JP2024054484A - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a gaming machine capable of providing new gameplay. [Solution] The gaming machine includes a gaming state changing means capable of changing the gaming state from a first specific gaming state to a normal gaming state based on the establishment of a first change condition, and capable of changing the gaming state from a second specific gaming state to a normal gaming state based on the establishment of a second change condition, and the first change condition is established when a small win symbol is determined as a second special symbol at least a first number of times in the first specific gaming state, the first change condition is not established when a small win symbol is determined as a first special symbol at least a first number of times, and the second change condition is established when a small win symbol is determined as a second special symbol at least a second number of times in the second specific gaming state. [Selected Figure] Fig. 19

Description

The present invention relates to an amusement machine.

Conventionally, gaming machines are known in which a big prize lottery is held based on the entry of a gaming ball into a starting hole, and a special symbol is determined based on the result of this big prize lottery. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a gaming machine in which a small prize symbol is provided as a special symbol, and when the small prize is won, a small prize game is executed in which the big prize hole is opened.

JP 2020-130774 A

As mentioned above, gaming machines with a variety of playability have been proposed, but there is a demand for the development of gaming machines with completely new playability.

The present invention aims to provide a gaming machine that can provide new gameplay.

In order to solve the above problem, the gaming machine of the present invention comprises a pattern determination means for determining a first special pattern from among a plurality of patterns including a small win pattern based on the entry of the gaming ball into a first starting area, and for determining a second special pattern from among a plurality of patterns including the small win pattern based on the entry of the gaming ball into a second starting area, a gaming state setting means for setting one of the gaming states including at least a normal gaming state in which the game progresses according to a game progress condition set in advance, and a first specific gaming state and a second specific gaming state in which the game progresses according to a game progress condition that is more favorable than the normal gaming state, and a changing means for changing from the first specific gaming state based on the establishment of a first change condition. and a game state changing means capable of changing the game state from the first specific game state to the normal game state based on the establishment of a second change condition, and capable of changing the game state from the second specific game state to the normal game state based on the establishment of a second change condition, characterized in that the first change condition is established when the small win pattern is determined as the second special pattern at least a first number of times in the first specific game state, the first change condition is not established when the small win pattern is determined as the first special pattern at least a first number of times in the second specific game state, and the second change condition is established when the small win pattern is determined as the second special pattern at least a second number of times in the second specific game state.

The first change condition may be established when the small win pattern is determined as the first special pattern at least a third number of times, which is greater than the first number of times, in the first specific game state, and the second change condition may be established when the small win pattern is determined as the first special pattern at least a fourth number of times, which is less than the second number of times, in the second specific game state.

This invention makes it possible to provide new gameplay.

1 is an oblique view of the gaming machine showing the door in an open state. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the gaming machine. 2 is an address map of the memory area used by the main CPU. This is a diagram explaining the random number judgment table for determining small wins for special 1. This is a diagram explaining the random number judgment table for determining small wins for special 2. 13 is a diagram illustrating a winning symbol random number determination table. FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a reach group determination random number judgment table. 13 is a diagram illustrating a reach mode determination random number judgment table. FIG. A diagram explaining a fluctuation pattern random number determination table. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a variable time determination table. A diagram explaining the special electric feature operation ram set table. A diagram explaining the opening and closing manner of the second large prize opening and the opening and closing manner of a specific area by a movable member. 13 is a diagram illustrating a game status setting table for setting the game status after the end of a major role game. FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a random number judgment table for determining a win. 1A is a diagram for explaining a normal pattern change time data table, and FIG. 1B is a diagram for explaining an opening/closing control pattern table. FIG. 11 is a first diagram illustrating the gameplay characteristics of the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a second diagram illustrating the gameplay characteristics of the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a third diagram illustrating the gameplay characteristics of the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a fourth diagram illustrating the gameplay of the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a gaming machine status flag. 11 is a first flowchart illustrating a CPU initialization process in a main control board. 13 is a second flowchart illustrating a CPU initialization process in the main control board. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a sub-command group setting process in the main control board. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a save process in the main control board when power is turned off. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a timer interrupt process in a main control board. 13 is a flowchart illustrating setting-related processing in a main control board. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a switch management process in a main control board. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a gate passing process in the main control board. 13 is a flowchart explaining the first starting port passing process in the main control board. 13 is a flowchart explaining the second start port passing process in the main control board. 13 is a flowchart explaining the special pattern random number acquisition process in the main control board. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a specific area passing process in the main control board. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a special game management phase. 13 is a flowchart explaining special game management processing on the main control board. 13 is a flowchart explaining the special pattern change waiting process in the main control board. 13 is a flowchart explaining the special pattern variable number determination process in the main control board. 13 is a flowchart explaining the processing during special pattern variation on the main control board. 13 is a flowchart explaining the special pattern stop pattern display processing in the main control board. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a number of cutoff management process in the main control board. This is a flowchart explaining the processing before opening the large prize opening on the main control board. 13 is a flowchart explaining the large prize opening/closing switching process on the main control board. 13 is a flowchart explaining the large prize opening control process on the main control board. 13 is a flowchart explaining the large prize opening closure activation process on the main control board. This is a flowchart explaining the large prize opening end wait processing on the main control board. A diagram explaining the normal game management phase. 13 is a flowchart explaining normal game management processing in the main control board. 13 is a flowchart explaining the normal pattern change waiting process on the main control board. 13 is a flowchart explaining the processing during normal pattern fluctuation on the main control board. 13 is a flowchart explaining the normal pattern stop pattern display processing in the main control board. This is a flowchart explaining the processing before opening the winning opening of a normal electric device on the main control board. This is a flowchart explaining the normal electric gimmick prize opening/closing switching process on the main control board. This is a flowchart explaining the control process for opening the winning port of a normal electric device on the main control board. This is a flowchart explaining the normal electric device winning hole closure validity processing on the main control board. This is a flowchart explaining the normal electric gimmick winning slot end wait processing on the main control board. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a sub-CPU initialization process in the sub-control board. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a sub timer interrupt process in the sub control board. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an opening designation command receiving process in the sub-control board.

The following describes in detail preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the attached drawings. The dimensions, materials, and other specific values shown in the embodiments are merely examples to facilitate understanding of the invention, and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In this specification and drawings, elements that have substantially the same functions and configurations are given the same reference numerals to avoid duplicated explanations, and elements that are not directly related to the present invention are not shown.

To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, we will first provide a brief explanation of the mechanical and electrical configurations of the gaming machine, and then explain the specific processing on each board.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the gaming machine 100, showing the door in an open state. As shown in the figure, the gaming machine 100 is equipped with an outer frame 102 in which an enclosed space is formed by four sides assembled in a substantially rectangular shape, a middle frame 104 attached to the outer frame 102 by a hinge mechanism so as to be freely opened and closed, and a front frame 106 attached to the middle frame 104 by a hinge mechanism so as to be freely opened and closed.

The middle frame 104, like the outer frame 102, has four sides arranged in a roughly rectangular shape to form an enclosed space, and the game board 108 is held in this enclosed space. The front frame 106 also holds a glass or resin transparent plate 110. When the middle frame 104 and the front frame 106 are closed against the outer frame 102, the game board 108 and the transparent plate 110 face each other roughly parallel, maintaining a predetermined distance between them, and the game board 108 can be seen through the transparent plate 110 from the front side of the gaming machine 100.

Figure 2 is a front view of the gaming machine 100, and Figure 3 is a front view of the gaming board 108. However, Figure 2 shows the gaming board 108 removed.

As shown in FIG. 2, an operating handle 112 that protrudes from the front side of the gaming machine 100 is provided at the bottom of the front frame 106. This operating handle 112 is provided so that it can be rotated by the player, and when the player rotates the operating handle 112 to perform a firing operation, a gaming ball is fired by a firing mechanism (not shown) with a strength that corresponds to the rotation angle of the operating handle 112.

The game ball thus launched rises between rails 114a and 114b provided on the game board 108 and is guided to the game area 116, as shown in FIG. 3.

The play area 116 is a space formed between the play board 108 and the transparent plate 110, and is an area in which the play balls can flow down or roll. The play board 108 is provided with numerous nails and windmills, and the play balls guided to the play area 116 collide with the nails and windmills, causing them to flow down and roll in irregular directions.

The play area 116 includes a first play area 116a and a second play area 116b, which have different degrees of entry of game balls depending on the launch strength of the launch mechanism. The first play area 116a is located on the left side of the play area 116 as seen by a player facing the gaming machine 100, and the second play area 116b is located on the right side of the play area 116 as seen by a player facing the gaming machine 100. Since the rails 114a and 114b are on the left side of the play area 116, game balls launched by the launch mechanism with a launch strength less than a predetermined strength will enter the first play area 116a, and game balls launched with a launch strength equal to or greater than the predetermined strength will enter the second play area 116b.

The game area 116 is also provided with a general winning hole 118, a first starting hole 120, and a second starting hole 122 through which game balls can enter. When a game ball enters the general winning hole 118, the first starting hole 120, or the second starting hole 122, a predetermined prize ball is paid out to the player. The number of prize balls may be any number greater than one, and the number of prize balls paid out from the general winning hole 118, the first starting hole 120, and the second starting hole 122 may be different or may be set to the same number of prize balls. In this case, it is also possible to set the number of prize balls paid out when a game ball enters the first starting hole 120 to be less than the number of prize balls paid out when a game ball enters the second starting hole 122.

As will be described in detail later, a first starting area is provided within the first starting hole 120, and a second starting area is provided within the second starting hole 122. When a game ball enters the first starting hole 120 or the second starting hole 122 and enters the first starting area or the second starting area, a lottery is held to determine one of a number of special patterns provided in advance. Each special pattern is associated with various game benefits, such as whether or not a small win game that is advantageous to the player can be executed, and what kind of game state the game state will be from then on. Therefore, when a game ball enters the first starting hole 120 or the second starting hole 122, the player not only gets a predetermined prize ball, but also gets the opportunity to acquire the right to receive various game benefits.

