JP2020103807A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of transmitting its own state to an external device even in a game restricted state.SOLUTION: A game machine 100 is provided, comprising: an external information output terminal plate 312 capable of outputting plurality of pieces of external information to an external device; and a main CPU 300a capable of controlling outputs of the plurality of pieces of external information from the external information output terminal plate 312 and capable of generating a game restricted state where, based on an establishment of a predetermined condition, performance of a normal game is restricted. In the game restricted state, the main CPU 300a controls the game machine so that external information indicating information other than the generation of the game restricted state can be outputted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 43

Description

The present invention relates to a game machine represented by a ball game machine (pachinko machine).

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been disclosed a game machine that does not execute external output in a state where execution of a game is limited (for example, stopped) based on occurrence of a predetermined abnormality in the game machine (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP, 2016-163631, A

However, the conventional gaming machine has a problem in that the state of the gaming machine cannot be transmitted to the external device because external output (for example, signal output to the external device) is not performed in a state where execution of the game is restricted.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of transmitting its own state to an external device even in a state where execution of a game is restricted.

In order to solve the above problems, a gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention can control output means capable of outputting a plurality of pieces of external information to an external device, and output of the plurality of pieces of external information from the output means. Output control means, and game control means capable of producing a game restricted state in which execution of a normal game is restricted based on satisfaction of a predetermined condition, wherein the output control means is in the game restricted state. In the above, the external information indicating information other than the occurrence of the game restricted state is controlled to be outputable.

Further, in the gaming machine according to the aspect of the present invention, the output control means, when the game restriction state is generated within a period in which specific external information of the plurality of external information can be output, the game. The output of the specific external information from the output means may be continued even during the restricted state.

In the gaming machine according to the aspect of the present invention, the output time of the specific external information may be predetermined.

According to the present invention, it is possible to transmit the state of the own device to the external device even during the state where the execution of the game is restricted.

It is a perspective view of the gaming machine showing a state in which a door is opened. It is a front view of a game machine. It is a back view of a gaming machine. It is a block diagram of a game machine. It is a figure which shows the usage example of the memory area of main RAM. It is a figure which shows an example of an external output signal. It is a figure explaining a low probability big hit determination random number determination table. It is a figure explaining a high accuracy time jackpot determination random number determination table. It is a figure explaining a winning symbol random number determination table. It is a figure explaining a reach group determination random number determination table. It is a figure explaining a reach mode determination random number determination table. It is a figure explaining a fluctuation pattern random number determination table. It is a figure explaining a fluctuation time determination table. It is a figure explaining a special electric auditors product operation ram set table. It is a figure explaining a game state setting table. It is a figure explaining a hit determination random number judgment table. (A) is a figure explaining a normal symbol fluctuation time data table, (b) is a figure explaining an opening/closing control pattern table. 6 is a flowchart (No. 1) illustrating a CPU initialization process in the main control board. It is a flow chart (the 2) explaining CPU initialization processing in a main control board. It is a flow chart explaining main loop processing in a main control board. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a power-off evacuation process in the main control board. It is a flow chart explaining timer interruption processing in a main control board. It is a flow chart explaining setting value related processing in a main control board. It is a flow chart explaining switch management processing in a main control board. It is a flow chart explaining the gate passage processing in the main control board. It is a flow chart explaining the 1st starting opening passage processing in a main control board. It is a flow chart explaining the 2nd starting opening passage processing in a main control board. It is a flow chart explaining the special symbol random number acquisition processing in the main control board. It is a flow chart explaining the production effect determination processing at the time of acquisition in the main control board. It is a figure explaining a special game management phase. It is a flow chart explaining the special game management processing in the main control board. It is a flow chart explaining the special symbol variation waiting process in the main control board. It is a flow chart explaining the special symbol variation number determination processing in the main control board. It is a flow chart explaining the special symbol variation process in the main control board. It is a flow chart explaining the special symbol stop symbol display processing in the main control board. It is a flow chart explaining the special winning opening opening pre-processing in the main control board. It is a flow chart explaining the special winning opening opening and closing switching processing in the main control board. It is a flow chart explaining the special winning opening opening control processing in the main control board. It is a flow chart explaining the special winning opening closing effective processing in the main control board. It is a flow chart explaining the special winning opening end weight processing in the main control board. It is a flow chart explaining the external information management processing in the main control board. It is a flow chart explaining the external information output confirmation processing in the main control board. It is a figure which shows an example of progress of output control of an external information signal in time series.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dimensions, materials, and other specific numerical values shown in the embodiments are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the invention, and do not limit the invention unless otherwise specified. In this specification and the drawings, elements having substantially the same function and configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals to omit redundant description, and elements not directly related to the present invention are omitted. To do.

In order to facilitate understanding of the embodiment of the present invention, first, a mechanical configuration and an electrical configuration of the gaming machine will be briefly described, and then specific processing on each substrate will be described.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the gaming machine 100 of this embodiment, showing a state in which a door is opened. As shown in the figure, the gaming machine 100 has an outer frame 102 in which an enclosed space is formed by four sides assembled in a substantially rectangular shape, an inner frame 104 attached to the outer frame 102 so as to be openable and closable by a hinge mechanism, and The inner frame 104 is provided with a front frame 106 that is openably and closably attached by a hinge mechanism.

Like the outer frame 102, the inner frame 104 has an enclosed space formed by four sides that are assembled in a substantially rectangular shape, and the game board 108 is held in the enclosed space. Further, the front frame 106 holds a transmission plate 110 made of glass or resin. Then, when the inner frame 104 and the front frame 106 are closed with respect to the outer frame 102, the game board 108 and the transmission plate 110 face each other substantially in parallel while maintaining a predetermined distance, and from the front side of the gaming machine 100. The game board 108 is visible through the transparent plate 110.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the gaming machine 100. As shown in this figure, at the lower part of the front frame 106, an operation handle 112 projecting to the front side of the gaming machine 100 is provided. The operation handle 112 is provided so that the player can rotate the operation handle. When the player rotates the operation handle 112 to perform a firing operation, the operation handle 112 has strength according to the rotation angle of the operation handle 112 and is not illustrated. A game ball is fired by the firing mechanism. The game ball thus launched is guided between the rails 114a and 114b provided on the game board 108 to the game area 116.

The game area 116 is a space formed in the space between the game board 108 and the transmission plate 110, and is an area where the game balls can flow down or roll. The game board 108 is provided with a large number of nails and windmills, and the game balls guided to the game area 116 collide with the nails and windmills and flow down and roll in irregular directions.

The game area 116 is provided with a first game area 116a and a second game area 116b that make the degree of entry of the game balls different from each other according to the firing strength of the firing mechanism. The first game area 116a is located on the left side of the game area 116 when viewed from the player who faces the gaming machine 100, and the second game area 116b is viewed from the player who faces the gaming machine 100. It is located on the right side of. Since the rails 114a and 114b are on the left side of the game area 116, the game balls that are launched by the launch mechanism with a launch strength less than the predetermined strength enter the first game area 116a and are launched with a launch strength greater than the predetermined strength. The played game ball enters the second game area 116b.

Further, the game area 116 is provided with a general winning opening 118, a first starting opening 120, and a second starting opening 122 (not shown in FIG. 2) through which game balls can enter. When a game ball enters the first starting opening 120 and the second starting opening 122, predetermined prize balls are paid out to the player. The number of prize balls to be paid out based on the winning of the game balls may be different for each winning opening.

As will be described later in detail, a first starting area is provided in the first starting opening 120, and a second starting area is provided in the second starting opening 122. Then, when the game ball enters the first starting opening 120 or the second starting opening 122 and the game ball enters the first starting area or the second starting area, one of a plurality of special symbols provided in advance A lottery for determining the special symbol 1 is performed. Each special symbol is associated with various game benefits such as whether or not to execute a major role game advantageous to the player and what kind of game state the subsequent game state is. Therefore, when the game ball enters the first starting opening 120 or the second starting opening 122, the player obtains a predetermined prize ball and at the same time obtains an opportunity to acquire the right to receive various game benefits. Becomes

Further, a movable piece 122b is provided at the second starting opening 122 so as to be openable and closable, so that the ease with which a game ball enters the second starting opening 122 changes according to the state of the movable piece 122b. Has become. Specifically, when the movable piece 122b is in the closed state, it is impossible for the game ball to enter the second starting opening 122. On the other hand, when the game ball passes through the entry area in the gate 124 provided in the game area 116, a lottery for a normal symbol to be described later is performed. When the lottery is won by this lottery, the movable piece 122b is a predetermined time, Controlled to open state. Thus, when the movable piece 122b is in the open state, the movable piece 122b functions as a tray for guiding the game ball to the second starting port 122, and the game ball can easily enter the second starting port 122. In addition, here, when the second starting opening 122 is in the closed state, it is determined that the game ball cannot enter the second starting opening 122, but the second starting opening 122 is in the closed state. Even in some cases, the game balls may be allowed to enter at a constant frequency.

Furthermore, the game area 116 is provided with a special winning opening 128 into which a game ball can enter. An opening/closing door 128b is provided so as to be openable/closable in the special winning opening 128, and normally, the opening/closing door 128b closes the big winning opening 128 so that a game ball cannot enter the big winning opening 128. Has become. On the other hand, when the above-mentioned large role game is executed, the opening/closing door 128b is opened, and the game ball can enter the special winning opening 128. When a game ball enters the special winning opening 128, a predetermined prize ball is paid out to the player.

At the bottom of the game area 116, game balls that have not entered the general winning opening 118, the first starting opening 120, the second starting opening 122, and the special winning opening 128 are played from the playing area 116. A discharge port 130 is provided on the back side of the board 108 for discharging.

Then, in the gaming machine 100, as a production device that produces an image while a game is in progress, a production display device 200 including a liquid crystal display device, a production accessory device device 202 including a movable device, and various lighting modes and emission colors are controlled. A production lighting device 204 including a lamp, a voice output device 206 including a speaker, and a production operation device 208 that receives an operation of a player are provided.

The effect display device 200 includes an effect display section 200a including an image display section that displays an image, and the effect display section 200a can be visually recognized from the front side of the gaming machine 100 in a substantially central portion of the game board 108. It is arranged. As shown in the drawing, the effect symbols 210a, 210b, 210c are variably displayed on the effect display unit 200a, and the effect effect of notifying the player of the large-lot lottery result is displayed according to the stop display mode of each effect symbol 210a, 210b, 210c. Will be executed.

The effect accessory device 202 is arranged in front of the effect display unit 200a and is normally evacuated to the back side of the game board 108, but during the variable display of the effect symbols 210a, 210b, 210c, etc. It moves to the front of the display unit 200a to give the player a sense of expectation of a big hit.

The effect lighting device 204 is provided in the effect accessory device 202, the game board 108, and the like, and various lighting controls are performed according to the image displayed on the effect display unit 200a. The effect lighting device 204 has, for example, a full-color LED or the like.

The audio output device 206 is provided at an upper position of the front frame 106 and a lowermost position of the outer frame 102, and outputs various sounds toward the front side of the gaming machine 100 according to an image displayed on the effect display unit 200a. Is output.

The effect operation device 208 is configured by a button that receives a pressing operation by the player, and is provided at a substantially central position in the width direction of the gaming machine 100 and below the transparent plate 110. This effect operation device 208 is activated in accordance with the image displayed on the effect display unit 200a, etc. When the operation of the player is accepted within the operation effective period, various effects are produced according to the operation. Is executed.

In addition, reference numeral 132 is an upper plate to which the prize balls paid out from the gaming machine 100 and the game balls lent out from the game ball lending device are guided. When the upper plate 132 is filled with the game balls, the game ball is a lower plate. Will be led to 134. Further, a ball removal hole (not shown) for discharging the game balls from the lower plate 134 is formed on the bottom surface of the lower plate 134. The ball hole is normally closed by an opening/closing plate (not shown), but by sliding the ball removing knob 134a in the left-right direction in the figure, the opening/closing plate slides integrally with the ball removing knob 134a. However, it is possible to discharge the game ball to the lower side of the lower plate 134 from the ball hole.

Further, on the game board 108, outside the game area 116, and at a position visible to the player, the first special symbol display device 160, the second special symbol display device 162, the first special symbol reservation A display device 164, a second special symbol reservation display device 166, a normal symbol display device 168, a normal symbol reservation display device 170, a right-handed notification display device 172 are provided. Each of these indicators 160 to 172 is a device for displaying various situations related to the game, and the details thereof will be described later.

(Structure of the back of the game machine)
FIG. 3 is a rear view of the gaming machine 100. On the back side of the gaming machine 100, the main control board case 103, the external information output terminal board 312, the prize ball storage tank 315, the prize ball payout flow path 317, the payout ball counting switch 316s, the back cover 331, the payout control board case 313. And the inner frame opening switch 145s and the like are installed. In addition to this, on the back side of the gaming machine 100, various electronic devices (including a control computer (not shown)) forming a power supply system and a control system of the game machine 100, a power cord 109 having a power plug, and connection wiring (not shown) Etc. are installed.

At the center of the back side of the gaming machine 100, a main control board 300 for controlling the basic operation of the game in the gaming machine 100 is housed in a main control board case 103 with a part thereof exposed. Details of the configuration of the main control board 300 will be described later.

The external information output terminal board 312 is communicably connected to an electronic device (for example, a data display device, a hall computer, etc.) external to the gaming machine 100. Various external information signals (for example, prize ball information, security information, jackpot information, starting opening information, etc.) indicating the game progress state and maintenance state of the gaming machine 100 are transmitted from the external information output terminal board 312 to an external electronic device (hereinafter, referred to as an external electronic device). , Sometimes referred to as "external device"). Details of the external information output terminal board 312 and the external information signal will be described later.

The prize ball storage tank 315 can store game balls replenished from a replenishing route (not shown). When the prize balls are paid out, the game balls stored in the prize ball storage tank 315 are guided to the upper plate 132 (see FIG. 2) on the front side of the gaming machine 100 through the prize ball payout flow path 317. Get burned. The payout ball counting switch 316s detects the number of game balls paid out through the prize ball payout flow path 317.

The back cover 331 is a cover member that mainly covers the sub-control board 330 that controls each effect such as during a game or a standby. Further, the payout control board case 313 is a case member in which a payout control board 310 for performing control for launching a game ball and control for paying out a prize ball is housed. Details of the sub control board 330 and the payout control board 310 will be described later.

An inner frame opening switch 145s is provided in the lower left area of the payout control board case 313. The inner frame opening switch 145s will be described later. Further, the power cord 109 is connected to, for example, a power supply device (for example, AC 24V) installed in an island facility of a game shop. As a result, the power source (electric power) required for the operation of the gaming machine 100 is secured.

(Structure of main control board)
A performance indicator 300d is provided in the upper left area on the main control board 300. The performance indicator 300d in the present embodiment is composed of a 7-segment LED indicator with four decimal points. Specifically, the performance indicator 300d has four display areas 361, 362, 363, 364. A number (counter value) is associated with each segment forming the 7-segment LED display in the display areas 361 to 364, and a number and an alphabet can be displayed by controlling lighting of each segment corresponding to the counter value.
Therefore, the performance indicator 300d can display up to four alphanumeric characters. The performance indicator 300d having the four display areas 361, 362, 363, 364 displays a value (for example, a base value) of a calculation processing result based on a set value and the number of prize balls described later.

The performance indicator 300d is not limited to the position shown in FIG. 3 as long as the person who confirms the base value (police officer, etc.) can confirm the displayed content without erroneous confirmation, and the performance indicator 300d is not limited to the position shown in FIG. It may be provided at a position where it is easy to confirm without overlapping with. The main control board case 103 is formed of a transparent material (for example, polycarbonate) so that the main control board 300 housed inside can be seen from the outside.

The main IC 300x is arranged below the performance indicator 300d. The main IC 300x is, for example, a V5 chip, and incorporates a main CPU 300a, a main ROM 300b, and a main RAM 300c (not shown in FIG. 3, see FIG. 4). The main CPU 300a reads out a program stored in the main ROM 300b and performs arithmetic processing based on an input signal from each detection switch or a timer, directly controls each device or display, or displays the result of the arithmetic processing. Depending on the situation, it sends commands to other boards. In addition, the main RAM 300c functions as a work area for data during arithmetic processing of the main CPU 300a.

A RAM clear button 305 is provided at the lower left corner of the main control board 300. The RAM clear button 305 is arranged so as to be exposed to the outside from the main control board case 103 so that the RAM clear button 305 can be operated with the main control board case 103 sealed. When the RAM clear button 305 is pressed, the RAM clear detection switch 305s (see FIG. 4) detects the pressing operation of the RAM clear button 305, and the RAM clear signal is output. The RAM clear signal is used to determine whether or not the main CPU 300a initializes the main RAM 300c when the power is turned on, for example.

(Setting key operation)
The main control board 300 is provided with a setting key insertion port 306 in addition to the RAM clear button 305. The setting key insertion port 306 is an insertion port (key hole) for inserting a dedicated key (setting key) used for changing a setting value or referring to the setting value described later. The gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment is configured such that the set value can be set in 6 steps from 1 to 6 by pressing the RAM clear button 305 together with the operation of the setting key. As will be described in detail later, in the gaming machine 100, the game progresses according to the set value being set, and the degree of advantage is different for each set value.

The setting key insertion port 306 is composed of a cylinder lock having a cylinder. The cylinder of the setting key insertion port 306 is provided in a state of penetrating the main control board case 103 (a state in which the cylinder is surrounded by the main control board case 103). Therefore, it is possible to rotate the main control board 300 by inserting the setting key into the setting key insertion port 306 while the main control board 300 remains sealed in the main control board case 103.

(Internal configuration of control means)
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of the control means for controlling the progress of the game.

The main control board 300 controls the basic operation of the game. The main control board 300 includes a main CPU 300a, a main ROM 300b, and a main RAM 300c. The main CPU 300a reads a program stored in the main ROM 300b and performs arithmetic processing based on an input signal from each detection switch or a timer, directly controls each device or display, or displays the result of the arithmetic processing. Depending on the situation, it sends commands to other boards. Further, the main CPU 300a uses the main RAM 300c and an internal register (not shown) of the main CPU 300a as a data work area during arithmetic processing.

Here, an example of use of the memory area (F000H to F3FFH) allocated to the main RAM 300c among the memory areas used by the main CPU 300a as a work area will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, in the gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment, the area of addresses F000H to F1FFH is divided into four areas from the first area to the fourth area according to the type of data to be stored. The first area is an area for storing information related to setting values (setting value related information) and information about a game state (game state related information). The second area is an area for storing checksum-related information and backup-related information used for error detection related to power restoration in a CPU initialization process (FIG. 18) described later. The third area is an area for storing error-related information and first normal gaming state information. The fourth area is an area used for storing the second normal game information and a stack area.
An area of addresses F000H to F1FFH including the first area to the fourth area is called a usage area. The used area is a memory area for storing information (data) essential for the progress of the gaming machine, and the used capacity is limited by the game rules.

In the main RAM 300c, the area of addresses F300H to F3FFH is an area used for storing information that is not essential for the progress of the game, and is called an unused area. In this example, the non-use area stores information related to display control of the performance indicator 300d (performance display related information). In addition, information regarding output control of the test signal may be stored in the non-use area. The test signal is the current internal state of the gaming machine 100 (for example, special game management phase, normal game management phase, state of launch position designation, execution status of major role game, game state (high probability, low probability, time saving, non-time saving) ) Etc.) is output to notify the outside of the main control board 300 in real time.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the area between the used area and the unused area (the area of addresses F200H to F2FF) is an unused area that is not used for storing data.
As described above, in the gaming machine 100, the main RAM 300c is composed of a used area, an unused area, and an unused area. In this example, the main RAM 300c is assigned an address value in each byte area. Therefore, an area corresponding to 256 bytes is allocated as an unused area. It should be noted that an area of at least 16 bytes or more may be allocated as the unused area.

Returning to FIG. 4, in the gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, a special game mainly started by entering a game ball into the first starting opening 120 or the second starting opening 122, and the game ball passing through the gate 124. It is roughly divided into normal games started by playing. The main ROM 300b of the main control board 300 stores various programs for advancing special games and normal games, data necessary for various games, and tables.

On the main control board 300, a general winning opening detection switch 118s for detecting that a gaming ball has entered the general winning opening 118, and a first starting opening for detecting that a gaming ball has entered the first starting opening 120. Detection switch 120s, a second starting opening detection switch 122s that detects that a game ball has entered the second starting opening 122, a gate detection switch 124s that detects that a game ball has passed through the gate 124, and a special winning opening 128 Large winning opening detection switches 128s for detecting that a game ball has entered are connected, and a detection signal is input to the main control board 300 from each of these detection switches.

Further, the main control board 300 includes a normal electric accessory solenoid 122c that operates the movable piece 122b of the second starting port 122, and a special winning opening solenoid 128c that operates the opening/closing door 128b that opens and closes the special winning opening 128. The main control board 300 is connected, and the opening/closing control of the second starting opening 122 and the special winning opening 128 is performed.

Further, on the main control board 300, the first special symbol display 160, the second special symbol display 162, the first special symbol reservation display 164, the second special symbol reservation display 166, the normal symbol display 168, normal The symbol hold display 170 and the right-handed notification display 172 are connected, and the main control board 300 controls the display of each of these displays.

Further, to the gaming machine 100, a front frame opening switch 141s, an out detection switch 143s, and an inner frame opening switch 145s are connected. Hereinafter, the inner frame opening switch 145s and the front frame opening switch 141s may be collectively referred to as an opening/closing frame member opening switch. The open/close frame member open switch is a switch that detects that the open/close frame members such as the inner frame 104 and the front frame 106 are open in the gaming machine 100.

When the front frame opening switch 141s detects that the front frame 106 is open, it outputs an opening detection signal (ON signal) to the main control board 300. When the inner frame opening switch 145s detects that the inner frame 104 is opened with respect to the outer frame 102, it outputs an opening detection signal (ON signal) to the main control board 300.

Although not shown in FIG. 4, in addition to the opening/closing frame member opening switch, the gaming machine 100 has various types of detecting that there is a possibility of abnormality in each configuration of the gaming machine 100 or improper configuration of each configuration. An abnormality detection switch may be provided. For example, the gaming machine 100 may be provided with a radio wave detection switch for detecting radio waves, a magnetic detection switch for detecting magnetism, or the like as the abnormality detection switch.

When the out detection switch 143s detects that the game ball shot to the game area 116 has passed through a game ball discharge path (not shown) that passes through when the game ball is discharged to the outside of the gaming machine 100, the main control board 300 is detected. An out-ball detection signal (on signal) is output.
The general winning opening 118, the first starting opening 120, the second starting opening 122, and the game winning ball entered into any of the special winning openings 128, and the exit 130 without entering any winning opening. The game ball passes through the game machine ball discharge path described above. In other words, all the game balls that have been discharged to the outside after being launched into the game area 116 are detected by the out detection switch 143s in the game ball discharge path.

Furthermore, on the back surface of the game board 108, a setting key switch 180s and a RAM clear detection switch 305s are provided. The setting key switch 180s is configured to be accessible by the above setting key. When the setting key switch 180s detects the rotation operation of the setting key inserted into the setting key insertion port 306, the setting key rotation detection signal (ON signal) indicating the state of the rotation operation (rotation state) is sent to the main control board 300. Output.
Further, the RAM clear detection switch 305s is configured to be accessible by pressing the RAM clear button 305. The RAM clear detection switch 305s outputs a press detection signal (ON signal) to the main control board 300 when detecting the pressing (pressing operation) of the RAM clear button 305.

The gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment can change the set value by using the setting key accessible to the setting key switch 180s and the RAM clear button 305.
Here, the procedure for changing the set value will be described.

(Procedure to change the set value)
First, in a state where the power of the gaming machine 100 is not turned on (power is off), the operator who changes the setting opens the inner frame 104 with respect to the outer frame 102 by using a dedicated key. Thereby, the constituent elements such as the main control board 300 arranged on the back surface of the gaming machine 100 can be visually recognized.
On the back surface of the gaming machine 100, the setting key insertion slot 306 for inserting the setting key as described above and the RAM clear button 305 are provided (see FIG. 3). The operator inserts the setting key into the setting key insertion port 306, and rotates (changes) the setting key in one direction (for example, clockwise direction). Further, the operator presses the RAM clear button 305.

Next, the worker turns on the power of the gaming machine 100 with the setting key being rotated and the RAM clear button 305 being pressed.
When the power is turned on, the inner frame opening switch 145s detects that the inner frame 104 is opened with respect to the outer frame 102, and an opening detection signal (ON signal) is input to the main control board 300. Further, the setting key switch 180s detects that a changing operation of rotating the setting key clockwise by turning on the power is performed, and the setting key rotation detection signal (ON signal) is input to the main control board 300. Further, the RAM clear detection switch 305s detects that the RAM clear button has been pressed by turning on the power, and the press detection signal (ON signal) is input to the main control board 300. Based on the ON signal being input to the main control board 300 by the inner frame opening switch 145s, the setting key switch 180s, and the RAM clear detection switch 305s, the gaming machine 100 can change (switch) the setting value ( The setting is changed).

In the setting change state, the worker presses the RAM clear button 305 any number of times and accesses the RAM clear detection switch 305s to change the set value to any one of a plurality of steps (for example, 6 steps). be able to. At this time, the set value is displayed in, for example, the display areas 361 to 364 of the performance indicator 300d.

