Gaming machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of inhibiting a capture attack and a fraudulent act while having a winning hole with an electric accessory.SOLUTION: While a specific notification is not executed at least in one portion when detection of game balls occurs during a first period including a grace period that is connected from a period in which an electric accessory provided in a winning hole is controlled to an open state in addition to the period when a detection sensor pertaining to a first winning hole and a second winning hole detects game balls, specific notification is executed when detection of the game balls occurs during a second period differing from the first period, and a grace period corresponding to the detection sensor pertaining to the second winning hole is shorter than a grace period corresponding to the detection sensor pertaining to the first winning hole.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to gaming machines such as pachinko machines.

Background Art

[0002] Some gaming machines represented by pachinko machines have a winning opening provided with an electric accessory directly above the upstream side, and when a game ball is detected by a detection sensor in the winning opening, a prize ball is awarded. For example, Patent Document 1.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In such a gaming machine having a winning opening provided with an electric accessory, there is a time lag from when a game ball enters the winning opening until the game ball is detected by the detection sensor related to the winning opening, and there is also a time lag from when the electric accessory changes from the open state to the closed state. This may create a breeding ground for unfair acts such as so-called twisting shots and abnormal winnings, and there is still room for improvement.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides a gaming machine that has a winning opening provided with an electric accessory and can suppress strategic shots and unfair acts.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to the present invention, a game machine is provided which has a plurality of prize-winning openings that can launch game balls and have detection sensors for detecting game balls, and which can award prizes when game balls are detected by the detection sensors, wherein the prize-winning openings are provided with an electric mechanism that is controlled from a first control state to a second control state so that game balls can reach the detection sensors, and the machine has a first prize-winning opening and a second prize-winning opening, and when the detection sensor relating to the first prize-winning opening or the second prize-winning opening detects a game ball, the detection of the game ball is controlled so that the electric mechanism provided in the prize-winning opening is controlled to the second control state. In addition to the period during which the game ball is detected, the specific notification is not performed for at least a portion of the time when it occurs in the first period, which includes a grace period that is connected to the first period and ends after a certain amount of time has elapsed, and the specific notification is performed when the detection of the game ball occurs in a second period different from the first period, and the grace period corresponding to the detection sensor for the second prize-winning slot is shorter than the grace period corresponding to the detection sensor for the first prize-winning slot, and the predetermined notification is performed when the detection sensor for the first prize-winning slot detects a game ball during the period when the electric mechanism provided in the first prize-winning slot is controlled to the second control state. Without, the subsequent When the detection sensor for the first prize slot detects a game ball during the grace period corresponding to the detection sensor for the first prize slot, the predetermined notification is executed. There are times when the electric mechanism provided in the first prize slot is controlled from the second control state to the first control state, and the conditions for this are: a first condition which is satisfied when the number of game balls detected by the detection sensor related to the first prize slot reaches a predetermined number; and a second condition which is satisfied when the time during which the electric mechanism provided in the first prize slot is controlled to the second control state reaches a predetermined time. In a winning game, the electric mechanism provided in the first prize slot may be controlled from the first control state to the second control state, and in a predetermined winning game which is part of the winning game, when the detection sensor related to the first prize slot detects a game ball during the grace period related to the first condition, the predetermined notification is executed, and when the detection sensor related to the first prize slot detects a game ball during the grace period related to the second condition, the predetermined notification is not executed. A gaming machine characterized by the following is provided. Furthermore, according to the present invention, a game machine is provided which has a plurality of prize-winning openings that are capable of launching game balls and have detection sensors for detecting game balls, and which can award prizes when a game ball is detected by the detection sensor, wherein the prize-winning openings are equipped with an electric mechanism that is controlled from a first control state to a second control state so that the game ball can reach the detection sensor, and there are a first prize-winning opening and a second prize-winning opening, and when the detection sensor relating to the first prize-winning opening or the second prize-winning opening detects a game ball, the detection of the game ball awards prizes In addition to the period during which the electric mechanism installed in the opening is controlled to the second control state, the specific notification is not performed for at least a portion of the time that occurs in the first period, which includes a grace period that is connected to the first period and ends after a certain amount of time has elapsed, and when the detection of the game ball occurs in a second period different from the first period, the specific notification is performed, the grace period corresponding to the detection sensor for the second prize opening is shorter than the grace period corresponding to the detection sensor for the first prize opening, and the second period is a situation in which no prize is awarded for the second prize opening. And in the second period Related to the first prize entry slot When the aforementioned detection sensor detects a game ball Including the circumstances under which the award is given. Furthermore, the conditions under which the electric mechanism provided in the first prize entry opening is controlled from the second control state to the first control state include a first condition which is satisfied when the number of game balls detected by the detection sensor related to the first prize entry opening reaches a predetermined number, and a second condition which is satisfied when the time during which the electric mechanism provided in the first prize entry opening is controlled to the second control state reaches a predetermined time, and in a predetermined winning game which is part of the winning game, when the detection sensor related to the first prize entry opening detects a game ball during the grace period related to the first condition, a predetermined notification is executed, and when the detection sensor related to the first prize entry opening detects a game ball during the grace period related to the second condition, the predetermined notification is not executed. A gaming machine characterized by the following is provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, a gaming machine is provided that has a prize-winning slot equipped with an electric mechanism, while also being able to deter cheating and fraudulent activities. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a front view of the gaming machine. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the pattern display device installed in area II shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a bird's-eye view showing the group of control buttons and their surroundings located in area III shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a game board installed inside a gaming machine. [Figure 5]Figure 5(a) is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the upper large prize slot, and Figure 5(b) is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the lower large prize slot. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a rear view of the gaming machine. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of a gaming machine. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a gaming machine. [Figure 9] Figure 9(a) schematically shows the lottery table for determining whether a special symbol is correct, Figure 9(b) schematically shows the lottery table for determining the stop symbol of special symbol 1, and Figure 9(c) schematically shows the lottery table for determining the stop symbol of special symbol 2. [Figure 10] Figure 10(a) is a state transition diagram showing the transitions between the states for which the special pattern variation is derived, and Figure 10(b) is a diagram showing the relationship between the average variation time for each state for which the special pattern variation is derived. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows the flow of the electric mechanism closing control process. [Figure 12] Figure 12(a) is a table summarizing the closing conditions for each type of electric mechanism, and Figure 12(b) is a table summarizing the types of detection sensors related to the prize entry opening and the length of the grace period. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a table summarizing the effectiveness of each type of detection sensor for detecting game balls in the prize-winning slot. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a table that summarizes whether or not abnormal prize entry notifications are made by each type of detection sensor related to the prize entry slot. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a table that summarizes whether or not the normal prize notification is performed by each type of detection sensor related to the prize winning slot. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a table that summarizes whether or not over-prize notification is performed by each type of detection sensor related to the prize winning slot. [Figure 17]FIG. 17(a) is a table that organizes the content and end conditions of abnormal winning notifications for each type of detection sensor that serves as a trigger for execution, and FIG. 17(b) is a table that organizes the content of normal winning notifications and over-winning notifications for each type of detection sensor that serves as a trigger for execution.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. Further, in the following description, unless otherwise specified, "front", "rear", "left", "right", "upper", and "lower" refer to the state of viewing the gaming machine 10 from the front side (the player side) as shown in FIG. 1. Note that "advantageous (degree of advantage)" in the following description means being advantageous to the player, and further, unless otherwise specified, it means being advantageous with respect to the amount of prize balls (game media) obtained (including not only the payout of game balls but also the payout of medals) excluding the production aspects such as so-called premium images.

[0010] <Regarding the Features of the Present Invention> Before explaining the details of the gaming machine 10 in the present embodiment, the features of the invention (the present invention) described in the present embodiment will be explained. Note that in explaining the features, the configurations in parentheses are examples of the configurations of the present embodiment corresponding to the immediately preceding configurations, and the configurations may be described in parentheses for the same purpose in the description of the gaming machine 10 after the explanation.

[0011] The present invention is a gaming machine capable of launching game balls, having a plurality of winning openings each having a detection sensor for detecting game balls, and capable of awarding prize balls when a game ball is detected by the detection sensor, notification means (main display unit 81), notification control means (first sub-control board 200, second sub-control board 300) for controlling the notification means, and The above-mentioned prize entry points are equipped with an electric mechanism that is controlled from a closed state to an open state, thereby allowing the game balls to reach the detection sensor. These include a first prize entry point (lower large prize entry point 55b) and a second prize entry point (upper large prize entry point 55a). The number of detection sensors related to the second prize entry opening is less than the number of detection sensors related to the first prize entry opening. The above notification control means is capable of executing specific notifications (abnormal prize winning notifications), When the detection sensor relating to the first prize slot or the second prize slot detects a game ball, If the detection of the game ball occurs during the first period, which includes the period during which the electric mechanism installed in the prize-winning slot is controlled to the open state, as well as a grace period that follows and ends after a certain amount of time has elapsed, then the specific notification will not be performed for at least part of that period. If the detection of the game ball occurs during a second period different from the first period described above, the specific notification described above will be executed. The grace period corresponding to the detection sensor for the second prize entry opening is shorter than the grace period corresponding to the detection sensor for the first prize entry opening. This is a gaming machine characterized by the following features.

[0012] According to the present invention, it is conceivable that the grace period is longer due to the relatively small number of detection sensors, and the grace period for the upper large prize opening 55a, which is more susceptible to exploitation and fraudulent activities, can be made shorter than the grace period for the lower large prize opening 55b, which has a relatively large number of detection sensors, thereby deterring exploitation and fraudulent activities.

[0013] First, the first and second prize slots mentioned above are all open to any type of game ball, as long as a prize ball can be awarded when a game ball enters them. Furthermore, the number of detection sensors related to (or attached to) the first prize winning slot and the number of detection sensors related to the second prize winning slot may be two or more, provided that the number of detection sensors related to the second prize winning slot is less than the number of detection sensors related to the first prize winning slot.

[0014] Furthermore, regarding the statement "the grace period corresponding to the detection sensor for the second prize entry is shorter than the grace period corresponding to the detection sensor for the first prize entry," if there are multiple grace periods for the former corresponding to different types of detection sensors, the shortest grace period among them should be used for comparison. If there are multiple grace periods for the latter corresponding to different types of detection sensors, the longest grace period among them should be used for comparison.

[0015] The gaming machine 10 having the above-described features will be specifically explained based on the following embodiment.

[0016] <About the structure of gaming machine 10> First, the structure of the gaming machine 10 will be explained using Figures 1 to 6. Figure 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 10, Figure 2 is a diagram showing the symbol display device 90 located in area II shown in Figure 1, Figure 3 is a bird's-eye view showing the group of operation buttons and their surroundings located in area III shown in Figure 1, Figure 4 is a diagram showing the game board 50 installed inside the gaming machine 10, Figure 5(a) is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the upper large prize slot, Figure 5(b) is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the lower large prize slot, and Figure 6 is a rear view of the gaming machine 10. The configurations shown in Figures 1 to 6 are merely those necessary for explaining the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, and configurations and functions not shown herein may be added to the gaming machine 10. Furthermore, the gaming machine 10 does not necessarily have to include all of the configurations shown herein, and some configurations or functions may be omitted as long as they do not hinder the effects of the present invention.

[0017] The gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is a so-called pachinko machine, and it plays a game in which a game ball is launched into the front area (hereinafter referred to as the "game area 50a") of a game board 50 on which a large number of game pins (not shown) are erected, and when the game ball enters a prize pocket (for example, a large prize pocket 55, etc.), the player receives prize balls. In the following description, when a game ball enters a prize pocket, it may be simply referred to as "entering (a prize pocket) to win a prize."

[0018] The gaming machine 10 comprises a rectangular outer frame 15 that opens at the front and rear, an inner frame 17 that detachably holds the game board 50 on the front side of the opening of the outer frame 15, and a front frame 20 configured to cover the front side of the game board 50.

[0019] The middle frame 17 is supported by a hinge mechanism (not shown) located on the same side as the hinge mechanism 21, allowing it to rotate freely around its left end and open and close to the front of the outer frame 15. The middle frame 17 can be locked and unlocked by a cylinder lock 23 (by inserting a door key into the cylinder lock 23 and turning the door key in the opposite direction to the unlocking direction of the front frame 20 (to the right in this embodiment)).

[0020] The front frame 20 is supported by a hinge mechanism 21 so as to be able to rotate around its left end and open and close relative to the middle frame 17. The front frame 20 can be locked and unlocked by a cylinder lock 23 (by inserting a door key into the cylinder lock 23 and turning the door key in the opposite direction to the unlocking direction of the middle frame 17 (to the left in this embodiment)). Furthermore, the front frame 20 is equipped with a transparent member 25 positioned to cover the game area 50a, and the transparent member 25 provides transparent protection for the game area 50a and the game board 50. Furthermore, the front frame 20 is equipped with an upper ball receiving tray 27 and a lower ball receiving tray 29 for storing game balls, and the upper ball receiving tray 27 and the lower ball receiving tray 29 are spaced apart vertically and are integrally provided with the front frame 20. Furthermore, the front frame 20 is equipped with an operating handle 31 on the right side of the lower ball receiving tray 29, and by rotating the operating handle 31, the game balls stored in the upper ball receiving tray 27 are launched toward the game area 50a.

[0021] Although not shown in Figures 1 to 6, the middle frame 17 has a middle frame open sensor 76 that detects whether the middle frame 17 is open or closed relative to the outer frame 15, and a front frame open sensor 77 that detects whether the front frame 20 is open or closed relative to the middle frame 17. In this embodiment, both of these open sensors are ON when open and OFF when closed. However, these open sensors may be configured to be OFF when open and ON when closed. This allows the gaming machine 10 to detect both the open / closed state of the middle frame 17 relative to the outer frame 15, and the open / closed state of the front frame 20 relative to the middle frame 17.

[0022] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, a group of operation buttons operated by the player is arranged on the upper surface of the upper ball receiving tray 27. This group of operation buttons includes a main operation unit 39 electrically connected to the main control board 100 (described later), which includes a ball dispensing button 39a and a return button 39b for accepting prepaid card return operations. It also includes an effect button 37 electrically connected to the first sub-control board 200 (described later), which can accept player operations to switch between effects that occur during gameplay or to obtain various information related to the gaming machine 10, and cursor buttons 38 (up cursor button 38a, down cursor button 38b, left cursor button 38c, right cursor button 38d, middle cursor button 38e) for instructing operations up, down, left, and right, respectively. Each operation unit is equipped with a sensor to detect operations, and the connected control board detects the operation of each operation unit by changes in the detection state of the sensor. Furthermore, a movable decorative body 22, which is operated by an actuator such as a motor (not shown), is provided on the side of the upper ball receiving tray 27.

[0023] The lower part of the lower ball receiving tray 29 is provided with a ball removal mechanism 36 that discharges the game balls stored in the lower ball receiving tray 29 downwards. By operating this ball removal mechanism 36, a bottom opening (not shown) formed on the bottom surface of the lower ball receiving tray 29 opens, and the game balls fall naturally out through this bottom opening and are discharged. Although not shown in the diagram, the upper ball tray 27 is equipped with a mechanism, similar to the ball removal mechanism 36, that, when operated, moves the stored balls to the lower ball tray 29. By operating both this mechanism and the ball removal mechanism 36, the stored balls can be discharged.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1, a pair of speakers 33 (33a, 33b) are provided on the left and right sides of the upper frame portion 32 of the front frame 20, respectively. The upper frame portion 32 and the left and right side frame portions 34a, 34b of the front frame 20 are formed by light-transmitting covers, and frame lamps 35 (35a, 35b, 35c) are provided inside them, respectively. The speakers 33 and frame lamps 35 can emit sound or light up or turn off in conjunction with the effects and error effects that occur during gameplay.