The first starting hole 120 is located at the bottom of the game area 116, and is either capable of receiving only game balls flowing down the first game area 116a, or is located in a position where game balls that have entered the first game area 116a can enter more easily than game balls that have entered the second game area 116b.

The second starting hole 122 is located in the second game area 116b, and can only be entered by game balls flowing down the second game area 116b, or is located in a position where game balls that have entered the second game area 116b can enter more easily than game balls that have entered the first game area 116a. This second starting hole 122 is configured as a variable starting hole (variable starting winning device) having a movable piece 122b, and the ease with which game balls can enter the second starting hole 122 can be varied.

Figure 4 is a partially enlarged view of the game board 108. The specific configuration of the second starting opening 122 is not particularly limited, but here, the movable piece 122b is normally recessed into the rear side of the game board 108, the second starting opening 122 is closed, and the game ball flows down the front side of the movable piece 122b, making it impossible or difficult for the game ball to enter the second starting opening 122.

In response to this, when the game ball passes through the gate 124 provided in the second game area 116b, the movable piece 122b protrudes to the front side of the game board 108, and a decision is made as to whether or not to play an auxiliary game that makes it easier for the game ball to enter the second starting hole 122. If it is decided to play an auxiliary game, the movable piece 122b protrudes to the front side of the game board 108, and the auxiliary game that makes it easier for the game ball to enter the second starting hole 122 is played. More specifically, on the condition that the game ball has passed through the gate 124, a lottery for a normal symbol, which will be described later, is held, and if a winning symbol is selected in this lottery, the movable piece 122b is controlled to be in an open state for a predetermined time.

When the movable piece 122b is in a protruding state, a game ball flowing down the front side of the movable piece 122b falls onto the movable piece 122b. The game ball that falls onto the movable piece 122b is guided by the movable piece 122b and directed to the second starting hole 122. In this way, when the movable piece 122b is in a protruding state, the movable piece 122b functions as a tray that guides the game ball to the second starting hole 122, making it easier for the game ball to enter the second starting hole 122.

Furthermore, a first large prize opening 126 and a second large prize opening 128 are provided at the bottom of the game area 116. The first large prize opening 126 and the second large prize opening 128 are positioned at positions where game balls flowing down at least the second game area 116b can enter.

The first large prize opening 126 is provided with an opening/closing door 126b that can be opened and closed. Normally, the opening/closing door 126b closes the first large prize opening 126, making it impossible for game balls to enter the first large prize opening 126. In contrast, when a small prize game based on winning the special pattern Z7 described below is executed among the small prize games described above, the opening/closing door 126b opens and functions as a tray, making it possible for game balls to enter the first large prize opening 126.

When a gaming ball enters the first large prize opening 126, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the player. In this embodiment, one gaming ball is paid out to the player as a prize ball for each gaming ball that enters the first large prize opening 126. In other words, even if a gaming ball enters the first large prize opening 126, the number of gaming balls held by the player does not increase. This makes it possible to suppress the risk of excessive gambling.

In the embodiment, the width (size) W1 of the entrance (opening) of the first large winning opening 126 is formed to be equal to or greater than the diameter (11 mm) of a game ball. Specifically, when the opening and closing door 126b is opened, the width (size) W1 of the entrance (opening) of the first large winning opening 126 is set to 5 times the diameter (11 mm) of a game ball, i.e., 55 mm, so that the game ball can easily enter the first large winning opening 126. Note that the width (size) W1 of the entrance (opening) of the first large winning opening 126 refers to the maximum width (size) of the range (area) that will necessarily reach the opening and closing door 126b when the game ball enters (reaches).

In the embodiment, the width (size) W2 of the passageway in which the opening and closing door 126b is provided is formed to be smaller than twice the diameter (11 mm) of the game ball. Specifically, in order to regulate the movement of the game ball in the passageway in which the opening and closing door 126b is provided, the width W2 of the passageway in which the opening and closing door 126b is provided is set to 13 mm.

In addition, as described above, in this embodiment, even if a game ball enters the first large prize opening 126, the number of game balls held by the player does not increase, and therefore the first large prize opening 126 offers little benefit to the player. Therefore, if the first large prize opening 126 stands out too much, the player may feel stressed and lose motivation to play.

Therefore, in the embodiment, the width (size) W3 of the opening and closing door 126b is formed to be smaller than twice the diameter of the game ball (11 mm). Specifically, the width W3 of the opening and closing door 126b is set to 10 mm so that the opening and closing door 126b functions as a tray. That is, in the embodiment, the width W3 of the opening and closing door 126b is formed to be smaller than the diameter of the game ball. Furthermore, in the embodiment, the opening and closing door 126b is formed from a transparent material. This makes it possible to make the opening and closing door 126b less noticeable, thereby reducing the risk of the player feeling stressed and reducing the risk of the player losing their motivation to play.

The second large prize opening 128 is provided with a movable piece 128b that can be opened and closed, and normally the movable piece 128b closes the second large prize opening 128, making it impossible for game balls to enter the second large prize opening 128. In contrast, when a small prize game based on winning special patterns Z1 to Z6, which will be described later, is played among the small prize games mentioned above, the movable piece 128b is opened, making it possible for game balls to enter the second large prize opening 128.

When a game ball enters the second large prize opening 128, a predetermined prize ball is paid out to the player. In the embodiment, 15 game balls are paid out to the player as prize balls for one game ball entering the second large prize opening 128. In other words, by having a game ball enter the second large prize opening 128, the player can increase the number of game balls he owns. In other words, it can be said that a small prize game in which the second large prize opening 128 is controlled to open and close is more advantageous for the player than a small prize game in which the first large prize opening 126 is controlled to open and close. In the following, the first large prize opening 126 and the second large prize opening 128 are collectively referred to simply as the large prize openings.

As shown in FIG. 4, the second game area 116b is provided with a structure 129 that protrudes from the front side of the game board 108. This structure 129 has an opening formed at the top, which becomes the second large prize opening 128. A movable piece 128b is provided at the top of the structure 129, and the movable piece 128b is normally maintained in a closed state that closes the second large prize opening 128.

The movable piece 128b protrudes into the game area 116 where game balls roll and flow down, facing above the game machine 100. Therefore, when the movable piece 128b is maintained in a closed state, game balls flowing down the game area 116 (second game area 116b) will fall onto the movable piece 128b. Here, the movable piece 128b maintained in a closed state is inclined so that the left side of the game machine 100 is slightly lower than the right side. Therefore, when the movable piece 128b is in a closed state, game balls that have fallen onto the movable piece 128b will slowly roll from right to left on the movable piece 128b.

When a small jackpot game based on the winning of special symbols Z1 to Z6, which will be described later, is executed, the movable piece 128b transitions to an open state in which the second large winning hole 128 is opened. Here, the movable piece 128b is caused to protrude from a hole formed in the game board 108 in the front-rear direction (front-rear direction) of the game machine 100 by an actuator (solenoid) not shown. Normally, the actuator is kept in a non-energized state, and the movable piece 128b is held in a position protruding further forward than the hole in the game board 108, closing the second large winning hole 128. Then, when the actuator is energized, the movable piece 128b is held in a position retracted further back than the hole in the game board 108, and the second large winning hole 128 is opened. In this way, when the second large winning hole 128 is open, a game ball enters the second large winning hole 128.

As described above, in the embodiment, it is possible to win many game balls by having the game ball enter the second large prize opening 128. In other words, it can be said that the second large prize opening 128 offers a greater benefit to the player than the first large prize opening 126. Therefore, in the embodiment, the width (size) W4 of the second large prize opening 128 and the movable piece 128b is formed to be equal to or greater than the diameter (11 mm) of the game ball.

Specifically, to allow multiple game balls to roll on the movable piece 128b at the same time and to allow multiple game balls to enter the second large prize opening 128 at the same time, the width W4 of the second large prize opening 128 and the movable piece 128b is set to six times the diameter of the game ball (11 mm), i.e., 66 mm.

In this manner, in this embodiment, the second large prize opening 128 is formed to be larger than the first large prize opening 126. In other words, the second large prize opening 128 is formed to be larger and more noticeable than the first large prize opening 126. This makes it possible to make the first large prize opening 126 less noticeable relative to the second large prize opening 128, thereby reducing the risk of the player feeling stressed and reducing the risk of the player losing their motivation to play.

In addition, in the embodiment, the movable piece 128b is formed from an opaque material. That is, in the embodiment, the first large prize opening 126 is formed to be more transparent than the second large prize opening 128. In other words, the second large prize opening 128 is formed to be less transparent and more noticeable than the first large prize opening 126. This makes it possible to make the first large prize opening 126 less noticeable relative to the second large prize opening 128, thereby reducing the risk of the player feeling stressed and reducing the risk of the player losing their motivation to play.

The second large prize opening 128 is provided with an outlet path 128d inside, and the second large prize opening 128 is inclined so that a game ball that enters the second large prize opening 128 is led to the outlet path 128d. The outlet path 128d is provided with a specific area 140b and a non-specific area 140c, which are holes through which the game ball can pass, and the game ball that enters the second large prize opening 128 is configured to pass through either the specific area 140b or the non-specific area 140c.

The second large winning opening 128 is provided with a movable member 142 that opens and closes the specific area 140b and the non-specific area 140c. This movable member 142 appears and disappears in the front-rear direction of the gaming machine 100 from a hole formed in the gaming board 108 by an actuator (solenoid) not shown. Normally, the actuator is kept in a non-energized state, and the movable member 142 is held in a position protruding forward from the hole in the gaming board 108, making it impossible for gaming balls to enter the specific area 140b. More specifically, when the movable member 142 is held in a position protruding forward from the hole in the gaming board 108, the specific area 140b is blocked by the movable member 142, and the gaming ball can pass through the non-specific area 140c.