When the operator changes the set value to an arbitrary value, the operator rotates the setting key, which has been rotated clockwise in the changing operation, in the counterclockwise direction to return it to the original position (return operation). The return operation causes the setting key switch 180s to detect that the setting key has returned to the original position, and a signal (off signal) indicating the detection is input to the main control board 300 from the setting key switch 180s. The main control board 300 confirms the change of the set value based on the input of the OFF signal. The setting key switch 180s periodically outputs a setting key rotation detection signal (ON signal) to the main control board 300 based on the detection of the rotation operation, and outputs the ON signal until the return operation is detected. The output of the setting key rotation detection signal (ON signal) to the main control board 300 may be stopped when the recovery operation is continued. In this case, the main control board 300 may confirm the change of the set value based on the stop of the input of the ON signal.

When the change of the set value is confirmed and the worker removes the set key from the set key insertion port 306, the set value displayed on the performance display 300d is erased and the display of the set value ends (the set value is Will be hidden). Finally, the worker closes the inner frame 104 of the gaming machine 100 and locks it with a dedicated key. This completes the setting change operation. When the setting change work is completed, a normal game is started.

Although details will be described later, when the setting value is changed, the main CPU 300a of the main control board 300 stores the changed setting value in a predetermined area of the main RAM 300c (for example, the first area in the specification area to be backed up). ). As a result, it is possible to refer to the set value being set during the game.

As described above, the gaming machine 100 detects the setting key change operation in the setting key switch 180s when the power is turned on (setting key ON), and detects that the inner frame 104 image is released in the inner frame opening switch 145s (inner frame. When the RAM clear detection switch 305s detects that the RAM clear button 305 has been pressed (RAM clear pressed state), the setting is changed (setting change mode).
In the setting change state, the display of each of the display devices 160 to 172 for displaying the information such as the special game and the normal game is not performed, and the normal game such as the shooting of the game ball and the prize ball of the game ball cannot be performed. It should be noted that in the setting change state, each of the indicators 160 to 172 may maintain the extinguished state, or may maintain a dedicated (specific) lighting pattern during the setting change state so as to be different from the normal display. You may

(Setting confirmation status)
Although the change of the set value has been described above, the gaming machine 100 can confirm the set value currently set without changing the set value.
Specifically, when the power of the gaming machine 100 is turned on without pressing the RAM clear button 305 in the state where the setting key is changed (rotated in the clockwise direction) in the setting change procedure described above, the setting is currently being made. The setting value of can be confirmed (setting confirmation state).

That is, when the power is turned on, the gaming machine 100 detects a change operation of the setting key in the setting key switch 180s (setting key ON), and detects that the inner frame 104 image has been released in the inner frame opening switch 145s (inner frame open state). If the RAM clear detection switch 305s does not detect that the RAM clear button 305 has been pressed (RAM clear unpressed state), the setting confirmation state (setting confirmation mode) is set.
Similar to the setting change state, in the setting confirmation state, the display of each of the display devices 160 to 172 is not performed, and the normal game such as the shooting of the game ball and the prize ball of the game ball cannot be performed. It should be noted that in the setting confirmation state, each of the indicators 160 to 172 may maintain the extinguished state, or in the setting confirmation state, a dedicated (specific) lighting pattern may be maintained so as to be different from the normal display. You may

Further, a payout control board 310 and a sub control board 330 are connected to the main control board 300.

The payout control board 310 performs control for firing game balls and control for paying out prize balls. The payout control board 310 also includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and is connected to the main control board 300 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication. An external information output terminal board 312 is connected to the payout control board 310.

Here, the configuration of the external information output terminal board 312 and the external information signal output by the external information output terminal board 312 will be described.
The external information output terminal board 312 is communicatively connected as an external device to, for example, a hall computer 500 of a gaming machine in which the gaming machine 100 is installed, and the hall computer 500 indicates a gaming progress state or a maintenance state of the gaming machine 100. It is configured to be able to output various external information signals to be expressed.

Further, as the external device, in addition to the hall computer 500, a data display device (not shown) provided corresponding to each game machine in an island facility for installing a plurality of game machines in the game store is included. .. The data display device, for example, collects and displays the number of times of determination of special symbols and the number of big hits in each of the plurality of gaming machines 100 installed in the island facility, and each unit is in a big hit or a time saving game state (or high). It has a function of indicating that it is a probability game state) by turning on/blinking the built-in LED, or displaying by character information (telop such as "big hit"). Further, the data display device may have a function of blinking or lighting a built-in LED that a big hit has occurred in another gaming machine in the island facility where the gaming machine 100 is installed. The data display device may be communicatively connected not only to each of the gaming machines 100 but also to the hall computer 500. In this case, the external information signal output to the data display device can be relayed by the data display device and output to the hall computer 500.

The external information output terminal board 312 is provided with a plurality of output terminals for data output. The plurality of output terminals are provided side by side in the longitudinal direction on a rectangular external information output terminal board 312, for example. For example, two output terminals can be used as one set. In this example, since 22 output terminals are provided on the external information output terminal board 312, there are a total of 11 output terminal groups. Further, each set of output terminals is associated with one external information signal. That is, the gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment can output a plurality of types (up to 11 types in this example) of external information signals by the external information output terminal board 312 having a plurality of sets (11 sets in this example) of output terminals. Is configured.

The output terminals of the external information output terminal board 312 may be color-coded for each set associated with one external information signal. This makes it easier to visually recognize the intended use of each output terminal (for example, the correspondence relationship with an external information signal). For example, in the gaming machine 100, the output terminal color (output terminal color) is “white” for the first set from the left on the external information output terminal board 312, “green” for the second set, and “grey” for the third set. The fourth set is "yellow", the fifth set is "black", the sixth set is "peach", the seventh set is "blue", the eighth set is "red", the ninth set is "orange", 10 The group is color-coded such as “water” and the 11th group is color-coded “brown”. Note that the color classification and arrangement order of these output terminals is an example, and the color classification and arrangement order of the external terminals in the external information output terminal board 312 are not limited to this.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a correspondence relationship between each color (each set) of the output terminals of the external information output terminal board 312 and the external information signal in a table format. FIG. 6 is roughly divided into four items: “output terminal color”, “signal name”, “outline of external information signal”, and “specified output time”. In the "output terminal color" column, each color of the "output terminal color" (all 11 colors) is displayed according to the order from left to right on the external information output terminal board 312. In the "Signal name" column, the name of the external output signal corresponding to each output terminal color displayed in "Output terminal color" is displayed. Further, in the "Outline of external information signal" column, an outline (output trigger etc.) of each external output signal displayed in the "Signal name" column is displayed. In the "specified output time" column, the length of the specified output time corresponding to each external information signal is displayed in milliseconds. For the external information signal for which the specified output time is not specified, "- (hyphen)" is displayed in the "specified output time" column.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment, for example, from the output terminal of the output terminal color “white” of the first set from the left of the external information output terminal board 312, the “prize ball” is output as the external information signal. A signal indicating "information" is output. The “prize ball information” means that a predetermined number (10 in this example) of game balls are paid out based on the ball entering each ball entrance (the payout detection switch 315s indicates the payout of the specified number of game balls). External information that is output each time it is detected). Based on the external information signal indicating this “prize ball information”, the hall computer 500 can totalize and manage the number of prize balls (number of coins paid out) paid out from the gaming machine 100.

Further, for example, a signal indicating “door/frame opening information” is output as an external information signal from the output terminal of the second output terminal color “green” from the left side of the external information output terminal board 312. The “door/frame opening information” indicates that at least one of the front frame 106, the inner frame 104, and the outer frame 102 (may be collectively referred to as “door unit”) has been opened (in the opening/closing frame member opening switch). This is external information that is output when the release is detected). Based on the external information signal indicating the "door opening information", the hall computer 500 can recognize the open state of the front frame 106, the inner frame 104, or the outer frame 102, and can count and manage the number of times of opening. ..

Further, for example, from the output terminal of the output terminal color "gray" of the third set from the left of the external information output terminal board 312, a signal indicating "symbol decision number information" is output as an external information signal. The “symbol fixed number information” is an external information signal that is output when the variable display of the special symbol is stopped on the first special symbol display device 160 or the second special symbol display device 162 (determination stop). That is, the external information signal of the "symbol decision number information" is output every time the special symbol is decided. Therefore, for example, when the external information output terminal board 312 is also connected to the data display device (not shown) of the island facility in which the gaming machine 100 is installed, the data display device is provided for each of the plurality of gaming machines 100. In, it is possible to total the number of times the special symbol has been confirmed or to display the number of determinations after a big hit.

In addition, for example, from the output terminal of the fourth output terminal color “yellow” from the left of the external information output terminal board 312, a signal indicating “starting port information” is output as an external information signal. The “starting opening information” is external information output when a game ball enters each starting opening provided on the game board 108, and is either the first starting opening 120 or the second starting opening 122. Each time a game ball enters, the ball is output as an external information signal.
Based on this “starting opening information”, the hall computer 500 can count and manage the number of times the game machine 100 has entered each starting opening.

Further, for example, from the output terminals of the fifth to eighth sets of output terminal colors “black”, “peach”, “blue”, and “red” from the left side of the external information output terminal board 312, various external information related to jackpots The signal is output. Here, various external information signals related to the big hit are collectively referred to as "big hit related information". The external information signal corresponding to the “big hit related information” is, for example, execution of opening/closing of the special winning opening 128 (round game) during start of the big role game and start of control related to the big role game (for example, described later). Output when the opening time starts). Based on this “big hit related information”, the hall computer 500 can totalize and manage the execution status of the major role game in the gaming machine 100. In addition, when the external information output terminal board 312 is also connected to a data display device (not shown) of the island facility in which the gaming machine 100 is installed, the data display device is used for a major role game in each unit of the gaming machine 100. Execution status (the number of large-role games, etc.) can be totaled, and the execution status of major-role games can be displayed.

Further, for example, a signal indicating "main prize ball information" is output as an external information signal from the output terminal of the output terminal color "orange" of the ninth set from the left of the external information output terminal board 312. The “main prize ball information” is external information regarding prize balls paid out based on the entrance into each entrance, as in the above-mentioned “prize ball information”. However, the "main prize ball information" is the entry of the game ball into the entrance (eg, the first starting opening 120, the second starting opening 122, the general winning opening 118, the big winning opening 128) in which the prize balls are paid out. Output when the ball is detected by various entrance detection switches (general winning entrance detection switch 118s, first starting opening detection switch 120s, second starting opening detection switch 122s, big winning opening detection switch 128s, etc.) It is different from the “prize ball information” in that it is performed. The external information signal of "main prize sphere information" is configured to be output every time the payout control board 310 is instructed to pay out a prescribed number (for example, 10) of prize balls (creating a payout command described later). It may have been done.

Further, for example, a signal indicating "security information" is output as an external information signal from the output terminal of the output terminal color "water" of the tenth set from the left of the external information output terminal board 312. The "security information" is output as an external information signal in response to the initialization of the main RAM 300c or the occurrence of various errors. Here, various kinds of errors include, for example, an illegal entry into each entry port (entry error), an excessive entry (exceeding a prescribed number) into the special entry port 128 (extraordinary entry excess entry error). , There is an abnormality in the entrance frequency to each entrance (entrance frequency error), an abnormality in the base value (base value error), and the like. In addition to these, detection of magnetism by a magnetic detection switch (magnetic error), connection abnormality of various switches (for example, detection switch of each entrance, etc.) provided on the game board 108 (board switch error), out detection Connection abnormality of switch 143s (out switch error), detection of radio wave by radio wave detection switch (not shown) (radio wave error), abnormal value set in data indicating set value (setting value error), etc. Even when an error occurs, "security information" is output as an external information signal.
Based on this "security information", the hall computer 500 can detect the initialization of the main RAM 300c in the gaming machine 100 and the error occurrence status.

Further, for example, from the output terminal of the output terminal color “brown” of the eleventh set from the left of the external information output terminal board 312, a signal indicating “out information” is output as the external information signal. The "out information" is external information indicating that the game ball has been discharged from the game area 116, and the out detection switch 136s detects the game ball discharged from the game area 116, and a detection signal indicating the detection is output. It is output as an external information signal each time it is input to the main control board 300 a predetermined number of times (10 times in this example). Based on this “out information”, the hall computer 500 can collect and manage the number of game balls (out ball number) discharged from the game area 116 of the gaming machine 100.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, each external information signal (an example of specific external information) of “prize ball information”, “symbol confirmation number information”, “starting mouth information”, “main prize ball information”, and “out information” is defined. The output time is predetermined. In addition to these, the output time of the external information signal of "security information" is also predetermined. Here, the specified output time is the shortest output time. In other words, these external information signals are events that trigger the output of each external information signal (for example, detection of payout by the payout detection switch 315s, determination stop of special symbols, detection of entry into each starting opening, prize ball At least a prescribed output time (in this example, after the occurrence of detection of a ball entering a certain ball entrance, initialization of the main RAM 300c or occurrence of various errors, detection of a predetermined number of out balls by the out detection switch 143s) , 128 milliseconds).
An external device such as the hall computer 500 may define a predetermined signal identification time (for example, 128 milliseconds) as a time for appropriately identifying the external information signal from the gaming machine. The gaming machine 100 can secure the signal identification time in the external device by providing the specified output time that is at least the signal identification time or longer. The specified output time is not limited to the above-mentioned time (128 milliseconds), and may be appropriately set to a time that can secure the signal identification time in the external device.

Further, by providing the specified output time, the gaming machine 100 can continue to output the external output signal for at least the specified output time after the occurrence of an event that triggers the output of the external output signal. As described above, the gaming machine 100 can ensure the accuracy of identification of the external information signal in the external device as the transmission system of the external information signal output to the external device (the hall computer 500, the data display device, etc.). ..
Note that, for example, when the event that triggers the output of the "security information" external information signal (initialization of the main RAM 300c and various errors described above) occurs in duplicate, all the external information signals of the "security information" are output. The output may be continuously output until the stop condition is satisfied, that is, the event of the output trigger that has occurred redundantly ends and the specified output time ends.

These external information signals are generated in the main control board 300 and output to the external device such as the hall computer 500 via the payout control board 310 and the external information output terminal board 312. Further, as described above, the external information signals output from the external information output terminal board 312 are totaled by, for example, the hall computer 500 of the game shop. Although FIG. 4 shows an example in which the external information signal is output to the external electronic device via the payout control board 310, the external information signal generated by the main control board 300 remains unchanged (payout control). It may be configured to output to the external information output terminal board 312 (without passing through the substrate 310).

Further, the payout control board 310 is connected to a payout motor 314 for paying out the game balls stored in the storage section to the player as prize balls. The payout control board 310 controls the payout motor 314 on the basis of the payout number designation command transmitted from the main control board 300 so as to pay out a predetermined prize ball to the player. At this time, the payout of the game balls is detected by the payout detection switch 315s, the number of the game balls paid out is detected by the payout ball counting switch 316s, and it is possible to know whether the prize balls to be paid out have been paid out to the player. It has become. When a prize ball is actually paid out by driving the payout motor 314, a detection signal from the payout detection switch 315s and a count signal from the payout ball counting switch 316s are input to the payout control board 310 each time.

Further, to the payout control board 310, a plate full tank detection switch 318s for detecting a full tank state of the lower plate 134 is connected. The plate full tank detection switch 318s is provided in a passage for guiding a game ball to be paid out as a prize ball to the lower plate 134, and each time the game ball passes through the passage, a game ball detection signal is input to the payout control board 310. It is supposed to be done.

Then, when a predetermined amount or more of the game balls are stored in the lower plate 134 and the tank is full, the game balls stay in the passage toward the lower plate 134 and from the plate full tank detection switch 318s toward the payout control board 310. , The game ball detection signal is continuously input. When the game ball detection signal is continuously input for a predetermined time, the payout control board 310 determines that the lower plate 134 is full and sends a plate full command to the main control board 300. On the other hand, after the plate full tank command is transmitted, when the continuous input of the game ball detection signal is interrupted, it is determined that the full tank state is released, and the plate full tank release command is transmitted to the main control board 300.

In addition, a discharge control board 320 is connected to the payout control board 310 so that it can communicate in both directions. When the firing control board 320 receives the firing control data from the payout control board 310, the firing control board 320 permits the firing. The firing control board 320 is provided on the operation handle 112, and is connected with a touch sensor 112s for detecting that the player touches the operation handle 112 and an operation volume 112a for detecting the operation angle of the operation handle 112. .. When signals are input from the touch sensor 112s and the operation volume 112a, the firing control board 320 controls the firing solenoid 112c provided in the game ball launching device to energize to launch the game ball.

The sub-control board 330 mainly controls each effect such as during a game or a standby. The sub control board 330 includes a sub CPU 330a, a sub ROM 330b, a sub RAM 330c, an image control unit 340, a sound control unit 350, an illumination control unit 360, and a movable body control unit 370. The sub CPU 330a, the image control unit 340, the sound control unit 350, the illumination control unit 360, and the movable body control unit 370 may be configured by individual circuits. Further, at least two or more of the sub CPU 330a, the image control unit 340, the sound control unit 350, the illumination control unit 360, and the movable body control unit 370 are configured by one circuit (for example, one package or one chip). It may be configured as a functional block of a circuit.

The sub control board 330 is unidirectionally connected to the main control board 300 from the main control board 300 to the sub control board 330. The sub CPU 330a reads a program stored in the sub ROM 330b and performs arithmetic processing based on a command transmitted from the main control board 300, an input signal from a timer, and the like, and a command for executing an effect is displayed as an image. It transmits to at least one of the control unit 340, the voice control unit 350, the lighting control unit 360, and the movable body control unit 370. At this time, the sub RAM 330c functions as a data work area during the arithmetic processing of the sub CPU 330a.

The image control unit 340 performs image display control for displaying an image on the effect display unit 200a of the effect display device 200, and includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, and VRAM. The ROM of the image control unit 340 stores a large number of image data such as symbols and backgrounds displayed on the effect display unit 200a. Based on the command transmitted from the sub control board 330, the CPU stores the image data. The image is read from the ROM to the VRAM and the image display of the effect display unit 200a is controlled.

The voice control unit 350 performs voice output control for outputting a voice from the voice output device 206 based on the command transmitted from the sub control board 330. In addition, the lighting control unit 360 performs lighting control for lighting the effect lighting device 204 based on the command transmitted from the sub-control board 330. Based on the command transmitted from the sub-control board 330, the movable body control unit 370 moves the effect member device 202, or pushes the push button 208a of the effect operation device 208 to the player side to move it. Perform operation control. In addition, when the operation detection signal is input from the effect operation device detection switch 208s that detects that the push button 208a is pressed, the movable body control unit 370 sends a predetermined command or control signal to the sub-control board 330. Send.

A power supply board (not shown) is connected to each board, and power is supplied to each board from a commercial power source via the power supply board. Further, the power supply board is provided with a backup power supply including a capacitor.

Next, a game in the gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment will be described together with various tables stored in the main ROM 300b.

As described above, in the gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, two types of games, a special game and a normal game, proceed in parallel, and the low-probability gaming state is the gaming state when proceeding with both of these games. Alternatively, the game progresses in any game state in which any one of the high-probability game states and the non-time saving game state or the time saving game state is combined.

Although the details of each gaming state will be described later, the low-probability gaming state is a gaming state in which the probability of acquiring the right to execute a major role game in which the special winning opening 128 is opened is set to be low, and the high-probability gaming state. This is a gaming state in which the probability of acquiring a right to execute a major role game is set to be high.

Further, the non-time saving game state is a game state in which the movable piece 122b is unlikely to be in an open state and the game ball is unlikely to enter the second starting opening 122, and the time saving game state is more than the non time saving game state. Also, the movable piece 122b is easily opened, and the game ball is easily inserted into the second starting opening 122. The initial state of the gaming machine 100 is set to a low-probability game state and a non-time saving game state, and this game state is referred to as a normal game state in this embodiment.

When the player operates the operation handle 112 to shoot a game ball into the game area 116, and when the game ball flowing down the game area 116 enters the first starting port 120 or the second starting port 122, the player is given a game. A lottery (hereinafter referred to as a “large role lottery”) is performed to determine whether or not to give a profit. In this big role lottery, when the big hit is won, the big prize hole 128 is opened and a big game in which a game ball can be entered into the big prize hole 128 is executed, and after the big role game is finished. The gaming state is set to one of the above gaming states. In the following, the method of lottery for large roles will be described.

As will be described later in detail, when a game ball enters the first starting opening 120 or the second starting opening 122, various random number values related to the large role lottery (big hit determination random number, winning symbol random number, reach group determination random number, reach) The mode determination random number and the fluctuation pattern random number are acquired, and each of these random number values (holding information) is stored in the special figure holding storage area of the main RAM 300c. In the following, the various types of random numbers stored in the special figure reservation storage area when the game ball enters the first starting opening 120 are collectively referred to as “special 1 hold”, and the game ball enters the second starting opening 122. The various random numbers stored in the special figure reservation storage area are collectively called special 2 reservation.

The special figure reservation storage area of the main RAM 300c includes a first special figure reservation storage area and a second special figure reservation storage area. Each of the first special figure pending storage area and the second special figure pending storage area has four storage sections (first to fourth storage sections). Then, when the game ball enters the first starting opening 120, the special 1 hold is sequentially stored from the first storage section of the first special drawing reservation storage area, and when the game ball enters the second starting opening 122, The two reservations are sequentially stored from the first storage section of the second special figure reservation storage area.

For example, when the game ball enters the first starting opening 120, if the hold is not stored in any of the first to fourth storage units of the first special figure reservation storage area, in the first storage unit Memorize the special 1 hold. Further, for example, when the game ball enters the first starting opening 120 in a state where the special 1 hold is stored in the first storage unit to the third storage unit, the special 1 hold is stored in the fourth storage unit. Remember. Further, when a game ball enters the second starting opening 122, the special 2 hold is stored in the first to fourth storage units of the second special figure hold storage area in the same manner as above. The special 2 hold is stored in the storage unit with the smallest number (ordinal number).

However, the number of special 1 reserves (X1) and the number of special 2 reserves (X2) that can be stored in the first special figure pending storage area and the second special figure pending storage area are set to four, respectively. Therefore, for example, when a game ball enters the first starting opening 120, if four special 1 holdings are already stored in the first special figure holding storage area, the first starting opening 120 No special 1 hold is newly stored by entering a game ball. Similarly, when a game ball enters the second starting opening 122, if four special 2 reservations are already stored in the second special figure reservation storage area, a game to the second starting opening 122 is performed. A special 2 hold is not newly stored when the ball is entered.

Next, the jackpot determination table used for the big winning lottery in the gaming machine 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the low-probability time jackpot determination table, and FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the high-probability time jackpot determination table. In the gaming machine 100, when a game ball enters the first starting opening 120 or the second starting opening 122, one jackpot determination random number is obtained from the comparative numerical value range of 0 to 65535. Then, when the big winning lottery is started, that is, the gaming state when the jackpot is determined, and the jackpot determination table (the comparative numerical value range used for the jackpot determination) is selected according to the setting value being set, and the selection is made. The big hit lottery is performed by the big hit determination table thus obtained and the obtained big hit determination random number.

In the low-probability game state, when the large-lot lottery for special 1 hold and special 2 hold is started, the low-probability-time jackpot determination table shown in FIGS. 7A to 7F is referred to. Here, in the present embodiment, six-stage setting values having different degrees of advantage are provided, and the low-probability-time jackpot determination table is provided for each setting value. During the game, the setting value is set to any one of the six levels, and the big winning lottery is performed with reference to the low-probability time jackpot determination table corresponding to the currently set setting value.

In the low-probability game state, when the set value is set to 1, a big winning lottery is performed with reference to the low-probability jackpot determination table a shown in FIG. 7(a). According to the low-probability-time jackpot determination table a, when the jackpot determination random number is 10001 to 10218, it is determined to be a jackpot. Therefore, the jackpot probability in this case is about 1/300.

When the setting value is set to 2, the big winning lottery is performed with reference to the low-probability-time jackpot determination table b shown in FIG. 7B. According to this low-probability-time jackpot determination table b, when the jackpot determination random number is 10001 to 10243, it is determined to be a jackpot. Therefore, the jackpot probability in this case is about 1/270.

When the set value is set to 3, the big winning lottery is performed with reference to the low-probability-time jackpot determination table c shown in FIG. 7(c). According to the low-probability-time jackpot determination table c, when the jackpot determination random numbers are 10001 to 10273, the jackpot is determined. Therefore, the jackpot probability in this case is about 1/240.

When the set value is set to 4, the big winning lottery is performed with reference to the low-probability-time jackpot determination table d shown in FIG. According to this low-probability-time jackpot determination table d, when the jackpot determination random numbers are 10001 to 10312, it is determined to be a jackpot. Therefore, the jackpot probability in this case is about 1/210.

When the set value is set to 5, the big winning lottery is performed with reference to the low-probability-time jackpot determination table e shown in FIG. 7(e). According to this low-probability-time jackpot determination table e, when the jackpot determination random numbers are 10001 to 10364, it is determined to be a jackpot. Therefore, the jackpot probability in this case is about 1/180.

When the set value=6 is set, the big winning lottery is performed with reference to the low-probability-time jackpot determination table f shown in FIG. 7(f). According to this low-probability-time jackpot determination table f, when the jackpot determination random numbers are 10001 to 10437, it is determined to be a jackpot. Therefore, the jackpot probability in this case is about 1/150.

Further, in the high-probability game state, when the large-lot lottery for special 1 hold and special 2 hold is started, the high-probability-time jackpot determination table shown in FIGS. 8A to 8F is referred to. Here, in the present embodiment, a high-accuracy large-hit determination table is provided for each set value similarly to the low-accuracy large-hit determination table. Therefore, in the high-probability game state, the jackpot determination is performed by referring to the high-accuracy time jackpot determination table (comparative numerical value range used for jackpot determination) corresponding to the currently set setting value.