[0025] The display device 80 consists of a main display unit 81 located approximately in the center of the game board 50, and sub-display units 82 located around the main display unit 81. The sub-display units 82 further include an upper sub-display unit 82a located above the main display unit 81, a left sub-display unit 82b located to the left of the main display unit 81, and a right sub-display unit 82c located to the right of the main display unit 81. Here, the main display unit 81 is a fixed liquid crystal display device, while the upper sub-display unit 82a, left sub-display unit 82b, and right sub-display unit 82c are movable liquid crystal display devices operated by actuators such as motors (not shown).

[0026] The main display unit 81 can display the changing display of the symbol sequence, which is performed in conjunction with the changing display in the first special symbol display device 91 or the second special symbol display device 92, which will be described later, and can also display various other effects. In the display of the changing patterns (decorative patterns) shown on the main display unit 81, the displayed decorative patterns consist of three patterns. The direction of the changing display of each pattern pattern is not particularly limited and may be, for example, vertical, horizontal, depth, or a combination thereof (diagonal). Here, the depth direction refers to the virtual direction perceived by the player in a display configuration that uses a method (for example, perspective) that makes it appear as if the pattern sequence is moving from the back to the front or vice versa, even though it is actually a two-dimensional, fluctuating display on the display screen of the main display unit 81. Furthermore, the decorative patterns in this embodiment include "Pattern 1" which resembles the number "1", "Pattern 2" which resembles the number "2", "Pattern 3" which resembles the number "3", "Pattern 4" which resembles the number "4", "Pattern 5" which resembles the number "5", "Pattern 6" which resembles the number "6", "Pattern 7" which resembles the number "7", "Pattern 8" which resembles the number "8", and "Pattern 9" which resembles the number "9", and these patterns are provided in each pattern row.In the following description, "Pattern 1", "Pattern 3", "Pattern 5", "Pattern 7", and "Pattern 9" may be collectively referred to as "odd-number patterns", and "Pattern 2", "Pattern 4", "Pattern 6", and "Pattern 8" may be collectively referred to as "even-number patterns".

[0027] Each of the sub-display units 82 is not only provided for displaying performance images related to the performance, but is also configured to be movable. The initial positions of the sub-displays are as follows: the upper sub-display 82a is above the main display 81; the left sub-display 82b is to the left of the main display 81; and the right sub-display 82c is to the right of the main display 81. Each of the sub-displays 82 is configured to be movable from these initial positions until the entire display area of ​​the sub-display 82 overlaps with the display area of ​​the main display 81.

[0028] In this embodiment, the performance display device 80 (main display unit 81, upper sub-display unit 82a, left sub-display unit 82b, right sub-display unit 82c) all employ liquid crystal display devices, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, various types of display devices, such as drum type or dot matrix type, can be used as the performance display device 80.

[0029] Multiple light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are arranged on the lower right side of the main display unit 81. These LEDs constitute the display area of ​​the pattern display device 90, which displays special patterns and regular patterns. Furthermore, the symbol display device 90 is positioned in a location that is less visible to the player than the main display unit 81, and the display area of ​​the symbol display device 90 is smaller than the display area of ​​the main display unit 81. In this embodiment, the arrangement and number of LEDs in the pattern display device 90 are as shown in Figure 2, but this is just one example, and the arrangement and number of LEDs in the pattern display device 90 are not limited to this example.

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

[0031] A normal symbol is a symbol that is displayed when stopped as a result of a symbol variation that determines whether or not to activate a normal electric mechanism (for example, a normal electric mechanism 61). In this embodiment, the normal symbols are displayed on the normal symbol display device 93. In addition, regular symbols are sometimes abbreviated as "regular symbols," and regular electric mechanisms are sometimes referred to as "electric chute."

[0032] In addition to the display device described above, the symbol display device 90 is also equipped with a first special symbol hold lamp 94, a second special symbol hold lamp 95, and a regular symbol hold lamp 96. The first special symbol hold lamp 94 can identify the number of symbol changes for the held special symbol 1, the second special symbol hold lamp 95 can identify the number of symbol changes for the held special symbol 2, and the normal symbol hold lamp 96 can identify the number of symbol changes for the held normal symbol. In each case, the number of corresponding symbol changes can be identified by the lighting patterns of the two LEDs (in this embodiment, right LED always lit = 1, left and right LEDs always lit = 2, right LED flashing + left LED always lit = 3, left and right LEDs flashing = 4).

[0033] In the following explanation, a symbol variation in which a special symbol is displayed in a variable state on the first special symbol display device 91 or the second special symbol display device 92 and then stopped will be referred to as a "special symbol variation," and in the following explanation, a symbol variation in which a normal symbol is displayed in a variable state on the normal symbol display device 93 and then stopped will be referred to as a "normal symbol variation." Furthermore, in the following explanation, the display of the changing patterns (decorative patterns) shown in the main display unit 81 mentioned above may be referred to as "decorative pattern changes" to distinguish them from "special pattern changes" and "regular pattern changes." In the following explanation, when the term "symbol variation" is used, it refers to the variation of the special symbols unless otherwise specified.

[0034] As shown in Figure 4, numerous obstacles such as game pins (not shown), windmills 52, and decorative members are arranged on the front of the game board 50, thereby defining the game area 50a so that the launched game balls roll along it. Furthermore, curved outer rails 51 and inner rails 53 are positioned on the left and upper sides of the game area 50a to guide the game balls, launched by the rotation of the operating handle 31, to the upper part of the game area 50a. The outer rail 51 is located outside the inner rail 53 with respect to the center of the game area 50a. Here, the windmill 52 is a mechanism for changing the direction of the game ball's fall, and is nail-shaped.

[0035] The gaming machine 10 allows the player to adjust the strength of the ball launch by changing the amount of rotation (for example, the rotation angle) of the operating handle 31. Various obstacles are arranged in the gaming area 50a so that the balls roll along either a first channel X (so-called left-handed play) where the balls are launched weaker, or a second channel Y (so-called right-handed play) where the balls are launched stronger.

[0036] Figure 4 illustrates the main prize-winning openings, including the Grand Prize Opening 55, the First Starting Opening 57, the Second Starting Opening 59, Gate 63, and the General Prize-Winning Opening 67. However, the prize-winning openings shown are just an example, and their number and arrangement may be changed as appropriate.

[0037] The large prize slot 55 is located in the lower right of the game area 50a. The large prize slot 55 is equipped with a large prize slot sensor 72, and a prize is determined by the detection result of the large prize slot sensor 72, and a number of prize balls (10 or 15 in this embodiment) associated with the large prize slot 55 are awarded. More specifically, the large prize opening 55 has an upper large prize opening 55a and a lower large prize opening 55b located downstream of the upper large prize opening 55a. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5(a), the upper large prize opening 55a is equipped with an upper large prize opening sensor 72a (one detection sensor), and as shown in Figure 5(b), the lower large prize opening 55b is equipped with a lower right large prize opening sensor 72b and a lower left large prize opening sensor 72c (a total of two detection sensors) located downstream of the lower right large prize opening sensor 72b. Furthermore, in this embodiment, in order to tilt the surface connecting the lower right large prize opening sensor 72b and the lower left large prize opening sensor 72c from upstream to downstream, the lower left large prize opening sensor 72c is configured to be located further away from the lower right large prize opening sensor 72b, with reference to the entrance of the lower large prize opening 55b. In particular, the distance between the lower left large prize opening sensor 72c and the entrance of the lower large prize opening 55b is longer than the distance between the upper large prize opening sensor 72a and the entrance of the upper large prize opening 55a. Then, if the upper large prize slot sensor 72a detects that a ball has entered the upper large prize slot 55a, 10 prize balls, the number associated with the upper large prize slot 55a, are awarded. If the lower right large prize slot sensor 72b or the lower left large prize slot sensor 72c detects that a ball has entered the lower large prize slot 55b, 15 prize balls, the number associated with the lower large prize slot 55b, are awarded. In this embodiment, the obstacles are arranged such that more game balls roll towards the large prize opening 55 when rolling from the second channel Y compared to when rolling from the first channel X.

[0038] A special electric mechanism 65 is installed above (directly above on the upstream side of) the large prize opening 55. The special electric mechanism 65 is a component that can switch between an open state, which makes it easy for balls to enter the large prize opening 55, and a closed state, which makes it difficult for balls to enter. The special electric mechanism solenoid 66 switches between either the open or closed state. More specifically, the special electric mechanism 65 is open for at least a portion of the easy-entry period in the jackpot game that begins when a jackpot is determined by the special symbol win / loss judgment described later, and as a result, entry into the large prize pocket 55 is permitted. Thus, when the special electric mechanism 65 is open, it becomes easier to enter the large prize pocket 55, and the easy-entry period, in which the opportunity to win prize balls is greatly increased, can be said to be a favorable game state.

[0039] In particular, in this embodiment, the upper special electric mechanism 65a of the special electric mechanism 65 is located above (directly above on the upstream side of) the upper large prize opening 55a, and the lower special electric mechanism 65b is located above (directly above on the upstream side of) the lower large prize opening 55b. In the jackpot game related to the 4R jackpot or 2R jackpot described later, the upper special electric mechanism 65a is in an open state, and in the jackpot game related to the 10R jackpot, the lower special electric mechanism 65b is in an open state. The special electric mechanism solenoid 66 has an upper special electric mechanism solenoid and a lower special electric mechanism solenoid. The upper special electric mechanism 65a is operated using the upper special electric mechanism solenoid, and the lower special electric mechanism 65b is operated using the lower special electric mechanism solenoid.

[0040] During the period when winning is easy, the special electric mechanism 65 corresponding to that period is alternately set to an open state and a closed state. One open state (sometimes referred to as a "round game," and the total number of round games that occur in one jackpot may be referred to as the "number of rounds") ends when a predetermined number of game balls (10 in this embodiment) enter the large prize winning opening 55, and the special electric mechanism 65 closes. One open state also ends when enough time has passed since the special electric mechanism 65 opened, such as when a predetermined number of game balls have entered the large prize winning opening 55 (30 seconds in this embodiment).

[0041] In this embodiment, the special electric mechanism 65 is set from an open state to a closed state based on the fact that 10 game balls have entered the prize area in one round of play. However, the timing of detecting the 10th game ball is delayed from the timing of entering the large prize area 55, and even if the special electric mechanism 65 is controlled to the closed state, it takes time for the special electric mechanism 65 to change from an open state to a closed state. Therefore, even if the 10th game ball enters the large prize area 55, it is not possible to immediately set the special electric mechanism 65 to a closed state. As a result, in one round of play, an event may occur in which more than 10 game balls enter the large prize area 55 (so-called over-winning). Invalidating this event would reduce the motivation of players who are playing using normal methods, while enabling this event could create a breeding ground for fraudulent activities such as so-called "twist shots" and other tricks that cause abnormal winnings. In contrast, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5(b), two detection sensors (lower right large prize slot sensor 72b and lower left large prize slot sensor 72c) are attached to the lower large prize slot 55b in order to quickly detect game balls that have entered the lower large prize slot 55b. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 5(a), one detection sensor (upper large prize opening sensor 72a) is attached to the upper large prize opening 55a. This is based on the fact that the number of prize balls awarded when a prize is awarded in the upper large prize opening 55a (10 balls in this embodiment) is less than the number of prize balls awarded when a prize is awarded in the lower large prize opening 55b (15 balls in this embodiment), and the width of the upper large prize opening 55a in the left-right direction is smaller than the width of the lower large prize opening 55b in the left-right direction, taking into consideration cost and structural issues (space for placing components).

[0042] The first start opening 57 is located in the lower center of the game area 50a. The first start opening 57 is equipped with a first start opening sensor 70, and based on the detection result of the first start opening sensor 70, it is determined that a ball has entered the first start opening 57, and a number of prize balls (3 in this embodiment) associated with the first start opening 57 are awarded. In at least some cases when a ball has entered the first start opening 57, the symbols in Special Figure 1 will change. In this embodiment, the game area 50a is configured such that, compared to when the game balls roll from the second channel Y, more game balls roll towards the first starting opening 57 when they roll from the first channel X. Obstacles such as game pins are arranged accordingly.

[0043] The second starting port 59 is located in the lower right of the game area 50a. The second starting port 59 is equipped with a second starting port sensor 71, and based on the detection result of the second starting port sensor 71, it is determined that a ball has entered the second starting port 59, and a number of prize balls (1 in this embodiment) associated with the second starting port 59 are awarded. In at least some cases where a win is determined in the second starting gate 59, the symbols in Special Feature 2 will change. In this embodiment, the game area 50a is configured such that, compared to when the game balls roll from the first channel X, more game balls roll towards the second starting opening 59 when they roll from the second channel Y, with obstacles such as game pins arranged accordingly.

[0044] A standard electric mechanism 61 is installed in the flow path connected to the second starting port 59. The standard electric mechanism 61 is a component that can switch between an open state, which facilitates the entry of game balls into the second starting port 59, and a closed state, which makes it difficult for game balls to enter. The standard electric mechanism solenoid 62 switches between the open state and the closed state. More specifically, the regular electric mechanism 61 is open in at least part of the regular winning game, which is performed when a win is achieved through a change in the regular symbols, and as a result, entry into the second start opening 59 is permitted. In this way, when the regular electric mechanism 61 is open, entry into the second start opening 59 becomes easier, which can significantly increase the opportunities for the special symbol 2 to change while suppressing the decrease in game balls through prize balls.

[0045] Gate 63 is located in the right-center of the game area 50a. Gate 63 is equipped with a gate sensor 74, and a win in gate 63 is determined by the detection result of the gate sensor 74. In at least some cases when a win in gate 63 is determined, the symbols on the regular display will change. Furthermore, as will be explained in more detail later, in this embodiment, winning at gate 63 triggers the start of the easy winning period in the jackpot game. This allows the player to leave their seat during the invalid start period and the valid start period, which will be explained later. In this embodiment, the obstacles are arranged such that more game balls roll towards gate 63 when rolling from the second channel Y compared to when rolling from the first channel X. In particular, gate 63 is located upstream of the large prize opening 55 in the second channel Y. Therefore, there is still a possibility that the game ball that entered gate 63, which triggered the start of the easy-to-win period, will enter the large prize opening 55. Furthermore, although gate 63 is used as the trigger for the start of the easy-to-win period in this embodiment, a different prize opening may be used as the prize opening for the start of the easy-to-win period than the prize opening for the execution of the pattern change in the regular diagram.

[0046] The general prize slot 67 is located in the lower left of the game area 50a. The general prize slot 67 is equipped with a general prize slot sensor 73, and a prize is awarded to the general prize slot 67 based on the detection result of the general prize slot sensor 73, according to the number of prize balls associated with the general prize slot 67 (4 in this embodiment). In this embodiment, the obstacles are arranged so that more game balls roll towards the general prize opening 67 when rolling from the first channel X compared to when rolling from the second channel Y. However, the obstacles may also be arranged so that more game balls roll towards the general prize opening 67 when rolling from the second channel Y. Furthermore, multiple general prize openings 67 may be provided.