When the actuator is energized, the movable member 142 is held in a position recessed further back than the hole in the game board 108, allowing the game ball to enter the specific area 140b. More specifically, when the movable member 142 is held in a position recessed further back than the hole in the game board 108, the specific area 140b is opened, allowing the game ball to pass through the specific area 140b. As will be described in more detail later, if the game ball enters the specific area 140b during a small win game, a big win (type 2 big win) is awarded, and the big prize game described below begins.

Returning to FIG. 3, at the bottom of the game area 116, there is an outlet 130 that discharges game balls that do not enter any of the general winning hole 118, the first starting hole 120, the second starting hole 122, the first large winning hole 126, and the second large winning hole 128 from the game area 116 to the back side of the game board 108.

The gaming machine 100 is equipped with a performance display device 200 consisting of a liquid crystal display device, a performance prop device 202 consisting of a movable device, performance lighting devices 204, 204a consisting of lamps that can be controlled to various lighting modes and emission colors, an audio output device 206 consisting of a speaker, and a performance button 208 that accepts operation by the player, as performance devices that perform performances while the game is in progress.

The performance display device 200 also includes a main performance display section 200a, which is made up of an image display section that displays images. The main performance display section 200a is arranged in the approximate center of the game board 108 so as to be visible from the front side of the gaming machine 100. This main performance display section 200a displays images for various performances.

The performance device 202 is located in front of the main performance display unit 200a and is usually retracted to the rear side of the game board 108. It moves to the front of the main performance display unit 200a in accordance with the image displayed on the main performance display unit 200a, giving the player a sense of anticipation.

The lighting device 204 is provided on the prop device 202, the game board 108, etc., and is controlled to light up in various ways in accordance with the images displayed on the main display unit 200a.

As shown in FIG. 4, the lighting device 204a is located below the second large prize opening 128. In other words, the second large prize opening 128 is located between the first large prize opening 126 and the lighting device 204a. In this embodiment, the lighting device 204a performs a light emission effect in which the lighting is controlled in accordance with the movement of the movable piece 128b. In this embodiment, the light emitter such as a lamp closest to the first large prize opening 126 is the lighting device 204a. In this embodiment, the first large prize opening 126 and the lighting device 204a are located 120 mm apart.

As a result, the second large prize opening 128 is made to stand out by the light emitted by the lighting effect device 204a, while the light guided by the emitted lighting effect device 204a is blocked by the second large prize opening 128, which is made of an opaque material, toward the first large prize opening 126. This makes it possible to make the second large prize opening 128 more noticeable than the first large prize opening 126. Furthermore, since the first large prize opening 126 can be made relatively less noticeable compared to the second large prize opening 128, it is possible to reduce the risk of the player feeling stressed and the risk of the player losing their motivation to play.

Returning to FIG. 2, the audio output device 206 is provided at the upper position of the front frame 106 or at the lowermost position of the outer frame 102, and outputs various sounds toward the front of the gaming machine 100 in accordance with the images displayed on the main performance display section 200a.

The effect button 208 is composed of a button that accepts pressing operations by the player, and is located in approximately the center of the gaming machine 100 in the width direction, and below the transparent plate 110. This effect button 208 is activated in accordance with the images displayed on the main effect display section 200a, and when a player's operation is accepted within the effective operation time, various effects are executed according to the operation.

The reference symbol 132 in the figure indicates an upper tray to which prize balls paid out from the gaming machine 100 and game balls loaned from the game ball loaning device are guided, and when this upper tray 132 is full of game balls, the game balls are guided to the lower tray 134. A ball ejection hole (not shown) is formed in the bottom surface of this lower tray 134 to eject game balls from the lower tray 134. This ball ejection hole is normally closed by an opening/closing plate (not shown), but by pushing in the ball ejection knob 134a, the opening/closing plate slides together with the ball ejection knob 134a, making it possible to eject game balls from the ball ejection hole to below the lower tray 134.

The game board 108 is provided with a first special symbol display 160, a second special symbol display 162, a first special symbol reserved display 164, a second special symbol reserved display 166, a normal symbol display 168, a normal symbol reserved display 170, and a right hit notification display 172, located outside the game area 116 and in a position visible to the player. Each of these displays 160-172 is a device for displaying various game-related situations, and will be described in detail below.

(Internal configuration of control means)
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the control means for controlling the progress of the game.

The main control board 300 controls the basic operations of the game. This main control board 300 is equipped with a main CPU 300a, a main ROM 300b, and a main RAM 300c. The main CPU 300a reads out the programs stored in the main ROM 300b and performs arithmetic processing based on input signals from each detection switch and timer, and also directly controls each device and display, or sends commands to other boards depending on the results of the arithmetic processing. The main RAM 300c functions as a work area for data during arithmetic processing by the main CPU 300a.

The gaming machine 100 is broadly divided into special games, which are started when a gaming ball enters the first start hole 120 or the second start hole 122, and regular games, which are started when a gaming ball passes through the gate 124. The main ROM 300b of the main control board 300 stores various programs for progressing the special games and regular games, as well as data and tables required for various games.

The main control board 300 is connected to a general winning hole detection switch 118s that detects when a game ball enters the general winning hole 118, a first starting hole detection switch 120s that detects when a game ball enters the first starting hole 120, a second starting hole detection switch 122s that detects when a game ball enters the second starting hole 122, a gate detection switch 124s that detects when a game ball passes through the gate 124, a first large winning hole detection switch 126s that detects when a game ball enters the first large winning hole 126, a second large winning hole detection switch 128s that detects when a game ball enters the second large winning hole 128, a specific area detection switch 140s that detects when a game ball enters the specific area 140b, and an out ball detection switch 130s that detects when a game ball is discharged from the game area 116. Detection signals are input from each of these detection switches to the main control board 300.

A junction passage is provided on the back of the game board 108, and game balls that enter the general winning hole 118, the first starting hole 120, the second starting hole 122, the first large winning hole 126, and the second large winning hole 128 join the game balls that are guided to the back side from the discharge hole 130 at the junction passage and are guided to the equipment of the game center. The out ball detection switch 130s is provided in the junction passage, and all game balls that are discharged from the game area 116, in other words, all game balls that are launched into the game area 116, are detected by the out ball detection switch 130s.

Also, the main control board 300 is connected to a normal electric device solenoid 122c that operates the movable piece 122b of the second starting hole 122, a first large winning hole solenoid 126c that operates the opening and closing door 126b that opens and closes the first large winning hole 126, a second large winning hole solenoid 128c that operates the movable piece 128b that opens and closes the second large winning hole 128, and a movable member drive solenoid 142c that moves the movable member 142 provided in the second large winning hole 128. The main control board 300 controls the opening and closing of the second starting hole 122, the first large winning hole 126, the second large winning hole 128, and the specific area 140b.

Furthermore, the first special pattern display 160, the second special pattern display 162, the first special pattern reserved display 164, the second special pattern reserved display 166, the normal pattern display 168, the normal pattern reserved display 170, and the right hit notification display 172 are connected to the main control board 300, and the display of each of these displays is controlled by the main control board 300.

The gaming machine 100 is also provided with multiple abnormality detection sensors 174 that detect possible abnormalities or fraud, such as a radio wave detection sensor that detects radio waves, a magnetic detection sensor that detects magnetism, and a door open sensor that detects the open state of the middle frame 104 or the front frame 106, and is configured so that an abnormality detection signal is input from each abnormality detection sensor 174 to the main control board 300.

Furthermore, a setting change switch 180s is provided on the back of the game board 108. The setting change switch 180s is configured to be accessible with a dedicated key. When the setting change switch 180s is turned on, operations to change and confirm the setting value become possible. As will be described in more detail later, the gaming machine 100 stores one of six setting values with different degrees of advantage as a registered setting value in the setting value buffer, and the game progresses according to the stored registered setting value.

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

In addition, a performance display monitor 184 is provided on the back of the game board 108. The main control board 300 displays the registered setting values and base ratios on the performance display monitor 184.

The main control board 300 is also connected to a dispensing control board 310 and a sub-control board 330.

The payout control board 310 controls the launching of game balls and the payout of prize balls. This payout control board 310 also has a CPU, ROM, and RAM, and is connected to the main control board 300 so that it can communicate in both directions. A game information output terminal board 312 is connected to this payout control board 310, and various information on the progress of the game output from the main control board 300 is output to the hall computer of the gaming facility via the payout control board 310 and the game information output terminal board 312.

The payout control board 310 is also 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 based on a payout number designation command sent from the main control board 300 to control it so that a specified number of prize balls are paid out to the player. At this time, the number of paid out game balls is detected by a payout ball count switch 316s, and it is possible to know whether the prize balls to be paid out have been paid out to the player.

The payout control board 310 is also connected to a tray full detection switch 318s that detects whether the lower tray 134 is full. This tray full detection switch 318s is provided in a passage that guides the game balls paid out as prize balls to the lower tray 134, and a game ball detection signal is input to the payout control board 310 each time a game ball passes through the passage.

When the lower tray 134 is filled to capacity with more than a predetermined amount of game balls, game balls become trapped in the passageway leading to the lower tray 134, and game ball detection signals are continuously input from the full tray detection switch 318s to the payout control board 310. If the game ball detection signals are continuously input for a predetermined period of time, the payout control board 310 determines that the lower tray 134 is full, and sends a full tray command to the main control board 300. On the other hand, if the continuous input of the game ball detection signals stops after sending the full tray command, it determines that the full tray state has been released, and sends a full tray release command to the main control board 300.

The payout control board 310 is also connected to a launch control circuit 320 for two-way communication. When the launch control circuit 320 receives launch control data from the payout control board 310, it authorizes launch. The launch control circuit 320 is connected to a touch sensor 112s provided on the operating handle 112, which detects when the player touches the operating handle 112, and an operating volume 112a, which detects the operating angle of the operating handle 112. When signals are input from the touch sensor 112s and the operating volume 112a, the launch control circuit 320 controls the energization of a launch solenoid 112c provided on the game ball launching device to launch the game ball.