In the high-probability gaming state, when the set value is set to 1, the large winning lottery is performed with reference to the high-accuracy jackpot determination table a shown in FIG. According to the high-accuracy-time jackpot determination table a, when the jackpot determination random numbers are 10001 to 10655, the jackpot is determined. Therefore, the jackpot probability in this case is about 1/100.

When the set value is set to 2, the big winning lottery is carried out with reference to the high accuracy jackpot determination table b shown in FIG. 8B. According to the high-accuracy jackpot determination table b, when the jackpot determination random number is 10001 to 10728, it is determined to be a jackpot. Therefore, the jackpot probability in this case is about 1/90.

When the set value is set to 3, the big winning lottery is carried out with reference to the high accuracy jackpot determination table c shown in FIG. 8(c). According to the high-accuracy-time jackpot determination table c, when the jackpot determination random numbers are 10001 to 10819, the jackpot is determined to be a jackpot. Therefore, the jackpot probability in this case is about 1/80.

When the set value is set to 4, the big winning lottery is carried out with reference to the high accuracy jackpot determination table d shown in FIG. 8(d). According to the high-accuracy-time jackpot determination table d, when the jackpot determination random numbers are 10001 to 10936, the jackpot is determined. Therefore, the jackpot probability in this case is about 1/70.

When the set value is set to 5, the big winning lottery is carried out with reference to the high accuracy jackpot determination table e shown in FIG. 8(e). According to the high-accuracy-time jackpot determination table e, when the jackpot determination random number is 10001 to 11092, it is determined to be a jackpot. Therefore, the jackpot probability in this case is about 1/60.

When the set value=6 is set, the big winning lottery is carried out by referring to the high accuracy jackpot determination table f shown in FIG. According to the high-accuracy jackpot determination table f, when the jackpot determination random number is 10001 to 11310, it is determined to be a jackpot. Therefore, the jackpot probability in this case is about 1/50.

As described above, in the gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment, regardless of whether it is set to the low-probability gaming state or the high-probability state, the large role lottery is performed according to the set value being set. In the present embodiment, the big winning lottery has different jackpot winning probabilities according to the above-mentioned set values, and it is easier to win the jackpot when the set value is higher than when the set value is low. Further, in the present embodiment, the lower limit value of the comparison numerical value range (the numerical value range to be compared with the big hit determination random number) in the big hit determination table is the same value (10001). As a result, the gaming machine 100 can improve the efficiency of the control processing procedure related to the jackpot determination during the winning combination lottery. The control processing procedure for jackpot determination will be described later.

Further, in the gaming machine 100, the probability of winning the jackpot is higher in the high-probability gaming state than in the low-probability gaming state. Further, here, the jackpot winning probability is different for each set value, but the jackpot winning probability in either the low-probability gaming state or the high-probability gaming state may be common to all the setting values.
Further, FIG. 7 shows an example in which the low-accuracy jackpot determination table is provided for each set value, but the low-accuracy jackpot determination table is set for each setting in, for example, the storage area of the gaming machine 100 (for example, the main ROM 300b). May be configured as one table defining different comparison numerical value ranges. Similarly, the high-accuracy-time jackpot determination table may be configured as one table that defines different comparison numerical value ranges for each setting.

Further, in the high-probability gaming state, the winning probability of the jackpot is higher than in the low-probability gaming state. Here, the jackpot winning probability in the high-probability gaming state is common to all setting values, but the jackpot winning probability in the high-probability gaming state may be different for each setting value. Even in this case, the winning range of the jackpot determination random number that wins the jackpot at a relatively low setting value is included in the winning range of the jackpot determination random number that wins the jackpot at a relatively high setting value, It suffices that the winning range of the jackpot determination random number that is won for the jackpot is set.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a winning symbol random number determination table. When the game ball enters the first starting opening 120 or the second starting opening 122, one winning symbol random number is acquired from the range of 0-99. Then, when the determination result of "big hit" is derived by the above-mentioned large role lottery, the type of the special symbol is determined by the winning symbol random number and the winning symbol random number determination table which are acquired. At this time, when the "big hit" is won by the special 1 hold, as shown in FIG. 9(a), the special random symbol determination table for special 1 is selected, and the "big hit" is won by the special 2 hold As shown in FIG. 9( b ), a special-use winning symbol random number determination table is selected. In the following, a special symbol determined by a winning symbol random number, that is, a special symbol determined when a jackpot determination result is obtained is called a jackpot symbol, and a special symbol determined when a loss determination result is obtained. The design is called a lost design.

According to the special 1 per-use symbol random number determination table shown in FIG. 9(a) and the special 2 per-use symbol random number determination table shown in FIG. 9(b), according to the value of the obtained winning symbol random number, as illustrated, The type of special symbol (big hit symbol) is determined. In addition, when the result of lottery is “Loss”, if the lottery result is derived by the special 1 hold, the special symbol X is determined as the lost symbol without performing the lottery, and the lottery result is special 2 When derived by holding, the special symbol Y is determined as a lost symbol without performing a lottery. In other words, the winning symbol random number determination table is referred to only when the winning combination lottery result is “big hit”, and is not referred to when the winning combination lottery result is “miss”.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a reach group determination random number determination table. A plurality of the reach group determination random number determination tables are provided, and one table is selected according to the holding type, the number of holdings, and the variation state set in association with the game state. When the game ball enters the first starting opening 120 or the second starting opening 122, one reach group determination random number is acquired from the range of 0 to 10006. As described above, when the major role lottery result is derived, a process of determining a variation effect pattern that notifies the major role lottery result is performed. In the present embodiment, when the result of lottery is “miss”, the group type is first determined by the reach group determination random number and the reach group determination random number determination table when determining the variation effect pattern.

For example, when the gaming state is set to the non-time saving gaming state, and the variation state is set to the normal 1 variation state, in the case where the "Loss" major role lottery result is derived based on the special 1 hold, When the special 1 holding number (hereinafter, simply referred to as “holding number”) when performing the large role lottery is 0, as shown in FIG. 10A, the reach group determination random number determination table 1 is selected. Similarly, if the number of reservations is one, the reach group determination random number determination table 2 is selected as shown in FIG. 10(b), and if the number of reservations is two or three, it is shown in FIG. As shown, the reach group determination random number determination table 3 is selected. In addition, in FIG. 10, the group x described in the group type column indicates an arbitrary group number. Therefore, various group numbers are determined as the group type according to the obtained reach group determination random number and the type of the reach group determination random number determination table to be referred to.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the table for determining the variation effect pattern is determined based on the variation state in addition to the set game state. That is, the variation state defines which table is used to determine the variation effect pattern, and is a concept set separately from the gaming state.

It should be noted that when the big winning lottery result is “big hit”, the group type is not decided when the variation effect pattern is decided. That is, the reach group determination random number determination table is referred to only when the major role lottery result is “miss”, and is not referred to when the major role lottery result is “big hit”.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a reach mode determination random number determination table. This reach mode determination random number determination table is a loss mode reach mode determination random number determination table that is selected when the big hand lottery result is "miss", and a big jackpot that is selected when the big role lottery result is "big hit". It is roughly divided into a reach mode determination random number determination table. The reach mode determination random number determination table at the time of losing is provided for each group type determined as described above, and the reach mode determination random number determination table at the time of big hit is provided for each holding type. Further, each reach mode determination random number determination table is also provided for each game state and each type of symbol. Here, FIG. 11A shows an example of a reach mode determination random number determination table for a lost time for group x referred to in a predetermined game state and symbol type, and an example of a reach mode determination random number determination table for a special 1 jackpot. FIG. 11B shows an example of the special mode jackpot time reach mode determination random number determination table.

When the game ball enters the first starting opening 120 or the second starting opening 122, one reach mode determination random number is acquired from the range of 0 to 250. Then, when the result of the above-mentioned major role lottery is “miss”, as shown in FIG. 11A, the reach-time determination random number at the time of loss corresponding to the group type determined by the lottery of the above-mentioned group type. The determination table is selected, and the variation mode number is determined based on the selected random reach mode determination random number determination table and the reach mode determination random number. In addition, when the result of the above-mentioned big winning lottery is “big hit”, as shown in FIGS. 11B and 11C, the jackpot reach mode determination random number determination table corresponding to the read hold type Is selected, and the variation mode number is determined based on the selected jackpot reach mode determination random number determination table and the reach mode determination random number.

In each reach mode determination random number determination table, the reach mode determination random number is associated with a variation pattern random number determination table, which will be described later, together with the variation mode number, and the variation pattern is determined at the same time as the variation mode number is determined. A random number determination table is determined. In FIG. 9, the table x described in the column of the fluctuation pattern random number determination table indicates an arbitrary table number. Therefore, the variation mode number and the table number of the variation pattern random number determination table are determined according to the obtained reach group determination random number and the type of the reach mode determination random number determination table to be referred to. Further, in the present embodiment, the variation mode number and the variation pattern number described later are set in hexadecimal. In the following, "H" is added to indicate a hexadecimal number, but "XXH" described in FIGS. 11 to 13 indicates an arbitrary value indicated by a hexadecimal number. ..

As described above, when the major role lottery result is “miss”, the group type is first determined by the reach group determination random number determination table and the reach group determination random number shown in FIG. Then, according to the determined group type and game state, the variation mode number and the variation pattern random number determination table are determined by the reach time determination random number determination table and the reach mode determination random number at the time of loss shown in FIG.

On the other hand, when the big winning lottery result is "big hit", depending on the decided big hit symbol (type of special symbol), the gaming state at the time of big hit winning, etc., in FIG. 11(b) and FIG. 11(c). The variation mode number and the variation pattern random number determination table are determined based on the jackpot reach mode determination random number determination table and the reach mode determination random number shown.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a variation pattern random number determination table. Here, the fluctuation pattern random number judgment table x of the predetermined table number x is shown, but in addition to this, a large number of fluctuation pattern random number judgment tables are provided for each table number.

When the game ball enters the first starting opening 120 or the second starting opening 122, one variation pattern random number is acquired from the range of 0 to 238. Then, based on the fluctuation pattern random number determination table determined at the same time as the fluctuation mode number and the acquired fluctuation pattern random number, the fluctuation pattern number is determined as illustrated.

In this way, when the major role lottery is performed, the variation mode number and the variation pattern number are determined according to the major role lottery result, the determined symbol type, the gaming state, the number of holdings, the holding type, and the like. The variation mode number and the variation pattern number identify the variation effect pattern, and the aspect and time of the variation effect are associated with each of them. In the following, the fluctuation mode number and the fluctuation pattern number may be collectively referred to as fluctuation information.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the variable time determination table. As described above, when the variation mode number is determined, the variation time 1 is determined according to the variation time 1 determination table shown in FIG. According to this variation time 1 determination table, variation time 1 is associated with each variation mode number, and corresponding variation time 1 is determined according to the determined variation mode number.

Further, as described above, when the variation pattern number is determined, the variation time 2 is determined according to the variation time 2 determination table shown in FIG. According to this variation time 2 determination table, variation time 2 is associated with each variation pattern number, and corresponding variation time 2 is determined according to the determined variation pattern number. The total time of the variable times 1 and 2 determined in this way is the time of the variable effect for notifying the result of the large role lottery, that is, the variable time.

When the variation mode number is determined as described above, the variation mode command corresponding to the determined variation mode number is transmitted to the sub-control board 330, and when the variation pattern number is determined, the determined variation A variation pattern command corresponding to the pattern number is transmitted to the sub control board 330. In the sub-control board 330, the first half mode of the fluctuation effect is mainly determined based on the received fluctuation mode command, and the second half mode of the fluctuation effect is mainly determined based on the received fluctuation pattern command. Becomes Hereinafter, the variation mode command and the variation pattern command may be collectively referred to as a variation command, and the details thereof will be described later.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a special electric auditors product operating ram set table. This special electric auditors product operating ram set table is stored with various data for controlling a major player game, and during the major players game, refer to this special electric auditors product operating ram set table Energization of the solenoid 128c is controlled. Actually, a plurality of special electric auditors working ram set tables are provided for each type of jackpot symbol, and a corresponding table is set at the start of a jackpot game depending on the determined jackpot symbol type. , Here, for convenience of description, one table shows the control data of all the jackpot symbols.

When the special symbols A to D, which are jackpot symbols, are determined, a large role game is executed with reference to the special electric auditors product operating ram set table, as shown in FIG. The major role game is composed of a plurality of round games in which the special winning opening 128 is opened and closed a predetermined number of times. According to this special electric auditors product operating ram set table, opening time (waiting time until the first round game is started), special electric auditors product maximum number of operations (round game executed during one large role game) Number of times), the number of times the special electric accessory is opened/closed (the number of times the special winning opening 128 is opened during one round), the solenoid energization time (the time for energizing the special winning opening solenoid 128c for each number of times the special winning opening 128 is opened, that is, 1 Opening time of the special winning opening 128 times), stipulated number (maximum possible number of winnings in the big winning opening 128 in one round game), big winning opening closing effective time (closing time of the big winning opening 128 between round games) , That is, the interval time), the ending time (waiting time from the end of the last round game until the normal special game (variable display of special symbols to be described later) is restarted) is as the control data of the major role game. , Is stored in advance as shown for each type of jackpot pattern.

As shown in FIG. 14, in the gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment, when the special symbols A and B are determined by the large role lottery, two round games are executed, and when the special symbol C is determined. Eight round games are executed, and when the special symbol D is determined, ten round games are executed. One round game ends when a specified number (eight in this example) of game balls enter the special winning opening 128 or a preset opening time (29 seconds in this example) elapses. Further, in the gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment, a predetermined number (10 in this example) of prize balls are paid out for each game ball that has entered the special winning opening 128. Therefore, in this example, a maximum of 80 (=10×specified number 8) prize balls are paid out in one round game, and the maximum number (10 in this example) of round game is the maximum. In this way, a total of 800 (=80×10 rounds) prize balls will be paid out. In this way, the player can obtain the prize balls according to the number of rounds to be executed in the big winning game based on the big hit.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a game state setting table for setting the game state after the end of the major game. As shown in FIG. 15, when the special symbol A is determined, it is set to a low-probability game state after the end of the large role game, and when the special symbols B to D are determined, a high probability after the end of the large role game. The gaming state is set, and the high-probability gaming state is set to continue until the next jackpot is won. In this case, the next time the jackpot is won, the game state is set again. Therefore, in the gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment, the number of times the high-probability gaming state is continued (hereinafter, referred to as “high-probability number”) varies depending on the number of times the large-lot lottery result is derived until the jackpot is won. Note that the gaming machine 100 may set the number of times a predetermined large role lottery result is derived in one high-probability gaming state (for example, 100 times) as the highly accurate number. In this case, when the high-probability game state is set after completion of the major role game, if the lottery result of the loss is derived 10,000 times without derivation of the jackpot lottery result in the high-probability game state, the low probability The game state will be changed to the game state.

Also, when the special symbols B to D are determined as the jackpot symbols, the gaming state is set to the time saving gaming state after the end of the major game, and the time saving gaming state continues until the next jackpot is won. Is set to be done. In this case, the next time the jackpot is won, the game state is set again. Therefore, the number of continuation of the time saving game state (hereinafter, referred to as “time saving number”) varies depending on the number of times the large role lottery result is derived until the jackpot is won. The gaming machine 100 may set the number of times of derivation of a predetermined large role lottery result (for example, 50 times) in one time saving game state as the time saving number. In this case, the number of times saved is the maximum number of continuations in the one hour saved game state, and if the jackpot is won before the above number of continued games is reached, the game state is set again. Becomes Further, when the special symbol A is determined as a big hit symbol, it is set to the non-time saving game state after the end of the large role game. Therefore, when the special symbol A is determined in the gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment, the gaming state becomes a normal gaming state similar to the initial state of the gaming machine 100.

In this way, in the gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment, the gaming state after the major role playing game is set according to the type (hit type) of the big hit symbol. Further, in the gaming machine 100, a plurality of types (four types in this example) of jackpot symbols (special symbols A to D) having different numbers of round games in the major role game and game states set after the major role game are prepared. Has been done. That is, in the large-lot lottery in the gaming machine 100, one win type is determined from a plurality of types of wins with different game profits (number of prize balls obtainable by the player, occurrence of advantageous game state, etc.). Hereinafter, the hit type of the jackpot according to the special symbol A is referred to as “normal jackpot”, and the hit type of the jackpot according to the special symbols B to D is referred to as “probable variation short-time jackpot”.

In the gaming machine 100, a gaming state, a high-probability number, and a time saving number may be set according to the type of the jackpot symbol, or depending on both the type of the jackpot symbol and the gaming state at the time of jackpot winning. You may set the gaming state after the completion of the major role game, the high-accuracy number, and the time saving number.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a hit determination random number determination table. When the game ball flowing down the game area 116 passes through the gate 124, a determination process of a normal symbol associated with whether or not to energize the movable piece 122b of the second starting opening 122 (hereinafter, referred to as "general drawing lottery"). ) Is done.

As will be described in detail later, when the game ball passes through the gate 124, one hit determination random number is acquired from the range of 0 to 99, and four random number values are stored in the general-use reservation storage area of the main RAM 300c. Is stored as an upper limit. In other words, the universal figure reservation storage area includes four storage units that save the hit determination random numbers. Therefore, when the game ball passes through the gate 124 in a state where the hit determination random numbers are stored in all of the four storage units of the universal figure reservation storage area, the hit determination random number is stored based on the passage of the game ball. There is no such thing. In the following, the hit determination random number stored in the universal figure pending storage area after the game ball has passed through the gate 124 is referred to as universal figure pending.

When starting the general drawing lottery in the non-time saving game state, as shown in FIG. 16(a), the non-time saving game state hit determination random number determination table is referred to. According to the hit determination random number determination table for the non-time saving game state, when the hit determination random number is 0, the hit symbol is determined as the type of the normal symbol, and when the hit determination random number is 1 to 99, Lost design is determined as the type of normal design. Therefore, the probability that the winning symbol is determined in the non-time saving game state, that is, the winning probability is 1/100. As will be described later in detail, when the winning symbol is determined in this universal drawing lottery, the movable piece 122b of the second starting port 122 is controlled to the open state, and when the lost symbol is determined, the second starting port 122 is determined. The movable piece 122b is maintained in the closed state.

Further, when starting the universal figure lottery in the time saving game state, as shown in FIG. 16(b), the hit determination random number determination table for the time saving game state is referred to. At this time, according to the hit determination random number determination table for the short game state, when the hit determination random number is 0 to 98, the hit symbol is determined as the type of the normal symbol, and when the hit determination random number is 99, the ordinary A lost design is determined as the type of design. Therefore, the probability that the winning symbol is determined in the time saving game state, that is, the winning probability is 99/100. In this way, during the non-time saving game state, the probability of winning the general drawing lottery is lower than that during the time saving game state (the general figure low probability game state), and during the time saving game state, the general drawing lottery is won. The probability is higher than that in the non-time saving game state (universal high probability game state).

FIG. 17(a) is a diagram for explaining the normal symbol variation time data table, and FIG. 17(b) is a diagram for explaining the opening/closing control pattern table. As described above, when the ordinary drawing lottery is performed, the variable time of the ordinary symbol is determined. The ordinary symbol variation time data table is referred to when determining the variation time of the ordinary symbol when the winning symbol or the lost symbol is determined by the ordinary symbol lottery. According to this normal symbol variation time data table, the variation time is set to 10 seconds when the gaming state is set to the non-time saving game state, and the variation is set when the gaming state is set to the time saving game state. The time is set to 1 second. When the variable time is determined in this manner, the normal symbol display 168 is displayed in a variable manner (flashing display) over the determined time. Then, when the winning symbol is determined, the normal symbol display device 168 is turned on, and when the lost symbol is determined, the normal symbol display device 168 is turned off.

Then, when the winning symbol is determined by the ordinary symbol lottery and the ordinary symbol indicator 168 is turned on, the movable piece 122b of the second starting opening 122 is an opening/closing control pattern as shown in FIG. 17(b). Energization is controlled with reference to the table. Actually, the opening/closing control pattern table is provided for each game state, and the corresponding table is set at the start of energization of the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 122c according to the game state when the normal symbol is determined. However, here, for convenience of explanation, one table shows the control data corresponding to each gaming state.

When the winning symbol is determined, as shown in FIG. 17B, the opening/closing control of the second starting port 122 is performed with reference to the opening/closing control pattern table. According to this opening/closing control pattern table, the time before opening the normal electric power (the waiting time until the opening of the second starting opening 122 is started), the maximum number of times the normal electric accessory is opened/closed (the opening number of the second starting opening 122) , Solenoid energization time (ordinary electric accessory solenoid 122c energization time for each number of opening of the second starting port 122, that is, one opening time of the second starting port 122), specified number (total number of second starting ports 122) The maximum number of prizes that can be won in the second starting port 122 during opening, the normal electric closing effective time (the closing time between each opening of the second starting opening 122, that is, the rest time), the normal electric effective state time (second starting) The waiting time from the end of the last opening of the mouth 122), the waiting time to end the normal power (waiting time after the normal power valid state time elapses until the variable display of the normal symbol described later is restarted) is the second starting opening. As the control data 122, it is stored in advance as shown in the figure for each game state.

In this way, the non-time saving game state and the time saving game state are respectively associated with opening/closing control conditions for opening and closing the second starting opening 122 as game progress conditions, and in the time saving game state, non-time saving It becomes easier for the game ball to enter the second starting opening 122 than in the game state. In other words, in the time saving game state, as long as the game balls pass through the gate 124, the general drawing lottery is made one after another, and the second starting opening 122 is frequently opened, so that the player consumes the game balls. It becomes possible to carry out a major role lottery while reducing the number.

The opening/closing condition of the second starting port 122 defines three elements, that is, the winning probability of the ordinary symbol, the time for which the ordinary symbol is displayed in a variable manner, and the opening time of the second starting port 122. In this embodiment, in two of these three elements, the time saving game state is set to be more advantageous than the non-time saving game state, so that the time saving game state is better than the non-time saving game state. The game balls are set so as to easily enter the second starting opening 122. However, for one or three of the above three elements, the time saving game state may be set to be more advantageous than the non-time saving game state. In any case, the time saving game state is more advantageous than the non-time saving game state with respect to at least one element, and thus the time saving game state is generally more advantageous than the non-time saving game state in the second starting opening. It suffices that the game ball easily enters 122. That is, when the game state is set to the non-time saving game state, the movable piece 122b is controlled to be opened and closed according to the first condition, and when the game state is set to the time saving game state, the first condition is more than the first condition. The movable piece 122b may be controlled to be opened/closed according to the second condition in which the movable piece 122b is easily opened.

Next, the main processing of the main control board 300 accompanying the progress of the game in the gaming machine 100 will be described using a flowchart.

(CPU initialization processing of main control board 300)
18 and 19 are flowcharts for explaining the CPU initialization process (S100) in the main control board 300.

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

In the gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment, the state when the power is turned on (hereinafter referred to as "power-on mode") is divided into four. The setting key switch 180s, the RAM clear detection switch 305s, and the inner frame opening switch are used to determine the four power-on modes.
An example of the determination conditions for the four power-on modes is as follows.

When the power is turned on, the RAM clear detection switch 305s is in the off state (the pressing operation of the RAM clear button 305 is not detected), and the setting key switch 180s is in the off state (the setting key changing operation is not detected) or the inner frame is opened. When the switch 145s is in the off state (opening of the inner frame 104 is not detected), it is determined to be the normal return mode. The normal return mode is a mode in which a normal game is started and the main RAM 300c is turned on for the purpose of maintaining the information backed up before the power is turned off except for a part thereof.

When the RAM clear detection switch 305s is in the ON state (when the pressing operation of the RAM clear button 305 is detected) when the power is turned on and either the setting key switch 180s or the inner frame opening switch 145s is in the OFF state, the RAM clear recovery mode is set. judge. The RAM clear recovery mode is a mode in which a normal game is started and the power is turned on with the intention of initializing (clearing) the information backed up in the main RAM 300c before the power is turned off.

Further, as described above, when the setting key switch 180s and the inner frame opening switch 145s are on and the RAM clear detection switch 305s is off when the power is turned on, the setting confirmation mode is determined. The setting confirmation mode is a mode indicating that the power has been turned on for the purpose of confirming the set value on the performance indicator 300d without starting a normal game.

As described above, when the setting key switch 180s, the inner frame opening switch 145s, and the RAM clear detection switch 305s are all in the ON state when the power is turned on, the setting change mode is determined. The setting change mode is a mode indicating that the power is turned on with the intention of changing the set value by pressing the RAM clear button 305 without starting a normal game.

Thus, the four power-on modes can be divided by operating the setting key switch 180s, the RAM clear detection switch 305s, and the inner frame opening switch when the power is turned on.

(Step S100-1)
When the power is turned on, the main CPU 300a reads the boot program from the main ROM 300b as an initial setting process, performs the setting process necessary to execute various processes, and shifts the process to step S100-3. When the power is turned on, input signals from the inner frame opening switch 145s, the RAM clear detection switch 305s, and the setting key switch 180s are read. In order to save the number of registers used as internal registers, the main CPU 300a receives the setting change key rotation signal (ON signal) when the inner frame 104 is in the closed state (the inner frame opening switch 145s is in the OFF state). Also reads the setting key switch 180s in the OFF state.

(Step S100-3)
The main CPU 300a sets a wait processing time (for example, 3.1 seconds) in the timer counter, and shifts the processing to step S100-5.

(Step S100-5)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the power-off notice signal is detected. It should be noted that the main control board 300 is provided with a power failure detection circuit, and when the power supply voltage becomes a predetermined value or less, the power failure detection signal is output from the power detection circuit. If the power-off notice signal is detected, the process proceeds to step S100-3 and the wait process time is set again. If the power-off notice signal is not detected, the process proceeds to step S100-7.