[0047] The out-out opening 69 is located at the bottom of the game area 50a. Game balls that are hit into the game area 50a and do not enter any of the aforementioned prize-winning openings fall into the out-out opening 69 and are treated as out balls. In this embodiment, an out ball sensor 75 (not shown) is provided for detecting out balls, which are game balls that have entered the prize entry and out exit 69.

[0048] As shown in Figure 6, the back of the game board 50 is fitted with a main control board case 109 housing the main control board 100, a first sub-control board case 209 housing the first sub-control board 200, a second sub-control board case 309 housing the second sub-control board 300, a power supply control board case 509 housing the power supply control board 500, and a payout control board case 409 housing the payout control board 400. In addition to the backs of the first sub-control board case 209 and the second sub-control board case 309, an opening / closing cover 45 is detachably attached to cover a portion of the back of the main control board case 109. Furthermore, the main control board 100 is provided with a RAM clear switch 43. Furthermore, the circuit board cases and covers that enclose each circuit board are made of transparent materials, allowing the corresponding circuit board to be visible through each case and cover.

[0049] The power control board 500 consists of a normal power supply circuit 501 that generates a normal power supply to the control board and other electronic and electrical components based on the primary power supply from the power supply equipment of the gaming island, a backup power supply circuit 502 that generates a backup power supply, and a power interruption detection circuit 503 that detects a power interruption (when the voltage supplied by the normal power supply drops to a predetermined voltage). Furthermore, a power switch 40 is connected to the power control board 500. Assuming that primary power is supplied from the power supply equipment of the gaming island, when the power switch 40 is turned ON, normal power is generated by the normal power circuit 501 of the power control board 500, and power is supplied to the electronic and electrical components, including the control boards mentioned above (main control board 100, first sub-control board 200, second sub-control board 300, and payout control board 400). Furthermore, when a power outage is detected by the power outage detection circuit 503, the power control board 500 transmits a power outage signal (NMI signal) to the main control board 100, the first sub-control board 200, and the payout control board 400, respectively. Furthermore, the backup power supply circuit 502 is designed to be charged when power is supplied to the gaming machine 10 from the power supply equipment of the gaming island. The backup power supply circuit 502 may be provided on the dispensing control board 400, and the power outage detection circuit 503 may not be provided on the power supply control board 500, but rather on the main control board 100, the first sub-control board 200, and the dispensing control board 400.

[0050] Furthermore, on the back of the game board 50, above the opening / closing cover 45, is a game ball tank 46 where game balls supplied from the game island's ball supply equipment are stored. The game ball tank 46 is further connected to a payout passage 49 that leads to an upper ball tray 27 via a tank rail 47 and a payout unit 48. Balls dispensed by the payout unit 48 are dispensed to the upper ball tray 27 through the payout passage 49.

[0051] Up to this point, the structure of the gaming machine 10 in this embodiment has been described, but these are just examples, and the present invention can also be implemented with other configurations.

[0052] <Regarding the control configuration of the gaming machine 10> Next, the control configuration of the gaming machine 10 according to this embodiment will be explained using Figure 7. Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the gaming machine 10. Note that the control configuration shown in Figure 7 is necessary for explaining the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, and the gaming machine 10 may also have control configurations not shown in Figure 7.

[0053] The main control board 100 includes a CPU 101 that performs various calculations related to the game, a ROM 102 that stores data such as control programs and various lottery tables, a RAM 103 that functions as a work area for temporary storage and buffer memory, an I / O port 104 that inputs and outputs signals to and from peripheral boards and various devices, and a random number circuit 105 that generates random numbers (hardware random numbers) operating on a separate system from the program processing by the CPU 101, and these are all interconnected via an internal bus.

[0054] The CPU 101 reads various control programs stored in the ROM 102 and performs calculations to execute various processes related to the main control of the game. RAM 103 is backed up by the backup power supply circuit 502, which will be described later. Specifically, among the information stored in RAM 103, various information is backed up so that when power is restored (power is turned on) after a power outage, the gaming machine 10 can be restored to the state it was in immediately before the power outage. For example, in addition to the data such as the stack pointer and each register that was held when the power outage occurred, information related to the game, such as the state of the gaming machine 10 at that time (game stopped state or playable state), the current special symbol lottery state, and the current general symbol lottery state, is backed up. This information is cleared (initialized) by the RAM clear process. Therefore, after the RAM is cleared, the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PA, which will be described later, is newly set.

[0055] In this embodiment, at least the area where information related to such games is stored (sometimes referred to as the game-related area of ​​RAM 103) is backed up, as well as the area where the checksum complement and backup flag related to the game-related area of ​​RAM 103 are stored (sometimes referred to as the backup information area related to games of RAM 103). When power is restored, the gaming machine 10 recovers using the various information stored in the backed-up game-related area of ​​RAM 103 and the backup information area related to games of RAM 103. Furthermore, there are no limitations on the specific backup method in this embodiment. For example, the area of ​​RAM 103 to be backed up may be implemented in a configuration that can retain data non-volatilely even when the power is off. As another example, different hardware may be provided for the first memory, which is configured to retain data non-volatilely even when the power is off, and the second memory, which is referenced when the gaming machine 10 is operating. In that case, the gaming machine 10 can save the information to be backed up from the second memory to the first memory when the power is off, and recover the saved information from the first memory to the second memory when the power is restored.

[0056] Furthermore, the main control board 100 is electrically connected to the first start gate sensor 70, the second start gate sensor 71, the big prize gate sensor 72, the general prize gate sensor 73, the gate sensor 74, the out ball sensor 75, the middle frame door open sensor 76, the front frame door open sensor 77, etc., and is configured to allow detection signals from these sensors to be input to the CPU 101 via the I / O port 104.

[0057] Furthermore, the main control board 100 is electrically connected to the first special symbol display device 91, the second special symbol display device 92, the normal symbol display device 93, the first special symbol hold lamp 94, the second special symbol hold lamp 95, the normal symbol hold lamp 96, the normal electric mechanism solenoid 62, and the special electric mechanism solenoid 66, and is configured to be controllable via the I / O port 104. Similarly, the main control board 100 is electrically connected to the main operation unit 39 and the RAM clear switch 43, and is configured to detect operations performed by the main operation unit 39.

[0058] The main control board 100 and the first sub-control board 200 are connected by eight parallel signal lines and one strobe line, and are connected in a single direction only, from the main control board 100 to the first sub-control board 200, allowing various performance control commands to be transmitted from the main control board 100 to the first sub-control board 200. Furthermore, the first sub-control board 200 cannot transmit data to the main control board 100, and the first sub-control board 200 is configured not to be able to request data transmission from the main control board 100. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a parallel transmission method is used for data transmission from the main control board 100 to the first sub-control board 200, but a serial transmission method may also be used.

[0059] The first sub-control board 200 includes a CPU 201 that performs various calculations related to game effects based on effect control commands from the main control board 100, a ROM 202 that stores data such as effect control programs and various lottery tables, a RAM 203 that functions as a work area and buffer memory for temporary storage, and I / O ports 204 that input and output signals to and from peripheral boards and various devices. These are interconnected via an internal bus, and the CPU 201 is configured to execute major controls related to game effects according to the control program stored in the ROM 202. The first sub-control board 200 is electrically connected to the performance button 37 and the cursor button 38, and is configured to detect the operation of the said control unit.

[0060] Furthermore, the first sub-control board 200 generates image control commands that instruct the second sub-control board 300 to display images, audio control commands that instruct the audio control board 310 to output audio, lamp control data for controlling the lighting of various lamps such as the frame lamp 35, and movement control data for controlling the movement of the movable decorative body 22 and the sub-display unit 82, etc., in the performance control processing based on performance control commands from the main control board 100. Here, the first sub-control board 200 is connected to the second sub-control board 300 and the voice control board 310 so as to be able to communicate bidirectionally. Each control command (image control command, voice control command) is transmitted from the first sub-control board 200 to the second sub-control board 300 or the voice control board 310, while in response, an acknowledgment command (ACK command) indicating that the control command has been successfully received is transmitted from each control board (second sub-control board 300, voice control board 310) to the first sub-control board 200.

[0061] Furthermore, the first sub-control board 200 is electrically connected to the frame lamp 35 and transmits lamp control data via the I / O port 204. The frame lamp 35 is configured to be controlled to light up by the lamp control data transmitted from the first sub-control board 200. Furthermore, the first sub-control board 200 is electrically connected to the movable decorative body 22 and the sub-display unit 82, and transmits movement control data via the I / O port 204. The movable decorative body 22 and the sub-display unit 82 are configured so that their movement is controlled by the movement control data transmitted from the first sub-control board 200.

[0062] The second sub-control board 300 includes a CPU that performs various calculations related to image effects based on image control commands from the first sub-control board 200, a ROM that stores image control programs and various data, a RAM that functions as a work area and buffer memory for temporary storage, and I / O ports that input and output signals to and from peripheral boards and various devices (all of which are not shown in the diagram). The CPU is configured to execute major controls related to image effects according to the control program stored in the ROM. Furthermore, the second sub-control board 300 is equipped with a VDP that generates image data in accordance with the content of the effects determined by the effects content determination means 225 (described later) based on control signals received from the CPU, and a sound source IC that generates sound data in accordance with the content of the effects based on control signals received from the CPU. The VDP is a so-called image processor that reads image data stored in the image ROM in response to instructions from the CPU, processes it, and transmits the generated image data to the main display unit 81 and the sub-display unit 82. A high-speed VRAM used for expanding and processing the image data read from the image ROM is also connected to this VDP.

[0063] The voice control board 310 includes a CPU 311 that performs various calculations related to voice effects based on voice control commands from the first sub-control board 200, a ROM 312 that stores voice control programs and voice data, a RAM 313 that functions as a work area and buffer memory for temporary storage, and I / O ports 314 that input and output signals to and from peripheral boards and various devices. The CPU 311 is configured to execute the main controls related to voice effects according to the control program stored in the ROM 312. Therefore, the voice control board 310 can read the voice data stored in the ROM 312 in response to voice control commands received from the first sub-control board 200, synthesize the read voice data, transmit the final synthesized voice data to the speaker 33 via an amplifier, and output sound to the speaker 33.

[0064] The dispensing control board 400 is mainly composed of a CPU, ROM, and RAM (none of which are shown in the illustration). Furthermore, the payout control board 400 is connected to the main control board 100 in a bidirectional manner, and controls the payout unit 48 to dispense game balls based on payout control commands from the main control board 100, and also controls the launch of game balls by synchronously driving the ball feeding mechanism and the launching mechanism based on the amount of operation of the operating handle 31.

[0065] The power control board 500 consists of a normal power supply circuit 501 that generates a normal power supply to the control board and other electronic and electrical components based on the primary power supply from the power supply equipment of the gaming island, a backup power supply circuit 502 that generates a backup power supply, and a power interruption detection circuit 503 that detects a power interruption (when the voltage supplied by the normal power supply drops to a predetermined voltage). Furthermore, a power switch 40 is connected to the power control board 500. Assuming that primary power is supplied from the power supply equipment of the gaming island, when the power switch 40 is turned ON, normal power is generated by the normal power circuit 501 of the power control board 500, and power is supplied to the electronic and electrical components, including the control boards mentioned above (main control board 100, first sub-control board 200, second sub-control board 300, and payout control board 400). Furthermore, when a power outage is detected by the power outage detection circuit 503, the power control board 500 transmits a power outage signal (NMI signal) to the main control board 100, the first sub-control board 200, and the payout control board 400, respectively. Furthermore, the backup power supply circuit 502 is designed to be charged when power is supplied to the gaming machine 10 from the power supply equipment of the gaming island. The backup power supply circuit 502 may be provided on the dispensing control board 400, and the power outage detection circuit 503 may not be provided on the power supply control board 500, but rather on the main control board 100, the first sub-control board 200, and the dispensing control board 400.

[0066] <Regarding the functional configuration of the gaming machine 10> Next, the functional configuration of the gaming machine 10 according to this embodiment will be explained using Figure 8. Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the gaming machine 10. Note that the functional configuration shown in Figure 8 is necessary for explaining the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, and the gaming machine 10 may also have functional configurations not shown in Figure 8. Furthermore, when explaining the functional configuration, Figures 9 and 10 will be referred to as needed.

[0067] As shown in Figure 8, the main control board 100 includes a ball entry determination means 110, a main random number generation means 115, a main hold control means 120, a pre-determination means 125, a special symbol lottery means 130, a regular symbol lottery means 135, a jackpot game control means 140, a symbol display control means 145, an electric mechanism control means 150, a game state control means 155, a main information storage means 160, a main error control means 165, a main command management means 170, a power restoration processing execution means 175, and a power interruption processing execution means 180. These means functionally represent what is realized by each control configuration on the main control board 100 as explained with reference to Figure 7.

[0068] The main information storage means 160 is a means for temporarily storing data read by means of the main control board 100, and data derived by calculations performed by said means, in corresponding storage areas. In particular, data (performance control commands) stored in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160 is transmitted by the command transmission means to the subcommand management means 270 of the first sub-control board 200, which will be described later.

[0069] The ball entry determination means 110 determines whether a ball has entered each prize slot based on the detection results of sensors installed at each prize slot.

[0070] The main random number generation means 115 is capable of generating multiple types of random numbers with different update ranges using the random number circuit 105, and when it is determined that a prize has been won in a prize slot, it retrieves (latches) one or more random numbers corresponding to that prize slot from the random number circuit 105. More specifically, if the main random number generation means 115 determines that a prize has been won in the first starting gate 57 or the second starting gate 59, it acquires random numbers for determining whether a special symbol is successful, random numbers for drawing special symbol stop symbols, and random numbers for drawing special symbol variation patterns, as described later. If a prize has been won in the gate 63, it stores the random numbers for determining whether a regular symbol is successful, random numbers for drawing regular symbol stop symbols, and random numbers for drawing regular symbol variation patterns, as described later, in the corresponding storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160. Furthermore, the random number circuit 105 monitors whether the multiple types of random numbers it updates are being updated correctly. If an update error occurs where the random numbers are not updated correctly, information indicating that the error has occurred is written to a specific memory area of ​​the random number circuit 105. Therefore, the CPU 101 is able to detect that an update error has occurred in the random number circuit 105.

[0071] The main hold control means 120 controls the hold of symbol changes for special symbols and symbol changes for regular symbols. For special symbol 1, random numbers for determining whether the special symbol is successful, random numbers for drawing special symbol stop symbols, and random numbers for drawing special symbol change patterns, which are acquired when a ball enters the first start opening 57, are held (stored) as operation hold information for special symbol 1. More specifically, the main hold control means 120 includes a hold counter (hereinafter referred to as the "Figure 1 hold counter") which is incremented by 1 each time the operation hold information of Figure 1 is held, and decremented by 1 each time the operation hold information of Figure 1 is used (used in the lottery of the Figure 1 lottery means 130). The main information storage means 160 stores the operation hold information in the storage area corresponding to the current Figure 1 hold counter until the value of the Figure 1 hold counter reaches its upper limit (4 in this embodiment). Each time the operation hold information is used, the main information storage means 160 clears the used operation hold information and controls the remaining operation hold information to be moved (shifted) from the current storage area to the storage area corresponding to a Figure 1 hold counter that is 1 less than the current Figure 1 hold counter, in order from the smallest Figure 1 hold counter. Furthermore, the main hold control means 120 performs the same control as described above for both Figure 2 and the general figure, separately from Figure 1, and the hold counter in Figure 2 is referred to as the Figure 2 hold counter. Furthermore, in the following explanation, "holding of operation hold information" may be expressed as "holding of symbol change," or simply as "hold." Furthermore, when the main hold control means 120 updates (adds or subtracts) the operation hold information (hold counter) of Figure 1 or Figure 2, it generates a performance control command (hold command) that includes the Figure 1 hold counter and the Figure 2 hold counter, and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160. In this embodiment, if both the operation hold information corresponding to Figure 1 and the operation hold information corresponding to Figure 2 are held, a priority change is performed in which the operation hold information corresponding to Figure 2 is used preferentially.

