensing port for dispensing game balls from the game machine to the player is provided on the left side of the inner side of the upper tray, a supply port for supplying game balls from the upper tray to the launching device is provided on the right side of the inner side of the upper tray, and a lower tray is provided below the upper tray to store any excess game balls when the upper tray can no longer hold them all.

[0359] Furthermore, the present invention may be applied to a slot machine that has multiple reels on which patterns are arranged on the outer surface, rotates the multiple reels in response to the player's operation, and stops the multiple reels in a manner corresponding to the result of the lottery. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0360] 2 outer frame, 4 game area, 6 game board, 7 inner frame, 8 glass unit, 10 front frame, 11 Front frame opening, 12 Front frame lamp, 14 Speaker, 16 Performance input device, 17 Ball count display unit, 18 Counting button, 27 Cylinder lock

Claims

1. A gaming machine that advances a game using game value stored as information in a predetermined memory area, A display means for displaying the number of game values ​​that can be used for the game, An update means for updating the number of game values ​​according to the result of the game, A counting means that outputs the game value as information in response to the operation of the counting operation means, and performs a counting process that subtracts the number of game values, The display means is equipped with a light-emitting means that emits light in the vicinity of the display means, The light-emitting means is The device is capable of emitting light in response to the operation of the counting operation means, and is also capable of emitting light in response to the light-emitting effects based on the progress of the game. A gaming machine characterized in that, when the light emission corresponding to the aforementioned light emission effect is performed, if the counting operation means is operated, the light emission corresponding to the operation of the counting operation means is given priority.

2. In claim 1, The light-emitting means is A gaming machine characterized by emitting light in multiple ways corresponding to the number of game values ​​that are subtracted in response to the operation of the counting operation means.

Images