(Step S100-7)
The main CPU 300a determines whether or not the wait time set in step S100-3 has elapsed. As a result, if it is determined that the wait time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S100-9, and if it is determined that the wait time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S100-5.

(Step S100-9)
The main CPU 300a executes a process necessary for permitting access (reading/writing) to the main RAM 300c (for example, a RAM protect releasing process), and moves the process to step S100-11.

(Step S100-11)
The main CPU 300a confirms the state of the gaming machine before the power is turned off, and shifts the processing to step S100-13. The gaming machine state (gaming machine state) has four types of states: a setting change state, a setting confirmation state, a game available state, and an abnormal state.
In the setting change state, the power-on mode is the setting change mode, and the set value can be changed as described above.
In the change confirmation state, the power-on mode is the setting confirmation mode, and the set value can be confirmed as described above.
In the game-enabled state, the power-on mode is the normal return mode or the RAM clear mode, and is a state in which a normal game such as a game ball launch or a game ball prize ball is possible.
The abnormal state is a state in which a predetermined fault has occurred in the main RAM 300c, such as a backup abnormality, a read/write abnormality, or a state in which the set value is a value (abnormal value) not included in a predetermined range (abnormal set value). Indicates. Regardless of which of the four power-on modes (setting change mode, setting confirmation mode, normal return mode, or RAM clear mode), if a failure is detected in the main RAM 300c, the gaming machine state is abnormal. Is set to.
Further, gaming machine states (setting change state, setting confirmation state, abnormal state) other than the game-enabled state correspond to a state in which execution of a normal game is restricted (game restriction state). The game restriction state includes, for example, a game stopped state in which execution of a normal game is stopped, a game partial stopped state in which execution of a part of a normal game (for example, a specific effect, etc.) is stopped. Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described by taking a game stopped state as an example of a game restricted state.

In the gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment, the gaming machine state is held as the value of the gaming machine state flag. The gaming machine state flag is stored in a first area (addresses F000H to F1FFH) in the use area (see FIG. 5) of the main RAM 300c where setting value related information and game state related information are stored. The main CPU 300a loads the gaming machine status flag from the first area of the usage area in the main RAM 300c into a predetermined internal register, and confirms the gaming machine status before power-off.

(Step S100-13)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the backup flag is valid and the checksum is normal. Specifically, the main CPU 300a loads the value of the backup flag saved when the power is turned off from the second area in the usage area of the main RAM 300c. Also, it executes the processing required to calculate the checksum. Further, the main CPU 300a determines whether or not the value of the loaded backup flag is a value indicating that the backup is valid (“A5H” in this example), and the calculated checksum is saved when the power is turned off. It is determined whether the checksum matches the checksum. When the value of the backup flag is "A5H" and the checksums match, the main CPU 300a shifts the processing to step S100-15. On the other hand, when the backup flag value is not “A5H” or the checksums do not match, the main CPU 300a shifts the processing to step S100-29.

(Step S100-15)
The main CPU 300a sets, in an internal register, an address indicating an area to be cleared in the main RAM 300c, which is to be cleared when the power is restored (when the data before power-off is maintained without clearing the main RAM 300c). The process moves to step S100-17. In this example, the addresses corresponding to the second area and the third area shown in FIG. 5 of the used area of the main RAM 300c are set.

(Step S100-17)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the RAM clear detection switch 305s is on. When the main CPU 300a determines that the ON signal is input from the RAM clear detection switch 305s and the RAM clear detection switch 305s is in the ON state (the RAM clear button 305 is pressed), the process proceeds to step S100-35 in FIG. Transfer processing. On the other hand, when the main CPU 300a determines that the ON signal is input from the RAM clear detection switch 305s and the RAM clear detection switch 305s is not in the ON state (the RAM clear button 305 is not pressed), the process proceeds to step S100-19. Transfer.

(Step S100-19)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the gaming machine is in a game-enabled state, or whether an ON signal is input from the setting key switch 180s and the inner frame opening switch 145s. When the main CPU 300a refers to the value of the gaming machine state flag loaded in step S100-10 and determines that the gaming state is possible, the process proceeds to step S100-21. Even when the main CPU 300a determines that the gaming machine state is not in the game-enabled state, it determines that the ON signal is input from the setting key switch 180s and the inner frame opening switch 145s, and similarly, the process proceeds to step S100-21. Transfer.
On the other hand, when the main CPU 300a determines that the gaming machine is not in the game-enabled state and the ON signal is not input from the setting key switch 180s and the inner frame opening switch 145s, the process proceeds to step S100-23. ..

(Step S100-21)
The main CPU 300a sets the gaming machine state to the setting confirmation state. Specifically, the main CPU 300a sets the value of the gaming machine state flag to a value indicating the setting confirmation state, and moves the process to step S100-23.

(Step S100-23)
The main CPU 300a performs an initialization process for clearing data to be cleared when power is restored, that is, data in the address area of the main RAM 300c set in step S100-12, and moves the process to step S100-25.

(Step S100-25)
The main CPU 300a performs a transmission process (stores the command in a transmission buffer) of a subcommand (power restoration specification command) for transmitting to the sub control board 330 that the power supply is restored.

(Step S100-27)
When the main CPU 300a performs a transmission process (stores the command in the transmission buffer) of a payout command (power supply restoration designation command) for transmitting to the payout control board 310 that the power is cut off, the main CPU 300a proceeds to steps S100-53 (FIG. 19). Refer to the process).

(Step S100-29)
The main CPU 300a stores data indicating that the checksum is in an abnormal state (backup abnormality) in a predetermined internal register (D register), and moves the process to step S100-31.

(Step S100-31)
The main CPU 300a executes a read/write check process for the unused area of the main RAM 300c, and confirms the consistency of the write/read results. After storing the check result in the predetermined internal register, the main RAM 300c moves the process to step S100-33.

(Step S100-33)
The main CPU 300a sets an address indicating an area to be cleared in the main RAM 300c, which is to be cleared when the RAM is abnormal, in an internal register, and moves the process to step S100-35. In this example, in the memory area of the main RAM 300c, the addresses corresponding to the used area and the unused area shown in FIG. 5 are set. That is, when the backup is abnormal, the data in all the areas of the main RAM 300c will be cleared.

(Step S100-35)
As shown in FIG. 19, the main CPU 300a executes the read/write check process for the used area of the main RAM 300c, stores the check result in a predetermined internal register, and shifts the process to step S100-37. Further, the main RAM 300c clears the data in the address area of the main RAM 300c set in step S100-15 or step S100-33.

(Step S100-37)
The main CPU 300a determines whether or not the result of the read/write check process for the used area in step S100-35 is normal. When the main CPU 300a determines that the result of the read/write check process for the used area is normal, the process proceeds to step S100-39. On the other hand, if the main CPU 300a determines that the result of the read/write check process for the used area is not normal, the process proceeds to step S100-45.

(Step S100-39)
The main CPU 300a determines whether or not the setting confirmation state is set as the gaming machine state in the internal register. When the main CPU 300a determines that the value indicating the setting confirmation state is set in the internal register and the gaming machine state is set to the setting confirmation state in the internal register, the process proceeds to step S100-41. On the other hand, when the main CPU 300a determines that a value indicating a state other than the setting confirmation state is set in the internal register and the gaming machine state is set to a state other than the setting confirmation state in the internal register, the process proceeds to step S100-43. Transfer processing.

(Step S100-41)
The main CPU 300a sets a value indicating the playable state in the internal register as a value corresponding to the gaming machine state, and moves the process to step S100-43.

(Step S100-43)
The main CPU 300a determines whether or not the condition that the setting can be changed is satisfied. Specifically, when the main CPU 300a determines that the ON signal is input from the setting key switch 180s, the inner frame opening switch 145s, and the RAM clear detection switch 305s, the main CPU 300a determines that the setting changeable condition is satisfied. Then, the process proceeds to step S100-47. On the other hand, when the main CPU 300a determines that the ON signal is not input from at least one of the setting key switch 180s, the inner frame opening switch 145s, and the RAM clear detection switch 305s, the condition that the setting can be changed is not satisfied. The determination is made and the process proceeds to step S100-49.

(Step S100-45)
The main CPU 300a sets a value indicating the setting change state in the internal register as a value indicating the gaming machine state, and shifts the processing to step S100-49.
(Step S100-47)
As the value indicating the gaming machine state, the main CPU 300a sets a value indicating an abnormal state in which a RAM abnormality has occurred (RAM abnormal state) in the internal register, and shifts the processing to step S100-49.

(Step S100-49)
The main CPU 300a saves the value corresponding to the gaming machine status set in the internal register in the gaming machine status flag stored in the first area of the usage area of the main RAM 300c, and shifts the processing to step S100-51. ..

(Step S100-51)
The main CPU 300a executes initialization processing when the RAM is cleared. Here, when the RAM is cleared means that the power-on mode is the setting change mode or the RAM clear mode (YES in step S100-17) and the backup abnormality has occurred (NO in step S100-13 or step S100-). 37 NO). In the initialization process when the RAM is cleared, the main CPU 300a transmits a sub command (RAM clear designation command) for transmitting to the sub control board 330 that the main RAM 300c has been cleared (stores the command in the transmission buffer), and The payout command (RAM clear designation command) transmission process (command is stored in the transmission buffer) for transmitting the fact that the main RAM 300c has been cleared to the payout control board 310 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S100-53.

(Step S100-53)
The main CPU 300a executes a power-on subcommand setting process (stores a command in a transmission buffer) for transmitting various effect commands required for effect control in the initial state when the power is turned on to the sub-control board 330. In this process, for example, a model designation command, a power-on special phase designation command, a launch position designation command, a special figure 1 hold designation command showing the special 1 hold number (X1), and a special figure showing the special 2 hold number (X2) 2 hold designation command, special figure 1 design confirmation designation command, special figure 2 design confirmation designation command and the like are set in the transmission buffer. The main CPU 300a can also set different values for the effect command when the power is restored and when the RAM is cleared.
Further, in the power-on sub-command set process, the main CPU 300a also stores a set value designation command for transmitting the currently set set value to the sub control board 330 in the transmission buffer.
The main CPU 300a also executes a process of initializing the switch states of various input ports in this process.

For example, when the power is restored, the main CPU 300a sets the value of each effect command based on the backup information held in the first area (see FIG. 5) of the main RAM 300c and sets it in the transmission buffer. By transmitting these effect commands to the sub-control board 330, the sub CPU 330a restarts the effect that was being executed at the time of the previous power-off (for example, a variable effect or a jackpot effect associated with the execution of a big game). Can be made. The sub RAM 330c of the sub control board 330 is cleared when the power is turned off. Therefore, in the effect that is restarted based on the effect command when the power is restored, the display mode in the effect display unit 200a, the audio output mode in the audio output device 206, the lighting mode of the effect illumination device 204, etc. are the same as when the power is shut off. May be different modes. The effect control when the power is restored will be described later.
After executing the power-on subcommand setting process, the main CPU 300a moves the process to step S400-55.

(Step S100-55)
The main CPU 300a sets the timer interrupt cycle (4 milliseconds in this example) and moves the process to step S200.

(Step S200)
The main CPU 300a starts main loop processing. Details of the main loop processing will be described later.

Next, the main loop processing in the main control board 300 will be described. FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating the main loop process. The gaming machine 100 repeatedly executes the main loop processing in the main control board 300 while the power supply is maintained.

(Step S200-1)
The main CPU 300a performs a process for prohibiting interrupts.

(Step S200-3)
The main CPU 300a updates the winning random number initial value update random number. The initial value update random number for winning symbol random number is for determining the initial value and the ending value of the winning symbol random number. That is, the winning symbol random number is updated by the hit symbol random number updating process to be described later, from the winning symbol random number initial value updating random number to the hit symbol random number initial value updating random number -1, and the winning symbol random number at that time. It will be updated to the initial value update random number for the winning symbol random number.

(Step S200-5)
The main CPU 300a analyzes the reception data (main command) received from the payout control board 310 saved by the serial communication reception interrupt processing, and executes various processes according to the reception data. The serial communication reception interrupt process is an interrupt process for saving the main command, but detailed description thereof will be omitted.

(Step S200-7)
The main CPU 300a performs a process for transmitting an untransmitted subcommand stored in the transmission buffer to the sub control board 330.

(Step S200-9)
The main CPU 300a performs processing for permitting interruption.

(Step S200-11)
The main CPU 300a updates the reach group determination random number, the reach mode determination random number, and the variation pattern random number, and thereafter repeats the processing from step S200-1 to step S200-11. In the following, the reach group determination random number, the reach mode determination random number, and the variation pattern random number for determining the variation effect pattern are collectively referred to as the variation effect random number.

Next, the interrupt processing in the main control board 300 will be described. Here, the power-off save processing (XINT interrupt processing) and the timer interrupt processing will be described.

(Evacuation processing when the main control board 300 is powered off (XINT interrupt processing))
FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a power-off evacuation process (XINT interrupt process) in the main control board 300. The main CPU 300a monitors the power failure detection circuit, and interrupts the power during the interrupt permission period of the main loop processing (between the processing of step S200-1 and step S200-11) when the power supply voltage falls below a predetermined value. Executes save processing when disconnected.

(Step S300-1)
When the power-off notice signal is input, the main CPU 300a saves the register.

(Step S300-3)
The main CPU 300a checks the power off notice signal.

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

(Step S300-7)
The main CPU 300a restores the register and returns to the main loop processing.

(Step S300-9)
The main CPU 300a executes an output port clearing process for stopping the output of the output port.

(Step S300-11)
The main CPU 300a executes a backup validity setting process for setting a value (“A5H”) indicating that the backup is valid in the backup validity flag. The backup valid flag is stored in the second area of the usage area (see FIG. 5) of the main RAM 300c.

(Step S300-13)
The main CPU 300a executes a checksum setting process of calculating and storing the checksum. In the checksum setting process, the main CPU 300a stores the checksums of all the memory areas (used area and unused area) assigned to the main RAM 300c in the second area of the used area.

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

(Step S300-17)
The main CPU 300a executes a power cut occurrence monitoring time setting process for setting a power cut monitoring timer to set the power cut occurrence monitoring time. The gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment measures a predetermined power-off occurrence monitoring time (for example, 10 milliseconds) by the power-off monitoring timer.

(Step S300-19)
The main CPU 300a checks the power off notice signal.

(Step S300-21)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the power-off notice signal is detected. As a result, when it is determined that the power cutoff notice signal is detected, the process proceeds to step S300-17 to newly start time measurement of the power cutoff occurrence monitoring time, and the power cutoff notice signal is not detected. If so, the process moves to step S300-23.

(Step S300-23)
The main CPU 300a determines whether or not the power-off occurrence monitoring time set in step S300-17 has elapsed. Specifically, the main CPU 300a subtracts 1 from the value of the timer counter of the power interruption monitoring timer, and determines the elapse of the power interruption occurrence monitoring time based on the value indicated by the timer counter after the subtraction. When determining that the power failure occurrence monitoring time has elapsed, the main CPU 300a moves the process to step S300-3. As a result, the power-off warning signal is not detected until the power-off occurrence monitoring time has elapsed (the warning signal is in the off state), so the power-off saving process is terminated and the process returns to the main loop processing (step S300). The flow from step S300-7 to YES in -5). On the other hand, if the main CPU 300a determines that the power failure occurrence monitoring time has not elapsed, the main CPU 300a moves the process to step S300-19.

In addition, at the time of normal power-off, the power-off notice signal is repeatedly checked (the process of steps S300-17 to S300-21 is looped), and the power-off due to the voltage drop is awaited.

(Timer interrupt processing of main control board 300)
FIG. 22 is a flow chart for explaining the timer interrupt processing in the main control board 300. The main control board 300 is provided with a reset clock pulse generation circuit that generates a clock pulse at a predetermined cycle (4 milliseconds in this embodiment, hereinafter referred to as “4 ms”). When a clock pulse is generated by the reset clock pulse generation circuit, it interrupts the CPU initialization process (step S100) and the following timer interrupt process is executed.

(Step S400-1)
The main CPU 300a saves the register.

(Step S400-3)
The main CPU 300a performs processing for permitting interruption. The main CPU 300a initializes the interrupt flag when permitting the interrupt. The interrupt flag is a flag that is set (value "1" is set) at a predetermined timer interrupt cycle (4 ms in this example). The period in which the interrupt flag is set is a period in which generation of a timer interrupt is not permitted, and the timer interrupt is permitted by initializing the interrupt flag (setting a value "0").

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

(Step S400-7)
The main CPU 300a reads various kinds of input port information and executes a port input process for accurately obtaining the latest switch state. In the port input processing, the main CPU 300a, for example, when reading various switch signals input to the input port, converts the signals into positive logic and saves them in the main RAM 300c. In addition, regarding various switch signals, an ON detection flag (a flag indicating detection of switching from the OFF state to the ON state) is generated and stored based on the previous input value and the current input value. As a result, it is possible to grasp an accurate switch state in consideration of changes in various switch signals from the previous time.

(Step S400-9)
The main CPU 300a loads the gaming machine status flag and sets the current gaming machine status in the internal register.

(Step S400-10)
The main CPU 300a executes a setting value abnormality determination process for determining whether or not a setting value abnormality state (setting value abnormality state) has occurred. The set value abnormal state corresponds to the abnormal state among the above-mentioned four types of gaming machine states. In the gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment, the setting values 1 to 6 are represented by numerical values “0” to “5” on the data. Therefore, the main CPU 300a recognizes that a setting value abnormality has occurred when the numerical value data (setting value data) indicating the setting value exceeds “5” (6 or more).
Specifically, the main CPU 300a loads the set value data from the set value buffer of the main RAM 300c in the set value abnormality determination process. In the main CPU 300a, the loaded set value data, that is, the value of the numerical value data indicating the set value being set exceeds the value (“5” in this example) indicating the upper limit of the set value that can be set in the gaming machine 100. If it is, it is determined that an abnormal setting value has occurred. When the main CPU 300a determines that the set value abnormal state has occurred, it sets a value indicating the set value abnormal state in the gaming machine state flag of the main RAM 300c. Further, the main CPU 300a also changes the value of the gaming machine status flag loaded in the internal register to a value indicating a setting value abnormal state.

On the other hand, when the value of the loaded set value data is equal to or less than the value indicating the upper limit of the set value, the main CPU 300a determines that the set value abnormal state has not occurred. Here, when the game state loaded in the internal register is a value indicating the set value abnormal state, the main CPU 300a sets a value indicating the game available state in the gaming machine state flag of the main RAM 300c. Further, the main CPU 300a also changes the value of the gaming machine state flag loaded in the internal register to a value indicating a game-enabled state. Thereby, the main CPU 300a can transition the gaming machine state to the gaming enabled state when the abnormal setting value state is released. If the game state loaded in the internal register is not a value indicating the set value abnormal state, the main PCU 300a does not change the game machine state.

(Step S400-11)
The main CPU 300a determines whether or not the loaded gaming machine state is a game-enabled state. When the main CPU 300a determines that the loaded gaming machine state is the game-enabled state, the main CPU 300a shifts the processing to step S400-15. On the other hand, if the main CPU 300a determines that the loaded gaming machine state is not in the game-enabled state, the process proceeds to step S400-13.

(Step S400-13)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the loaded gaming machine state is abnormal. When the main CPU 300a determines that the loaded gaming machine state is the abnormal state, the main CPU 300a moves the process to step S800. On the other hand, if the main CPU 300a determines that the loaded gaming machine state is not in an abnormal state, the process proceeds to step S410.

(Step S410)
The main CPU 300a executes the set value related process and moves the process to step S800. The set value-related process is a process for confirming or changing the set value, and the gaming machine state is neither a game available state nor an abnormal state (NO in step S400-11 and NO in step S400-13). That is, it is executed based on the setting change state or the setting confirmation state. The setting value related processing will be described later.

(Step S400-15)
The main CPU 300a performs timer update processing for updating various timer counters (timer values). Here, the various timer counters are subtracted each time the timer interrupt processing of the main control board 300 is performed, and the subtraction is stopped when the timer counter processing becomes 0, unless otherwise specified.
The main CPU 300a executes a timer updating process when the gaming machine state is the gaming possible state (YES in step S400-11), that is, the gaming machine state is not the gaming possible state, that is, the gaming stopped state (setting change state, If it is either the setting confirmation state or the abnormal state (NO in step S400-11), the timer updating process is not executed. That is, in the gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment, the various timer counters related to the progress of the game and the timing of the specified output time of various external information signals are not updated during the game stopped state. As a result, the gaming machine 100 stops the progress of the game when the game stopped state is generated, and when returning from the game stopped state to the game possible state, the normal game is started from the state immediately before the game stopped state is generated. Can be restarted. Further, by not updating the timer counter during the game stopped state, the main CPU 300a causes the external information signal, which was being output when the game stopped state occurred, to continue to be output to the external device even during the game stopped state. In addition, the external information output terminal board 312 can be controlled. The details of the output control of the external information signal will be described later.

(Step S400-17)
The main CPU 300a executes the update process of the initial value update random number for winning symbol random number, as in step S200-3.

(Step S400-19)
The main CPU 300a performs a process of updating the winning symbol random number. Specifically, the random number counter is updated by adding 1, and when the added result exceeds the maximum value of the random number range, the random number counter is returned to 0, and when the random number counter makes one round, the Update the initial value for the random number of the winning symbol. Update the random number from the value of the random number.

Although detailed description is omitted, in the present embodiment, the big hit determination random number and the hit determination random number are hardware random numbers updated by a hardware random number generation unit built in the main control board 300. The hardware random number generation unit updates the big hit determination random number and the hit determination random number according to a certain rule, automatically changes the random number sequence each time the random number sequence makes one round, and sets the start value at each system reset. Have changed.

(Step S500)
The main CPU 300a executes a switch management process that determines whether or not there is a signal input from the first starting opening detection switch 120s, the second starting opening detection switch 122s, and the gate detection switch 124s. The details of this switch management process will be described later.

(Step S600)
The main CPU 300a executes a special game management process for controlling the progress of the special game. The details of this special game management process will be described later.

(Step S700)
The main CPU 300a executes a normal game management process for controlling the progress of the normal game. The details of this normal game management processing will be described later.

(Step S400-21)
The main CPU 300a executes error management processing for determining various errors and making settings according to the error determination result. In the error management process, for example, magnetism, radio waves, etc. are monitored and subcommands are set when an abnormality occurs or when the abnormality is cleared.

(Step S400-23)
The main CPU 300a checks the general winning opening detection switch 118s, the first starting opening detecting switch 120s, the second starting opening detecting switch 122s, and the special winning opening detecting switch 128s, and controls the winning balls corresponding to the detecting switches of each winning opening. The winning opening switch process for adding the counter for the game etc. is executed.

(Step S400-25)
The main CPU 300a executes payout control management processing for creating and transmitting a payout command based on the counter value of the prize ball control counter set in step S400-23.

(Step S400-27)
The main CPU 300a executes a launch position designation management process that determines the launch position of the game ball based on the progress status of the game (progress status of the special game or the normal game). In this processing, the main CPU 300a, based on a special game management phase and a normal game management phase described later, the energization status of the special winning opening solenoid 128c and the normal electric accessory solenoid 122c, that is, the special winning opening 128 and the second starting opening 122. The opening/closing state of the movable piece 122b is determined to determine the firing position (right-handed or left-handed). Note that this process may be executed during the special game management process.

(Step S800)
The main CPU 300a executes an external information management process for setting output data for external information to be output from the external information output terminal board 312 to an external electronic device (for example, a hall computer installed in a game shop). In the external information management process, the external information signal is continuously output and the state of the gaming machine 100 is maintained even during the period when the gaming machine state is the gaming stopped state (any one of the setting change state, the setting confirmation state, and the abnormal state). Processing for enabling notification to the outside is executed. The details of this external information management processing will be described later.

(Step S400-31)
The main CPU 300a, the first special symbol display device 160, the second special symbol display device 162, the first special symbol reservation display device 164, the second special symbol reservation display device 166, the normal symbol display device 168, the normal symbol reservation display device 170. , LED display setting processing of setting common data for controlling lighting of various indicators (LEDs) such as the right-handed notification indicator 172 in the common output buffer is executed. In addition, for example, in the LED display setting process, the main CPU 300a loads the set value data from the set value buffer of the main RAM 300c, generates the display data for displaying the set value on the performance indicator 300d, and sets it in the common output buffer. To do. As a result, it is possible to switch the display of the set value in the display areas 361 to 364 of the performance indicator 300d. It should be noted that the lighting control of the rate of departure (base) in the performance indicator 300d is performed by the performance display monitor control process of step S400-41 described later.

(Step S400-33)
The main CPU 300a synthesizes the solenoid output images of the normal electric accessory solenoid 122c and the special winning opening solenoid 128c, and executes a solenoid output image synthesis process for storing in the output port buffer.

(Step S400-35)
The main CPU 300a executes a port output process for outputting the value of the common output buffer stored in each output port buffer to the output port.

(Step S400-37)
The main CPU 300a performs a process (setting of an interrupt flag) for prohibiting an interrupt.

(Step S400-39)
The main CPU 300a executes a test signal output process. In this processing, the main CPU 300a generates various test signals representing the current internal state of the gaming machine 100, and outputs them as ports. With this test signal, the internal state of the main CPU 300a can be confirmed outside the main control board 300, for example, during a test of the gaming machine 100.

(Step S400-41)
The main CPU 300a executes performance display monitor control processing. In this processing, the main CPU 300a generates common data for displaying information regarding the payout rate (base) on the performance display 300d and sets it in the common output buffer. As a result, it is possible to switch the display of the base value in the display areas 361 to 364 of the performance indicator 300d. Further, the main CPU 300a may perform arithmetic processing regarding the base value displayed on the performance display 300d in the performance display monitor control processing.