[0072] The pre-determination means 125 performs a pre-determination for a pre-reading effect targeting the reserved operation information of the special feature when the reserved operation information of the special feature is reserved at a predetermined pre-determination timing, at least in some cases. More specifically, the pre-determination means 125 reads out each random number of the currently held operation hold information and performs pre-determinations for the special symbol win / failure determination, special symbol stop symbol lottery, and special symbol variation pattern lottery, which will be described later. In each pre-determination, the same or equivalent lottery table (not shown) as the lottery table used for the lottery corresponding to each pre-determination is used. Therefore, the results of these pre-determinations will be the same as the results of the lottery executed later. Furthermore, the pre-determination means 125 generates a performance control command (pre-determination command) that includes the derived pre-determination result, and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160. As mentioned above, the pre-determination command is transmitted (generated and stored in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160) at least in some cases when the operation hold information of the special feature is held at a predetermined pre-determination timing, and therefore it is transmitted following the hold command mentioned above. Here, the predetermined pre-determination timing refers to a time when a jackpot game is not in progress, and furthermore, in this embodiment, if the operation hold information of the special feature 1 is held during the normal feature high probability mode described later, the pre-determination is restricted, and therefore the transmission of the pre-determination command corresponding to that pre-determination is also restricted.

[0073] The special symbol lottery means 130 comprises a special symbol win / failure determination means 131, a special symbol stop symbol lottery means 132, and a special symbol variation pattern derivation means 133, and executes processing by each means in the order of special symbol win / failure determination means 131, special symbol stop symbol lottery means 132, and special symbol variation pattern derivation means 133. When the conditions for starting the variation of the special symbol are met, the special symbol lottery means 130 reads the earliest operation hold information from the operation hold information held in the main information storage means 160. Furthermore, "the conditions for the start of the special symbol variation are met" means, as an example, that the player is not in a jackpot game, neither Special Symbol 1 nor Special Symbol 2 is currently exhibiting symbol variation (including cases where the symbol variation related to Special Symbol 1 or Special Symbol 2 has stopped), and that there is operation hold information in at least one of Special Symbol 1 or Special Symbol 2.

[0074] Here, Figures 9(a) to 9(c) schematically show the lottery table used in the main control board 100, and will be referred to as necessary in the following explanation. In addition to these lottery tables, in lotteries using lottery tables, the lottery values ​​stored in the lottery table are sequentially added to the read random number in a predetermined order (if there is only one lottery value, the addition is performed once), and the result corresponding to the lottery value that resulted in a carry (overflow) is derived as the result of the lottery. Similarly, in the explanation of lottery tables, names are given to the lottery tables for the sake of explanation, but it is sufficient that the data such as lottery values ​​contained in the lottery table corresponding to the name is stored in an identifiable manner in each ROM, and these names do not specify the area in which the data is stored. In the illustrated lottery tables, if there are items listed for the sake of explanation, or if "-" or "0" are listed as lottery values, these do not necessarily represent data stored in each ROM. Furthermore, results with "-" or "0" as lottery values ​​will not result in a win. Moreover, if the same lottery values ​​as the random number range used for the lottery (the number of random numbers that can be obtained within that range) are listed in the lottery table, that result will be derived 100% of the time, so it is not necessarily required to perform a lottery. Furthermore, if the sum of the random values ​​used in a single draw matches the range of random numbers used in the draw, a carry will always occur in the final addition of the random values, so that addition does not need to be performed, and in that case, the random values ​​used in that addition itself become unnecessary.

[0075] The special symbol win / loss determination means 131 reads out a random number for special symbol win / loss determination for each symbol change, and performs special symbol win / loss determination by drawing lots using the read random number and a lottery table for special symbol win / loss determination to determine whether it will be a big win or a loss. Figure 9(a) schematically shows the lottery table used to determine whether a special symbol wins or loses, and this lottery table is used in common for special symbol 1 and special symbol 2. The range of random numbers used in this determination is 0 to 65535, so when the special symbol lottery state is low probability (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as "special symbol low probability"), a jackpot is obtained with a probability of 205 / 65536 (approximately 1 / 320). Similarly, when the special symbol lottery state is at a high probability (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as "high probability special symbol"), a jackpot is achieved with a probability of 1600 / 65536 (approximately 1 / 40.1).

[0076] The special symbol stop symbol lottery means 132 reads out a random number for the special symbol stop symbol lottery when the result of the special symbol win / loss determination is a jackpot, and uses the read random number and the special symbol stop symbol lottery table to determine the special symbol stop symbol by lottery. Figure 9(b) schematically shows the lottery table for determining the stopping symbols in Special Feature 1, and the range of random numbers used in this lottery is 0 to 99. Therefore, if a jackpot is achieved in Special Feature 1, symbol A is determined as the stopping symbol with a probability of 50 / 100 (1 / 2), and symbol B is determined with a probability of 50 / 100 (1 / 2). Here, symbol A has 10 rounds and, after the jackpot game ends, is a symbol that is highly likely to result in a special symbol win and a high probability of a normal symbol win (hereinafter, it may be referred to as a "probability change symbol," and a jackpot related to this symbol may be referred to as a "probability change jackpot"). On the other hand, symbol B has 4 rounds and, after the jackpot game ends, is a symbol that is less likely to result in a special symbol win and a high probability of a normal symbol win (hereinafter, it may be referred to as a "normal symbol," and a jackpot related to this symbol may be referred to as a "normal jackpot"). Therefore, it can be said that symbol A is a more advantageous symbol than symbol B in the special symbol lottery state after a jackpot game. Figure 9(c) schematically shows the lottery table for determining the stop symbols in Special Feature 2. The range of random numbers used in this lottery is 0 to 99, the same as in the lottery for determining the stop symbols in Special Feature 1. Therefore, if a jackpot is determined in Special Feature 2, symbol a is determined with a probability of 80 / 100 (1 / 1.25), and symbol b is determined with a probability of 20 / 100 (1 / 5), as the stop symbols. Here, symbol a is a probability variation symbol with 10 rounds and a high probability of special symbols and normal symbols after the jackpot game ends, while symbol b is a normal symbol with 2 rounds and a low probability of special symbols and a high probability of normal symbols after the jackpot game ends. Therefore, it can be said that symbol a is more advantageous than symbol b in terms of the number of rounds. In this embodiment, a jackpot with 10 rounds may be referred to as a "10R jackpot," a jackpot with 4 rounds as a "4R jackpot," and a jackpot with 2 rounds as a "2R jackpot." Furthermore, if the result of the special symbol stop symbol lottery is not a jackpot, the special symbol stop symbol lottery means 132 uniformly determines symbol C as the stop symbol if special symbol 1 is a miss, and symbol c as the stop symbol if special symbol 2 is a miss. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the probability of entering a high probability state for the special symbol after a jackpot game using special symbol 1 (50 / 100) is different from the probability of entering a high probability state for the special symbol after a jackpot game using special symbol 2 (80 / 100) (the symbol variation of special symbol 2 is more advantageous than the symbol variation of special symbol 1). Details are omitted, but this difference is achieved by providing a function that, when a game ball passes through the V-entry area provided in the lower large prize entry opening 55b during a jackpot game (when a sensor provided in the V-entry area detects the game ball), the special symbol becomes high probability after the jackpot game ends (in this function, if the game ball does not pass through the V-entry area during a jackpot game, the special symbol becomes low probability after the jackpot game ends), and by configuring the lower special electric mechanism 65b to allow the game ball to pass through the V-entry area during a jackpot game when the lower special electric mechanism 65b is in an open state.

[0077] The special symbol variation pattern derivation means 133 includes multiple types of special symbol variation pattern lottery tables that are referenced when determining the special symbol variation pattern. Based on the current special symbol variation pattern derivation state and the result of the special symbol win / failure determination, it selects one special symbol variation pattern lottery table to determine the special symbol variation pattern for the current time. Using the selected special symbol variation pattern lottery table and random numbers for special symbol variation pattern lottery, it determines one special symbol variation pattern, and determines the variation time based on the determined special symbol variation pattern. Here, variation time refers to the time from when the variation of the symbols related to the special symbol (special symbol 1 or special symbol 2) begins until the variation of the symbols ends. Details of the transition conditions will be described later, but in this embodiment, there are three special figure variation pattern derivation states: special figure variation pattern derivation state PA, special figure variation pattern derivation state PB, and special figure variation pattern derivation state PC. The method for determining the special figure variation pattern described above is used for the pattern variation of special figure 1 in special figure variation pattern derivation state PA, and for the pattern variation of special figure 2 in special figure variation pattern derivation states PB and special figure variation pattern derivation state PC. In each special figure variation pattern derivation state, the pattern variation of the other special figure is determined by a predetermined special figure variation pattern according to the result of the special figure win / fail judgment.

[0078] Furthermore, the special symbol variation pattern derivation means 133 generates a performance control command (variation start command) that includes the determined stopping symbol of the special symbol and the determined special symbol variation pattern, based on the result of the special symbol win / loss determination, at the start of the symbol variation, and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160.

[0079] The regular symbol lottery means 135, similar to the special symbol lottery means 130, reads the earliest operation hold information from the operation hold information held in the main information storage means 160 when the regular symbol is not changing, and uses the read random number to perform a regular symbol win / loss determination to determine whether the regular symbol is a win or a loss. If the regular symbol win / loss determination results in a regular symbol win where the regular electric mechanism 61 is controlled to an open state, the regular symbol stop symbol lottery is performed to determine the regular symbol stop pattern by lottery, and the regular symbol variation pattern lottery is performed to determine the regular symbol variation pattern (variation time) by lottery. More specifically, in the determination of whether a regular drawing wins or losses, there are two states: one where the regular drawing state is high probability (sometimes abbreviated as "high regular drawing probability") and one where the regular drawing state is low probability (sometimes abbreviated as "low regular drawing probability"). Although the lottery table is not shown, in this embodiment, in the high regular drawing probability state, there is a 65535 / 65536 probability of winning the regular drawing and a 1 / 65536 probability of losing. On the other hand, in the low regular drawing probability state, there is a 1 / 65536 probability of winning the regular drawing and a 65535 / 65536 probability of losing. It is also possible to make it so that there is no regular drawing win in the low regular drawing probability state (a 65536 / 65536 chance of losing).

[0080] In the regular stop symbol lottery, similar to the special stop symbol lottery, one stop symbol is determined from multiple types of stop symbols with different opening patterns for the regular electric mechanism 61 by a lottery using a lottery table (not shown) for the regular stop symbol lottery. If the regular stop symbol win / loss judgment is a loss, the stop symbol is determined uniformly, similar to special symbol 1 and special symbol 2.

[0081] Furthermore, in the general pattern variation lottery, similar to the special pattern variation lottery, one general pattern variation is determined from multiple types of general pattern variation patterns by a lottery using a lottery table for general pattern variation lottery (not shown).

[0082] Thus, a high probability of a normal win is considered to be a more advantageous state than a low probability of a normal win, as the probability of a normal win is higher.

[0083] The jackpot game control means 140 controls the jackpot game according to the determined jackpot symbols, etc., when the result of the special symbol win / loss lottery is a jackpot. In this embodiment, the jackpot game progresses through the following periods in order: inactive start period, active start period, easy winning period, and demo end period. More specifically, when the jackpot game starts, it enters the inactive start period, which ends after a certain amount of time, and transitions to the active start period. During the active start period, when a winning ball enters gate 63, it transitions to the easy winning period. When the easy winning period ends, it transitions to the demo end period, which ends after a certain amount of time, and the jackpot game ends with the end of the demo end period. As will be explained in more detail later, the duration of the inactive start period and the demo end period is determined based on the jackpot symbols for this jackpot and the game state at the time the jackpot was won. Furthermore, the jackpot game control means 140 generates a performance control command (hereinafter referred to as the "jackpot game start command") that includes the time required for the start invalidation period when a jackpot game (start invalidation period) begins, and stores it in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160. When the easy-to-win period ends, it generates a performance control command (hereinafter referred to as the "jackpot game end command") that includes the time required for the end demo period, and stores it in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160. In addition, if a win occurs at gate 63 during the start validity period, the jackpot game control means 140 generates a performance control command (hereinafter referred to as the "easy-to-win period start command") indicating the start of the easy-to-win period, and stores it in the main information storage means 160.

[0084] The symbol display control means 145 causes special symbol 1 to be displayed on the first special symbol display device 91 in accordance with the variation time based on the special symbol variation pattern of special symbol 1, and after the variation time has elapsed, special symbol 1 is stopped and displayed with the stop symbol determined by the special symbol stop symbol lottery. Similarly, special symbol 2 is displayed on the second special symbol display device 92 in accordance with the variation time based on the special symbol variation pattern of the second special symbol, and after the variation time has elapsed, special symbol 2 is stopped and displayed with the stop symbol determined by the special symbol stop symbol lottery. The symbol display control means 145 has a special symbol game timer for managing the time (variation time, stop display time) related to the display of special symbol 1 and special symbol 2. When the special symbol is stopped (at the timing when the value of the special symbol game timer becomes "0"), it generates a performance control command (variation stop command) to request a confirmed stop display of the decorative symbol, and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160. Here, the confirmed stop display of a decorative symbol refers to the final stop display of a decorative symbol during a symbol variation, and is different from the temporary stop display of a decorative symbol that may occur during the execution of a symbol variation. Furthermore, in the case of a temporary stop display of a decorative symbol, for example, the stopped decorative symbol may shake up and down in small increments (so-called shaking variation), whereas in the case of a confirmed stop display of a decorative symbol, the stopped decorative symbol may not shake. In other words, even if the same decorative symbol is displayed as stopped, the manner of the stop display of a confirmed stop display and the manner of the stop display of a temporary stop display are different. Therefore, players can recognize whether the stop display of a decorative symbol is a confirmed stop display or a temporary stop display.

[0085] Furthermore, the symbol display control means 145 causes the normal symbol to be displayed on the normal symbol display device 93 in accordance with the normal symbol variation pattern (variation time) of the normal symbol, and after the variation time has elapsed, the normal symbol is stopped and displayed with the stop symbol determined by the normal symbol stop symbol lottery. Furthermore, the symbol display control means 145 has a symbol game timer for managing the time (variation time, stop display time) related to the display of the symbol.

[0086] During the aforementioned period when winning is easy, the electric mechanism control means 150 outputs a control signal to the special electric mechanism solenoid 66, causing the special electric mechanism 65 to open according to the opening pattern corresponding to the stopping symbol of the special feature.