The sub-control board 330 mainly controls each presentation during play, standby, etc. This sub-control board 330 is equipped with a sub-CPU 330a, a sub-ROM 330b, a sub-RAM 330c, and an RTC 330d, and is connected to the main control board 300 so that it can communicate in one direction from the main control board 300 to the sub-control board 330. The sub-CPU 330a reads out the programs stored in the sub-ROM 330b and performs calculations based on commands sent from the main control board 300 and input signals from a timer, and also controls the execution of the presentations. At this time, the sub-RAM 330c functions as a work area for data during calculation processing by the sub-CPU 330a.

Specifically, the sub-control board 330 performs image display control to display images on the main performance display unit 200a. The sub-ROM 330b stores a large number of different image data to be displayed on the main performance display unit 200a, and the sub-CPU 330a reads the image data from the sub-ROM 330b to a VRAM (not shown) to control the image display on the main performance display unit 200a.

The sub-control board 330 also controls the movement of the props device 202 and the lighting of the lighting devices 204 and 204a, as well as controlling the audio output to output audio from the audio output device 206. Furthermore, when an operation detection signal is input from the performance button detection switch 208s, which detects that the performance button 208 has been pressed, a specific performance is executed.

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. The power supply board is also provided with a backup power supply consisting of a capacitor. The RTC 330d provided on the sub-control board 330 receives power from this backup power supply and keeps track of the current time.

Figure 6 is an address map of the memory area used by the main CPU 300a. Note that in Figure 6, addresses are shown in hexadecimal, with "H" indicating a hexadecimal number. As shown in Figure 6, the memory area used by the main CPU 300a includes a memory area (0000H to 2FFFH) allocated to the main ROM 300b and a memory area (F000H to F3FFH) allocated to the main RAM 300c.

The memory area of the main ROM 300b is divided into a used area (0000H to 1A7AH) that stores programs and data for controlling the progress of the game, and a non-used area (2000H to 2BFFH) that stores programs and data for executing processes for performing tests stipulated by gaming machine regulations and processes for displaying the performance display monitor 184 (including processes for calculating the base ratio to be displayed on the performance display monitor 184).

The used area of the main ROM 300b includes a program area (0000H-0A89H) in which programs for controlling the progress of the game are stored, an unused area (0A8AH-0FFFH), and a data area (1000H-1A7AH) in which data other than programs are stored. Note that the used area does not necessarily have to include the unused area (0A8AH-0FFFH).

The unused area of the main ROM 300b includes a program area (2000H to 27FFH) that stores programs for executing processes for performing tests stipulated by gaming machine regulations and processes for displaying the performance display monitor 184, and a data area (2800H to 2BFFH) that stores data other than these programs.

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

The memory area of the main RAM 300c is divided into a used area (F000H to F1FFH) that is temporarily used when a program for controlling the progress of the game is being executed, and a non-used area (F210H to F228H) that is an area other than the used area and is temporarily used when a program for processing tests stipulated by the gaming machine regulations or processing for displaying the performance display monitor 184 is being executed.

The used area of the main RAM 300c includes a work area (F000H-F12AH) that is temporarily used when a program for controlling the progress of the game is being executed, an unused area (F12BH-F1D7H), and a stack area (F1D8H-F1FFH) where data is temporarily saved while a program for controlling the progress of the game is being executed. Note that the used area does not have to include the unused area (F12BH-F1D7H).

The unused area of the main RAM 300c includes a work area (F210H to F21FH) that is temporarily used when programs are being executed for processing tests stipulated by gaming machine regulations and processing for displaying the performance display monitor 184, and a stack area (F220H to F228H) that temporarily stores data when these programs are being executed.

In addition to the used area and unused area, the memory area of main RAM 300c also includes an unused area (F200H to F20FH) and an unused area (F229H to F3FFH).

In this way, main ROM 300b and main RAM 300c are provided with separate areas: a used area used to control the progress of the game, and a non-used area used to execute processes for performing tests stipulated by gaming machine regulations and processes for controlling the display of the performance display monitor 184.

The main RAM 300c has a 16-byte unused area (F200H-F20FH) between the used area and the unused area. This unused area (F200H-F20FH) is set as a boundary area that separates the used area and the unused area, making the boundary between the used area and the unused area clear, preventing the unused area from being used when a program for controlling the progress of the game is being executed, and preventing the used area from being used when a program for processing tests stipulated by the gaming machine regulations or processing for controlling the display of the performance display monitor 184 is being executed.

The unused area between the used area and the unused area only needs to be at least 1 byte, and from the viewpoint of preventing fraud, it is preferable that it be 4 bytes or more, and more preferably set to 16 bytes or more. Furthermore, writing and reading of data into the unused area is prohibited, but from the viewpoint of preventing fraud, it may be cleared at a specified time.

Next, we will explain how to play the gaming machine 100, along with the various tables stored in the main ROM 300b.

As mentioned above, the gaming machine 100 allows two types of games, special games and normal games, to proceed in parallel, and when these two games are being played, the game proceeds in either a non-time-saving game state or a time-saving game state.

Details of each game state will be described later, but the non-time-saving game state is a game state in which the movable piece 122b is less likely to open and the game ball is less likely to enter the second starting hole 122, and the time-saving game state is a game state in which the movable piece 122b is more likely to open than in the non-time-saving game state and the game ball is more likely to enter the second starting hole 122. The initial state of the gaming machine 100 is set to the non-time-saving game state.

When a player operates the operating handle 112 to launch a game ball into the game area 116, and the game ball flowing down the game area 116 enters the first start port 120 or the second start port 122, a lottery (hereinafter referred to as the "big prize lottery") is held to determine whether or not the player will be awarded a game profit. If a small prize is won in this big prize lottery, the first big prize port 126 or the second big prize port 128 is opened and a small prize game is executed in which the game ball can enter the first big prize port 126 or the second big prize port 128. The big prize lottery method is explained below.

As will be described in more detail later, when a game ball enters the first start hole 120 or the second start hole 122, various random number values related to the big role lottery (small win determination random number, winning pattern random number, reach group determination random number, reach mode determination random number, variable pattern random number) are obtained, and each of these random number values is stored in the special chart reserve memory area of the main RAM 300c. In the following, the various random numbers stored in the special chart reserve memory area when a game ball enters the first start hole 120 are collectively referred to as special 1 reserve, and the various random numbers stored in the special chart reserve memory area when a game ball enters the second start hole 122 are collectively referred to as special 2 reserve.

The special chart reservation memory area of the main RAM 300c includes a first special chart reservation memory area and a second special chart reservation memory area. The first special chart reservation memory area and the second special chart reservation memory area each have four memory sections (first to fourth memory sections). When a game ball enters the first starting hole 120, the special 1 reservation is stored in order starting from the first memory section of the first special chart reservation memory area, and when a game ball enters the second starting hole 122, the special 2 reservation is stored in order starting from the first memory section of the second special chart reservation memory area.

For example, when a game ball enters the first starting hole 120, if no reservation is stored in any of the first to fourth memory sections of the first special chart reservation memory area, a special 1 reservation is stored in the first memory section. Also, for example, if a game ball enters the first starting hole 120 while a special 1 reservation is stored in the first to third memory sections, the special 1 reservation is stored in the fourth memory section. Also, when a game ball enters the second starting hole 122, similar to the above, a special 2 reservation is stored in the memory section with the smallest number (ordinal number) among the first to fourth memory sections of the second special chart reservation memory area where a special 2 reservation is not stored.

However, the number of special 1 reservations (X1) and the number of special 2 reservations (X2) that can be stored in the first special chart reservation memory area and the second special chart reservation memory area are each set to four. Therefore, for example, if four special 1 reservations are already stored in the first special chart reservation memory area when a game ball enters the first starting hole 120, no new special 1 reservations will be stored by the game ball entering the first starting hole 120. Similarly, if four special 2 reservations are already stored in the second special chart reservation memory area when a game ball enters the second starting hole 122, no new special 2 reservations will be stored by the game ball entering the second starting hole 122.

Figure 7 is a diagram explaining the small win determination random number judgment table for special 1. When a game ball enters the first start hole 120 or the second start hole 122, one small win determination random number is obtained within the range of 0 to 65535. Then, a small win determination random number judgment table is selected according to the reserved type read out when the big win lottery is started, and the big win lottery is performed using the selected small win determination random number judgment table and the obtained small win determination random number.

When starting the big prize lottery for special 1 reserved, the special 1 small prize determination random number judgment table is referenced. Here, in the embodiment, six setting values with different degrees of advantage are provided, and a special 1 small prize determination random number judgment table is provided for each setting value. During play, the setting value is set to one of the six levels, and the big prize lottery is performed by referring to the special 1 small prize determination random number judgment table corresponding to the currently set setting value (registered setting value stored in the setting value buffer).

When the setting value is set to 1 (registered setting value = 1), the big prize lottery is performed by referring to the special 1 small prize determination random number judgment table a shown in Figure 7 (a). According to this special 1 small prize determination random number judgment table a, if the small prize determination random number is between 20001 and 20206, it is judged as a small prize, and if it is any other small prize determination random number, it is judged as a miss. Therefore, the probability of a small prize in this case is approximately 1/318.1.

Also, when the setting value is set to 2 (registered setting value = 2), the big prize lottery is performed by referring to the special 1 small prize determination random number judgment table b shown in Figure 7 (b). According to this special 1 small prize determination random number judgment table b, if the small prize determination random number is between 20001 and 20216, it is judged as a small prize, and if it is any other small prize determination random number, it is judged as a miss. Therefore, in this case, the probability of a small prize is approximately 1/303.4.