(Step S400-43)
The main CPU 300a restores the register and ends the timer interrupt process.

Of the timer interrupt processing described above, regarding the set value related processing of step S410, the switch management processing of step S500, the special game management processing of step S600, the normal game management processing of step S700, and the external information management processing of step S800. , Will be described in detail.

FIG. 23 is a flow chart for explaining the set value related processing in the main control board 300.

(Step S410-1)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the gaming machine state loaded in step S400-9 of the timer interrupt process (see FIG. 22) is the setting change state. When determining that the gaming machine state is the setting change state, the main CPU 300a shifts the processing to step S410-3. On the other hand, when determining that the gaming machine state is not the setting change state, that is, the setting confirmation state, the main CPU 300a moves the process to step S410-15.

(Step S410-3)
The main CPU 300a loads the set value buffer from the first area of the main RAM 300c (see FIG. 5) and sets the set value data corresponding to the current set value in the internal register. As described above, the set value data is six numerical data of “0” to “5”, and in this order, the set values correspond to the set values of six stages (setting 1 to setting 6). The gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment manages the set values based on the set value data (numerical values “0” to “5”).

(Step S410-5)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the RAM clear button 305 has been pressed. Specifically, in the main CPU 300a, the input signal (ON signal) is input from the RAM clear detection switch 305s, and the ON detection flag of the RAM clear detection switch 305s is set (value "1" is set), and the input signal is input. If it is determined that the state change has been detected, the ON detection flag is cleared (value "0" is set), and the process proceeds to step S410-7. On the other hand, when the main CPU 300a determines that the ON detection flag of the RAM clear detection switch 305s is cleared and the switching from the OFF state to the ON state is not detected, the process proceeds to step S410-9.

(Step S410-7)
The main CPU 300a updates the setting value data set in the internal register to a value obtained by adding 1 to the current setting value data. For example, when the setting value data loaded in step S410-3 is “3” (data indicating setting 4), the main CPU 300a sets the setting value data of the internal register to “4” (indicating setting 5) in this processing. Data).

(Step S410-9)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the setting value data set in the internal register is less than the setting comparison value. Here, the setting comparison value is a numerical value (“6” in this example) that is 1 larger than the maximum value of the setting value data (setting value data “5” corresponding to setting value 6). When determining that the setting value data set in the internal register is less than the setting comparison value, the main CPU 300a moves the process to step S410-13. On the other hand, when the main CPU 300a determines that the set value data set in the internal register is equal to or larger than the set comparison value, the process proceeds to step S410-11.

(Step S410-11)
The main CPU 300a sets a numerical value "0" in the internal register as setting value data. As a result, for example, the setting value data “5” corresponding to the maximum setting value 6 can be updated to the setting value data “0” corresponding to the minimum setting value 1. In this way, the gaming machine 100 sequentially updates the setting value to 1 to 6 (setting value data “0” to “5”) every time the RAM clear button 305 is pressed, and the setting value 6 is next. The set value can be updated like a loop process of returning to the set value 1. If the setting value data updated in the process of step S410-7 is "6" (the same value as the setting comparison value), the setting value data may be updated as "0" in the same step. As a result, the processes of steps S410-9 and S410-11 are unnecessary.

(Step S410-13)
The main CPU 300a saves the setting value data set in the internal register in the setting value buffer of the main RAM 300c. As a result, the setting value data is retained as a backup target.

(Step S410-15)
The main CPU 300a confirms the ON detection flag (ON detection flag of the setting key switch 180s) for determining whether or not the setting key is rotated or returned at the setting key insertion port 306.

(Step S410-17)
The main CPU 300a determines, based on the presence or absence of an input signal (ON signal) from the setting key switch 180s and the ON detection flag, whether or not it is the timing at which the setting key is restored at the setting key insertion port 306. The main CPU 300a detects that the input signal from the setting key switch 180s is not input and the ON detection flag is set, and the input signal from the setting key switch 180s is switched from the ON state to the OFF state (no input signal). If it is determined that it has been performed, the on detection flag is cleared (value "0" is set), and the process proceeds to step S410-19. On the other hand, when the main CPU 300a determines that the input signal is input from the setting key switch 180s, the ON detection flag is cleared, and the ON state of the setting key switch 180s is continued, step S410-19 and subsequent steps are performed. This process is terminated without executing the process of (1) and returns to the timer interrupt process (see FIG. 22).

(Step S410-19)
The main CPU 300a sets a setting-related end designation command that is a subcommand indicating that the setting change state or the setting confirmation state is ended. The setting-related end designation command can include, for example, information that the setting change state and the setting confirmation state have ended and the setting value has been fixed, and information regarding the setting value.

(Step S410-21)
The main CPU 300a executes subcommand group set processing. In the sub-command group set processing, the setting change state and the setting confirmation state other than the above-mentioned setting related end designation command are finished, and various sub-commands related to execution control of production (for example, with the start of the normal game For example, model code designation command, launch position designation command, special figure 1 design confirmation designation command, special figure 1 hold designation command, special figure 2 hold designation command, power-on special phase designation command, set value designation command, etc.) are transmitted. It is set in the buffer.

(Step S410-23)
The main CPU 300a acquires the address of the setting-related end-time ram set table from the main RAM 300c and sets it in the internal register.

(Step S410-25)
The main CPU 300a executes a ram set process based on the setting related end ram set table.

(Step S410-27)
The main CPU 300a sets a value indicating the game-enabled state in the gaming machine state flag of the main RAM 300c, ends this processing, and returns to the timer interrupt processing. As a result, the gaming machine state is changed from the state at the start of this process (setting change state or setting confirmation state) to a game-enabled state in which normal games can be played.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating the switch management process (step S500) in the main control board 300.

(Step S500-1)
The main CPU 300a determines whether or not the gate detection switch is on, that is, whether the game ball has passed through the gate 124 and the detection signal from the gate detection switch 124s has been turned on. As a result, when it is determined that the gate detection switch is on, the process proceeds to step S510, and when it is determined that the gate detection switch is not detected, the process proceeds to step S500-3.

(Step S510)
The main CPU 300a executes a gate passage process based on the passage of the game ball to the gate 124. The details of the gate passage process will be described later.

(Step S500-3)
The main CPU 300a determines whether it is the time when the first start opening detection switch is detected, that is, whether the game ball has entered the first start opening 120 and the detection signal has been input from the first start opening detection switch 120s. As a result, if it is determined that it is time to detect the first start opening detection switch ON, the process proceeds to step S520, and if it is determined that it is not time to detect the first start opening detection switch ON, then the process proceeds to step S500-5. Transfer.

(Step S520)
The main CPU 300a executes the first starting opening passage process based on the entry of the game ball into the first starting opening 120. The details of this first starting port passage processing will be described later.

(Step S500-5)
The main CPU 300a determines whether or not the second start opening detection switch is on, that is, whether the game ball has entered the second start opening 122 and a detection signal has been input from the second start opening detection switch 122s. As a result, if it is determined that it is time to detect the second start opening detection switch ON, the process proceeds to step S530, and if it is determined that it is not time to detect the second start opening detection switch ON, then the process proceeds to step S500-7. Transfer.

(Step S530)
The main CPU 300a executes the second starting opening passage process based on the entry of the game ball into the second starting opening 122. The details of the second starting opening passage processing will be described later.

(Step S500-7)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the special winning opening detection switch is detected, that is, whether a game ball has entered the special winning opening 128 and a detection signal has been input from the special winning opening detection switch 128s. As a result, if it is determined that the special winning opening detection switch is detected, the process proceeds to step S500-9, and if it is determined that it is not the special winning opening detection switch is detected, the process proceeds to step S-11. Transfer.

(Step S500-9)
The main CPU 300a determines whether or not a large role game is currently being performed, and determines whether or not a game ball has been properly inserted into the special winning opening 128. Here, when it is determined that the large role game is not in progress, a predetermined fraud detection process is executed, and when it is determined that the large role game is in progress and the game balls have been properly entered into the special winning opening 128. Adds 1 to the special winning opening winning sphere number counter and the large winning prize winning sphere number counter.

(Step S500-11)
The main CPU 300a determines whether or not the out detection switch is on, that is, whether the game ball has been discharged from the game area 116 and a detection signal has been input from the out detection switch 143s. As a result, if it is determined that the out detection switch on is detected, the process proceeds to step S500-13, and if it is determined that the out detection switch is not detected, the switch management process is ended.

(Step S500-13)
The main CPU 300a updates the counter value of the external information out counter to a value obtained by adding "1" to the current counter value, and ends the switch management process (step S500). The external information out counter is a counter for counting the game balls discharged from the game area 116. The external information out counter is stored in any one of the used areas (see FIG. 5) of the main RAM 300c.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating the gate passage process (step S510) in the main control board 300.

(Step S510-1)
The main CPU 300a loads the hit determination random number updated by the hardware random number generation unit.

(Step S510-3)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the counter value of the normal symbol holding sphere number counter is greater than or equal to the maximum value, that is, whether the counter value of the normal symbol holding sphere number counter is 4 or more. As a result, when it is determined that the counter value of the normal symbol holding sphere counter is greater than or equal to the maximum value, the gate passage process is terminated, and when it is determined that the normal symbol holding sphere number counter is not greater than or equal to the maximum value, The processing moves to step S510-5.

(Step S510-5)
The main CPU 300a updates the counter value of the normal symbol holding sphere number counter to a value obtained by adding "1" to the current counter value.

(Step S510-7)
The main CPU 300a calculates a target storage unit to which the acquired hit determination random number is to be saved, out of the four storage units in the universal figure reservation storage area.

(Step S510-9)
The main CPU 300a saves the hit determination random number acquired in step S510-1 in the target storage unit calculated in step S510-7.

(Step S510-11)
The main CPU 300a sets a universal figure hold designation command indicating the number of reserved universal figure stores stored in the universal figure hold storage area in the transmission buffer, and ends the gate passage process.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating the first starting opening passage process (step S520) in the main control board 300.

(Step S520-1)
The main CPU 300a sets "00H" as the special symbol identification value. In addition, the special symbol identification value is for identifying which one of the special 1 hold and the special 2 hold as the hold type, the special symbol identification value (00H) indicates the special 1 hold, and the special symbol identification value ( 01H) indicates special 2 reservation.

(Step S520-3)
The main CPU 300a sets the address of the special symbol 1 reserved sphere number counter.

(Step S535)
The main CPU 300a executes a special symbol random number acquisition process, and moves the process to step S520-5. It should be noted that this special symbol random number acquisition process is executed by using the same module as the second starting port passing process (step S530). Therefore, the details of the special symbol random number acquisition process will be described after the description of the second starting port passing process.

(Step S520-5)
The main CPU 300a updates the counter value of the external information starting opening counter to a value obtained by adding "1" to the current counter value, and ends the first starting opening passing process. The external information starting opening counter is a counter for counting the total number of game balls entered in the first starting opening 120 and the second starting opening 122. The external information starting opening counter is stored in any one of the usage areas (see FIG. 5) of the main RAM 300c. The external information starting opening counter is updated in step S520-5 and also in step S530-11 described below.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating the second starting opening passage process (step S530) in the main control board 300.

(Step S530-1)
The main CPU 300a sets "01H" as the special symbol identification value.

(Step S530-3)
The main CPU 300a sets the address of the special symbol 2 holding ball number counter.

(Step S535)
The main CPU 300a executes a special symbol random number acquisition process described later.

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

(Step S530-7)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the normal game management phase loaded in step S530-5 is "04H". In addition, "04H" of the normal game management phase indicates that the normal electric prize winning opening opening control process is being performed. In the normal electric prize winning opening opening control process, the normal electric prize solenoid 122c is energized to control the movable piece 122b of the second starting port 122 to the open state, so here, the second starting port 122 is used. Will be determined to be properly opened. As a result, if it is determined that the normal game management phase is not "04H", the process proceeds to step S530-11, and if it is determined that the normal game management phase is "04H", the process proceeds to step S530-9. Transfer.

(Step S530-9)
The main CPU 300a updates the counter value of the ordinary electric prize winning ball number counter to a value obtained by adding "1" to the current counter value, and shifts the processing to step S530-11.

(Step S530-11)
The main CPU 300a updates the counter value of the external information starting opening counter to a value obtained by adding "1" to the current counter value, and ends the second starting opening passing process.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating the special symbol random number acquisition process (step S535) in the main control board 300. This special symbol random number acquisition process is executed using a common module in the above-described first starting port passing process (step S520) and second starting port passing process (step S530).

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

(Step S535-3)
The main CPU 300a loads the number of target special symbol holding balls. Here, if the special symbol identification value loaded in step S535-1 is "00H", the counter value of the special symbol 1 holding sphere counter, that is, the special 1 holding number is loaded. If the special symbol identification value loaded in step S535-1 is "01H", the counter value of the special symbol 2 holding sphere number counter, that is, the special 2 holding number is loaded.

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

(Step S535-7)
The main CPU 300a determines whether or not the number of target special symbol holding balls loaded in step S535-3 is equal to or more than the upper limit value. As a result, if it is determined that the value is equal to or more than the upper limit value, the process proceeds to step S535-23, and if it is determined that it is not equal to or more than the upper limit value, the process proceeds to step S535-9.

(Step S535-9)
The main CPU 300a updates the counter value of the target special symbol holding ball number counter to a value obtained by adding "1" to the current counter value.

(Step S535-11)
The main CPU 300a calculates a target storage unit that is a target for saving the obtained jackpot determination random number among the storage units in the special figure reservation storage area.

(Step S535-13)
The main CPU 300a, the jackpot determination random number loaded in the step S535-5, the winning symbol random number updated in the step S400-13, the reach group determination random number, the reach mode determination random number, the fluctuation pattern updated in the step S200-11. The random number is acquired and stored in the target storage unit calculated in step S535-11.

(Step S535-15)
The main CPU 300a performs a special symbol holding ball winning order setting process for updating and storing the winning order of special 1 holding and special 2 holding stored in the special drawing holding storage area.

(Step S536)
The main CPU 300a executes the acquisition effect determination process based on the various random numbers stored in the target storage unit in step S535-13. The details of the acquisition effect determination process will be described later.

(Step S535-17)
The main CPU 300a loads the counter values of the special symbol 1 holding sphere number counter and the special symbol 2 holding sphere number counter.

(Step S535-19)
The main CPU 300a sets the special figure suspension designation command in the transmission buffer based on the counter value loaded in step S535-17. Here, set the special figure 1 hold designation command based on the counter value of the special symbol 1 hold sphere counter (special 1 hold number), based on the counter value of the special symbol 2 hold sphere counter (special 2 hold number) To set the special figure 2 hold designation command. Thus, each time the special 1 hold or the special 2 hold is stored, the special 1 hold number and the special 2 hold number are transmitted to the sub-control board 330.

(Step S535-21)
The main CPU 300a sets the special symbol winning order command corresponding to the winning order of the special 1 hold and the special 2 hold stored in step S535-15 in the transmission buffer.

(Step S535-23)
The main CPU 300a loads the normal game management phase.

(Step S535-25)
The main CPU 300a confirms the normal game management phase loaded in step S535-23, and is below the normal electric auditors prize opening opening control state (normal game management phase<
04H). As a result, if it is determined that the state is less than the normal electric prize winning opening opening control state, the process proceeds to step S535-27, and if it is determined that it is not under the normal electric prize winning opening opening control state, the special The symbol random number acquisition process ends.

(Step S535-27)
The main CPU 300a determines whether or not there is an abnormal winning at each starting opening, and when determining that there is an abnormal winning, executes the starting opening abnormal winning error processing that performs a predetermined process, and obtains the special symbol random number. The process (step S535) ends.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating the acquisition effect determination process (step S536) in the main control board 300.

(Step S536-1)
The main CPU 300a loads a special symbol probability state flag that identifies whether it is a high-probability game state or a low-probability game state, and determines whether it is a low-probability game state based on the loaded special symbol probability state flag. To do. As a result, if it is determined that the low probability game state, it moves the process to step S536-3, and if it is determined that it is not the low probability game state, the acquisition time effect determination process ends.

(Step S536-3)
The main CPU 300a selects one of the corresponding jackpot determination random number determination tables (see FIGS. 7A to 7F) based on the setting value being set. Then, the main CPU 300a performs a special symbol hit provisional determination process that provisionally determines either a jackpot or a loss based on the selected table and the jackpot determination random number stored in the target storage unit in step S535-13.

(Step S536-5)
The main CPU 300a executes a special symbol temporary determination process for temporarily determining the special symbol. Here, when the result of the temporary big hand lottery in step S536-3 (the result derived by the special symbol per provisional determination process) is a big hit, the winning symbol stored in the target storage unit in step S535-13 above. Random number, hold type is loaded, the corresponding winning symbol random number determination table (see FIG. 5) is selected to extract special symbol determination data, and the extracted special symbol determination data (type of jackpot symbol) is saved. If the result of the temporary big hand lottery in step S536-3 is loss, the special symbol determination data for loss (type of loss symbol) corresponding to the holding type is saved.

(Step S536-7)
The main CPU 300a sets a read-ahead symbol type designation command (pre-read designation command) corresponding to the special symbol determination data saved in step S536-5 in the transmission buffer.

(Step S536-9)
As will be described later in detail, the main CPU 300a identifies a random number identification range among the plurality of random number identification ranges in which the jackpot determination random number stored in the target storage unit in step S535-13 is included. Determine the range specification command.

(Step S536-11)
The main CPU 300a sets the random number identification range designation command (prefetching designation command) determined in step S536-9 in the transmission buffer.

(Step S536-13)
The main CPU 300a determines whether or not the result derived by the special symbol-winning temporary determination process in step S536-3 is a big hit. As a result, if it is determined that it is a big hit, the process proceeds to step S536-15, and if it is determined that it is not a big hit (it is a loss), the process proceeds to step S536-17.

(Step S536-15)
The main CPU 300a sets the special 1 jackpot reach mode determination random number determination table (see FIG. 11B) or the special jackpot reach mode determination random number determination table (see FIG. 11C) based on the holding type. Then, the process proceeds to step S536-25.

(Step S536-17)
The main CPU 300a loads the reach group determination random number stored in the target storage unit in step S535-13.

(Step S536-19)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the reach group determination random number loaded in step S536-17 is a fixed value (8500 or more). Here, the group type is determined by referring to the reach group determination random number determination table, and this reach group determination random number determination table is selected according to the stored number of reservations. At this time, the reach group determination random number is acquired from the range of 0 to 10006, and if the value of the reach group determination random number is 8500 or more, the same reach group determination random number determination table is selected regardless of the number of reservations, and the reach group determination random number determination table is selected. If the value of the group determination random number is less than 8500, a different reach group determination random number determination table is selected according to the number of reservations. In the following, among the reach group determination random numbers, a value in the range of 0 to 8499 in which a different reach group determination random number determination table is selected depending on the number of reservations is an indeterminate value, and the same reach group determination random number determination is performed regardless of the number of reservations. A value in the range of 8500 to 10006 for which the table is selected is called a fixed value. When it is determined that the reach group determination random number loaded in step S536-17 is a fixed value (8500 or more), the process proceeds to step S536-21, and the reach group determination random number loaded in step S536-17 is fixed. If it is determined that the value is not the value (8500 or more), the process proceeds to step S536-33.

(Step S536-21)
The main CPU 300a sets the corresponding reach group determination random number determination table (see FIG. 10) based on the counter value of the probability state identification counter and the holding type. A plurality of types of reach group determination random number determination tables are provided according to the number of reservations. Here, the table used when the number of reservations is 0 is selected. Then, the reach group (group type) is provisionally determined based on the set reach group determination random number determination table and the reach group determination random number stored in the target storage unit in step S535-13.

(Step S536-23)
The main CPU 300a sets the reach time determination mode determination random number determination table (see FIG. 11A) corresponding to the group type temporarily determined in step S536-21, and shifts the processing to step S536-21.

(Step S536-25)
The main CPU 300a determines the variation mode number based on the reach mode determination random number determination table set in step S536-15 or step S536-23 and the reach mode determination random number stored in the target storage unit in step S535-13. Is tentatively decided. Further, here, the variation pattern random number determination table is provisionally determined together with the variation mode number.

(Step S536-27)
The main CPU 300a sets, in the transmission buffer, a pre-reading designated fluctuation mode command (pre-reading designated command) corresponding to the fluctuation mode number provisionally determined in step S536-25.

(Step S536-29)
The main CPU 300a tentatively determines the fluctuation pattern number based on the fluctuation pattern random number determination table provisionally determined in step S536-25 and the fluctuation pattern random number stored in the target storage unit in step S535-13.

(Step S536-31)
The main CPU 300a sets the look-ahead designated fluctuation pattern command (pre-reading designated command) corresponding to the fluctuation pattern number tentatively determined in step S536-29 in the transmission buffer, and ends the acquisition effect determination process.

(Step S536-33)
The main CPU 300a, for the new hold stored in the target storage unit, an indefinite value command (prefetching) indicating that the group type, that is, the fluctuating effect pattern, changes according to the number of holds when the hold is read. The designated variation mode command and the prefetching designated variation pattern command=7FH) are set in the transmission buffer, and the acquisition effect determination process is ended.

As described above, according to the above-mentioned production effect determination process at the time of acquisition, when the stored hold is a hold to win the jackpot, and the stored hold is a hold that causes a loss, and the reach group is determined. When the random number is a fixed value, the pre-reading designated variation mode command and the pre-reading designated variation pattern command are transmitted to the sub-control board 330 as the pre-reading designation command. On the other hand, when the stored hold is a missed hold and the reach group determination random number is an indefinite value, an indefinite value command is transmitted to the sub-control board 330 as a prefetching designation command.

FIG. 30 is a diagram for explaining the special game management phase. As described above, in the present embodiment, the special game triggered by the entry of the game ball into the first starting port 120 or the second starting port 122, and the normal game triggered by the passage of the game ball into the gate 124. And proceed in parallel. The process related to the special game is executed stepwise and repeatedly, but the main control board 300 manages each process related to the special game in the special game management phase.

As shown in FIG. 30, the main ROM 300b stores a plurality of special game control modules for controlling execution of special games, and a special game management phase is associated with each of these special game control modules. .. Specifically, when the special game management phase is "00H", the module for executing the "special symbol variation waiting process" is called, and when the special game management phase is "01H", The module for executing the “special symbol changing process” is called, and when the special game management phase is “02H”, the module for executing the “special symbol stop symbol display process” is called and the special When the game management phase is "03H", the module for executing the "special winning opening pre-processing" is called, and when the special game management phase is "04H", "large winning opening opening" When the module for executing "control processing" is called and the special game management phase is "05H", the module for executing "special winning hole closing valid processing" is called and the special game management phase is In the case of "06H", the module for executing the "special winning opening end wait process" is called.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating the special game management process (step S600) in the main control board 300.

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

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

(Step S600-5)
The main CPU 300a calls the special game control module selected in step S600-3 to start the processing.

(Step S600-7)
The main CPU 300a loads the special game timer that manages the control time of the special game, and ends the special game management process.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating a special symbol variation waiting process in the main control board 300. This special symbol variation waiting process is executed when the special game management phase is "00H".

(Step S610-1)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the counter value of the special symbol 2 holding sphere number counter, that is, the special 2 holding number (X2) is “1” or more. As a result, if it is determined that the special 2 reservation number (X2) is “1” or more, the process moves to step S610-7, and it is determined that the special 2 reservation number (X2) is not “1” or more. The process proceeds to step S610-3.

(Step S610-3)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the counter value of the special symbol 1 holding sphere number counter, that is, the special 1 holding number (X1) is “1” or more. As a result, when it is determined that the special 1 reserved number (X1) is “1” or more, the processing is moved to step S610-7, and when it is determined that the special 1 reserved number (X1) is not “1” or more. The process proceeds to step S610-5.

(Step S610-5)
The main CPU 300a sets a customer waiting command in the transmission buffer, executes customer waiting setting processing for setting the customer waiting state, and ends the special symbol variation waiting processing.

(Step S610-7)
The main CPU 300a stores the special 2 reservation stored in the first to fourth storage sections of the second special figure reservation storage area or the first to fourth storage sections of the first special figure reservation storage area. The stored special 1 hold is block-transferred to the storage unit having a small ordinal number. Specifically, when it is determined in step S610-1 that the number of special symbol 2 holding balls is "1" or more, the second to fourth storage units of the second special figure holding storage area are stored. The stored special 2 hold is transferred to the first storage unit to the third storage unit. Further, the main RAM 300c is provided with a 0th storage unit to be processed, and the special 2 hold stored in the first storage unit is block-transferred to the 0th storage unit. In addition, in the above step S610-3, when it is determined that the special symbol 1 holding sphere number is "1" or more, it is stored in the second storage unit to the fourth storage unit of the first special figure holding storage area. The reserved special 1 reservation is transferred to the first storage unit to the third storage unit, and the special 1 reservation stored in the first storage unit is block-transferred to the zero storage unit. In this special symbol storage area shift process, the counter value of the target special symbol holding sphere counter corresponding to the holding type transferred to the 0th storage unit is decremented by "1", and special 1 or special 2 is held. Sets a hold reduction designation command in the transmission buffer, which indicates that "1" has been subtracted.

(Step S610-9)
The main CPU 300a loads a jackpot determination random number transferred to the 0th storage unit, a holding type, a special symbol probability state flag for identifying whether it is a high-probability game state or a low-probability game state, and a corresponding jackpot determination random number. The determination table is selected to perform a major winning lottery, and a special symbol hit determination process of storing the lottery result is executed.