[0087] Furthermore, if the electric mechanism control means 150 wins the regular drawing lottery, it outputs a control signal to the regular electric mechanism solenoid 62, causing the regular electric mechanism 61 to open according to the opening pattern corresponding to the stopping symbol on the regular drawing.

[0088] The game state control means 155 controls the special symbol lottery state. Specifically, as described above, the game state control means 155 sets the special symbol probability to low at the start of a jackpot game, regardless of the symbols involved in the jackpot, maintains the low special symbol probability at the end of a jackpot game related to a normal jackpot, and sets the special symbol probability to high at the end of a jackpot game related to a probability variation jackpot. Furthermore, the game state control means 155 controls the normal symbol lottery state. Specifically, at the start of a jackpot, the game state control means 155 sets the normal symbol low probability regardless of the symbols involved in the jackpot, and at the end of a jackpot game related to a normal jackpot or a probability variation jackpot, it sets the normal symbol high probability until a predetermined number of symbol changes have occurred, and after the predetermined number of symbol changes have occurred, it sets the normal symbol low probability.

[0089] These special symbol lottery states and normal symbol lottery states change in conjunction with the special symbol variation pattern derivation states described above, and the transitions in the special symbol variation pattern derivation states are managed by the game state control means 155. The transitions in these special symbol variation pattern derivation states will be explained below with reference to Figures 10(a) and 10(b). Figure 10(a) is a state transition diagram showing the transitions in the special symbol variation pattern derivation states, and Figure 10(b) is a diagram showing the relationship between the average variation time for each special symbol variation pattern derivation state. As shown in Figure 10(a), the special symbol variation pattern derivation states consist of special symbol variation pattern derivation state PA, which corresponds to a low probability of special symbol wins and a low probability of normal symbol wins; special symbol variation pattern derivation state PB, which corresponds to a high probability of special symbol wins and a high probability of normal symbol wins; and special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC, which corresponds to a low probability of special symbol wins and a high probability of normal symbol wins. Except during jackpot gameplay, one of these special symbol variation pattern derivation states is set. Furthermore, there are transition conditions (i) to (iii) for transitions between special symbol variation pattern derivation states PA and PC. Specifically, transition condition (i) is the end of a jackpot game related to a probability variation jackpot, transition condition (ii) is the end of a jackpot game related to a normal jackpot, and transition condition (iii) is the end of the 50th symbol variation. If a jackpot game related to a normal jackpot is executed in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC, the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC will be set again after the end of that jackpot game (the symbol variation count in transition condition (iii) will start from 0). Furthermore, in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PB, the transition to the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PA occurs at the end of the 10,000th symbol variation. However, since this transition practically never occurs, the illustration of the transition condition is omitted. However, if a jackpot game related to a probability variation jackpot is executed in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PB, the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PB will be set again after the end of the jackpot game (the count of symbol variations in the transition condition will start from 0).

[0090] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10(b), the average fluctuation times for each of the special figure fluctuation pattern derivation states PA, PB, and PC decrease in the order of PA, PC, and PB. In this embodiment, the difference between the average fluctuation time of PA and PC is greater than the difference between the average fluctuation time of PC and PB.

[0091] Furthermore, when an update occurs in the special symbol lottery state, the regular symbol lottery state, or the special symbol variation pattern derivation state, the game state control means 155 generates a performance control command (game state specification command) that includes each of the updated states, and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160.

[0092] As described above, the main information storage means 160 is a means for temporarily storing data read by each means, data derived by calculations etc. performed by each means, etc., in the corresponding storage areas.

[0093] The main error control means 165 monitors the input information of the I / O port 104 and determines whether the gaming machine 10 is in an error state. If it is determined that the machine is in an error state, it stores a performance control command (error command) containing information that can identify the error state in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160.

[0094] The main command management means 170 transmits a performance control command to the first sub-control board 200 when a performance control command is stored in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160. In principle, each performance control command is transmitted in the order in which it is stored in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160.

[0095] The power restoration processing execution means 175 includes a recovery state setting means 176 and a game-ready state transition means 179.

[0096] The recovery state setting means 176 executes a recovery state setting process to set a recovery state based on whether or not there is an abnormality in the RAM 103 when power is restored, the state at the time of the power outage immediately before the power restoration, the state of the RAM clear switch 43 when power is restored, and the state of the middle frame door open sensor 76 when power is restored. The recovery states set by this process include a game stop state and a game-ready state (which may or may not involve a RAM clear process). Specifically, if there is an abnormality in RAM103 when power is restored, the game stop state will be set regardless of the state of the RAM clear switch 43 and the middle frame door open sensor 76 when power is restored. Also, if there is no abnormality in RAM103 when power is restored and the RAM clear switch 43 is ON (pressed), the RAM clear process will be executed and the game-ready state will be set, provided that the middle frame door open sensor 76 is ON when power is restored (if the middle frame door open sensor 76 is OFF when power is restored, the RAM clear process will not be executed and the game-ready state will be set). If there is no abnormality in RAM103 when power is restored and the RAM clear switch 43 is OFF (not pressed), the game-ready state will be set without executing the RAM clear process. When the RAM clear process is executed, the special symbol low probability and normal symbol low probability will be set. Here, the "game stop state" refers to a recovery state in which gameplay cannot proceed because the processing corresponding to the detection results of the sensors installed at each prize entry point is not performed (it is not necessary to even look at the detection results of the sensors themselves). On the other hand, the playable state is a restored state in which gameplay becomes possible by executing processing according to the detection results of sensors installed at each prize entry point. In particular, if the RAM clear process is not executed when power is restored, the game returns to the playable state it was in at the time of the previous power outage. For example, if a jackpot game was in progress at the time of the previous power outage, the game returns to the ongoing jackpot game; if a symbol change was in progress at the time of the previous power outage, the game returns to the ongoing symbol change. In particular, when returning to a jackpot game, the game returns to the period of the jackpot game at the time of the previous power outage (start invalid period, start valid period, easy entry period, or end demo period). Furthermore, if the period to which the game returns is the start invalid period or the end demo period, the elapsed time (remaining time) of that period after the return also returns to the elapsed time at the time of the power outage. The same applies if the period to which the game returns is the easy entry period, in which case the remaining number of rounds and the number of times the ball has entered the large prize entry point 55 during the round game also returns to the state at the time of the power outage.

[0097] Furthermore, whether or not there is an abnormality in RAM103 is determined by executing a RAM abnormality check at the beginning of the recovery state setting process (specifically, determining whether or not a backup flag is stored in the backup information area related to the target area (whether or not the backup flag is ON), and if the backup flag is stored (if the backup flag is ON), deriving a checksum of the complement stored in the target area and the backup information area related to that area, and if the result of this calculation is 0, determining that the target area is normal, and otherwise determining that the target area is abnormal) on the area of ​​RAM103 related to gameplay.

[0098] The playable state transition means 179 executes a playable state transition process to transition to the playable state when the playable state is set. To explain in more detail, during the transition to a playable state, if the security signal output is ON, the process of turning the security signal output OFF and the initial device setup are performed. Furthermore, during the initial setup of the device, processes such as sending a launch permission command to the payout control board 400 to allow the launch of game balls, setting the state in which balls can enter each prize pocket, and setting data to activate the random number circuit 105 are performed.

[0099] The power cut-off processing execution means 180 performs power cut-off processing based on the receipt of a power cut-off signal from the power control board 500. Specifically, for the area of ​​RAM 103 related to gameplay, the following processes are executed: deriving the checksum of the area, storing the complement of the checksum in the backup information area of ​​RAM 103 related to gameplay, and turning on a backup flag to indicate that power-off processing has been performed on the area (storing the backup flag in the backup information area of ​​RAM 103 related to gameplay).

[0100] As shown in Figure 8, the first sub-control board 200 includes a sub-random number generation means 210, a normal performance control means 220, a sub-error control means 230, a lamp control means 240, a movable prop control means 245, a sub-information storage means 260, and a sub-command management means 270. These means functionally represent what is realized by the control configurations on the first sub-control board 200 described with reference to Figure 7. Here, the sub-information storage means 260 is a means for temporarily storing data read by means provided in the first sub-control board 200, and data derived by calculations performed by said means, in corresponding storage areas. Furthermore, performance control commands transmitted from the main command management means 170 are stored in the received command storage area of ​​the sub-information storage means 260 by the sub-command management means 270. In the following description, the process by which performance control commands transmitted from the main command management means 170 are stored in the received command storage area of ​​the sub-information storage means 260 by the sub-command management means 270 may simply be referred to as the reception of performance control commands.

[0101] The sub-random number generation means 210 is capable of generating random numbers (software random numbers) that are updated by program processing by the CPU 201, and acquires random numbers at the timing when each lottery (details described later) is executed by the normal performance control means 220.

[0102] The normal performance control means 220 includes a performance mode control means 221, a performance route determination means 222, a sub-hold control means 223, a pre-read performance control means 224, a performance content determination means 225, a decorative pattern control means 226, and a jackpot performance control means 227.

[0103] The performance mode control means 221, upon receiving a game state specification command, controls the transition of the performance mode in a manner consistent with the special symbol variation pattern derivation state managed on the main control board 100. In this embodiment, the performance modes are broadly classified into normal mode, probability variation mode, and low probability time reduction mode. The special symbol variation pattern derivation state PA corresponds to normal mode, the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PB corresponds to probability variation mode, and the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC corresponds to low probability time reduction mode.

[0104] When the performance route determination means 222 receives a pre-determination command, it determines (sets) the performance route corresponding to the symbol variation that has been put on hold, based on the result of the pre-determination included in the command (in this embodiment, the special symbol variation pattern). Here, the performance route refers to the performance from the start to the end of the symbol variation, which defines the process of performance that notifies the result of the special symbol win / loss determination in that symbol variation. The content of the performance performed in that symbol variation is determined by the performance content determination means 225, which will be described later, according to the performance route corresponding to that symbol variation.

[0105] When the sub-hold control means 223 receives a hold command (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as the occurrence of a hold win), it sets performance data to display a number of hold images corresponding to the special figure 1 hold counter and a number of hold images corresponding to the special figure 2 hold counter in the hold display area (not shown) of the main display unit 81, based on the information of the special figure 1 hold counter and the special figure 2 hold counter included in the command. The hold images are images that are the subject of a hold pre-read performance that changes in various ways to suggest the degree of advantage, such as the expected probability of a big win.

[0106] When the pre-reading effect control means 224 receives a pre-determination command, it determines the content of the pre-reading effect based on the result of the pre-determination included in the command. A pre-announcement effect is a type of effect that aims to enhance the enjoyment of the game by hinting at the expected outcome of the special symbol win / loss judgment during the pre-announcement effect, or the content of the effect that will be performed during the pre-announcement effect, before the reel spinning of the target symbol begins.

[0107] When the performance content determination means 225 receives a variation start command, it determines the content of the performance to be executed in the current symbol variation according to the performance route already determined by the performance route determination means 222. More specifically, the performance content determination means 225 determines the content of the performance (performance pattern) for each performance execution timing in the symbol variation by drawing lots using a performance pattern lottery table corresponding to the performance route determined by the performance route determination means 222. In this way, the content of the performance related to (and executed according to) the determined performance route can be changed, and connections can be made to the performances in a single symbol variation. Furthermore, even if the same performance route is determined, the performances that are executed can be made diverse. For example, the timing for determining the content of the performance can be the start of the symbol variation.

[0108] When the decorative pattern control means 226 receives a variation start command, it determines the final (confirmed stop display) combination of decorative patterns (left pattern, middle pattern, right pattern) based on the determined stop pattern of the special pattern. Specifically, symbol A corresponds to a combination of odd-numbered symbols, symbol B corresponds to a combination of even-numbered symbols, and symbol C or symbol c corresponds to a scattered combination. Furthermore, symbol a corresponds to a combination of 7 symbols, and symbol b corresponds to a combination of odd-numbered symbols excluding 7. Furthermore, when associating the determined combination of decorative symbols with the stopping symbols of the special feature, it is not always necessary to follow the aforementioned correspondence. For example, if the combination of decorative symbols does not increase the expected probability of the determined combination of decorative symbols in relation to the aforementioned correspondence, such as associating symbol A with an even-numbered symbol combination, then in some cases (a lower proportion than the proportion of cases where the aforementioned correspondence occurs), a combination of decorative symbols different from the aforementioned correspondence may be adopted. Even in such cases, the determined combination of decorative symbols can still be said to correspond with the stopping symbols of the special feature.

[0109] The jackpot performance control means 227 determines the execution of performances related to the jackpot game based on performance control commands related to the jackpot game, such as a jackpot game start command, a jackpot game end command, and an easy-to-win period start command. As will be described in detail later, in this embodiment, the jackpot performance control means 227 displays a notification image on the main display unit 81 that includes a first instruction image, which is an instruction image that instructs the launch of a game ball into the second channel Y, during the start invalidation period and the start valid period. On the other hand, during the easy-to-win period, the main display unit 81 displays a notification image on the main display unit 81 that includes a second instruction image, which is an instruction image different from the first instruction image. This allows the player to recognize whether or not the easy-to-win period has started during a jackpot game, and makes it easier for them to decide whether or not they can leave their seat.

[0110] The normal performance control means 220 reads performance data for each device corresponding to each performance at the execution timing of each performance, according to the content of the performance determined by the means described above provided in the first sub-control board 200. If the read performance data includes performance data related to images, it generates an image control command based on that performance data and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of ​​the sub-information storage means 260. Furthermore, if the read performance data includes performance data related to sound, it generates an audio control command related to sound based on that performance data and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of ​​the sub-information storage means 260. In particular, the normal performance control means 220 reads performance data to notify that the game has become playable after the RAM clear process is performed when the recovery state after power is restored becomes playable after the RAM clear process is performed, and reads performance data to notify that the game has become playable without the RAM clear process being performed when the recovery state after power is restored becomes playable after the RAM clear process is performed. Furthermore, if the normal performance control means 220 returns to a game-stopped state upon power restoration, it reads performance data to notify the system that the game has stopped and that a RAM clear process is required. Although the details of these notifications are omitted here, it is preferable that they continue to run for a certain period of time (for example, 30 seconds) after execution begins, and the performance device used to execute the notifications is not limited.

[0111] The sub-error control means 230 determines an error animation pattern when an error command is transmitted and reads animation data for executing the error animation according to that error animation pattern. Furthermore, error animations take precedence over variation animations related to symbol changes (the execution of error animations restricts the execution of variation animations). Here, "error animations take precedence" means that, when the device performing the error animation and the device performing the variation animation are the same device, it is not limited to cases where only the error animation is executed on that device, but also includes cases where the error animation is executed on that device in a manner that is more easily recognized than the variation animation. Furthermore, the sub-error control means 230 may independently (independently of the main error control means 165) determine whether or not the gaming machine 10 is in an error state, and if it determines that it is in an error state, it may read out performance data to execute an error performance.

[0112] The lamp control means 240 holds lamp control data for controlling the lighting of various lamps such as the frame lamp 35. For example, if the performance data read by the normal performance control means 220 contains performance data corresponding to the frame lamp 35, the lamp control means 240 reads the lamp control data based on that performance data and transmits the read lamp control data to the frame lamp 35.