Also, when the setting value is set to 3 (registered setting value = 3), the big prize lottery is performed by referring to the special 1 small prize determination random number judgment table c shown in Figure 7 (c). According to this special 1 small prize determination random number judgment table c, if the small prize determination random number is between 20001 and 20226, it is judged as a small prize, and if it is any other small prize determination random number, it is judged as a miss. Therefore, the probability of a small prize in this case is approximately 1 in 289.9.

Also, when the setting value is set to 4 (registered setting value = 4), the big prize lottery is performed by referring to the special 1 small prize determination random number judgment table d shown in Figure 7 (d). According to this special 1 small prize determination random number judgment table d, if the small prize determination random number is between 20001 and 20236, it is judged as a small prize, and if it is any other small prize determination random number, it is judged as a miss. Therefore, the probability of a small prize in this case is approximately 1/277.6.

Also, when the setting value is set to 5 (registered setting value = 5), the big prize lottery is performed by referring to the special 1 small prize determination random number judgment table e shown in Figure 7 (e). According to this special 1 small prize determination random number judgment table e, if the small prize determination random number is between 20001 and 20246, it is judged as a small prize, and if it is any other small prize determination random number, it is judged as a miss. Therefore, the probability of a small prize in this case is approximately 1/266.4.

Also, when the setting value is set to 6 (registered setting value = 6), the big prize lottery is performed by referring to the special 1 small win determination random number judgment table f shown in Figure 7 (f). According to this special 1 small win determination random number judgment table f, if the small win determination random number is between 20001 and 20256, it is judged as a small win, and if it is any other small win determination random number, it is judged as a miss. Therefore, in this case, the probability of a small win is approximately 1/256.0.

Figure 8 is a diagram explaining the random number judgment table for determining small wins for special 2. When starting a lottery for a big role for special 2 reserve, the random number judgment table for determining small wins for special 2 is referenced. The random number judgment table for determining small wins for special 2 is also set for each setting value, just like the random number judgment table for determining small wins for special 1.

When the setting value is set to 1 (registered setting value = 1), the big prize lottery is performed by referring to the special 2 small prize determination random number judgment table a shown in Figure 8 (a). According to this special 2 small prize determination random number judgment table a, if the small prize determination random number is between 20001 and 28856, it is judged as a small prize, and if it is any other small prize determination random number, it is judged as a miss. Therefore, the probability of a small prize in this case is approximately 1/7.4.

In addition, when the setting value is set to 2 (registered setting value = 2), the big prize lottery is performed by referring to the special 2 small prize determination random number judgment table b shown in Figure 8 (b). According to this special 2 small prize determination random number judgment table b, if the small prize determination random number is between 20001 and 29056, it is judged as a small prize, and if it is any other small prize determination random number, it is judged as a miss. Therefore, in this case, the probability of a small prize is approximately 1/7.2.

Also, when the setting value is set to 3 (registered setting value = 3), the big prize lottery is performed by referring to the special 2 small prize determination random number judgment table c shown in Figure 8 (c). According to this special 2 small prize determination random number judgment table c, if the small prize determination random number is between 20001 and 29256, it is judged as a small prize, and if it is any other small prize determination random number, it is judged as a miss. Therefore, the probability of a small prize in this case is approximately 1/7.0.

In addition, when the setting value is set to 4 (registered setting value = 4), the big prize lottery is performed by referring to the special 2 small prize determination random number judgment table d shown in Figure 8 (d). According to this special 2 small prize determination random number judgment table d, if the small prize determination random number is between 20001 and 29456, it is judged as a small prize, and if it is any other small prize determination random number, it is judged as a miss. Therefore, in this case, the probability of a small prize is approximately 1 in 6.9.

Also, when the setting value is set to 5 (registered setting value = 5), the big prize lottery is performed by referring to the special 2 small prize determination random number judgment table e shown in Figure 8 (e). According to this special 2 small prize determination random number judgment table e, if the small prize determination random number is between 20001 and 29656, it is judged as a small prize, and if it is any other small prize determination random number, it is judged as a miss. Therefore, the probability of a small prize in this case is approximately 1 in 6.7.

Also, when the setting value is set to 6 (registered setting value = 6), the big prize lottery is performed by referring to the special 2 small prize determination random number judgment table f shown in Figure 8 (f). According to this special 2 small prize determination random number judgment table f, if the small prize determination random number is between 20001 and 29856, it is judged as a small prize, and if it is any other small prize determination random number, it is judged as a miss. Therefore, in this case, the probability of a small prize is approximately 1 in 6.6.

As described above, the big prize lottery is held according to the registered setting value. In the embodiment, it is easier to win a small prize when the registered setting value is large than when it is small, but the probability of winning a small prize may remain the same even if the registered setting value is different.

Figure 9 is a diagram explaining the winning symbol random number determination table. When a game ball enters the first starting hole 120 or the second starting hole 122, one winning symbol random number within the range of 0 to 99 is obtained. Then, when the result of the determination of a "small win" is derived by the above-mentioned big role lottery, the type of special symbol is determined based on the obtained winning symbol random number and the winning symbol random number determination table.

At this time, if a "small win" is won by the special 1 reservation, the winning pattern random number determination table for special 1 is selected as shown in Figure 9 (a). Also, if a "small win" is won by the special 2 reservation, the winning pattern random number determination table for special 2 is selected as shown in Figure 9 (b). In the following, the special pattern determined by the winning pattern random number, that is, the special pattern determined when a small win is determined, is called the small win pattern, and the special pattern determined when a loss is determined is called the loss pattern.

According to the special 1 winning symbol random number determination table shown in FIG. 9(a) and the special 2 winning symbol random number determination table shown in FIG. 9(b), the type of special symbol (small winning symbol) is determined according to the obtained winning symbol random number value, as shown in the figure.

On the other hand, if the result of the big prize lottery is a "miss" and the lottery result is derived by the special 1 reservation, the special symbol X is determined as the losing symbol without drawing a lottery. Also, if the result of the big prize lottery is a "miss" and the lottery result is derived by the special 2 reservation, the special symbol Y is determined as the losing symbol without drawing a lottery.

In other words, the winning symbol random number determination table is referenced only when the result of the big prize lottery is a "small prize," and is not referenced when the result of the big prize lottery is a "miss." Note that, here, different small prize symbols are determined in the special 1 winning symbol random number determination table and the special 2 winning symbol random number determination table. However, the same small prize symbol may be determined in both tables, or the type of special symbol (small prize symbol) may be determined by referring to the winning symbol random number determination table 1 regardless of the reserved type.

Note that here, the selection ratio of the small win symbol is the same for all setting values, but the selection ratio of the small win symbol may be different for each setting value.

Figure 10 is a diagram explaining the reach group determination random number judgment table. A plurality of reach group determination random number judgment tables are provided, and a preset table is selected according to the reserved type, reserved number, game state, and the variable state associated with the game state. When a game ball enters the first start hole 120 or the second start hole 122, one reach group determination random number is obtained from the range of 0 to 10006. As described above, when the big role lottery result is derived, a process is performed to determine the variable performance pattern (variation mode number, variable pattern number) that notifies the big role lottery result. In the embodiment, when the big role lottery result is "miss", the group type is first determined by the reach group determination random number and the reach group determination random number judgment table in determining the variable performance pattern. Note that the variable state is a concept that specifies which table is to be referenced to determine the variable performance pattern, and is set separately from the game state.

For example, when the game state is set to a non-time-saving game state, if a "miss" big role lottery result is derived based on the special 1 reservation, and the number of reserved special 1s (hereinafter simply referred to as the "reserved number") at the time of the big role lottery is 0, the reach group determination random number judgment table 1 is selected as shown in FIG. 10(a). Similarly, when the game state is set to a non-time-saving game state, if a "miss" big role lottery result is derived based on the special 1 reservation, and the number of reserved special roles at the time of the big role lottery is 1, the reach group determination random number judgment table 2 is selected as shown in FIG. 10(b), and if the number of reserved special roles is 2 to 3, the reach group determination random number judgment table 3 is selected as shown in FIG. 10(c). In FIG. 10, the group x written in the group type column indicates an arbitrary group number. Therefore, various group numbers are determined as the group type depending on the acquired reach group determination random number and the type of reach group determination random number judgment table to be referenced.

Note that, here, we have explained the reach group determination random number judgment table that is referenced when a "miss" major role lottery result is derived based on the special 1 reserved in a non-time-saving game state, but many other reach group determination random number judgment tables are stored in the main ROM 300b.

If the result of the big prize lottery is a "small win," the group type is not determined when deciding the variable performance pattern. In other words, the reach group determination random number judgment table is only referenced when the result of the big prize lottery is a "miss," and is not referenced when the result of the big prize lottery is a "small win."

Figure 11 is a diagram explaining the reach mode determination random number judgment table. This reach mode determination random number judgment table is broadly divided into a reach mode determination random number judgment table for a miss, which is selected when the big role lottery result is a "miss", and a reach mode determination random number judgment table for a small win, which is selected when the big role lottery result is a "small win". Note that the reach mode determination random number judgment table for a miss is provided for each group type determined as described above, and the reach mode determination random number judgment table for a small win is provided for each reserved type.

In addition, each reach mode determination random number judgment table is also provided for each game state and type of pattern. Here, an example of a reach mode determination random number judgment table for a group x when it is a miss, which is referenced in a specific game state and type of pattern, is shown in Figure 11(a), an example of a reach mode determination random number judgment table for a special 1 when it is a small win is shown in Figure 11(b), and an example of a reach mode determination random number judgment table for a special 2 when it is a small win is shown in Figure 11(c).

When a game ball enters the first start hole 120 or the second start hole 122, one reach mode determination random number is obtained within the range of 0 to 250. If the result of the big role lottery is a "lose", as shown in FIG. 11(a), a reach mode determination random number judgment table for a miss that corresponds to the group type determined by the group type lottery is selected, and a variable mode number is determined based on the selected reach mode determination random number judgment table for a miss and the reach mode determination random number.