(Step S610-11)
The main CPU 300a executes a special symbol determination process for determining a special symbol. Here, in the case where the big winning lottery result of step S610-9 is a big hit, the winning symbol random number and the holding type transferred to the 0th storage unit are loaded, and the corresponding winning symbol random number determination table is selected. Special symbol determination data is extracted, and the extracted special symbol determination data (class of jackpot symbol) is saved. If the result of lottery in the step S610-9 is loss, the special symbol determination data for loss (type of loss symbol) corresponding to the holding type is saved. In this way, when the special symbol determination data is saved, the symbol type designation command corresponding to the special symbol determination data is set in the transmission buffer.

(Step S610-13)
The main CPU 300a saves the special symbol stop symbol number corresponding to the special symbol determination data extracted in step S610-11. The first special symbol display device 160 and the second special symbol display device 162 are each configured by 7 segments, and a number (counter value) is associated with each segment that configures 7 segments. The special symbol stop symbol number determined here indicates the number (counter value) of the segment that is finally turned on.

(Step S611)
The main CPU 300a executes a special symbol variation number determination process for determining the variation mode number and the variation pattern number. Details of this special symbol variation number determination processing will be described later.

(Step S610-15)
The main CPU 300a loads the variation mode number and variation pattern number determined in step S611, and refers to the variation time determination table to determine variation time 1 and variation time 2. Then, the total time of the determined fluctuation times 1 and 2 is set in the special symbol fluctuation timer.

(Step S610-17)
The main CPU 300a determines whether or not the winning combination lottery result in step S610-9 is a jackpot, and if it is a jackpot, loads the special symbol determination data saved in the step S610-11 to win the jackpot. Check the type of symbol. Then, by referring to the game state setting table, the game state set after the end of the major game is determined, and the determination result is saved in the special symbol probability state preliminary flag. Further, here, the game state set at the time of jackpot winning is stored.

(Step S610-19)
The main CPU 300a, in the first special symbol display 160 or the second special symbol display 162, in order to start the variable display of the special symbol, to execute the process of setting the special symbol display symbol counter. A counter value is associated with each of the 7-segment segments forming the first special symbol display device 160 and the second special symbol display device 162, and the segment corresponding to the counter value set in the special symbol display symbol counter is Lighting is controlled. Here, the counter value corresponding to the segment to be turned on at the start of variable display of the special symbol will be set in the special symbol display symbol counter. The special symbol display symbol counter, the special symbol 1 display symbol counter corresponding to the first special symbol display device 160, and the special symbol 2 display symbol counter corresponding to the second special symbol display device 162 are provided separately. Therefore, here, the counter value is set to the counter corresponding to the hold type.

(Step S610-21)
The main CPU 300a loads the counter values of the special symbol 1 holding sphere number counter and the special symbol 2 holding sphere number counter, and sets the special symbol holding designation command in the transmission buffer. Here, set the special figure 1 hold designation command based on the counter value of the special symbol 1 hold sphere counter (special 1 hold number), based on the counter value of the special symbol 2 hold sphere counter (special 2 hold number) To set the special figure 2 hold designation command. In addition, here, the special symbol winning order command corresponding to the winning order of special 1 hold and special 2 hold stored in step S610-7 is set in the transmission buffer. As a result, every time the special 1 hold or the special 2 hold is exhausted, the special 1 hold number, the special 2 hold number, and the winning order of each of these holds are transmitted to the sub-control board 330.

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

FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating a special symbol variation number determination process in the main control board 300.

(Step S612-1)
The main CPU 300a determines whether or not the result of the winning combination lottery in step S610-9 is a big hit. As a result, if it is determined that it is a big hit, the process is moved to step S612-3, and if it is determined that it is not a big hit (is lost), the process is moved to step S612-5.

(Step S612-3)
The main CPU 300a sets a jackpot reach mode determination random number determination table corresponding to the current fluctuation state, the jackpot symbol type, and the hold type.

(Step S612-5)
The main CPU 300a, when the read-out hold type is the special 2 hold, confirms the counter value of the special symbol 2 hold sphere counter, and when the read hold type is the special 1 hold, Check the counter value of the special symbol 1 holding ball number counter.

(Step S612-7)
The main CPU 300a sets a corresponding reach group determination random number determination table on the basis of the current fluctuation state, the number of reservations confirmed in step S612-5, and the reservation type. Then, the reach group (group type) is determined based on the set reach group determination random number determination table and the reach group determination random number transferred to the 0th storage unit in step S610-7.

(Step S612-9)
The main CPU 300a sets the reach time determination random number determination table for loss corresponding to the group type determined in step S612-7.

(Step S612-11)
The main CPU 300a determines the variation mode based on the reach mode determination random number determination table set in step S612-3 or step S612-9 and the reach mode determination random number transferred to the 0th storage unit in step S610-7. Determine the number. Further, here, the variation pattern random number determination table is determined together with the variation mode number.

(Step S612-13)
The main CPU 300a sets the fluctuation mode command corresponding to the fluctuation mode number determined in step S612-11 in the transmission buffer.

(Step S612-15)
The main CPU 300a determines the variation pattern number based on the variation pattern random number determination table determined in step S612-11 and the variation pattern random number transferred to the 0th storage unit in step S610-7.

(Step S612-17)
The main CPU 300a sets the variation pattern command corresponding to the variation pattern number determined in step S612-15 in the transmission buffer, and ends the special symbol variation number determination process.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart for explaining the special symbol changing process in the main control board 300. This special symbol changing process is executed when the special game management phase is "01H".

(Step S620-1)
The main CPU 300a executes a process of updating the special symbol variation base counter. The special symbol variation base counter is set to have a counter value such that it makes one round in a predetermined cycle (for example, 100 ms). Specifically, when the counter value of the special symbol variation base counter is "0", a predetermined counter value (for example, 25) is set, and when the counter value is "1" or more, The counter value is updated to a value obtained by subtracting "1" from the current counter value.

(Step S620-3)
The main CPU 300a determines whether or not the counter value of the special symbol variation base counter updated in step S620-1 is "0". As a result, if the counter value is "0", the process proceeds to step S620-5, and if the counter value is not "0", the process proceeds to step S620-9.

(Step S620-5)
The main CPU 300a performs a special symbol variation timer updating process of subtracting a predetermined value from the timer value of the special symbol variation timer set in step S610-15.

(Step S620-7)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the timer value of the special symbol variation timer updated in step S620-5 is "0". As a result, if the timer value is "0", the process proceeds to step S620-15, and if the timer value is not "0", the process proceeds to step S620-9.

(Step S620-9)
The main CPU 300a updates the special symbol display timer that measures the lighting time of each of the 7-segment segments that form the first special symbol display 160 and the second special symbol display 162. Specifically, when the timer value of the special symbol display timer is "0", a predetermined timer value is set, and when the timer value is "1" or more, from the current timer value The timer value is updated to the value obtained by subtracting "1".

(Step S620-11)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the timer value of the special symbol display timer is "0". As a result, when it is determined that the timer value of the special symbol display timer is “0”, the processing is moved to step S620-13, and when it is determined that the timer value of the special symbol display timer is not “0”, The special symbol changing process is ended.

(Step S620-13)
The main CPU 300a updates the counter value of the special symbol display symbol counter to be updated. As a result, the respective segments forming 7-segment are sequentially turned on at predetermined intervals.

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

(Step S620-17)
The main CPU 300a saves the special symbol stop symbol number (counter value) determined in step S610-13 in the target special symbol display symbol counter. Thereby, the first special symbol display 160 or the second special symbol display 162, the determined special symbol will be stopped and displayed.

(Step S620-19)
The main CPU 300a sets a special symbol stop designation command indicating that the special symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 160 or the second special symbol display 162 in the transmission buffer.

(Step S620-21)
The main CPU 300a sets the special symbol variation stop time, which is the time to stop and display the special symbol, in the special game timer, and ends the special symbol variation process.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart for explaining the special symbol stop symbol display processing in the main control board 300. This special symbol stop symbol display process is executed when the special game management phase is "02H".

(Step S630-1)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the timer value of the special game timer set in step S620-21 is "0". As a result, when it is determined that the timer value of the special game timer is not "0", the special symbol stop symbol display processing is ended, and when it is determined that the timer value of the special game timer is "0" The processing moves to step S630-3.

(Step S630-3)
The main CPU 300a confirms the result of the large-lot lottery.

(Step S630-5)
The main CPU 300a determines whether or not the result of the winning combination lottery is a big hit. As a result, if it is determined that it is a big hit, the process proceeds to step S630-17, and if it is determined that it is not a big hit, the process proceeds to step S630-9.

(Step S630-9)
The main CPU 300a executes variable state update processing for updating the variable state.

(Step S630-11)
The main CPU 300a sets a special state finalized game state confirmation designation command indicating the game state when the special symbol is finalized in the transmission buffer.

(Step S630-15)
The main CPU 300a updates the special game management phase to "00H", and ends the special symbol stop symbol display processing. As a result, the special game management process based on the hold of 1 ends, and if the special 1 hold or the special 2 hold is stored, the process for starting the variable display of the special symbol based on the next hold is performed. Will be seen.

(Step S630-17)
The main CPU 300a sets the data of the special electric auditors product operating ram set table according to the determined special symbol type.

(Step S630-19)
The main CPU 300a performs a special electric auditors product maximum actuation number setting process. Specifically, referring to the data set in step S630-17, the special electric auditors product maximum operation number counter is set to a predetermined number (counter value corresponding to the type of special symbol=number of rounds) as a counter value. .. It should be noted that this special electric auditors product maximum actuation number counter indicates the number of rounds that can be executed in the major role game to be started. On the other hand, in the main RAM 300c, a special electric auditors product continuous operation number counter is provided, and at the start of each round game, by adding "1" to the counter value of the special electric auditors product continuous operation number counter, the current The number of round games is managed. Here, with the start of the big role game, a process of resetting (updating to "0") the counter value of this special electric auditors product continuous operation number counter is also executed.

(Step S630-21)
The main CPU 300a refers to the data set in step S630-17, and saves a predetermined opening time as a timer value in the special game timer.

(Step S630-23)
The main CPU 300a sets, in the transmission buffer, an opening designation command for transmitting the start of the major game to the sub control board 330.

(Step S630-25)
The main CPU 300a updates the special game management phase to "03H", and ends the special symbol stop symbol display processing. As a result, a major game is started.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart illustrating the special winning opening opening pre-processing in the main control board 300. This special winning opening opening pre-processing is executed when the special game management phase is "03H".

(Step S640-1)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the timer value of the special game timer set in step S630-21 is "0". As a result, when it is determined that the timer value of the special game timer is not "0", the special winning opening preprocessing is ended, and when it is determined that the timer value of the special game timer is "0". The processing moves to step S640-3.

(Step S640-3)
The main CPU 300a updates the counter value of the special electric auditors product continuous operation counter to a value obtained by adding "1" to the current counter value.

(Step S640-5)
The main CPU 300a sets a special winning opening opening designation command for transmitting the opening start of the special winning opening 128 (start of the round game) to the sub control board 330 in the transmission buffer.

(Step S641)
The main CPU 300a executes a special winning opening opening/closing switching process. The special winning opening opening/closing switching process will be described later.

(Step S640-7)
The main CPU 300a updates the special game management phase to "04H", and ends the special winning opening opening preprocessing.

FIG. 37 is a flow chart for explaining a special winning opening opening/closing switching process in the main control board 300.

(Step S641-1)
The main CPU 300a determines whether or not the counter value of the special electric auditors product opening/closing switching number counter is the upper limit value of the special electric auditors product opening/closing switching number (opening/closing number of the special winning opening 128 during one round game). As a result, if it is determined that the counter value is the upper limit value, the special winning opening opening/closing switching process is ended, and if it is determined that the counter value is not the upper limit value, the process proceeds to step S641-3.

(Step S641-3)
The main CPU 300a refers to the data of the special electric auditors product operating ram set table, and based on the counter value of the special electric auditors product opening/closing switching counter, solenoid control data for energizing the special winning opening solenoid 128c, and The timer data that is the energization time or the energization stop time of the special winning opening solenoid 128c is extracted.

(Step S641-5)
Based on the solenoid control data extracted in step S641-3, the main CPU 300a starts energization of the special winning opening solenoid 128c or energizes the special winning opening solenoid 128c for stopping energization of the special winning opening solenoid 128c. Perform control processing. By executing the special winning opening solenoid energization control process, in step S400-25 and step S400-27, the start or stop of energization of the special winning opening solenoid 128c is controlled.

(Step S641-7)
The main CPU 300a saves the timer value based on the timer data extracted in step S641-3 in the special game timer. The timer value saved in the special game timer here is the maximum opening time of the special winning opening 128 once.

(Step S641-9)
The main CPU 300a determines whether or not the special winning opening solenoid 128c has been energized, that is, whether or not the control process for starting energization of the special winning opening solenoid 128c has been performed in step S641-5. As a result, if it is determined that the energization is started, the process proceeds to step S641-11, and if it is determined that the energization is not started, the special winning opening opening/closing switching process is ended.

(Step S641-11)
The main CPU 300a updates the counter value of the special electric auditors opening/closing switching number counter to a value obtained by adding "1" to the current counter value, and ends the special winning opening opening/closing switching process.

FIG. 38 is a flowchart for explaining a special winning opening opening control process in the main control board 300. This special winning opening opening control processing is executed when the special game management phase is "04H".

(Step S650-1)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the timer value of the special game timer saved in step S641-7 is "0". As a result, when it is determined that the timer value of the special game timer is not "0", the processing is moved to step S650-5, and when it is determined that the timer value of the special game timer is "0", step S650. The process is moved to -3.

(Step S650-3)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the counter value of the special electric auditors product opening/closing switching number counter is the upper limit value of the special electric auditors product opening/closing switching number. As a result, if it is determined that the counter value is the upper limit value, the process proceeds to step S650-7, and if it is determined that the counter value is not the upper limit value, the process proceeds to step S641.

(Step S641)
When determining in step S650-3 that the counter value of the special electric auditors product opening/closing switching number counter is not the upper limit value of the special electric auditors product opening/closing switching number, the main CPU 300a executes the process of step S641. To do.

(Step S650-5)
The main CPU 300a determines whether or not the count value of the special winning opening winning ball number counter updated in step S500-9 has reached a prescribed number, that is, the maximum winning opening 128 is set to the maximum possible winning number in one round. It is determined whether the same number of game balls have entered. As a result, when it is determined that the specified number has not been reached, the special winning opening opening control processing is ended, and when it is determined that the specified number has been reached, the special winning opening winning ball counter is returned to 0. (Initializing) the process proceeds to step S650-7.

(Step S650-7)
The main CPU 300a executes the special winning opening closing process required to close the special winning opening 128 by stopping the energization of the special winning opening solenoid 128c. As a result, the special winning opening 128 is closed.

(Step S650-9)
The main CPU 300a saves the special winning opening closing effective time (interval time) in the special game timer.

(Step S650-11)
The main CPU 300a updates the special game management phase to "05H".

(Step S650-13)
The main CPU 300a sets a special winning opening closing designation command indicating that the special winning opening 128 has been closed in the transmission buffer, and ends the special winning opening opening control process.

FIG. 39 is a flowchart for explaining the special winning opening closing valid process in the main control board 300. This special winning opening closing valid process is executed when the special game management phase is "05H".

(Step S660-1)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the timer value of the special game timer saved in step S650-9 is "0". As a result, when it is determined that the timer value of the special game timer is not "0", the special winning opening closing valid process is ended, and when it is determined that the timer value of the special game timer is "0", the step is performed. The processing moves to S660-3.

(Step S660-3)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the counter value of the special electric auditors product continuous operation number counter matches the counter value of the special electric auditors product maximum operation number counter, that is, whether the round game of a preset number of times has ended. .. As a result, if it is determined that the counter value of the special electric auditors product continuous operation number counter matches the counter value of the special electric auditors product maximum operation number counter, the process proceeds to step S660-9, and it is determined that they do not match. If so, the process proceeds to step S660-5.

(Step S660-5)
The main CPU 300a updates the special game management phase to "03H".

(Step S660-7)
The main CPU 300a saves a predetermined special winning opening closing time in the special game timer, and ends the special winning opening closing valid process. As a result, the next round game will be started.

(Step S660-9)
The main CPU 300a executes an ending time setting process for saving the ending time in the special game timer.

(Step S660-11)
The main CPU 300a updates the special game management phase to "06H".

(Step S660-13)
The main CPU 300a sets an ending designation command indicating the start of ending in the transmission buffer, and ends the special winning opening closing valid process.

FIG. 40 is a flow chart for explaining a special winning opening end weight process in the main control board 300. This special winning opening end wait process is executed when the special game management phase is "06H".

(Step S670-1)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the timer value of the special game timer saved in step S660-9 is "0". As a result, when it is determined that the timer value of the special game timer is not "0", the special winning opening end weight process is ended, and when it is determined that the timer value of the special game timer is "0". The processing moves to step S670-3.

(Step S670-3)
The main CPU 300a executes a state setting process for setting the game state after the major game is finished. Here, based on the jackpot pattern that has triggered the execution of the big role game, the game state after the big role game is set. Specifically, the main CPU 300a, when the jackpot symbol that triggered the execution of a big role game is a special symbol B to D, the high probability game state and the time saving game state are set (special symbol probability state flag and normal symbol). Set "1" to the time saving state flag). The special symbol probability state flag identifies whether the gaming state is a low-probability gaming state ("0") or a high-probability gaming state ("1") depending on the set value ("0" or "1"). It is a flag for doing. Further, the normal symbol time saving state flag, whether the game state is a non-time saving game state ("0") or a time saving game state ("1") depending on the set value ("0" or "1") This is a flag for identifying. The special symbol probability state flag and the normal symbol time saving state flag are stored in a predetermined storage area of the main RAM 300c, for example. Also, if the jackpot symbol that triggered the execution of the big role game is the special symbol A, it is set to the low-probability game state and the non-time saving game state (the special symbol probability state flag is "0" and the normal symbol time-saving state flag). Is set to "0").

(Step S670-5)
The main CPU 300a sets in the transmission buffer a command state change designation command after big role for transmitting the game state set after the end of the big role game.

(Step S670-7)
The main CPU 300a updates the special game management phase to "00H", and ends the special winning opening end weight process. Thereby, when the special 1 hold or the special 2 hold is stored, the variable display of the special symbol is restarted.

(Normal game)
As described above, in the present embodiment, the process related to the normal game triggered by the passage of the game ball to the gate 124 is executed stepwise and repeatedly, but in the main control board 300, such a normal game is performed. Each process related to is managed by the normal game management phase.

The main ROM 300b stores a plurality of normal game control modules for controlling execution of normal games, and a normal game management phase is associated with each of these normal game control modules. Specifically, when the normal game management phase is "00H", the module for executing the "normal symbol variation waiting process" is called, and when the normal game management phase is "01H", The module for executing "ordinary symbol changing process" is called, and when the normal game management phase is "02H", the module for executing "ordinary symbol stop symbol display process" is called, normally If the game management phase is "03H", the module for executing "normal electric auditors prize opening opening preprocessing" is called, and if the normal game management phase is "04H", "normal" The module for executing the "electrical accessory winning hole opening control processing" is called, and when the normal game management phase is "05H", the module for executing "normal electric prize winning opening closing effective processing" Is called, and when the normal game management phase is "06H", the module for executing "normal electric auditors prize winning port end weight processing" is called.

Here, each process of the normal game control module will be described. In the present embodiment, in the normal game management process on the main control board 300, the main CPU 300a loads the normal game management phase and selects the normal game control module corresponding to the loaded normal game management phase.

In the normal game management process in the main control board 300, the main CPU 300a loads "00H" as the normal game management phase and selects the normal symbol variation wait process as the normal game control module, and the normal symbol suspension is "0". Determine whether. When the main CPU 300a determines that the universal symbol hold is "0", it ends the normal symbol variation waiting process. On the other hand, when the main CPU 300a determines that the universal figure hold is not “0”, the ordinary figure lottery is performed for the universal figure lottery (random number for determination of random number) stored in the first storage unit of the universal figure hold storage area. Hit determination process, corresponding to the result of the general drawing lottery, the normal symbol stop symbol number setting process indicating whether or not to turn on the normal symbol display device 168 finally, the normal symbol variation time is determined to determine the normal symbol variation time Processing, the normal symbol display symbol counter setting process to start the variable display of the normal symbol, the normal symbol designation command based on the symbol type (hit symbol or lost symbol) determined by the normal symbol hit determination process to the transmission buffer Executes setting processing. Further, the main CPU300a updates the normal game management phase to "01H", and ends the normal symbol variation waiting process.

In the normal figure game management process in the main control board 300, the main CPU 300a loads "01H" as the normal game management phase and selects the normal symbol changing process as the normal game control module, and the timer value of the normal game timer is " It is determined whether it is "0". When the main CPU 300a determines that the timer value of the normal game timer is not “0”, the normal symbol display symbol 168 is repeatedly turned on and off, so that the counter value of the normal symbol display symbol counter (the normal symbol indicator 168 is turned off). Alternatively, the update setting process of the counter value indicating lighting) is executed, and the normal symbol variation waiting process is ended. The normal symbol display symbol counter is updated and set to a counter value indicating that it is turned off and a counter value indicating that it is illuminated, so that the normal symbol display 168 repeats lighting and extinguishing at regular time intervals over the normal symbol variation time. (Flashes).

On the other hand, when the main CPU 300a determines that the timer value of the normal game timer is "0", the normal symbol display symbol counter, the normal symbol stop symbol number (counter value) determined in the normal symbol display waiting process Save. As a result, the result of the universal drawing lottery is notified. Further, the main CPU 300a, such as the setting process of the normal symbol fluctuation stop time which is the time to stop and display the normal symbol, the setting process to the transmission buffer of the normal symbol stop designation command indicating that the normal symbol stop display is started, and the like. Executed, further update the normal game management phase to "02H", and ends the normal symbol changing process.

In the normal figure game management process in the main control board 300, the main CPU 300a loads "02H" as the normal game management phase and selects the normal symbol stop symbol display process as the normal game control module, and the timer value of the normal game timer is It is determined whether it is "0". When determining that the timer value of the normal game timer is not "0", the main CPU 300a ends the normal symbol stop symbol display processing.

On the other hand, when the main CPU 300a determines that the timer value of the normal game timer is “0” and the result of the universal drawing lottery is not hit (missing), the normal game management phase is set to “00H”. After updating, the normal symbol stop symbol display process is terminated. In addition, when the main CPU 300a determines that the timer value of the normal game timer is "0" and the result of the ordinary drawing lottery is a hit, the pre-release opening time is saved as the timer value of the normal game timer. While doing, the normal game management phase is updated to "03H" and the normal symbol stop symbol display processing is ended. As a result, the opening/closing control of the second starting port 122 is started.

In the universal figure game management processing in the main control board 300, the main CPU 300a loads "03H" as the normal game management phase and selects the normal electric auditors prize opening opening pre-processing as the normal game control module, and the normal game timer It is determined whether the timer value is "0". When determining that the timer value of the normal game timer is not "0", the main CPU 300a ends the normal electric prize winning opening pre-processing.

On the other hand, when the main CPU 300a determines that the timer value of the normal game timer is "0", the main CPU 300a executes the normal electric prize winning part opening/closing switching process. In the normal electric prize winning part opening/closing switching process, the main CPU 300a determines that the count value of the normal electric winning part opening/closing switching counter is the number of times the normal electric winning part opening/closing switching (moving the second starting port 122 during one opening/closing control). When it is determined that it is the upper limit value of the number of times of opening/closing of the piece 122a), the normal electric prize winning part opening/closing switching process ends. On the other hand, when the main CPU 300a determines that the count value of the normal electric auditors product opening/closing switching number counter is not the upper limit value of the normal electric auditors product opening/closing switching number, it starts normal energization or stops energization of the normal electric auditors product solenoid 122c. The electric accessory solenoid energization control process is executed. By executing this ordinary electric accessory solenoid energization control process, the energization start or the energization stop of the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 122c is controlled.

The main CPU 300a saves the timer value, which is the maximum opening time of the second starting port 122 once, in the normal game timer based on the counter value of the normal electric auditors product opening/closing switching number counter. When the main CPU 300a determines that the energization start control process for the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 122c is executed in the above-described ordinary electric accessory solenoid energization control process, the main CPU 300a sets the counter value of the ordinary electric accessory open/close switching counter to the current counter value. Is updated to a value obtained by adding "1" to the normal electric accessory winning port opening/closing switching processing. On the other hand, when the main CPU 300a determines that the energization start control process of the ordinary electric auditors product solenoid 122c is not executed, the ordinary electric auditors prize opening/closing operation is performed without updating the counter value of the ordinary electric auditors opening/closing switching number counter. The switching process ends.

The main CPU 300a ends the normal electric prize winning opening opening/closing switching process, updates the normal game management phase to "04H", and ends the normal electric winning combination winning opening preprocessing.

In the universal game management processing in the main control board 300, the main CPU 300a loads "04H" as the normal game management phase and selects the normal electric prize winning opening control processing as the normal game control module, and the normal electric prize It is determined whether or not the timer value of the normal game timer saved in the prize opening/closing switching process is "0". When determining that the timer value of the normal game timer is "0", the main CPU 300a determines whether the counter value of the normal electric auditors product opening/closing switching number counter is the upper limit value of the normal electric auditors product opening/closing switching number. When the main CPU 300a determines that the counter value of the normal electric auditors product opening/closing switching number counter is the upper limit value, the main CPU 300a executes a normal electric auditors product closing process described later. Further, when the main CPU 300a determines that the counter value is not the upper limit value, the main CPU 300a executes the normal electric prize winning/opening/closing switching process.