[0113] The movable mechanism control means 245, if the performance data read by the normal performance control means 220 contains performance data corresponding to a movable mechanism, reads from the ROM 202 based on the performance data to control the movement of the movable decorative body 22 and the sub-display unit 82, transmits the read movable mechanism control data to the movable decorative body 22 and the sub-display unit 82, and controls the movement of the movable decorative body 22 and the sub-display unit 82.

[0114] As described above, the sub-information storage means 260 is a means for temporarily storing data read by means provided in the first sub-control board 200, data derived by calculations performed by said means, etc., in corresponding storage areas.

[0115] The subcommand management means 270 receives performance control commands transmitted from the main control board 100 and stores the received performance commands in the received command storage area of ​​the subinformation storage means 260. Furthermore, if an image control command is stored in the transmission command storage area of ​​the subinformation storage means 260, the subcommand management means 270 transmits the image control command to the second sub-control board 300. In addition, if an audio control command or volume adjustment command is stored in the same storage area, the subcommand management means 270 transmits these commands to the audio control board 310. These commands are, in principle, transmitted in the order in which they are stored in the transmission command storage area of ​​the subinformation storage means 260.

[0116] As described above, in this embodiment, in order to quickly detect game balls that have entered the lower large prize opening 55b, two detection sensors (lower right large prize opening sensor 72b and lower left large prize opening sensor 72c) are attached to the lower large prize opening 55b, and one detection sensor (upper large prize opening sensor 72a) is attached to the upper large prize opening 55a. Furthermore, based on these configurations, the gaming machine 10 according to this embodiment has a function to suppress fraudulent activities such as so-called "twist shots" and other trick shots that cause abnormal payouts, while still enabling over-payouts. The details of this function will be described below.

[0117] <Regarding the grace period set when closing the electrically operated mechanism> First, using Figures 11 to 13, we will explain in detail the grace period set when closing the electrically operated mechanism located directly above the prize winning slot. Figure 11 shows the flow of the electric mechanism closing control process, which is executed by the electric mechanism control means 150 each time a timer interrupt occurs during the period when the electric mechanism is in the open state. Figure 12(a) is a table summarizing the closing conditions for each type of electric mechanism, and Figure 12(b) is a table summarizing the types of detection sensors related to the prize entry opening and the length of the grace period. Figure 13 is a table summarizing the effectiveness of each type of detection sensor used to detect game balls in the prize-winning slot.

[0118] As shown in Figure 11, in step S102, the first step of the electric mechanism closing control process, it is determined whether the closing conditions for the target electric mechanism (the electric mechanism that is currently in the open state) have been met. If the conditions are met, the process proceeds to step S104; otherwise, the electric mechanism closing control process is terminated. Here, the closing conditions are as shown in Figure 12(a).

[0119] Specifically, if the target electric mechanism is the upper special electric mechanism 65a, and the open state of the target electric mechanism is due to a 4R jackpot, the closing condition is met when the number of game balls detected by the upper large prize pocket sensor 72a reaches 10 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "when the specified number is reached"), or when 30,000 ms has elapsed since the target electric mechanism entered the open state (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "when the specified time is reached"). On the other hand, if the target electric mechanism is the upper special electric mechanism 65a, and the open state of the target electric mechanism is due to a 2R jackpot, the closing condition is met when the number of game balls detected by the upper large prize pocket sensor 72a reaches 10, or when 3000ms have elapsed since the target electric mechanism entered the open state. Therefore, the duration for which the upper large prize pocket sensor 72a remains open due to a 2R jackpot is shorter than the duration for which the upper large prize pocket sensor 72a remains open due to a 4R jackpot. Furthermore, if the target electric mechanism is the lower special electric mechanism 65b (the open state of the target electric mechanism is due to a 10R jackpot), the closing condition is met when the total number of game balls detected by the lower right large prize pocket sensor 72b or the lower left large prize pocket sensor 72c reaches 10, or when 30,000 ms has elapsed since the target electric mechanism entered the open state. Furthermore, if the target electric mechanism is a standard electric mechanism 61 (the open state of the target mechanism is due to the standard mechanism), the closing condition is met when the number of game balls detected by the second start port sensor 71 reaches 3, or when 5000ms have elapsed since the target electric mechanism entered the open state.

[0120] In step S104, the target electric mechanism is controlled (set) to a closed state. This causes the target electric mechanism to transition from an open state to a closed state. In step S106, a grace period is set, and then the electric mechanism closing control process is terminated. Here, the grace period is the period that follows the period in which the target electric mechanism is in the open state, and with some exceptions, it refers to the period in which, even if the target electric mechanism is in the closed state in terms of control, the detection of the game ball by the detection sensor corresponding to the target electric mechanism is judged to be a normal win.

[0121] Specifically, as shown in Figure 12(b), if the open state of the target electric mechanism (upper special electric mechanism 65a) is due to a 4R jackpot, a grace period of 2000ms is set for the upper large prize pocket sensor 72a. On the other hand, if the opening state of the target electric mechanism (upper special electric mechanism 65a) is due to a 2R jackpot, a grace period of 1000ms is set for the upper large prize entry sensor 72a. Therefore, the length of the grace period corresponding to a 2R jackpot is shorter than the length of the grace period corresponding to a 4R jackpot. Furthermore, if the opening state of the target electric mechanism (lower special electric mechanism 65b) is due to a 10R jackpot, a grace period of 3000ms is set for the lower right large prize entry sensor 72b, and a grace period of 5000ms is set for the lower left large prize entry sensor 72c. Furthermore, if the open state of the target electric mechanism (ordinary electric mechanism 61) is due to a normal rotation, a grace period of 2000ms is set for the second start port sensor 71. Furthermore, the length of the grace period mentioned above is uniform, regardless of the type of closing condition related to the immediately preceding open state (whether it is based on the number of game balls detected or the elapsed time).

[0122] Next, using Figure 13, we will explain whether the detection of game balls by the detection sensor corresponding to the target electric mechanism is effective or ineffective during the period when the target electric mechanism is in the open state, the grace period following that period, and the period outside of these periods (the period from the end of the grace period until the target electric mechanism is opened again). Here, "effective detection of game balls by the corresponding detection sensor" means that the processing on the main control board 100 corresponding to that detection (in this embodiment, awarding prize balls) is executed. On the other hand, "ineffective detection of game balls by the corresponding detection sensor" means that the processing on the main control board 100 corresponding to that detection is not executed.

[0123] As shown in Figure 13, if the detection sensor in question is the upper large prize slot sensor 72a, and the open state of the target electric mechanism (upper special electric mechanism 65a) is due to a 4R jackpot, then during the period when the target electric mechanism is open, and during the grace period following that period (regardless of the closing condition), the detection of game balls by the upper large prize slot sensor 72a will be effective. However, during periods other than these, the detection of game balls by the upper large prize slot sensor 72a will be ineffective. Similarly, if the detection sensor in question is the upper large prize slot sensor 72a, and the open state of the target electric mechanism (upper special electric mechanism 65a) is due to a 2R jackpot, then during the period when the target electric mechanism is open, and during the grace period following that period (regardless of the closing condition), the detection of game balls by the upper large prize slot sensor 72a will be effective, while during periods other than these, the detection of game balls by the upper large prize slot sensor 72a will be ineffective.

[0124] If the detection sensor in question is the lower right large prize slot sensor 72b, and the open state of the target electric mechanism (lower special electric mechanism 65b) is due to a 10R jackpot, then the detection of game balls by the lower right large prize slot sensor 72b will be effective during the period in which the target electric mechanism is open, the grace period following that period (regardless of the closing conditions), and all other periods. On the other hand, if the detection sensor in question is the lower left large prize slot sensor 72c, and the open state of the target electric mechanism (lower special electric mechanism 65b) is due to a 10R jackpot, then the detection of game balls by the lower left large prize slot sensor 72c will be effective during the period in which the target electric mechanism is open, and during the grace period following that period (regardless of the closing condition). However, during periods other than these, the detection of game balls by the lower left large prize slot sensor 72c will be ineffective.

[0125] Furthermore, if the detection sensor in question is the second start port sensor 71, and the open state of the target electric mechanism (ordinary electric mechanism 61) is due to a normal win, then the detection of game balls by the second start port sensor 71 will be effective during the period when the target electric mechanism is open and during the grace period following that period (regardless of the closing condition), but the detection of game balls by the second start port sensor 71 will be ineffective during periods other than these.

[0126] <Regarding whether or not abnormal prize winning notifications are implemented> Next, using Figure 14, we will explain whether or not an abnormal prize notification is executed when a game ball is detected by the detection sensor corresponding to the target electric mechanism during the period when the target electric mechanism is in the open state, the grace period following that period, and the period outside of these periods (the period from the end of the grace period until the target electric mechanism is opened again). Figure 14 is a table that summarizes whether or not abnormal prize entry notifications are made by each type of detection sensor related to the prize entry slot.

[0127] As shown in Figure 14, if the target detection sensor is the upper large prize slot sensor 72a, and the open state of the target electric mechanism (upper special electric mechanism 65a) is due to a 4R jackpot, then during the period when the target electric mechanism is in an open state, and the grace period following that period (regardless of the closing condition), abnormal prize entry notification will not be performed by the detection of game balls by the upper large prize slot sensor 72a. However, during periods other than these, abnormal prize entry notification will be performed by the detection of game balls by the upper large prize slot sensor 72a. In this embodiment, the abnormal prize notification is an error notification that identifies that the detection of the game ball by the detection sensor that triggered the notification is abnormal (not normal). Details of the abnormal prize notification will be described later.

[0128] On the other hand, if the detection sensor in question is the upper large prize slot sensor 72a, and the open state of the target electric mechanism (upper special electric mechanism 65a) is due to a 2R jackpot, then during the period when the target electric mechanism is open, the detection of game balls by the upper large prize slot sensor 72a will not trigger an abnormal prize notification. However, during the grace period following that period (regardless of the closing condition), and during periods other than these, the detection of game balls by the upper large prize slot sensor 72a will trigger an abnormal prize notification.

[0129] If the detection sensor in question is the lower right large prize slot sensor 72b, and the open state of the target electric mechanism (lower special electric mechanism 65b) is due to a 10R jackpot, then during the period when the target electric mechanism is open, and during the grace period following that period (regardless of the closing condition), abnormal prize entry notifications will not be triggered by the detection of game balls by the lower right large prize slot sensor 72b. However, during periods other than these, abnormal prize entry notifications will be triggered by the detection of game balls by the lower right large prize slot sensor 72b. On the other hand, if the detection sensor in question is the lower left large prize slot sensor 72c, and the open state of the target electric mechanism (lower special electric mechanism 65b) is due to a 10R jackpot, then no abnormal prize notification will be issued by the lower right large prize slot sensor 72c detecting a game ball during the period in which the target electric mechanism is open, the grace period following that period (regardless of the closing conditions), or any period other than these.

[0130] Furthermore, if the detection sensor in question is the second start port sensor 71, and the open state of the target electric mechanism (ordinary electric mechanism 61) is due to a normal win, then during the period when the target electric mechanism is open, and the grace period following that period (regardless of the closing condition), abnormal prize notification will not be performed by the detection of a game ball by the second start port sensor 71. However, during periods other than these, abnormal prize notification will be performed by the detection of a game ball by the second start port sensor 71.

[0131] Thus, in this embodiment, in both the lower large prize opening 55b and the upper large prize opening 55a, which has fewer attached detection sensors than the lower large prize opening 55b, during the period when the target electric mechanism is in an open state and the grace period that follows that period and ends after a certain amount of time has elapsed, abnormal prize notification is not performed in some cases when a game ball is detected by the detection sensor related to the large prize opening. However, during periods other than these, abnormal prize notification is performed when a game ball is detected by the detection sensor related to the large prize opening. Furthermore, the length of the grace period for the upper large prize opening 55a (2000ms or 1000ms) is configured to be shorter than the length of the grace period for the lower large prize opening 55b (3000ms or 5000ms). According to this, it can be inferred that the grace period is longer due to the relatively small number of attached detection sensors (the time from when a ball enters the prize slot until the game ball is detected by the detection sensor related to that prize slot tends to be longer). By making the grace period for the upper large prize slot 55a, which is more susceptible to cheating and fraudulent activities, shorter than the grace period for the lower large prize slot 55b, which has a relatively large number of attached detection sensors, cheating and fraudulent activities can be deterred. Furthermore, in order to achieve this effect, the lower large prize opening 55b and the upper large prize opening 55a may be configured so that abnormal prize notification is not triggered at all times when a game ball is detected by the detection sensor related to the large prize opening during the period when the target electric mechanism is open and during the grace period following that period.

[0132] Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, the prize entry points are equipped with an electric mechanism that is controlled from a closed state to an open state, thereby allowing the game balls to reach the detection sensors. These include a first prize entry point (lower large prize entry point 55b) and a second prize entry point (upper large prize entry point 55a). The number of detection sensors for the second prize entry point (upper large prize entry point sensor 72a) is less than the number of detection sensors for the first prize entry point (lower right large prize entry point sensor 72b, lower left large prize entry point sensor 72c). The notification control means (first sub-control board 200, second sub-control board 300) can perform specific notification (abnormal prize entry notification). In other words, when a detection sensor for the first or second prize-winning slot detects a game ball, if the detection of the game ball occurs in the first period, which includes the period during which the electric mechanism installed in the prize-winning slot is controlled to be in the open state, plus a grace period that follows and ends with the passage of time, then a specific notification is not performed. However, if the detection of the game ball occurs in the second period, which is different from the first period, then a specific notification is performed, and the grace period corresponding to the detection sensor for the second prize-winning slot is shorter than the grace period corresponding to the detection sensor for the first prize-winning slot.

[0133] In particular, in this embodiment, the number of prize balls awarded when a game ball is detected by the detection sensor (upper large prize opening sensor 72a) attached to the upper large prize opening 55a (10 balls) is different from the number of prize balls awarded when a game ball is detected by the detection sensors (lower right large prize opening sensor 72b, lower left large prize opening sensor 72c) attached to the lower large prize opening 55b (15 balls). According to this, if the number of balls awarded for the former is greater than the number of balls awarded for the latter, the effect of deterring cheating and fraudulent activities can be enhanced. Furthermore, if the number of balls awarded for the latter is greater than the number of balls awarded for the former, as in this embodiment, the damage caused when cheating or fraudulent activities actually occur can be reduced.

[0134] Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, the number of prize balls that can be awarded when a game ball is detected by the detection sensor related to the first prize opening (upper large prize opening 55a) is different from the number of prize balls that can be awarded when a game ball is detected by the detection sensor related to the second prize opening (lower large prize opening 55b).

[0135] Furthermore, as explained using Figure 13, in this embodiment, if the target detection sensor is the upper large prize slot sensor 72a, and the open state of the target electric mechanism (upper special electric mechanism 65a) is due to a 4R jackpot, then the detection of the game ball by the upper large prize slot sensor 72a becomes invalid during a period different from both the period during which the target electric mechanism is open and the grace period following that period (no prize balls are awarded based on the detection of the game ball). This approach can enhance the deterrent effect against the aforementioned cheating and fraudulent activities.

[0136] Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, if the detection sensor (upper large prize opening sensor 72a) related to the second prize opening (upper large prize opening 55a) detects a game ball during the second period described above, it can be said that no prize balls will be awarded based on the detection of the game ball.