In addition, if the result of the big prize lottery is a "small prize," as shown in Figures 11 (b) and (c), a random number judgment table for determining the reach mode at the time of a small prize corresponding to the read-out hold type is selected, and a variable mode number is determined based on the selected random number judgment table for determining the reach mode at the time of a small prize and the reach mode determination random number.

In addition, in each reach mode determination random number judgment table, the reach mode determination random number is associated with a fluctuation pattern random number judgment table described later along with a fluctuation mode number, and the fluctuation pattern random number judgment table is determined at the same time as the fluctuation mode number is determined. In FIG. 11, the table x written in the fluctuation pattern random number judgment table column indicates an arbitrary table number. Therefore, the fluctuation mode number and the table number of the fluctuation pattern random number judgment table are determined according to the acquired reach group determination random number and the type of reach mode determination random number judgment table to be referenced. In the embodiment, the fluctuation mode number and the fluctuation pattern number described later are set in hexadecimal. In the following, "H" is added to indicate hexadecimal numbers, but ○○H written in FIG. 11 to FIG. 13 indicates an arbitrary value expressed in hexadecimal numbers.

As described above, if the result of the big role lottery is a "miss," the group type is first determined by the reach group determination random number judgment table and reach group determination random number shown in Figure 10. Then, depending on the determined group type and game status, the fluctuation mode number and fluctuation pattern random number judgment table are determined by the reach mode determination random number judgment table at the time of a miss and the reach mode determination random number shown in Figure 11 (a).

On the other hand, if the result of the big prize lottery is a "small prize," the small prize reach mode determination random number judgment table shown in Figure 11, which corresponds to the determined small prize pattern (type of special pattern), is referenced, and the reach mode determination random number is used to determine the fluctuation mode number and fluctuation pattern random number judgment table.

Figure 12 is a diagram explaining the fluctuation pattern random number determination table. Here, fluctuation pattern random number determination table x for a specific table number x is shown, but there are many other fluctuation pattern random number determination tables provided for each table number.

When a game ball enters the first starting hole 120 or the second starting hole 122, one fluctuation pattern random number is obtained from the range of 0 to 238. Then, based on the fluctuation pattern random number determination table determined at the same time as the above fluctuation mode number and the obtained fluctuation pattern random number, the fluctuation pattern number is determined as shown in the figure.

In this way, when the big prize lottery is held, the change mode number and change pattern number are determined according to the big prize lottery result, the determined symbol type, the game status, the number of reserved balls, the reserved ball type, etc. These change mode numbers and change pattern numbers specify the change presentation pattern, and each of them is associated with the mode and time of the change presentation.

Figure 13 is a diagram explaining the variation time determination table. Once the variation mode number is determined as described above, variation time 1 is determined according to the variation time 1 determination table shown in Figure 13 (a). According to this variation time 1 determination table, variation time 1 is associated with each variation mode number, and the corresponding variation time 1 is determined according to the determined variation mode number.

Once the fluctuation pattern number is determined as described above, the fluctuation time 2 is determined according to the fluctuation time 2 determination table shown in FIG. 13(b). According to this fluctuation time 2 determination table, a fluctuation time 2 is associated with each fluctuation pattern number, and the corresponding fluctuation time 2 is determined according to the determined fluctuation pattern number. The total time of the fluctuation times 1 and 2 determined in this way is the time of the fluctuation performance that notifies the result of the big role lottery, i.e., the fluctuation time.

When the fluctuation mode number is determined in the above manner, a fluctuation mode command corresponding to the determined fluctuation mode number is sent to the sub-control board 330, and when the fluctuation pattern number is determined, a fluctuation pattern command corresponding to the determined fluctuation pattern number is sent to the sub-control board 330. In the sub-control board 330, the first half of the fluctuation performance is mainly determined based on the received fluctuation mode command, and the second half of the fluctuation performance is mainly determined based on the received fluctuation pattern command, but the details will be described later. Note that, below, the fluctuation mode number and the fluctuation pattern number are collectively referred to as fluctuation information, and the fluctuation mode command and the fluctuation pattern command are collectively referred to as fluctuation commands.

Figure 14 is a diagram explaining the special electric role activation ram set table. The special electric role activation ram set table stores various data for controlling the small win game and the big win game, and during the small win game and the big win game, the first big win port solenoid 126c and the second big win port solenoid 128c are controlled to be energized by referring to this special electric role activation ram set table.

According to the special electric device operation ram set table, the opening time (waiting time until the first round of play begins), the maximum number of times the special electric device is operated (the number of rounds of play executed during one small win game or one big win game), the number of open large prize winning holes (the first large prize winning hole 126 and the second large prize winning hole 128 that are opened in each round of play), the number of times the special electric device is opened and closed (the number of times the first large prize winning hole 126 and the second large prize winning hole 128 are opened during one round of play), the solenoid energization time (the first large prize winning hole solenoid 126c and the second large prize winning hole solenoid 126c for each number of times the first large prize winning hole 126 and the second large prize winning hole 128 are opened), The power supply time of the prize port solenoid 128c, i.e., the opening time of the first large prize port 126 and the second large prize port 128 in one play), the specified number (the maximum number of wins that can be won through the first large prize port 126 and the second large prize port 128 in one round of play), the effective time for closing the large prize port (the closing time of the first large prize port 126 and the second large prize port 128 between rounds of play, i.e., the interval time between rounds), and the ending time (the waiting time from the end of the last round of play until the normal special play is resumed) are pre-stored as control data for the big prize game for each type of small prize pattern as shown in the figure.

In the embodiment, when the special symbols Z1 to Z6, which are the small prize symbols, are determined, a small prize game consisting of one round of play is first executed. In this small prize game, the second large prize opening 128 is repeatedly opened and closed. Specifically, the second large prize opening 128 is controlled to open and close in the following order: 0.1 second open (open 1), 3.0 second closed (close 1), 0.1 second open (open 2), 1.0 second closed (close 2), 0.1 second open (open 3), 1.0 second closed (close 3), and 0.1 second open (open 4). As described above, in the embodiment, in the small prize game executed when the special symbols Z1 to Z6 are determined, the second large prize opening 128 is opened a maximum of four times in the first round, but this is not limited to this. For example, the second large prize opening 128 may be opened a maximum of 10 times in the first round.

Here, a specific area 140b and a non-specific area 140c are provided inside the second large prize opening 128, and a game ball that enters the second large prize opening 128 always enters either the specific area 140b or the non-specific area 140c. If a game ball that enters the second large prize opening 128 enters the specific area 140b during a small prize game, a big prize game is played following the small prize game, in which the second large prize opening 128 is opened. In this big prize game, nine rounds (2R to 10R) are played.

In addition, when the special symbol Z7, which is the small prize symbol, is determined, a small prize game consisting of one round of play is executed. In this small prize game, the first large prize opening 126 is opened once for 0.1 seconds. Since the specific area 140b is not provided inside the first large prize opening 126, when the special symbol Z7 is determined, the large prize game is not executed following the small prize game. Thus, in the small prize game (first round) executed when the special symbols Z1 to Z6 are determined, the second large prize opening 128 is opened a maximum of 10 times, whereas in the small prize game (first round) executed when the special symbol Z7 is determined, the first large prize opening 126 is opened a maximum of once. This makes it possible to make the first large prize opening 126 less noticeable relative to the second large prize opening 128, thereby reducing the risk of players feeling stressed and losing their motivation to play.

Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating the opening and closing modes of the second large prize opening 128 and the opening and closing modes of the specific area 140b by the movable member 142. As shown in Figure 15, in a small prize game in which the second large prize opening 128 is opened, the movable member 142 opens the specific area 140b for an instant (about 0.1 seconds) at the same time as the second large prize opening 128 opens, and then maintains the specific area 140b in a closed state for a predetermined period of time, and then maintains the specific area 140b in an open state again.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15, when the special symbols Z1 to Z6 are determined and the small prize game is executed, the second large prize opening 128 is opened a total of four times in the small prize game. Therefore, the game ball that enters the second large prize opening 128 at the same time as the first opening of the second large prize opening 128 may not be able to enter the specific area 140b, but the game ball that enters the second large prize opening 128 at the second or subsequent openings of the second large prize opening 128 can certainly enter the specific area 140b. Although a detailed explanation is omitted, a structure that decelerates the game ball rolling on the second large prize opening 128 is provided above the second large prize opening 128, and the game ball is configured to always enter the specific area 140b if it is launched appropriately into the second game area 116b from the start of the small prize game.

If an unforeseen event occurs, such as the game ball getting stuck in the second large winning hole 128, or the game ball getting stuck in the second large winning hole 128 for a long time for some reason, the game ball may not enter the specific area 140b in the small winning game in which the special symbols Z1 to Z6 are determined and executed. Therefore, in this specification, for ease of understanding, the words "always" and "certainly" are used, but this is based on the assumption that the state of the gaming machine 100 is appropriate for playing the game and that no unforeseen event has occurred, and does not mean a physical 100%.

Figure 16 is a diagram explaining a game status setting table for setting the game status after the end of the big prize game. When a type 2 big prize is won in the small prize game as described above, the game status is set according to the type of special symbol that was won and the game status at the time of the win.

Here, in the embodiment, a non-time-saving game state and a time-saving game state are provided as game states. The non-time-saving game state is the initial state of the gaming machine 100, and the time-saving game state is a state in which the second start opening 122 is easier to open than in the non-time-saving game state. In other words, an opening condition for opening the second start opening 122 is set for each game state, and an opening condition for the time-saving game state is set for which the second start opening 122 is easier to open than in the non-time-saving game state.