On the other hand, when the main CPU 300a determines that the timer value of the normal game timer saved in the normal electric prize winning prize opening/closing switching process is not "0", the normal electric prize winning process updated in the second starting opening passing process described above is performed. It is determined whether or not the counter value of the ball number counter has reached a prescribed number and the same number of game balls as the maximum possible winning number in one opening/closing control has entered the second starting opening 122. When the main CPU 300a determines that the number of entered balls has not reached the specified number, the main CPU 300a ends the normal electric prize winning opening control process. On the other hand, when the main CPU 300a determines that the number of balls entered has reached the specified number, the main CPU 300a stops energization of the normal electric auditors product solenoid 122c in order to close the second starting opening 122. The object closing process is executed, the normal electric power valid state time is saved in the normal game timer, the normal game management phase is updated to "05H", and the normal electric prize winning opening opening control process is ended.

In the universal game management processing on the main control board 300, the main CPU 300a loads "05H" as the normal game management phase and selects the normal electric prize winning opening closing effective processing as the normal game control module, and the above-described normal electric operation is performed. It is determined whether or not the timer value of the normal game timer saved in the accessory winning opening opening control process is "0". When determining that the timer value of the normal game timer is not "0", the main CPU 300a ends the normal electric prize winning part closing valid process.

On the other hand, when the main CPU 300a determines that the timer value of the normal game timer is "0", the normal game end wait time is saved in the normal game timer, the normal game management phase is updated to "06H", and the normal electric motor is operated. The processing for validating the closing of the prize winning prize ends.

In the universal game management process in the main control board 300, the main CPU 300a loads "06H" as the normal game management phase and selects the normal electric prize winning end finish weight process as the normal game control module, and the above-described normal electric motor It is determined whether or not the timer value of the normal game timer saved in the accessory winning opening closing valid process is "0". When determining that the timer value of the normal game timer is not "0", the main CPU 300a ends the normal electric prize winning part end weight process.

On the other hand, when determining that the timer value of the normal game timer is "0", the main CPU 300a updates the normal game management phase to "00H" and ends the normal electric auditors prize winning port end weight process. As a result, when the universal figure hold is stored, the variable display of the ordinary symbols is restarted.

(External information management process)
FIG. 41 is a flowchart illustrating an example of external information management processing in the main control board 300. The gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment is configured to be able to output a plurality of types of external information signals from the external information output terminal board 312. The main CPU 300a of the main control board 300 can control the output of the external information signal from the external information output terminal board 312 by executing this external information management process.

Here, the external information signal “starting mouth information” regarding the entry of the game ball into the starting opening (the first starting opening 120, the second starting opening 122) and the external signal regarding the discharge of the playing ball from the game area 116 “ The output control of "out information" will be described, and the detailed description of the output control of other external information signals will be omitted.

As described above, when the game ball enters the first starting opening 120 or the second starting opening 122 and the detection signal is input from the first starting opening detection switch 120s or the second starting opening detection switch 122s, the main CPU 300a. Adds 1 to the counter value of the external information starting opening counter in steps S520-5 and S530-11. When the game ball is discharged from the game area 116 and the detection signal is input from the out detection switch 143s, the main CPU 300a increments the counter value of the external information out counter by 1 in step S500-13.

Then, the main CPU 300a detects when a game ball enters the first starting opening 120 or the second starting opening 122 and a detection signal is input from the first starting opening detection switch 120s or the second starting opening detection switch 122s. Every time a signal is input, that is, every time one game ball enters the first starting opening 120 and the second starting opening 122 (the counter value of the starting opening counter for external information is incremented by 1) , Outputs an external signal indicating that the game ball has entered the starting port.

Further, when the game ball is ejected from the game area 116 and the detection signal is input from the out detection switch 136s, the main CPU 300a receives the detection signal every 10 times, that is, the game ball 10 from the game area 116. Every time the ball is discharged (the counter value of the external information out counter reaches “10”), an external signal indicating that the game ball has been discharged from the game area 116 is output.

In the external information management processing in the gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment, regarding the entry of the game ball into the starting opening (the first starting opening 120, the second starting opening 122) and the discharge of the gaming ball from the gaming area 116, Output control of external signals is performed using the common module (S810).

(Step S800-1)
The main CPU 300a sets "0" as an initial value in the output data for external information for controlling the output of the external information signal at each output terminal of the external information output terminal board 312. The output data for external information is composed of bits corresponding to a plurality of external information signals (see FIG. 6). Each output terminal of the external information output terminal board 312 does not output the external output signal when the bit of the corresponding external output signal is set to "0", and the bit is set to "1". If so, the external output signal is output to an external device.

(Step S800-3)
The main CPU 300a sets the address of the external information starting opening timer in the use area (see FIG. 5) of the main RAM 300c in the internal register.

(Step S800-5)
The main CPU 300a sets the address of the external information starting opening counter in the usage area of the main RAM 300c in the internal register.

(Step S800-7)
The main CPU 300a sets an external information starting opening counter comparison value (“1”) stored in the main ROM 300b in advance in an internal register.

(Step S810)
The main CPU 300a, based on the external information starting opening timer address, the external information starting opening counter address, and the external information starting opening counter comparison value set in steps S800-3 to S800-7, Execute the external information output confirmation process. The external information output confirmation processing will be described in detail later.

(Step S800-9)
The main CPU 300a determines whether or not the carry flag indicating whether or not to output the external information signal regarding the game ball is 1. When determining that the carry flag is 1, the main CPU 300a shifts the processing to step S800-13. On the other hand, if the main CPU 300a determines that the carry flag is not 1, it moves the process to step S800-11. In the gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment, the main CPU 300a of the main control board 300 outputs external information (here, the external information signal "starting mouth information") about the game ball when the carry flag is 0, to the external information output terminal board 312. When the carry flag is 1 (when it is not 0), the external information regarding the game ball (here, the external information signal "starting mouth information") is controlled not to be output from the external information output terminal board 312. I do.

(Step S800-11)
Of the output data for external information, the main CPU 300a sets 1 to the bit (starting opening bit) corresponding to the external information signal "starting opening information" indicating the entry of the game ball into the starting opening.

(Step S800-13)
The main CPU 300a sets the address of the external information out timer in the use area (see FIG. 5) of the main RAM 300c in the internal register.

(Step S800-15)
The main CPU 300a sets the address of the external information out counter in the use area of the main RAM 300c in the internal register.

(Step S800-17)
The main CPU 300a sets an external information out counter comparison value (“10”) stored in advance in the main ROM 300b in an internal register.

(Step S810)
The main CPU 300a outputs external information based on the address of the external information out timer, the address of the external information out counter, and the external information out counter comparison value set in steps S800-13 to S800-17. Perform confirmation processing.

(Step S800-19)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the carry flag is 1. When determining that the carry flag is 1, the main CPU 300a moves the process to step S800-23. On the other hand, when determining that the carry flag is not 1, the main CPU 300a moves the process to step S800-21. In the gaming machine 100, when the carry flag is 0, the main CPU 300a of the main control board 300 causes the external information output terminal board 312 to output the external information signal “out information” indicating the discharge of the game ball from the game area 116. When the carry flag is 1, control is performed so that the external information signal “out information” is not output from the external information output terminal board 312.

(Step S800-21)
The main CPU 300a sets 1 to the bit (out bit) corresponding to the external information signal “out information” indicating the discharge of the game ball from the game area 116 in the output data for external information.

(Step S800-23)
The main CPU 300a saves the output data set in steps S800-11 and S800-21 in the output port buffer, and ends the external information management process. The output data for external information saved in the output port buffer is output to the external information output terminal board 312 via the payout control board 310, for example.

FIG. 42 is a flowchart illustrating the external information output confirmation process (step S810) in the main control board 300.

(Step S810-1)
The main CPU 300a loads the timer value of the external information timer. In the present embodiment, when the external information output confirmation process regarding the external information signal "starting port information" is executed (when step S810 is executed after step S800-7), it is set in step S800-3. The timer value of the external information starting port timer stored at the address of the external information starting port timer is loaded as the timer value of the external information timer. Further, when the external information output confirmation process relating to the external information signal "out information" is executed (when step S810 is executed after step S800-17), the external information set in step S800-13 is set. The timer value of the external information out timer stored at the address of the out timer is loaded as the timer value of the external information timer.

(Step S810-3)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the timer value of the external information timer loaded in step S810-1 is 0. When determining that the timer value of the external information timer is not 0, the main CPU 300a moves the process to step S810-17. On the other hand, when determining that the timer value of the external information timer is 0, the main CPU 300a moves the process to step S810-5.

(Step S810-5)
The main CPU 300a loads the counter value of the external information counter. Here, when the external information output confirmation process for the external information signal "starting mouth information" is executed, the external information starting mouth counter stored in the address of the external information starting mouth counter set in step S800-5 is stored. The counter value is loaded as the counter value of the external information counter. When the external information output confirmation process for the external information signal "out information" is executed, the counter value of the external information out counter stored at the address of the external information out counter set in step S800-15 is externally stored. It is loaded as the counter value of the information counter.

(Step S810-7)
The main CPU 300a subtracts the external information counter comparison value from the counter value of the external information counter loaded in step S810-5. Here, during execution of the external information output confirmation processing regarding the external information signal "starting port information", the external information starting port counter comparison value ("1") set in step S800-7 is for external information. It is used as a counter comparison value. That is, the external information starting opening counter comparison value ("1") set in step S800-7 is subtracted from the counter value of the external information starting opening counter loaded in step S810-5.

Further, during execution of the external information output confirmation processing regarding the external information signal “out information”, the external information out counter comparison value (“10”) set in step S800-17 is used as the external information counter comparison value. Used. That is, the external information out counter comparison value (“10”) set in step S800-17 is subtracted from the counter value of the external information out counter loaded in step S810-5.

(Step S810-9)
The main CPU 300a determines whether or not the subtraction result of step S810-7 is less than 0. When determining that the subtraction result is less than 0, the main CPU 300a shifts the processing to step S810-11. On the other hand, when the main CPU 300a determines that the subtraction result is not less than 0, that is, the subtraction result is 0 or more, the main CPU 300a moves the process to step S810-13.

(Step S810-11)
The main CPU 300a sets the carry flag to "1", that is, a value indicating that the external information signal is output, and ends the external information output confirmation processing. If the subtraction result of step S810-7 is less than 0, the counter value of the external information counter is not updated to the value of the subtraction result (value less than 0).

(Step S810-13)
The main CPU 300a saves the subtraction result of step S810-7 in the counter value of the external information counter based on the subtraction result of step S810-7 being 0 or more (NO in step S810-9). The counter value of the external information counter is subtracted when the subtraction result of step S810-7 is not less than 0, that is, the counter value of the external information counter and the external information counter comparison value become the same value. It is saved when the result becomes "0". That is, the value saved in the counter value of the external information counter in step S810-13 is always "0".

(Step S810-15)
The main CPU 300a saves a specified output time (see FIG. 6) and a timer counter value (timer value) for measuring an output stop time described later in the external information timer. In this example, the specified output time and the output stop time are each 128 milliseconds. Therefore, as the timer value of the external information timer, it is a value obtained by dividing the total time (256 milliseconds) of the specified output time and the output stop time by the execution cycle of timer interrupt processing (4 milliseconds in this example). 64" is saved. In step S810-15, when the external information output confirmation process for the external information signal "starting port information" is executed, the timer value "64" is saved in the external information starting port timer, and the external information signal "out information" is saved. When the external information output confirmation process regarding is executed, the timer value “64” is saved in the external information out timer. The external information timers (external information starting opening timer, external information out timer) set here are executed each time the timer updating process (step S400-9) is executed during the timer interrupt process (see FIG. 22) ( Every 4 milliseconds) will be decremented by 1 and updated.

(Step S810-17)
The main CPU 300a compares the timer value of the external information timer with the external information timer comparison value “33” loaded from the main ROM 300b, sets a carry flag according to the comparison result, and executes the external information output confirmation processing. finish. Here, when the timer value of the external information timer is 33 to 64, that is, when the timer value of the external information timer is equal to or more than the external information timer comparison value, it is determined by the main CPU 300a that the output time is within the specified output time. Then, the carry flag is set to "0" (a value indicating the output of the external output signal). When the timer value of the external information timer is 1 to 32, that is, when the timer value of the external information timer is less than the external information timer comparison value, the specified output time ends and the output stop time Since it has been started, the carry flag is set to 1.

The timer value of the external information timer is decremented by 1 in the timer update process in step S400-9 of the timer interrupt process (see FIG. 22). Then, since the timer interrupt processing is executed every 4 milliseconds, from the time when 64 is initially set as the timer value until the timer value becomes 32, that is, the specified output over 32×4 ms=128 ms. During the time, in step S810-17, the carry flag is set to "0", and external information signals (here, "starting mouth information" and "out information") regarding the game ball are output. After that, until the timer value of the external information timer changes from 32 to 0, that is, while 32×4 ms=128 ms, the carry flag is set to “1” in step S810-17, and the external information signal regarding the game ball is set. Will not be output.

Here, in the external device (for example, the hall computer 500), a signal reading time (for example, 50 milliseconds) is defined as a time for reading the external information signal. This signal reading time is provided as a time for determining whether or not each of the continuously received signals is an effective signal when the external device continuously receives the same external information signal from the gaming machine. ing. Therefore, when the gaming machine 100 continuously outputs the same external information signal to the external device, the external device outputs the external information signal at intervals at which the external device can secure the signal reading time.

Therefore, the gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment sets the output stop time (128 milliseconds in this example) after the specified output time when continuously outputting the external information signal regarding the game ball. As a result, the main CPU 300a controls the external information output terminal board 312 so as not to output the same type of external information signal that was output during the specified output time immediately before during the output stop time, thereby reducing the signal read time in the external device. It is possible to ensure that the external device recognizes the external information signal even in the case where the same external information signal is continuously output while being secured.

The output control for the "starting port information" and the "out information" among the external information signals has been described above with reference to FIGS. 41 and 42. Note that the external information signals (“prize ball information” and “main prize ball information”) regarding the game balls other than the “starting mouth information” and the “out information” are the same as the “starting mouth information” and the “out information”. The output can be managed by control.

Specifically, an external information timer (for example, an external information award ball timer, an external information main award ball timer) corresponding to each of the external output signals of the “award ball information” and the “main award ball information”, and an external An information counter (for example, an external information prize ball counter or an external information main prize ball counter) may be provided in the main RAM 300c. Further, the external information counter comparison values (for example, external information award ball counter comparison value and external information main award ball counter comparison value) corresponding to the external output signals of the “award ball information” and the “main award ball information”, respectively, It may be provided in the main ROM 300b. As a result, the main CPU 300a can execute output control for the external information signals of "prize ball information" and "main prize ball information" in the above-described external information management processing.

Further, the counter value of the external information counter corresponding to each of the external output signals of the “prize ball information” and the “main prize ball information” may be added in the switch management process (see FIG. 24). For example, in the switch management process, the main CPU 300a performs a process of incrementing the external information prize ball counter by 1 when the payout detection switch 315s is switched on, and a ball entrance (eg, the first start port 120, The processing of adding 1 to the counter value of the external information main prize ball counter may be performed when the detection switches of the second starting opening 122, the general winning opening 118, and the special winning opening 128) are detected.

Further, the gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment has an external information signal “starting port information” indicating the entry of the game ball into the starting port, an external information signal “out information” indicating the discharging of the game ball from the game area 116, Furthermore, since it is possible to execute the confirmation processing of whether or not the external information signals “prize ball information” and “main prize ball information” indicating the payout of the prize balls can be output using the common module (external information output confirmation process S810). The data capacity of the main ROM 300b can be reduced as compared with the case where separate modules are provided.

Further, the gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment is counted by the external information counter like the above-mentioned external information signals “award ball information”, “starting mouth information”, “main award ball information”, and “out information” regarding the game ball. Even when the external information signal is output for each different number of game balls, an external information counter comparison value (for example, an external information starting opening counter comparison value) corresponding to each external information signal in a predetermined storage area of the main ROM 300b. , The external information out-counter comparison value and the like) can be used to execute the confirmation processing of whether or not the external information signal can be output using the common module (external information output confirmation processing S810).

Further, in the external information management processing, output control of the external output signals "symbol confirmation number information" and "security information", which have a prescribed output time, among external information signals not related to the game ball can be executed. In this case, the main CPU 300a sets at least the address of the external information timer corresponding to each external information signal of "symbol confirmation number information" and "security information" in the external information management processing, and at least in the external information output confirmation processing. Determination of whether or not an event (decision stop of special symbol, initialization of main RAM 300c, various errors, etc.) that triggers output of the external information, a timer value confirmation process (step S810-3), and a timer value save process ( Step S810-15) may be executed. Regarding the external output signals "symbol confirmation number information" and "security information", it is not normally assumed that the event that triggers the output of the external information signal will occur at intervals of 128 milliseconds or less. Therefore, it is not always necessary to secure the output stop time.

Further, in the external information management processing, output control of the external output signals “door/frame opening information” and “big hit related” that are not related to the game ball and have a specified output time can also be executed. For example, the main CPU 300a determines whether or not the open/close frame member open switch is in the on state in the external information management process, and when the open/close frame member open switch is in the on state, the front frame 106, the inner frame 104, and the outer frame 102 are open, that is, It is sufficient to set "1" to the bit corresponding to "door/frame opening information" in the output data for external information, assuming that an event that triggers the output of the external output signal "door/frame opening information" has occurred. .. As a result, the external output signal “door/frame opening information” is output from the external information output terminal board 312 while the open/close frame member is open.
In addition, for example, the main CPU 300a determines whether or not during the execution period of the control related to the big role game based on the jackpot in the external information management process (for example, during the round game or during the period from the start of the opening time to the end of the ending time). However, in the execution period of the control related to the big game, it is determined that an event that triggers the output of the external output signal “big hit related information” has occurred, and the “big hit related information” is included in the output data for the external information. "1" may be set to any corresponding bit.

(Example of output control of external information signal during game stopped state)
Next, an example of the output control of the external information signal when the gaming machine state in the gaming machine 100 transitions from the game possible state to the game stopped state will be described with reference to FIG. 41 and FIG. In this example, the progress of the output control of the external information signal will be described by taking the external information signal "starting mouth information" about the game ball as an example. Further, in this example, it is assumed that the game stopped state is caused by an abnormal state based on the occurrence of the set value abnormality.
FIG. 43 is a diagram showing an example of the progress of the output control of the external information signal (“starting port information” in this example) in time series. FIG. 43 is a diagram illustrating an example of the output trigger of the external information signal “starting opening information”, whether or not the first starting opening detection switch 120s is switched on, whether or not the external information signal “starting opening information” is output, and whether or not a set value abnormality has occurred. Also, the state transition of whether or not the external information “security signal” is output is shown in time series. The time axis shown in FIG. 43 illustrates the passage of time from time t1 to time t12 from left to right.

For example, it is assumed that a game ball enters the first starting opening 120 at time t1. In this case, the main CPU 300a determines in the switch management process (see FIG. 24) that the first start port detection switch is on (YES in step S500-3), and in the first start port passage process (see FIG. 26). The counter value of the external information starting opening counter is updated to a value obtained by adding "1" (step S520-5). At time t1, the counter value is updated from "0" to "1".
In this example, during the period from time t1 to time t8, the gaming machine state is in the playable state, and no abnormal state including set value abnormality has occurred.

Further, at time t1, the main CPU 300a sets the external information starting opening timer, the address of the external information starting opening counter, and the external information starting opening counter comparison value in the external information management processing (see FIG. 41) (step S800-). 3 to step S800-7). Furthermore, when the main CPU 300a loads the external information starting opening timer in the external information output confirmation processing (see FIG. 42) (step S810-1), it determines that the timer value of the external information starting opening timer is 0 (step S810-1). NO of S810-3). Further, when the main CPU 300a loads the counter value (“1”) of the external information starting opening counter (step S810-5), the main CPU 300a obtains the external information starting opening counter comparison value (“1” in this example) from the counter value. Subtraction is performed (step S810-7), and it is determined that the subtraction result is "0" (=counter value "1"-comparison value "1") and not less than 0 (NO in step S810-9). Further, the main CPU 300a saves the subtraction result "0" to the counter value of the external information starting opening counter (step S810-13), and saves "64" as the timer value of the external information starting opening timer (step S810-). 15). Further, the main CPU 300a sets the carry flag to "0", that is, "starting mouth information" because the timer value "64" of the external information starting mouth timer at time t1 is equal to or greater than the external information timer comparison value "33". A value indicating the output of the external output signal is set, and the external information output confirmation processing ends (step S810-17).

Upon completion of the external information output confirmation processing, the main CPU 300a returns to the external information output management processing and determines that the carry flag is set to "0" (NO in step S800-9), and outputs the external information output data. Of these, the bit corresponding to the external information signal "starting mouth information" (starting mouth bit) is set to 1 (step S800-11), and the output data is saved in the output port buffer (step S800-23). As a result, the external information signal "starting mouth information" is output from the output terminal of the output terminal color "yellow" of the external information output terminal board 312 based on the game ball entering the first starting opening 120 at time t1. It is output to a device (for example, hall computer 500).

The external information signal “starting port information”, whose output to the hall computer 500 is started at time t1, continues thereafter for a period up to time t2 when the specified output time (128 milliseconds in this example) expires. And is output from the output terminal of the output terminal color “yellow” of the external information output terminal board 312. Specifically, the main CPU 300a outputs the external information signal "starting port information" in synchronization with the execution cycle of timer interrupt processing (4 milliseconds in this example) during the specified output time from time t1 to time t2. As described above, the external information output terminal board 312 is controlled. During the specified output time of the external information signal "starting port information", the main CPU 300a determines that the game machine is in the playable state (YES in step S400-11), and the timer update process (step S400-15). ), the timer value of the external information starting port timer is decremented by "1". Since the timer interrupt process is executed 31 times during the specified output time after time t1, the timer value "64" set at time t1 is subtracted to "33" by time t2. Become. Further, the external information signal “starting port information” is output 32 times in total between the time t1 and the time t2.

The main CPU 300a sets the start bit of the output data to “1” in the external information management process (see FIG. 41) executed during the period until the specified output time expires (here, the period from time t1 to time t2). Is set (step S800-11), and the external information output terminal board 312 is controlled so that the external information signal "starting port information" is continuously output.

The main CPU 300a determines that the timer value of the external information starting opening timer is "32" in the external information confirmation processing (see FIG. 42) at the time of the first timer interrupt processing after the lapse of the time t2, that is, after the lapse of the specified output time. When it is determined, the carry flag is set to "1" (step S810-17), and based on this, the start bit of the output data is not set to "1" (YES in step S800-9), and the external information signal "start" is set. The external information output terminal board 312 is controlled so as not to output "mouth information". As a result, the output of the external information signal "starting port information" is stopped with the end of the specified output time. Even after the lapse of time t2, the timer value of the external information starting opening timer is decremented by "1" until it becomes "0" in the timer updating process (step S400-15), and the external information signal "starting opening information". The output stop time (in this example, 128 milliseconds) is measured.

Further, as shown in FIG. 43, it is assumed that a game ball enters the first starting opening at time t3 after a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) has elapsed from time t2.
At time t3, 10 seconds have elapsed from time t2, so the output stop time of the external output signal "starting port" (128 milliseconds in this example) has also elapsed. Therefore, the main CPU 300a sets "1" to the starting opening bit in the external information management process (see FIG. 41) as at time t1 (step S800-11), saves the output data in the output port buffer, and The external information output terminal board 312 is controlled so as to output the external information signal "starting port information". As a result, at time t3, based on the fact that the game ball has entered the first starting opening 120 as at time t1, the external information signal “Y” is output from the output terminal color “yellow” of the external information output terminal board 312. The "starting port information" is output to an external device (for example, the hall computer 500).

The external information signal “starting port information” whose output to the hall computer 500 is started at time t3 is the output terminal of the external information output terminal board 312 until the specified output time (128 milliseconds in this example) expires at time t4. It is continuously output from the output terminal of color "yellow". When the specified output time expires at time t4, the output stop time is started in the same manner as after the time t2 has elapsed, and the output of the external information signal "starting port information" is ended.

Time t5 is a time point after a lapse of a predetermined time (for example, 100 milliseconds) after the specified output time expires at time t4 and the timing of the output stop time is started. At time t5, the output stop time is kept measured by the external information starting port timer. That is, the time t5 is the output stop time. Here, it is assumed that the game ball enters the first starting opening at time t5 during the output time.
Unlike the time t1 and the time t3, the main CPU 300a controls the external information output terminal board 312 so as not to output the external information signal “starting port information” at the time t5. Specifically, in the external information confirmation processing (see FIG. 42) at the time t5, the main CPU 300a sets the timer value of the external information starting opening timer to a value (“7” in this example) indicating that the output is stopped. That is, it is determined that the timer value is not "0" and the carry flag is set to "1" without performing processing such as subtraction of the counter value of the external information starting opening counter (YES in step S810-3 → step). S810-17). Therefore, the counter value of the external information starting opening counter is maintained at the value "1" indicating the entry of one gaming ball into the first starting opening 120. Further, the main CPU 300a saves the output data in the output port buffer without setting the start bit to "1" based on the carry flag set to "1" (YES in step S800-9). Then, the external information output terminal board 312 is controlled so as not to output the external information signal "starting port information".

As a result, the main CPU 300a causes an external device (for example, the hall computer 500) for the external information signal "starting mouth information" when a ball enters the starting mouth during the output stop time of the external information signal "starting mouth information". Output can be suspended. That is, when the main CPU 300a continuously outputs the same external information signal (here, "starting port information"), it serves as an output trigger of the same external information signal during the output stop time after the specified output time. Even if an event occurs, control is performed to stop the output of the external information signal. Therefore, the gaming machine 100 can secure the signal reading time (50 milliseconds in this example) in the external device, and allow the external device to reliably recognize the external information signal.