[0137] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the target detection sensor is the lower right large prize slot sensor 72b, and the open state of the target electric mechanism (lower special electric mechanism 65b) is due to a 10R jackpot, then the detection of game balls by the lower right large prize slot sensor 72b becomes effective during a period different from both the period during which the target electric mechanism is open and the grace period following that period (a prize ball is awarded upon detection of the game ball). According to this, it is possible to deter cheating and fraudulent activities while making it difficult to disadvantage players who are playing using normal methods. Furthermore, in order to achieve the said effect, if the target detection sensor is the lower left large prize slot sensor 72c, and the open state of the target electric mechanism (lower special electric mechanism 65b) is due to a 10R jackpot, then the detection of game balls by the lower left large prize slot sensor 72c may be enabled during a period different from both the period during which the target electric mechanism is open and the grace period that follows that period. However, as in this embodiment, in such cases, it is preferable to disable the detection of game balls by the lower left large prize slot sensor 72c during a period different from both the period during which the target electric mechanism is open and the grace period that follows that period.

[0138] Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, when the detection sensors (lower right large prize slot sensor 72b, lower left large prize slot sensor 72c) related to the first prize slot (lower large prize slot 55b) detect a game ball during the second period described above, prize balls may be awarded based on the detection of the game ball.

[0139] Furthermore, as described above, in this embodiment, the grace period length for the lower right large prize slot sensor 72b (3000ms) is shorter than the grace period length for the lower left large prize slot sensor 72c (5000ms). In addition, the grace periods length for the upper large prize slot sensor 72a (2000ms, 1000ms) are shorter than the grace period length for the lower right large prize slot sensor 72b (see Figure 12(b)). This approach can enhance the deterrent effect against the aforementioned cheating and fraudulent activities.

[0140] Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, the detection sensors for the first prize entry point (lower large prize entry point 55b) include a first detection sensor (lower right large prize entry point sensor 72b) and a second detection sensor (lower left large prize entry point sensor 72c) located downstream of the first detection sensor, and the detection sensors for the second prize entry point (upper large prize entry point 55a) include a third detection sensor (upper large prize entry point sensor 72a), and the grace period corresponding to the second detection sensor is longer than the grace period corresponding to the first detection sensor, and the grace period corresponding to the third detection sensor is shorter than the grace period corresponding to the first detection sensor.

[0141] Furthermore, as described above, in this embodiment, when the target electric mechanism is the upper special electric mechanism 65a and the open state of the target electric mechanism is an open pattern resulting from a 4R jackpot, the maximum time (30000ms) that the target electric mechanism is in the open state is shorter than the maximum time (3000ms) that the target electric mechanism is in the open state when the target electric mechanism is the upper special electric mechanism 65a and the open state of the target electric mechanism is an open pattern resulting from a 2R jackpot (see Figure 12(a)). Furthermore, in the former opening pattern for the upper special electric mechanism 65a, if the upper large prize pocket sensor 72a detects a game ball during the subsequent grace period, the abnormal prize notification will not be executed. On the other hand, in the latter opening pattern for the upper special electric mechanism 65a, if the upper large prize pocket sensor 72a detects a game ball during the subsequent grace period, the abnormal prize notification will be executed. According to this, it is possible to deter exploitative tactics and fraudulent activities against the latter opening pattern, which is relatively easier to target. In order to achieve this effect, if the upper large prize pocket sensor 72a detects a game ball when the upper special electric mechanism 65a related to the latter opening pattern is open, it is not necessary to perform an abnormal prize entry notification as in this embodiment, or an abnormal prize entry notification may be performed in such a case.

[0142] Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, the opening patterns of the electric mechanism (upper special electric mechanism 65a) installed in the second prize entry opening (upper large prize entry opening 55a) include a first opening pattern (an opening pattern corresponding to a 4R jackpot) and a second opening pattern (an opening pattern corresponding to a 2R jackpot) in which the period during which the electric mechanism is controlled to be in the open state is shorter than that of the first opening pattern. The grace period corresponding to the second opening pattern is shorter than the grace period corresponding to the first opening pattern. When the detection sensor related to the second prize entry opening detects a game ball during the grace period corresponding to the second opening pattern, a specific notification (abnormal prize entry notification) is executed. Conversely, when the detection sensor related to the second prize entry opening detects a game ball during the grace period corresponding to the first opening pattern, no specific notification is executed.

[0143] <Regarding whether or not regular prize winner notifications will be issued> Next, using Figure 15, we will explain whether a normal winning notification is executed when a game ball is detected by the detection sensor corresponding to the target electric mechanism during the period when the target electric mechanism is in the open state, the grace period following that period, and the period outside of these periods (the period from the end of the grace period until the target electric mechanism is opened again). Figure 15 is a table that summarizes whether or not the normal prize notification is performed by each type of detection sensor related to the prize winning slot.

[0144] As shown in Figure 15, if the target detection sensor is the upper large prize slot sensor 72a, and the open state of the target electric mechanism (upper special electric mechanism 65a) is due to a 4R jackpot, then during the period when the target electric mechanism is in the open state, and during the grace period following that period (when the specified time is reached), the upper large prize slot sensor 72a will detect the game balls and perform normal prize notification. However, during the grace period following that period (when the specified number of balls is reached), and during periods other than either of these, the upper large prize slot sensor 72a will not detect the game balls and perform normal prize notification. In this embodiment, a normal prize win notification is a notification that can identify that the detection of the game ball by the detection sensor that triggered the notification is normal (not abnormal), and the details of the normal prize win notification will be described later.

[0145] On the other hand, if the detection sensor in question is the upper large prize slot sensor 72a, and the open state of the target electric mechanism (upper special electric mechanism 65a) is due to a 2R jackpot, then during the period when the target electric mechanism is open, the upper large prize slot sensor 72a will detect the game ball and perform normal prize notification. However, during the grace period following that period (which is not dependent on the closing condition), and during periods other than either of these, the upper large prize slot sensor 72a will not detect the game ball and perform normal prize notification.

[0146] If the detection sensor in question is the lower right large prize slot sensor 72b, and the open state of the target electric mechanism (lower special electric mechanism 65b) is due to a 10R jackpot, then during the period in which the target electric mechanism is open, and during the grace period following that period (when the specified time is reached), the lower right large prize slot sensor 72b will detect the game balls and perform normal prize notification. However, during the grace period following that period (when the specified number of balls is reached), and during periods other than either of these, the lower right large prize slot sensor 72b will not detect the game balls and perform normal prize notification. On the other hand, if the detection sensor in question is the lower left large prize slot sensor 72c, and the open state of the target electric mechanism (lower special electric mechanism 65b) is due to a 10R jackpot, then during the period when the target electric mechanism is open, the lower left large prize slot sensor 72c will detect the game ball and perform normal prize notification. However, during the grace period following that period (which is not dependent on the closing condition), and during periods other than either of these, the lower left large prize slot sensor 72c will not detect the game ball and perform normal prize notification.

[0147] Furthermore, if the detection sensor in question is the second start port sensor 71, and the open state of the target electric mechanism (normal electric mechanism 61) is due to a normal win, then during the period when the target electric mechanism is open, and during the grace period following that period (regardless of the closing condition), the detection of the game ball by the second start port sensor 71 will trigger a normal prize notification. However, during periods other than these, the detection of the game ball by the second start port sensor 71 will not trigger a normal prize notification.

[0148] <Regarding whether or not over-prize notification will be implemented> Next, using Figure 16, we will explain whether or not an over-winning notification is executed when a game ball is detected by the detection sensor corresponding to the target electric mechanism during the period when the target electric mechanism is in the open state, the grace period following that period, and the period outside of these periods (the period from the end of the grace period until the target electric mechanism is opened again). Figure 16 is a table that summarizes whether or not over-prize notification is performed by each type of detection sensor related to the prize winning slot.

[0149] As shown in Figure 16, if the detection sensor in question is the upper large prize slot sensor 72a, and the open state of the target electric mechanism (upper special electric mechanism 65a) is due to a 4R jackpot, then during the grace period following the period in which the target electric mechanism is open (when the specified number of balls is reached), the upper large prize slot sensor 72a will detect the game balls and trigger an over-winning notification. However, during the period in which the target electric mechanism is open, the grace period following that period (when the specified time is reached), and any period other than these, the upper large prize slot sensor 72a will not detect the game balls and trigger an over-winning notification. In this embodiment, the over-winning notification is a notification that can identify that the number of game balls detected by the detection sensor that triggered the notification has exceeded a specified number (10 balls) (i.e., it is not an abnormality). Details of the over-winning notification will be described later.

[0150] On the other hand, if the detection sensor in question is the upper large prize slot sensor 72a, and the open state of the target electric mechanism (upper special electric mechanism 65a) is due to a 2R jackpot, then over-winning notification will not be performed by the detection of game balls by the upper large prize slot sensor 72a during the period in which the target electric mechanism is open, the grace period following that period (regardless of the closing conditions), or any period other than these.

[0151] If the detection sensor in question is the lower right large prize slot sensor 72b, and the open state of the target electric mechanism (lower special electric mechanism 65b) is due to a 10R jackpot, then during the grace period following the period in which the target electric mechanism is open (when the specified number of balls is reached), the lower right large prize slot sensor 72b will detect the game balls and trigger an over-winning notification. However, during the period in which the target electric mechanism is open, the grace period following that period (when the specified time is reached), and any period other than these, the lower right large prize slot sensor 72b will not detect the game balls and trigger an over-winning notification. On the other hand, if the detection sensor in question is the lower left large prize slot sensor 72c, and the open state of the target electric mechanism (lower special electric mechanism 65b) is due to a 10R jackpot, then over-winning notification will not be performed by the detection of game balls by the lower left large prize slot sensor 72c during the period in which the target electric mechanism is open, the grace period following that period (regardless of the closing conditions), or any period other than these.

[0152] Furthermore, if the detection sensor in question is the second start port sensor 71, and the open state of the target electric mechanism (ordinary electric mechanism 61) is due to a normal win, then the over-winning notification will not be executed by the detection of a game ball by the second start port sensor 71 during the period in which the target electric mechanism is open, the grace period following that period (which is not dependent on the closing conditions), or any period other than these periods.

[0153] Thus, in this embodiment, when the target detection sensor is the lower right large prize slot sensor 72b and the open state of the target electric mechanism (lower special electric mechanism 65b) is due to a 10R jackpot, and a game ball is detected by the lower right large prize slot sensor 72b during the period when the target electric mechanism is in the open state, and when the target detection sensor is the lower left large prize slot sensor 72c and the open state of the target electric mechanism (lower special electric mechanism 65b) is due to a 10R jackpot, and a game ball is detected by the lower left large prize slot sensor 72c during the period when the target electric mechanism is in the open state, the over-prize notification is not performed in either case. Furthermore, if the target detection sensor is the lower right large prize slot sensor 72b, and the open state of the target electric mechanism (lower special electric mechanism 65b) is due to a 10R jackpot, then during the grace period (when the specified number of balls is reached) following the period in which the target electric mechanism is open, an over-winning notification is performed by detecting game balls with the lower right large prize slot sensor 72b. On the other hand, if the target detection sensor is the lower left large prize slot sensor 72c, and the open state of the target electric mechanism (lower special electric mechanism 65b) is due to a 10R jackpot, then during the grace period (when the specified number of balls is reached) following the period in which the target electric mechanism is open, an over-winning notification is not performed by detecting game balls with the lower left large prize slot sensor 72c. According to this, by configuring the system to enable over-winning notifications related to the lower large prize slot 55b (related to the lower right large prize slot sensor 72b), the desire to play is enhanced. However, by configuring the system not to enable over-winning notifications related to the lower left large prize slot sensor 72c, which is located downstream of the lower right large prize slot sensor 72b and is therefore relatively more susceptible to exploitation and fraudulent activity, it becomes easier to recognize abnormal winning notifications related to the lower left large prize slot sensor 72c that may be executed during the period following the grace period.

[0154] Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, the detection sensors related to the first prize entry point (lower large prize entry point 55b) include a first detection sensor (lower right large prize entry point sensor 72b) and a second detection sensor (lower left large prize entry point sensor 72c) located downstream of the first detection sensor. The notification control means (first sub-control board 200, second sub-control board 300) is capable of executing a predetermined notification (over-prize notification). During the period when the electric mechanism (lower special electric mechanism 65b) installed in the first prize entry point is controlled to be in an open state, the predetermined notification is not executed when the first detection sensor detects a game ball, or when the second detection sensor detects a game ball. In other words, the predetermined notification may be executed when the first detection sensor detects a game ball during the grace period corresponding to the first detection sensor, while the predetermined notification is not executed when the second detection sensor detects a game ball during the grace period corresponding to the second detection sensor.

[0155] In this embodiment, 15 prize balls are awarded in both cases when a game ball enters the lower large prize opening 55b, that is, when a valid game ball is detected by the lower right large prize opening sensor 72b and when a game ball is detected by the lower left large prize opening sensor 72c, but this is not limited to this configuration. Specifically, the number of prize balls awarded when a valid game ball is detected by the lower right large prize slot sensor 72b may be different from the number of prize balls awarded when a game ball is detected by the lower left large prize slot sensor 72c. In particular, when configuring the system in this way, the number of prize balls awarded when a game ball is detected by the lower left large prize slot sensor 72c may be less than the number of prize balls awarded when a valid game ball is detected by the lower right large prize slot sensor 72b. This reduces the damage when cheating or fraudulent activity actually occurs.

[0156] <Details on abnormal prize notification, normal prize notification, and over-prize notification> Next, Figure 17 will be used to explain the details of the abnormal prize notification, normal prize notification, and over-prize notification mentioned above. Figure 17(a) is a table summarizing the content and termination conditions of abnormal prize notification for each type of detection sensor that triggered the notification, and Figure 17(b) is a table summarizing the content of normal prize notification and over-prize notification for each type of detection sensor that triggered the notification.

[0157] As shown in Figure 17(a), the abnormal prize notification, which is triggered by the detection of a game ball by the upper large prize slot sensor 72a, displays the words "An abnormal prize 1 has occurred" in the display area of ​​the main display unit 81. This abnormal prize notification ends when the power is restored after an outage (regardless of whether or not a RAM clear process is performed, this is also the case in the case of a power outage restored as described later) or when 5 minutes have elapsed since the detection of the game ball that triggered the notification. An abnormal prize entry notification, triggered by the detection of a game ball by the lower right large prize entry sensor 72b, displays the words "An abnormal prize entry 2 has occurred" in the display area of ​​the main display unit 81. This abnormal prize entry notification ends when the power is restored after an interruption or when 30 seconds have elapsed since the detection of the game ball that triggered the notification. An abnormal prize notification, triggered by the detection of a game ball by the second start port sensor 71, displays the words "An abnormal prize 3 has occurred" in the display area of ​​the main display unit 81. This abnormal prize notification ends when the power is restored after an interruption or when 15 seconds have elapsed since the detection of the game ball that triggered the notification. In this embodiment, abnormal prize entry notification is not performed by detecting a game ball with the lower left large prize entry sensor 72c, so it is omitted from Figure 17(a).

[0158] Thus, in this embodiment, the notification method for abnormal prize winnings is changed depending on the type of detection sensor that triggered the abnormal prize winning notification. Furthermore, the time required for the abnormal prize notification, which is triggered by the detection of a game ball by the upper large prize slot sensor 72a, to be completed (5 minutes) is set to be longer than the time required for the abnormal prize notification, which is triggered by the detection of a game ball by the lower right large prize slot sensor 72b, to be completed (30 seconds).