In addition, when the game state after the big win is set to the time-saving game state, the time-saving end condition for ending the time-saving game state is also set. Here, the time-saving end conditions are set as the number of times of special 1 time-saving, the number of times of special 2 time-saving, the number of times of time-saving end operation for special 1 small win, and the number of times of time-saving end operation for special 2 small win.

In this embodiment, when the game state is set to the time-saving game state, a time-saving end condition is set, but different time-saving end conditions are set for the common time-saving game state depending on the type of special symbol and the game state when a small win is won. In the following, the time-saving game state is explained by distinguishing it into three modes: the most advantageous mode, the higher mode, and the lower mode.

All three of these modes share the same probability of winning a small prize and the conditions for opening the second starting hole 122, but the conditions for ending the time-saving feature are different. In this embodiment, the higher mode is more difficult to achieve the condition for ending the time-saving feature than the lower mode, so it is more advantageous to the player, and the most advantageous mode is more difficult to achieve the condition for ending the time-saving feature than the higher mode, so it is more advantageous to the player.

The number of times the special 1 time reduction is performed is the number of times the pattern is changed based on the special 1 reservation (hereafter referred to as the special 1 change). The number of times the special 1 time reduction is performed is subtracted each time the result of the big role lottery based on the special 1 reservation is finalized in the time-saving game state, and when the remaining number of times the special 1 time reduction is performed reaches 0, the game state is changed to a non-time-saving game state. In other words, the number of times the special 1 time reduction is performed is subtracted only when the result of the big role lottery based on the special 1 reservation is finalized.

The number of times the special 2 time reduction occurs is the number of times the pattern is changed based on the special 2 reservation (hereafter referred to as the special 2 change). The number of times the special 2 time reduction occurs is subtracted each time the result of the big role lottery based on the special 2 reservation is finalized during the time-saving game state, and when the remaining number of times the special 2 time reduction occurs becomes 0, the game state is changed to a non-time-saving game state. In other words, the number of times the special 2 time reduction occurs is subtracted only when the result of the big role lottery based on the special 2 reservation is finalized.

The number of times that the special 1 small win time-saving end operation has been performed is the number of times that a small win based on the special 1 reserved has been won in the time-saving play state, or the number of times that a small win game has been played after winning a small win. The number of times that the special 1 small win time-saving end operation has been performed is subtracted each time the result of the lottery for the big role of the small win based on the special 1 reserved is finalized in the time-saving play state, and when the remaining number of times that the special 1 small win time-saving end operation has been performed reaches 0, the play state is changed to a non-time-saving play state. In other words, the number of times that the special 1 small win time-saving end operation has been performed is subtracted only when the result of the lottery for the big role of the small win based on the special 1 reserved has been finalized.

The number of times that the special 2 small win time-saving end operation has been performed is the number of times that a small win based on the special 2 reservation has been won in the time-saving play state, or the number of times that a small win game has been played after winning a small win. The number of times that the special 2 small win time-saving end operation has been performed is subtracted each time the result of the lottery for the big role of the small win based on the special 2 reservation is finalized in the time-saving play state, and when the remaining number of times that the special 2 small win time-saving end operation has been performed reaches 0, the play state is changed to a non-time-saving play state. In other words, the number of times that the special 2 small win time-saving end operation has been performed is subtracted only when the result of the lottery for the big role of the small win based on the special 2 reservation has been finalized.

When any one of these four time-saving end conditions is met, the time-saving game state ends and the game state transitions to a non-time-saving game state.

As shown in FIG. 16, in a small win game that is executed after winning a small win, if a type 2 big win is won, the mode (time-saving end condition) is set as follows based on the game state at the time of the small win and the type of small win symbol.

In other words, if the special pattern Z1 is determined as the small winning pattern and the game state at the time of winning the small winning is a non-time-saving game state, the game state after the big winning is set to the most advantageous mode as a time-saving game state. As shown in FIG. 16, the most advantageous mode time-saving end conditions are set as follows: the number of times of special 1 time-saving is 1000 times, the number of times of special 2 time-saving is 1000 times, the number of times of the time-saving end operation for special 1 small winning is 2 times, and the number of times of the time-saving end operation for special 2 small winning is 100 times. Note that the number of times of the time-saving end operation for special 2 small winning may be set to 0 times, or the number of times of the time-saving end operation for special 2 small winning may not be set. If the number of times of the time-saving end operation for special 2 small winning is set to 0 times or the number of times of the time-saving end operation for special 2 small winning is not set, the step S631-19 described later will not be judged as YES, and the steps S631-21 and S631-23 described later will not be executed, so that the time-saving end condition based on the number of times of the time-saving end operation for special 2 small winning is not actually established.

In addition, if the special pattern Z1 is determined as the small prize pattern and the game state at the time of winning the small prize is the time-saving game state, the game state after the big prize is played is set to the time-saving game state and the higher mode is set. As shown in FIG. 16, the time-saving end conditions for the higher mode are set as follows: the number of times of special 1 time-saving is 6, the number of times of special 2 time-saving is 16, the number of times of time-saving end operation for special 1 small prize is 2, and the number of times of time-saving end operation for special 2 small prize is 100. Note that it is also possible to set the number of times of time-saving end operation for special 2 small prize to 0, or not to set the number of times of time-saving end operation for special 2 small prize.

In addition, if the special pattern Z2 is determined as the small win pattern and the game state at the time of winning the small win is a non-time-saving game state, the game state after the big win is set to a time-saving game state and the lower mode is set. As shown in FIG. 16, the time-saving end conditions for the lower mode are set as follows: the number of times of special 1 time-saving is 6, the number of times of special 2 time-saving is 1000, the number of times of time-saving end operation for special 1 small win is 2, and the number of times of time-saving end operation for special 2 small win is 1.

In addition, if the special pattern Z2 is determined as the small win pattern and the game state at the time of winning the small win is the time-saving game state, the game state after the big win is played will be set to the higher mode as the time-saving game state.

In addition, if the special symbol Z3 is determined as the small win symbol and the game state at the time of winning the small win is a non-time-saving game state, the game state after the big win is set to a non-time-saving game state.

In addition, if the special pattern Z3 is determined as the small win pattern and the game state at the time of winning the small win is the time-saving game state, the game state after the big win is played will be set to the higher mode as the time-saving game state.

In addition, if the special pattern Z4 is determined as the small win pattern and the game state at the time of winning the small win is a non-time-saving game state, the game state after the big win is set to the most advantageous mode as a time-saving game state.

In addition, if the special pattern Z4 is determined as the small win pattern and the game state at the time of winning the small win is a non-time-saving game state, the game state after the big win is played will be set to a higher mode as a time-saving game state.

In addition, if the special symbol Z5 is determined as the small win symbol, regardless of the game state at the time of winning the small win, the game state after the big win is set to the most advantageous mode as a time-saving game state.

In addition, if the special symbol Z6 is determined as the small win symbol and the game state at the time of winning the small win is a non-time-saving game state, the game state after the big win is played will be set to a lower mode as a time-saving game state.

In addition, if the special symbol Z6 is determined as the small win symbol and the game state at the time of winning the small win is the time-saving game state, the game state after the big win is played will be set to the higher mode as the time-saving game state.

In addition, if the special pattern Z7 is determined as the small prize pattern, a small prize game is played in which the first large prize opening 126 is opened, and since the special area 140b is not provided inside the first large prize opening 126, a type 2 large prize cannot be won.

As mentioned above, special symbols Z1 to Z3 are determined only by special 1 variation, and special symbols Z4 to Z7 are determined only by special 2 variation. Also, special 2 variation will basically only start during the time-saving game mode.

In the embodiment, if a small win is won and any of the conditions for ending the time-saving game state described above is met, the game state at the time of the win is set to refer to the non-time-saving game state.

In addition, as will be described in more detail later, in the embodiment, if a small jackpot is won by a special 1 reservation on the final time of the special 1 time-saving number of times, the non-time-saving game state will be referenced as the game state at the time of the winning. Also, if a small jackpot is won by a special 2 reservation on the final time of the special 2 time-saving number of times, the non-time-saving game state will be referenced as the game state at the time of the winning.

In other words, in the embodiment, by setting the number of times of the special 1 time reduction to six in the higher and lower modes, in the case where the special 2 reserves are exhausted and the maximum number of special 1 reserves that can be stored (four) remain, even if a small win is won based on the special 1 reserves, the time-saving game state is referenced as the game state at the time of the win. And, as described above, if the game state referenced as the game state at the time of the win is the time-saving game state, the game state after the big role play is set to the time-saving game state regardless of whether any of the special patterns Z1 to Z3 is won, so it is possible to suppress the disadvantages for the player.

In addition, as will be described in more detail later, in the embodiment, the number of times the time-saving end operation for the special 1 small win is subtracted based on winning a small win through the special 1 reservation, and if the number of times the time-saving end operation for the special 1 small win becomes 0, the non-time-saving game state will be referenced as the game state at the time of winning. In addition, the number of times the time-saving end operation for the special 2 small win is subtracted based on winning a small win through the special 2 reservation, and if the number of times the time-saving end operation for the special 2 small win becomes 0, the non-time-saving game state will be referenced as the game state at the time of winning.

In addition, in the embodiment, in the time-saving game state, if any of the special symbols Z1 to Z6 is won and a small win game is executed, the time-saving game state ends before the small win game starts, and the game state transitions to a non-time-saving game state. As a result, when the small win game starts, the game state is set to a non-time-saving game state. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the player from winning too many prize balls in the time-saving game state, which could lead to excessive gambling in the time-saving game state.

However, in the embodiment, in the case where one of the special symbols Z1 to Z6 is won in the time-saving game state and the game state is set to a non-time-saving game state before the start of the small win game, and none of the time-saving end conditions for the time-saving game state described above are met, the game state at the time of the win is set to refer to the time-saving game state.