Time t6 is a time point after a predetermined time (for example, 28 milliseconds) has elapsed from time t5 during the output stop time. The main CPU 300a externally outputs an external output signal "starting mouth information" indicating that a game ball has entered the first starting mouth 120 whose output has been suspended at time t5, based on the output stop time having expired at time t6. Controls output to the device.

Specifically, at time t6, the main CPU 300a determines in the external information confirmation processing (see FIG. 42) that the timer value of the external information starting opening timer is “0” and the output stop time has ended. (NO in step S810-3), the counter value (“1”) of the external information starting opening counter is loaded. After entering the game ball into the first starting opening 120 at time t5, until the time t6, no new game ball has entered the first starting opening 120 in the gaming machine 100. Therefore, at time t6, the counter value of the external information starting opening counter is maintained at "1" as at time t5. At time t6, the main CPU 300a sets the timer value "64" in the external information starting opening timer (step S810-15), as in the times t1 and t3, and sets the carry flag to "0" (in "starting opening information"). A value indicating the output of the external output signal) is set (step S810-17), and the external information output confirmation processing ends. At time t6, the main CPU 300a returns to the external information output management process and sets 1 to the starting opening bit of the output data for external information (NO in step S800-9→step S800-11) to output the output data. The data is saved in the output port buffer (step S800-23). In this way, the main CPU 300a outputs the external information signal "starting port information" whose output is suspended at time t5 during the output stop time to an external device (for example, the hall computer 500) at time t6 after the output stop time has elapsed. The external information output terminal board 312 is controlled so that it does.

Time t7 is a time after a predetermined time (128 milliseconds) has elapsed from time t6, and is a time when the specified output time of the external information signal "starting port information" started at time t6 expires. The external information signal "starting port information", which has started to be output from time t6, is continuously output until time t7. That is, the main CPU 300a, like the specified output time from time t1 to time t2, also executes the external information management process (FIG. 41), the external information output terminal board 312 is controlled so as to continuously output the external information signal "starting port information".
Further, like the time t2, the main CPU 300a controls the external information output terminal board 312 to stop the output of the external information signal "starting port information" at the time t7 based on the end of the specified output time.

Time t8 is a time point after a predetermined time (for example, 20 seconds) has elapsed from time t7. At time t8, it is assumed that the game ball enters the first starting opening 120.
At time t8, 20 seconds have elapsed from time t7, and therefore the output stop time (128 milliseconds in this example) of the external output signal "starting port" has also elapsed. Therefore, the main CPU 300a controls the external information output terminal board 312 so as to output the external information signal "starting port information", as at times t1 and t3.

Time t9 is a time point after a predetermined time (for example, 40 milliseconds) has elapsed from time t8. At time t9, in the gaming machine 100, a game stop state in which a normal game is stopped is generated based on the fact that the set value abnormality has occurred and the gaming machine state has become abnormal.
Specifically, at time t9, the main CPU 300a loads the set value data from the set value buffer of the main RAM 300c in the set value abnormality determination process (step S400-10) of the timer interrupt process (see FIG. 22) and loads the set value data. It is determined that the set value data (for example, “6”) exceeds the value (“5” in this example) indicating the upper limit of the set value that can be set in the gaming machine 100, and the set value abnormal state has occurred. .. The abnormal set value state may occur due to, for example, a defect in the main control board 300 or a defect in mounting the main program. Next, the main CPU 300a changes the values of the gaming machine state flag in the main RAM 300c and the gaming machine state flag loaded in the internal register in the setting value abnormality determination processing to values indicating the setting value abnormality state. As a result, at time t9, the gaming machine 100 enters a game stopped state in which a normal game is stopped.

In the set value abnormality determination processing, the main CPU 300a determines that the game machine state is not the game-enabled state based on the fact that the game machine state has become the set value abnormality state (NO in step S400-11), and the game machine state. Is determined to be an abnormal state (YES in step S400-13), the external information management process (step S800) is performed without performing the firing position designation management process (step S400-27) from the timer update process (step S400-15). ) Is executed.

In this way, when the game stop state occurs, the main CPU 300a is in the game stop state (for example, the set value abnormal state is released and the game stop state ends, the game machine state returns to the game ready state, and the normal In the period until the game is restarted), the timer updating process (step S400-15) is not executed during the timer interrupt process. That is, the timer value of the external information starting port timer is a value indicating the specified output time during the game stopped state when the specified output time is being measured when the game stopped state occurs (in this example, from time t8). The value "54" that is decremented by 1 in the period up to time t9 is maintained.
For this reason, when the game stop state is generated during the specified output time of the external information signal, the main CPU 300a causes the external information start opening timer timer to always be displayed during the game stop state in the external information confirmation process (see FIG. 42). It will be determined that the value is a value indicating during the specified output time. Therefore, the main CPU 300a sets the carry flag to "0" in the external information confirmation processing (step S810-17), and sets the starting opening bit to "1" in the external information management processing (see FIG. 41) ( In step S800-11), the external information output terminal board 312 is controlled so that the output of the external information signal "starting port information" is continued.

In this way, the main CPU 300a (an example of an output control unit) is capable of outputting the external information signal "starting mouth information" (an example of a specific external information signal) among a plurality of external information signals (an example of external information). When a game stopped state (an example of a game restricted state) occurs within the output time, the external information signal "starting port information" is output from the external information output terminal board 312 (an example of an output means) even during the game stopped state. To continue.
As a result, the gaming machine 100 can continuously output the external information signal that was being output when shifting to the game stopped state, that is, during the specified output time, as long as the game stopped state continued. Therefore, in the gaming machine 100, when the specified output time that has elapsed after the output of the external information signal "starting port information" is started is less than the signal identification time (128 milliseconds in this example) in the external device, the game is played. Even when the stopped state is generated, the "starting port information" can be continuously output during the game stopped state to secure the signal identification time. Therefore, the gaming machine 100 maintains the identification accuracy of the external information signal in the external device even during the game stopped state, and reliably transmits the state of the gaming machine 100 (maintenance state, game progress state, etc.) to the external device. be able to.

Here, the external information signal that is continuously output during the game stopped state is not limited to the "starting mouth information". In the gaming machine 100, the main CPU 300a, when the game stop state is generated during the specified output time, the external information signal ("prize ball information", "symbol fixed number information", "predetermined output time", which is predetermined. The external information output terminal board 312 is controlled so as to continuously output "starting mouth information", "main prize ball information", "security information", "out information", etc.) even during the game stopped state.

Further, at time t9, based on the occurrence of the abnormal setting value, the main CPU 300a causes the external information output terminal board 312 to output the external information signal “security signal” indicating that the abnormal setting value has occurred. Control. Specifically, when the main CPU 300a determines in the external information management process that a setting value abnormality has occurred based on the value of the gaming machine state flag, the external information signal “security signal” in the output data for external information "1" is set to the bit (security bit) corresponding to ". As a result, the external information signal “security signal” is output from the output terminal of the output terminal color “water” on the external information output terminal board 312 to the external device (for example, the hall computer 500).

Further, at the start of output of the external information signal "security signal", the main CPU 300a causes the external information timer (for external information) to measure the specified output time of the external information signal "security signal" in the external information output confirmation processing, for example. The initial value (for example, “64”) of the timer value is saved in the security timer. However, as described above, the timer updating process (step S400-15) is not executed during the game stopped state. That is, the timer value of the external information security timer is not updated as the initial value during the period from time t9 to time t10 when the game stopped state ends. Therefore, in the game stopped state, the main CPU 300a always determines that the timer value of the external information security timer is a value indicating the specified output time, and sets the security bit to "1" to set the external information signal "security information". The external information output terminal board 312 is controlled so that the output of “” is continued.

Thus, in this example, during the game stop state from time t9 to time 10, in addition to the external information signal "security signal" indicating the occurrence of the game stop state as the external information signal, the game stop state that has already been output The external information signal “starting port information” indicating other than the occurrence of is output from the external information output terminal board 312 of the gaming machine 100 to the hall computer 500.
In other words, the main CPU 300a is in a game stopped state in which execution of a normal game is stopped based on the occurrence of a set value abnormal state (an example of satisfaction of a predetermined condition) (a game in which execution of a normal game is restricted). The external information output terminal board 312 is controlled so that external information (for example, “starting mouth information”) indicating information other than the occurrence of the game stopped state can be output during the game stopped state.
As a result, the gaming machine 100, even during the game stopped state, shows information other than the occurrence of the game stopped state, that is, the maintenance state of the game machine 100 when the game stopped state occurs (for example, initialization of the main RAM 300c or various errors). It is possible to output to the external device information indicating the occurrence status, the opening of the opening/closing frame member, etc.) and the progress of the game in the gaming machine 100. That is, the gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment can transmit the status of the gaming machine to the external device even during the game restricted state (for example, during the game stopped state).

Furthermore, by not executing the timer update process (step S400-15) during the game stopped state, the gaming machine 100 prevents the load on the main control board 300 (for example, an increase in the data amount due to an increase in the program amount). You can For example, in the game stopped state, only the timer value of some timers (for example, the timer related to timing of the specified output time of the external information signal) is updated, and the remaining timer values (for example, timers related to the progress of the game) In the case of controlling not to update, the timer updating process in the game stopped state is separately mounted, and the program amount increases. On the other hand, like the gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment, by controlling not to collectively execute the timer updating process in the game stopped state, it becomes unnecessary to implement the timer updating process in the game stopped state, It is possible to prevent an increase in program amount.

Time t10 is the time when a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed from time t9. At time t10, it is assumed that the gaming machine 100 ends the game stopped state due to the cancellation of the set value abnormal state, and the gaming machine state transitions to the game available state.
Specifically, at time t10, the main CPU 300a determines that the value of the loaded set value data is equal to or less than the value indicating the upper limit of the set value in the set value abnormality determination process (step S400-10) of the timer interrupt process (see FIG. 22). If it is, it is determined that the abnormal setting value has not occurred. Further, when the main CPU 300a determines that the game state loaded in the internal register is a value indicating a set value abnormal state, both the value of the game machine state flag of the main RAM 300c and the value of the game machine state flag loaded in the internal register are played. Change to a value that indicates a possible state. As a result, at time t10, the abnormal setting value is released in the gaming machine 100, the game stopped state is ended, the gaming machine state is changed to the playable state, and the normal game is resumed.

Further, in the set value abnormality determination processing, the main CPU 300a determines that the gaming machine status is the gaming enabled status based on the transition to the gaming enabled status (YES in step S400-11), and executes the timer update processing. Yes (step S400-15). As a result, the updating of the timer values of the various timers that have been stopped during the game stopped state is resumed, and the progress of the game that was interrupted when the game stopped state was resumed. Further, the update of the timer values of the various external information timers is restarted. For example, at the time t9 when the game stopped state occurs, the external information starting opening timer, which has the timer value "54" and measures 40 milliseconds in the specified output time (128 milliseconds in this example), From t10, the measurement of the remaining 88 milliseconds of the specified output time is restarted. In addition, the external information security timer whose timer value is set to the initial value “64” at time t9 starts counting the specified output time of 128 milliseconds from time t10.
Further, at time t10, both the external information starting opening timer and the external information security timer are timing the specified output time, so the main CPU 300a performs the same external information management process (see FIG. 41) as at time t9. First, the external information output terminal board 312 is controlled so that the output of the external information signals "starting port information" and "security information" is continued.

Time t11 is a time point after a predetermined time (for example, 88 milliseconds) has elapsed since the timer was restarted at time t10, and the specified output time of the external information signal “starting port information” started at time t8. It is time to expire. For this reason, the main CPU 300a controls the external information output terminal board 312 so as to stop the output of the external information signal "starting mouth information" based on the end of the specified output time also at the time t11, as at the times t2 and t7. To do. As a result, the output is started from time t8, and the output of the external information signal "starting mouth information", which has been continuously output even during the game stopped state, is stopped. In this way, when the game stop state is generated during the specified output time of the specific external information signal (here, "starting mouth information"), the main CPU 300a causes the remaining of the specified output time even after the end of the game stop state. The output of the specific external information signal is continued for the time (in this example, "88 milliseconds").
Note that at time t11, the specified output time of the external information signal "security information" has not elapsed. Therefore, the main CPU 300a controls the external information output terminal board 312 so as to continue to output the external information signal "security information" at time t11, as at times t9 and t10.

Time t12 is a time point after a predetermined time (for example, 128 milliseconds) has elapsed since the timer was restarted at time t9, and the specified output time of the external information signal “security information” started at time t9 has expired. It is the time when I did. Therefore, at time t12, the main CPU 300a prevents the external information signal "security signal" from being output in the same manner as when the main CPU 300a stops outputting the external information signal "starting port information" at time t11. Control 312. As a result, at the time t9, the output is started based on the occurrence of the set value abnormality and the game stopped state, and the output of the external information signal "security information" which is continuously output even during the game stopped state is stopped. It

As described above, in the gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment, the main CPU 300a is capable of outputting an external information signal (for example, "starting mouth information") indicating information other than the occurrence of the game stopped state during the game stopped state. The output terminal board 312 is controlled. As a result, the gaming machine 100 has information other than the state in which the game stopped state is occurring with respect to the game machine 100 even during the game stopped state, that is, the game at the time when the maintenance state or the game stopped state of the game machine 100 occurs. Can be transmitted to an external device (for example, the hall computer 500 or the like).

In this example, an example of the output control of the external information signal when the game stop state is caused by the occurrence of the abnormal state due to the set value abnormality has been described, but the event that triggers the occurrence of the game stop state is the set value. Not limited to abnormal. For example, when the game stopped state is caused by the shift from the game-enabled state to the setting confirmation state, the output control of the external information signal is similarly executed. Further, in this example, the output control of the external information signal "starting port information" has been described as an example, but other specific external information signals for which the specified output time is set (for example, "prize ball information" and "number of symbol determinations" Similarly, output control is executed for "information", "starting mouth information", "main prize ball information", "out information", etc.). Regarding the external information signal of the “symbol decision number information”, since the decision interval of the special symbol is usually the signal reading time (128 milliseconds in this example) or more, the output stop time may not be provided. ..
Further, in this example, the example in which the output of the external information signal for which the specified output time is set is continued even during the game stopped state has been described. However, the external information signal which is continuously output during the game stopped state is specified. The output time is not limited to those set. While the game is stopped, the timer updating process (step S400-15) is not executed, so the timer value of the timer related to the progress of the major game (for example, the special game timer) is not updated. Therefore, the main CPU 30a, when the game stop state occurs during the execution of the control related to the large role game, determines that the control related to the large role game is always executed during the game stopped state, and the external information signal "big hit related information" The external information output terminal board 312 may be controlled to output "."

As described above, various processes are executed in the main control board 300, so that the special game and the normal game are advanced.

(Modification)
In the above embodiment, the main CPU 300a does not execute the timer updating process (step S400-15) in the timer interrupt process (see FIG. 22) when the game stopped state is caused, but the present invention is not limited to this. Absent. For example, in the gaming machine 100, the main CPU 300a may execute a timer update process having a content different from that during the game-enabled state when the game stopped state is caused.
For example, the main CPU 300a does not update the timer value of the timer relating to the progress of the game in the timer update process during the game stopped state, but only the timer value of the external information timer for measuring the specified output time and the output stop time. May be updated. As a result, the gaming machine 100 stops the progress of the game in the game stopped state and continues the output of the external information signal within the specified output time to transmit the state of the own machine to the external device even in the game stopped state. be able to.

Further, in the control program of the main control board 300 in the gaming machine 100, regarding the timer updating process, the timer updating process for updating the timer value related to the progress of the game, and the external information timer for updating the timer value of the external information timer. It may be mounted separately from the update process. In this case, the external information timer update process is executed immediately before the external information management process (step S800) in the timer interrupt process, and the external information is also used when the game is stopped (YES in step S400-11). It suffices if the timer updating process can be executed.

Further, the main CPU 300a performs control to continuously output the external information signal for a predetermined time (for example, 128 milliseconds) after the occurrence of the game stopped state, and stop the output of all the external information signals after the predetermined time has elapsed. May be.
Specifically, when the game stop state is generated, the main CPU 300a counts an initial value (for example, 128 milliseconds) as the timer value of the game stop monitoring timer provided in a predetermined storage area of the main RAM 300c. Value "32") is set, and the timer value of the external information timer is cleared. The main CPU 300a updates (subtracts "1") only the timer value of the game stop monitoring timer in the timer update process during the game stop state. Further, the main CPU 300a, in the external information management processing during the game stopped state, the external information output terminal so as to continue outputting the external information signal being output during the period until the timer value of the game stop monitoring timer becomes 0. The plate 312 is controlled. Thereby, the gaming machine 100 can continue to output the external information signal for a predetermined time after the occurrence of the game stopped state, and transmit the state of the own machine to the external device even during the game stopped state.
Further, the main CPU 300a does not clear the timer value of the external information timer when the game stopped state occurs, but clears the timer value of the external information timer when the timer for the game stop monitoring finishes counting a predetermined time. May be. In this case, the main CPU 300a can control the output of the external information signal by referring to the timer value of the external information timer in the external information management process in the game stopped state as in the game-enabled state.

In addition, the gaming machine 100 sets a priority to a plurality of external information signals that can be output from the external information output terminal board 312, and an external information signal having a relatively high priority (for example, priority) during the game stopped state. The external information signals within the top three ranks) may be continuously output and the output of other external information signals may be stopped. In this case, the main CPU 300a performs a process of confirming the output condition (priority in this example) of the external information signal being output in the game stopped state in the external information management process in the game stopped state, and the game is in the game stopped state. Even if the external information output terminal board 312 is controlled so as to output the external information signal satisfying the output condition when it is determined that the output condition in (1) is satisfied (in this example, within the top 3 in the priority order). Good.

Further, the gaming machine 100 may stop the output of the external information signal being output without executing the timer updating process when the game stopped state is generated during the specified output time. In this case, the main CPU 300a executes a process of determining whether or not the game stopped state has occurred in the external information management process (see FIG. 41), and when it determines that the game stopped state has occurred, the external information The external information output terminal board 312 may be controlled so as not to output a signal. In this case, the external information signal "security signal" indicating that the game stopped state may be output. As a result, the gaming machine 100 interrupts the output of the external information signal indicating the state other than the occurrence of the game stopped state during the game stopped state, and when the game stopped state is released and the state returns to the playable state, the timer update process is performed. By restarting, it is possible to restart the output of the external information signal that indicates other than the occurrence of the game stopped state.
In the game stopped state, by stopping the output of the external information signal indicating other than the occurrence of the game stopped state, the gaming machine 100 transmits the state of its own machine that the game stopped state has occurred to the external device. You can
Further, the gaming machine 100 may stop the output of all external information signals during the game stopped state. By stopping the output of all the external information signals, the gaming machine 100 can transmit to the external device that its own state is that a normal game is not being performed, that is, that it is in the game stopped state.

Further, in the above embodiment, in the setting value abnormality determination process (step S400-10), the main CPU 300a determines that the value of the numerical data indicating the setting value being set is the value indicating the upper limit of the setting value that can be set in the gaming machine 100. Although it is determined that the set value abnormality has occurred when (5 in this example) is exceeded, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the main CPU 300a may determine that the set value abnormal state has occurred when the set value is changed without going through the setting change process. In this case, when the main CPU 300a saves the set value in the set value buffer when the set value is changed in the set value related processing (step S410-13), a flag indicating that the set value has been changed (set value The change flag) may be set to the on state. The main CPU 300a stores a backup of the setting value data being set in a predetermined storage area of the main RAM 300c every time the setting value abnormality determination process is executed, and the backup setting value data and the setting value data currently being set are stored. It suffices to execute the process of comparing with.

Further, in the above embodiment, the setting value abnormality determination process is executed during the timer interrupt process (see FIG. 22) of the main control board 300, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the setting value abnormality determination process may be executed at the time of a large role lottery or at the time of temporary determination of a big hit.

Specifically, the main CPU 300a, in the setting value abnormality determination process, the special symbol per provisional determination process (step S536-3) in the acquisition time determination process (see FIG. 29) and the special symbol variation waiting process (FIG. 32). When the special symbol hit determination process (step S610-9) is executed, it may be executed together. In this case, the main CPU 300a loads the setting value data from the setting value buffer of the main RAM 300c, determines whether the setting value data is within the normal range (“5” or less), and when determining that the setting value data is within the normal range, Whether the jackpot is won based on the jackpot determination table (see FIGS. 7 and 8) corresponding to the gaming state (high-probability gaming state or low-probability gaming state) and based on the setting value being set and the jackpot determination random number Whether or not (big hit judgment) is done. When the main CPU 300a determines that the set value data is not within the normal range (exceeds "5"), it recognizes that a set value abnormal state has occurred, and sets the value of the gaming machine state flag to the set value. Change to a value that indicates an abnormal condition. As a result, the gaming machine 100 determines whether or not the set value abnormal state has occurred when the gaming machine state is not in the abnormal state and the normal game is being executed (during the gaming enabled state).

In the gaming machine 100, a series of processes of confirming the set value being set (including determination of whether or not the set value is abnormal) and jackpot determination may be implemented as a program as a common module. Thereby, in the gaming machine 100, the control processing procedure is made efficient, and the increase amount of the control program can be reduced. Further, in the gaming machine 100, the common symbol hit determination process for performing the universal symbol lottery may also be executed by the common module. In this case, at the time of executing the universal drawing lottery, instead of the jackpot determination table, the hit determination random number determination table (see FIG. 16) based on the gaming state (non-time saving game state or time saving game state) is read to perform the universal drawing lottery. Good. Accordingly, it is possible to determine whether or not the set value abnormal state has occurred even during execution of the universal figure lottery.

Further, in the above embodiment, both the low-accuracy jackpot determination table and the high-accuracy jackpot determination table used for jackpot determination are set values, but the invention is not limited to this, and a low-accuracy jackpot determination table used for jackpot determination and The jackpot determination may be common to all set values in any of the high-accuracy-time jackpot determination tables.

Further, the gaming machine 100 may be configured so that the abnormal setting value state is canceled by executing the setting change process. For example, it is assumed that a setting value abnormality state occurs in the gaming machine 100 installed in the game store and an external information signal "security information" indicating that the setting value abnormality has occurred is input to the hall computer 500. At this time, a worker (employee or the like) whose setting can be changed at the game shop turns off the power of the gaming machine 100 in which the set value abnormality has occurred, and then turns on the power again to perform the above set value changing procedure. Based on this, the setting value may be set to an arbitrary value (value within the normal range) by changing the setting key and pressing the RAM clear button 305. In this case, the gaming machine 100 continuously outputs the external information signal "security information" and other external information signals that were during the specified output time when the abnormal setting value occurred, until the power was cut off. can do. As a result, the gaming machine 100 can notify the external device that the normal game is restricted, that is, the game is restricted (for example, the game is stopped), as its own status. When the power-off and setting change processing is executed, an external information signal “security information” indicating that the main RAM 300c is newly initialized is output to the hall computer 500 or the like. Thus, the fact that the gaming machine 100 has recovered from the power failure can be transmitted to the external device.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, each special symbol may be associated with whether or not the small hit game in which the special winning opening 128 is opened and closed is executable, in addition to the major role game advantageous to the player. That is, the gaming machine 100 may be configured to determine either a big hit, a small hit, or a loss in the big winning lottery. In this case, the big hit game and the small hit game are generically called a hit game. In addition to the execution of the small hit game at the special winning opening 128, the fact that a small hit is won using the effect devices such as the effect display unit 200a, the effect accessory device 202, the effect illumination device 204, and the audio output device 206 is a game. You may perform the small hit effect to notify the person.
In addition, for example, the external information signal “big hit related information” output from the external information output terminal board 312 is output when the small hit game in which the special winning opening 128 is opened or closed or the control of the small hit game is started. The external information signal to be transmitted may be included. As a result, the external device such as the hall computer 500 can collect and manage the execution status of the small hit game as well as the major game.

In addition, the above-mentioned playability, that is, the progress condition of the game and various control methods are merely examples, and for example, the starting condition for starting the major role lottery that determines whether or not the major role game can be executed, the type, and the number of major role games. The contents of the game profit to be given to the player, such as the contents, can be appropriately designed within the range in which the object of the present invention can be realized.

In the above embodiment, the external information output terminal board 312 corresponds to an example of the output means, the main CPU 300a that controls the gaming machine state corresponds to an example of the game control means, and an output that controls the external information output terminal board 312. The main CPU 300a that executes the external information management process of setting data corresponds to an example of the output control unit.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention and their modifications have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that various alterations or modifications can be conceived within the scope of the claims, and it should be understood that these also belong to the technical scope of the present invention. To be done.

100 Gaming machine 300 Main control board 300a Main CPU
300b main ROM
300c main RAM
310 payout control board 312 external information output terminal board 330 sub control board 330a sub CPU
330b Sub ROM
330c Sub RAM
500 hall computer

Claims (3)

An output means capable of outputting a plurality of external information to an external device,
Output control means capable of controlling the output of the plurality of external information from the output means,
Game control means capable of generating a game restricted state in which execution of a normal game is restricted based on the satisfaction of a predetermined condition,
Equipped with
The game machine characterized in that the output control means is capable of outputting external information indicating information other than the occurrence of the game restricted state during the game restricted state. The output control means, when the game restricted state is generated within a period in which specific external information of the plurality of external information can be output, the specific external device from the output means even during the game restricted state. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the output of information is continued. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the output time of the specific external information is predetermined.

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