[0159] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 17(b), in this embodiment, the normal prize notification performed by detecting a game ball with the upper large prize slot sensor 72a displays the characters "+10" in black in the display area of ​​the main display unit 81, and the normal prize notification performed by detecting a game ball with the lower right large prize slot sensor 72b or the lower left large prize slot sensor 72c displays the characters "+15" in black in the display area of ​​the main display unit 81. Note that the notification mode for the normal prize notification performed by detecting a game ball with the lower right large prize slot sensor 72b and the notification mode for the normal prize notification performed by detecting a game ball with the lower left large prize slot sensor 72c may be made different. Furthermore, the normal prize notification, which is performed when a game ball is detected by the second start port sensor 71, displays the aforementioned reserved image in the display area of ​​the main display unit 81. However, when the special figure 2 reserved counter has reached its upper limit, even if a game ball is detected by the second start port sensor 71, the normal prize notification corresponding to that detection will not be performed.

[0160] Furthermore, the over-winning notification, which is triggered by the detection of a game ball by the upper large prize slot sensor 72a, displays the characters "+10" in red in the display area of ​​the main display unit 81, and the over-winning notification, which is triggered by the detection of a game ball by the lower right large prize slot sensor 72b, displays the characters "+15" in red in the display area of ​​the main display unit 81. In this embodiment, over-winning notification is not performed by either the detection of a game ball by the lower left large prize pocket sensor 72c or the detection of a game ball by the second start pocket sensor 71, so this is omitted from Figure 17(b).

[0161] Thus, in this embodiment, the notification method for normal prize wins is changed depending on the type of detection sensor that triggered the normal prize win notification. The same applies to over-prize win notifications. These notifications are executed and then terminate after the corresponding image (video) has been played back once, with a playback time of approximately 3 seconds.

[0162] <Regarding other variations> The following are variations not described above.

[0163] First, regarding each of the notifications mentioned above (abnormal prize notification, normal prize notification, and over-prize notification), the execution entity is not limited to the main display unit 81, but may also be a device such as the speaker 33 or frame lamp 35. Furthermore, some or all of these notifications may be executed by multiple devices.

[0164] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in any of the upper special electric mechanism 65a, the lower special electric mechanism 65b, and the ordinary electric mechanism 61, one opening (an opening related to one opening pattern, an opening related to one round of gameplay) consists of one opening of the electric mechanism, but is not limited to this. Specifically, a single opening may consist of multiple openings of the electric mechanism, in which case the total opening time of a single electric mechanism (the time it is controlled to be in the open state) should be configured to match the opening time corresponding to the opening pattern described above. In this case, when a single opening consists of multiple openings of the electric mechanism, the period defined between one opening and the next among the multiple openings of the electric mechanism (the period between these openings) should not be treated as a grace period, but rather as the open state of the target electric mechanism as described above.

[0165] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, whether or not these notifications (abnormal prize notification, normal prize notification, over-prize notification) are executed is determined by a combination of the type of detection sensor and the type of period (open state of the target electric mechanism, grace period, period other than these periods). In addition to these conditions, the number of times the target detection sensor detects game balls (within the target period) may be greater than or equal to an arbitrary threshold.

[0166] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the probabilities, ratios, frequencies, prize balls, and the high, low, and low, low, and long values ​​of time may be such that there are no smaller values, or that there are always larger values, as long as the relationships between them are guaranteed. Furthermore, in this embodiment, each lottery value in the illustrated lottery table is merely an example, and any value within that range may be adopted for each lottery value, as long as the relative order of the lottery tables is maintained. Furthermore, in the above explanation, the magnitude of the profit when a game ball enters a prize slot is defined by the number of prize balls, but this is not limited to this, and the magnitude of the profit may also be defined by the rate at which advantageous game states (such as high probability of normal symbols or high probability of special symbols) are granted.

[0167] Furthermore, while the above explanation refers to the state of the RAM clear switch 43 at the time of power restoration to determine the recovery state, it is also possible to refer to whether the time the RAM clear switch 43 has been in the ON state since power restoration exceeds a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds). Doing so can further reduce the occurrence of incorrect RAM clear processing.

[0168] Furthermore, in the above explanation, the state of the middle frame door open sensor 76 (the open / closed state of the middle frame 17) was referred to when determining the recovery state upon power restoration. However, the recovery state may be set without referring to this state. In this case, the recovery state upon power restoration should be set uniformly according to the case where the middle frame door open sensor 76 is ON (the middle frame 17 is in the open state).

[0169] The present invention as described above is not limited to the above description, but also includes various modifications, improvements, and other forms as long as the objectives of the present invention are achieved.

[0170] <Note> This embodiment encompasses the following technical concepts. (1) A gaming machine that is capable of launching game balls and has multiple prize slots equipped with detection sensors for detecting game balls, and is capable of awarding prize balls when game balls are detected by the detection sensors, Notification methods, A notification control means for controlling the notification means, Equipped with, The aforementioned prize entry opening is equipped with an electric mechanism that is controlled from a closed state to an open state, thereby allowing the game ball to reach the detection sensor. This mechanism includes a first prize entry opening and a second prize entry opening. The number of detection sensors relating to the second prize entry point is less than the number of detection sensors relating to the first prize entry point. The aforementioned notification control means is capable of executing a specific notification, When the detection sensor relating to the first prize slot or the second prize slot detects a game ball, When the detection of the game ball occurs during the first period, which includes the period during which the electric mechanism installed in the prize-winning slot is controlled to the open state, as well as a grace period that follows and ends after a certain amount of time has elapsed, the specific notification is not performed for at least a portion of that period. When the detection of the game ball occurs in a second period different from the first period, the specific notification is executed. The grace period corresponding to the detection sensor for the second prize winning slot is shorter than the grace period corresponding to the detection sensor for the first prize winning slot. A gaming machine characterized by the following features. (2) The gaming machine described in (1) above, If the detection sensor related to the second prize entry point detects a game ball during the second period, no prize ball will be awarded based on the detection of the game ball. A gaming machine characterized by the following features. (3) The gaming machine described in (2) above, During the second period, when the detection sensor related to the first prize entry point detects a game ball, prize balls may be awarded based on the detection of the game ball. A gaming machine characterized by the following features. (4) The gaming machine described in (3) above, The opening patterns of the electric mechanism provided in the second prize entry opening include a first opening pattern and a second opening pattern in which the electric mechanism is controlled to be in the open state for a shorter period than the first opening pattern. The grace period corresponding to the second opening pattern is shorter than the grace period corresponding to the first opening pattern. During the grace period corresponding to the second opening pattern, if the detection sensor related to the second prize entry point detects a game ball, the specific notification is executed, If the detection sensor related to the second prize entry point detects a game ball during the grace period corresponding to the first opening pattern, the specific notification will not be executed. A gaming machine characterized by the following features. (5) A gaming machine described in any one of the above (1) to (4), The detection sensor relating to the first prize entry opening includes a first detection sensor and a second detection sensor located downstream of the first detection sensor. The notification control means is capable of executing a predetermined notification, During the period when the electric mechanism installed in the first prize entry opening is controlled to the open state, the predetermined notification is not executed when either the first detection sensor detects a game ball or the second detection sensor detects a game ball. If the first detection sensor detects a game ball during the grace period corresponding to the first detection sensor, the predetermined notification may be executed. If the second detection sensor detects a game ball during the grace period corresponding to the second detection sensor, the predetermined notification will not be executed. A gaming machine characterized by the following features. (a) The detection sensor relating to the first prize entry opening includes a first detection sensor and a second detection sensor located downstream of the first detection sensor. The detection sensor relating to the second prize entry opening includes a third detection sensor. The grace period corresponding to the second detection sensor is longer than the grace period corresponding to the first detection sensor. The grace period corresponding to the third detection sensor is shorter than the grace period corresponding to the first detection sensor. A gaming machine characterized by the following features. [Explanation of symbols]

[0171] 10 Gaming Machines 15 Outer frame 17 Middle frame 20 Front frame 21 Hinge mechanism 22 Movable ornaments 23 Cylinder lock 25 Transparent component 27 Upper ball tray 29 Lower ball tray 31 Operating handle 32 Upper frame part 33 (33a, 33b) Speaker 34a, 34b Left and right side frame sections 35 (35a, 35b, 35c) Frame Lamp 36 Ball Removal Mechanism 37 Performance Button 38 Cursor buttons 38a Up cursor button 38b Down cursor button 38c Left cursor button 38d Right cursor button 38e Middle cursor button 39 Main control unit 39a Ball dispensing button 39b Return button 40 Power switch 43 RAM Clear Switch 46 Game ball tank 47 Tank Rail 48 Dispensing Unit 49. Dispensing passage 50 game boards 50a Gaming area 51 Outer rail 52 Windmill 53 Inner rail 54 Protective component 55 Grand Prize Winners 55a Upper large prize slot 55b Lower Grand Prize Entrance 57 First Starter Port 59 Second Starter Port 61 Standard Electric Mechanism 62 Standard Electric Solenoid Gate 63 65 Special Electric Mechanism 65a Upper Special Electric Mechanism 65b Lower Special Electric Mechanism 66 Special Electric Solenoid 67 General Prize Winners 69 Outlet 70. First start port sensor 71 Second start port sensor 72 Large Prize Entrance Sensor 72a Upper large prize slot sensor 72b Lower right large prize slot sensor 72c Lower left large prize slot sensor 73 General Prize Entrance Sensor 74 Gate Sensors 75 Out ball sensor 76. Inner frame door opening sensor 77 Front frame door open sensor 80 Performance display device 81 Main display unit 82 Sub-display section 82a Upper sub-display section 82b Left sub-display section 82c Right sub-display 90 Pattern Display Device 91 First Special Symbol Display Device 92 Second Special Symbol Display Device 93 Normal Symbol Display Device 94 First Special Symbol Hold Lamp 95 Second Special Symbol Hold Lamp 96 Normal Symbol Hold Lamp 100 Main Control Board 101 CPU 102 ROM 103 RAM 104 I / O Port 105 Random Number Circuit 109 Main Control Board Case 110 Ball Entry Judgment Means 115 Main Random Number Generation Means 120 Main Hold Control Means 125 Pre-Judgment Means 130 Special Figure Lottery Means 131 Special Figure Success / Failure Judgment Means 132 Special Figure Stop Symbol Lottery Means 133 Special Figure Variation Pattern Derivation Means 135 Normal Figure Lottery Means 140 Big Win Game Control Means 145 Symbol Display Control Means 150 Electric Game Device Control Means 155 Game State Control Means 160 Main Information Storage Means 165 Main Error Control Means 170 Main Command Management Means 175 Power Restoration Processing Execution Means 176 Return State Setting Means 179 Game Enable State Transition Means 180 Power Off Processing Execution Means 200 First Sub-Control Board 201 CPU 202 ROM 203 RAM 204 I / O Port 209 First Sub-Control Board Case 210 Sub Random Number Generation Means 220 Normal Performance Control Means 221 Performance mode control means 222 Performance route determination means 223 Sub-hold control means 224 Pre-reading performance control means 225 Performance content determination means 226 Decoration symbol control means 227 Big win performance control means 230 Sub-error control means 240 Lamp control means 245 Movable accessory control means 260 Sub-information storage means 270 Sub-command management means 300 Second sub-control board 301 CPU 302 ROM 303 RAM 304 I / O port 309 Second sub-control board case 310 Audio control board 311 CPU 312 ROM 313 RAM 314 I / O port 400 payout control board 409 payout control board case 500 power control board 501 normal power supply circuit 502 backup power supply circuit 503 power failure detection circuit 509 power control board case X First flow path Y Second flow path

Claims

1. A gaming machine that is capable of launching game balls and has multiple prize-winning slots equipped with detection sensors for detecting game balls, and can award prizes when game balls are detected by the detection sensors, The prize entry point is equipped with an electric mechanism that allows the game ball to reach the detection sensor by being controlled from a first control state to a second control state, and there is a first prize entry point and a second prize entry point. When the detection sensor relating to the first prize slot or the second prize slot detects a game ball, If the detection of the game ball occurs during the first period, which includes the period during which the electric mechanism installed in the prize-winning slot is controlled to the second control state, and a grace period that follows and ends after a certain amount of time has elapsed, then a specific notification is not performed for at least a portion of the time. When the detection of the game ball occurs in a second period different from the first period, the specific notification is executed. The grace period corresponding to the detection sensor for the second prize winning slot is shorter than the grace period corresponding to the detection sensor for the first prize winning slot. During the period in which the electric mechanism provided in the first prize entry opening is controlled to the second control state, when the detection sensor related to the first prize entry opening detects a game ball, the predetermined notification may not be executed, but when the detection sensor related to the first prize entry opening detects a game ball during the subsequent grace period corresponding to the detection sensor related to the first prize entry opening, the predetermined notification may be executed. The conditions under which the electric mechanism installed in the first prize entry opening is controlled from the second control state to the first control state include: a first condition satisfied when the number of game balls detected by the detection sensor related to the first prize entry opening reaches a predetermined number; and a second condition satisfied when the time during which the electric mechanism installed in the first prize entry opening is controlled to the second control state reaches a predetermined time. In a winning game, the electric mechanism provided in the first prize entry opening can be controlled from the first control state to the second control state. In a predetermined winning game which is part of the aforementioned winning game, When the detection sensor related to the first prize slot detects a game ball during the grace period related to the first condition, the predetermined notification is executed. If the detection sensor related to the first prize entry point detects a game ball during the grace period related to the second condition, the predetermined notification is not executed. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

2. A gaming machine that is capable of launching game balls and has multiple prize-winning slots equipped with detection sensors for detecting game balls, and can award prizes when game balls are detected by the detection sensors, The prize entry point is equipped with an electric mechanism that allows the game ball to reach the detection sensor by being controlled from a first control state to a second control state, and there is a first prize entry point and a second prize entry point. When the detection sensor relating to the first prize slot or the second prize slot detects a game ball, If the detection of the game ball occurs during the first period, which includes the period during which the electric mechanism installed in the prize-winning slot is controlled to the second control state, and a grace period that follows and ends after a certain amount of time has elapsed, then a specific notification is not performed for at least a portion of the time. When the detection of the game ball occurs in a second period different from the first period, the specific notification is executed. The grace period corresponding to the detection sensor for the second prize winning slot is shorter than the grace period corresponding to the detection sensor for the first prize winning slot. The second period includes a situation in which no prize is awarded for the second prize slot, and in the second period, if the detection sensor for the first prize slot detects a game ball, a prize is awarded. The conditions under which the electric mechanism installed in the first prize entry opening is controlled from the second control state to the first control state include: a first condition satisfied when the number of game balls detected by the detection sensor related to the first prize entry opening reaches a predetermined number; and a second condition satisfied when the time during which the electric mechanism installed in the first prize entry opening is controlled to the second control state reaches a predetermined time. In a winning game, the electric mechanism provided in the first prize entry opening can be controlled from the first control state to the second control state. In a predetermined winning game which is part of the aforementioned winning game, When the detection sensor related to the first prize slot detects a game ball during the grace period related to the first condition, a predetermined notification is performed. If the detection sensor related to the first prize entry point detects a game ball during the grace period related to the second condition, the predetermined notification is not executed. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

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