Figure 17 is a diagram explaining the winning decision random number judgment table. When the game ball flowing down the game area 116 passes through the gate 124, a normal symbol judgment process (hereinafter referred to as "normal symbol lottery") is performed, which corresponds to whether or not to control the flow of electricity to the movable piece 122b of the second starting hole 122.

As will be described in more detail later, when the game ball passes through gate 124, one winning determination random number within the range of 0 to 99 is obtained, and this random number value is stored in the general map reserve memory area of main RAM 300c, up to a maximum of four. In other words, the general map reserve memory area has four memory sections for saving winning determination random numbers. Therefore, if a game ball passes through gate 124 with winning determination random numbers stored in all four memory sections of the general map reserve memory area, no winning determination random number will be stored based on the passage of the game ball. In the following, the winning determination random number stored in the general map reserve memory area after the game ball passes through gate 124 will be referred to as the general map reserve.

When starting the normal symbol lottery in the non-time-saving play state, the winning symbol determination random number judgment table for the non-time-saving play state is referenced, as shown in FIG. 17(a). According to this winning symbol determination random number judgment table for the non-time-saving play state, if the winning symbol determination random number is 0, a winning symbol is determined as the type of normal symbol, and if the winning symbol determination random number is 1 to 99, a losing symbol is determined as the type of normal symbol. Therefore, the probability of a winning symbol being determined in the non-time-saving play state, i.e., the probability of winning, is 1/100. As will be described in more detail later, when a winning symbol is determined in this normal symbol lottery, the second starting hole 122 is controlled to be in the open state, and when a losing symbol is determined, the second starting hole 122 is maintained in the closed state.

In addition, when starting the regular symbol lottery in the time-saving play state, the time-saving play state win determination random number judgment table is referenced, as shown in FIG. 17(b). According to this time-saving play state win determination random number judgment table, if the win determination random number is 0-98, a winning symbol is determined as the type of regular symbol, and if the win determination random number is 99, a losing symbol is determined as the type of regular symbol. Therefore, the probability of a winning symbol being determined in the time-saving play state, i.e., the probability of winning, is 99/100.

Figure 18(a) is a diagram explaining the normal pattern change time data table, and Figure 18(b) is a diagram explaining the opening and closing control pattern table. As described above, when a normal pattern lottery is performed, the change time of the normal pattern is determined. The normal pattern change time data table is referenced when determining the change time of the normal pattern when a winning pattern or a losing pattern is determined by the normal pattern lottery. According to this normal pattern change time data table, when the game state is set to a non-time-saving game state, the change time is determined to be 10 seconds, and when the game state is set to a time-saving game state, the change time is determined to be 1 second. When the change time is determined in this way, the normal pattern display 168 is displayed in a changing manner (blinking display) for the determined time. Then, when a winning pattern is determined, the normal pattern display 168 is turned on, and when a losing pattern is determined, the normal pattern display 168 is turned off.

When the winning symbol is determined by the normal symbol lottery and the normal symbol display 168 is lit, the movable piece 122b of the second starting hole 122 is controlled to energize by referring to the opening/closing control pattern table, as shown in FIG. 18(b). Note that in reality, an opening/closing control pattern table is provided for each game state, and depending on the game state when the normal symbol is determined, the corresponding table is set when the normal electric role solenoid 122c starts to energize, but here, for the sake of explanation, the control data corresponding to each game state is shown in one table.

Once the winning pattern is determined, the second starting hole 122 is controlled to open and close by referring to the opening and closing control pattern table, as shown in Figure 18 (b). According to this opening/closing control pattern table, the time before normal power is released (waiting time until the second start port 122 starts to open), the maximum number of times the normal electric role is switched to open or closed (the number of times the second start port 122 is opened), the solenoid energization time (the energization time of the normal electric role solenoid 122c for each number of times the second start port 122 is opened, i.e., the opening time of the second start port 122 once), the specified number (the maximum number of winnings that can be won in the second start port 122 during the entire opening of the second start port 122), the normal power closing effective time (the closing time between each opening of the second start port 122, i.e., the pause time), the normal power effective state time (waiting time from the end of the last opening of the second start port 122), and the normal power end wait time (waiting time until the variable display of the normal pattern described later is resumed after the normal power effective state time has elapsed) are stored in advance for each game state as control data for the second start port 122, as shown in the figure.

In this way, the non-time-saving game state and the time-saving game state are each associated with an opening/closing control condition for opening and closing the second start port 122 as a game progress condition, and in the time-saving game state, it is easier for the game ball to enter the second start port 122 than in the non-time-saving game state. In other words, in the time-saving game state, as long as the game ball passes through the gate 124, regular lotteries are held one after another, and the second start port 122 is frequently opened, so the player can hold big role lotteries while reducing the consumption of game balls.

The opening and closing conditions of the second start port 122 prescribe three elements: the probability of winning a normal pattern, the time for which the normal pattern is displayed, and the opening time of the second start port 122. In the embodiment, two of these elements are set to be more favorable for the time-saving game state than for the non-time-saving game state, so that the game ball is more likely to enter the second start port 122 in the time-saving game state than in the non-time-saving game state. However, one or three of the above three elements may be set to be more favorable for the time-saving game state than the non-time-saving game state. In any case, it is sufficient to make the time-saving game state more favorable than the non-time-saving game state in at least one element, so that the game ball can enter the second start port 122 more easily overall in the time-saving game state than in the non-time-saving game state. In other words, when the game state is set to a non-time-saving game state, the movable piece 122b is controlled to open and close according to a first condition, and when the game state is set to a time-saving game state, the movable piece 122b is controlled to open and close according to a second condition that is more likely to open than the first condition.

Figure 19 is a first diagram for explaining the gameplay of the embodiment, Figure 20 is a second diagram for explaining the gameplay of the embodiment, Figure 21 is a third diagram for explaining the gameplay of the embodiment, and Figure 22 is a fourth diagram for explaining the gameplay of the embodiment. In the following, the case where the player appropriately launches the game ball and the game progresses in accordance with the original gameplay, that is, the case where the game continues normally, is mainly explained, and the explanation of the occurrence of an irregular situation is basically omitted. In addition, the description here is given assuming that the registration setting value is set to 1. In addition, the case where the game continues normally refers to the case where the player plays in accordance with the original gameplay, and indicates the case where irregular situations such as various errors and game stoppages do not occur.

Figure 19 shows the transition of the game state when a small jackpot is won by the target reserve, which will be described later, other than the final number of times of the special 1 time-saving cycle (final time-saving fluctuation) or the final number of times of the special 2 time-saving cycle (final time-saving fluctuation). The initial state of the gaming machine 100 is the non-time-saving game state, and the player starts playing in the non-time-saving game state, as shown in Figure 19 (1).

In the non-time-saving play state, the second starting hole 122 is hardly open, so the player performs a so-called left hit, which fires the game ball toward the first play area 116a, and causes the game ball to enter the first starting hole 120. In other words, the reserve that is the main target for variation (target reserve) is set to the special 1 reserve. Therefore, in the non-time-saving play state, the player plays while hoping to win a small prize with the special 1 reserve. Note that in the non-time-saving play state, the probability of winning a small prize based on the special 1 reserve is set to approximately 1/318.1.

When a small win is won by a special 1 reservation in a non-time-saving game state, there is a 20% probability that the special symbol Z1 will be determined as the small win symbol, and a small win game based on the special symbol Z1 will be played. In this small win game, since the game ball can enter the specific area 140b, a big role game will be played following the small win game. At this time, in this embodiment, the player can obtain a total of 1500 prize balls from the small win game and the big role game. And since the game state at the time of winning is a non-time-saving game state, the game state after the big role game is set to the most advantageous mode as a time-saving game state, as shown in FIG. 19 (2).

In addition, when a small win is won by a special 1 reservation in a non-time-saving game state, there is a 40% probability that the special symbol Z2 will be determined as the small win symbol, and a small win game based on the special symbol Z2 will be played. In this small win game, since the game ball can enter the specific area 140b, a big role game will be played following the small win game. At this time, in this embodiment, the player can get a total of 1500 prize balls in the small win game and the big role game. And since the game state at the time of winning is a non-time-saving game state, the game state after the big role game is set to a lower mode as a time-saving game state, as shown in (4) of FIG. 19.

In addition, in the non-time-saving game state, if a small win is won by the special 1 reservation, there is a 40% probability that the special pattern Z3 will be determined as the small win pattern, and a small win game based on the special pattern Z3 will be played. In this small win game, since the game ball can enter the specific area 140b, a big role game will be played following the small win game. At this time, in the embodiment, the player can get a total of 1500 prize balls in the small win game and the big role game. And, since the game state at the time of winning is the non-time-saving game state, the game state after the big role game is set to the non-time-saving game state again, as shown in FIG. 19 (1).

In the most advantageous mode, the second start port 122 is frequently opened by passing the game ball through the gate 124. Since the gate 124 and the second start port 122 are provided in the second game area 116b, the player performs a so-called right hit, which causes the game ball to flow down into the second game area 116b, and causes the game ball to enter the second start port 122. In other words, in the most advantageous mode in which the target reserve is set to the special 2 reserve, the player plays the game in the hope of winning a small prize through the special 2 reserve.

In the most advantageous mode, the probability of winning a small prize based on the special 2 reserved prize is set to approximately 1 in 7.4. In addition, the conditions for ending the time-saving feature are set as follows: the number of times that the special 1 time-saving feature is activated is 1,000, the number of times that the special 2 time-saving feature is activated is 1,000, the number of times that the time-saving feature is activated for a special 1 small prize is 2, and the number of times that the time-saving feature is activated for a special 2 small prize is 100.

In the most advantageous mode, when a small win is won by the special 2 reservation, there is a 50% probability that the special pattern Z7 will be determined as the small win pattern, and a small win game based on the special pattern Z7 will be played. In this small win game, since the game ball cannot enter the specific area 140b, only the small win game will be played, and the big role game will not be played. Then, based on the winning of the special pattern Z7, the number of times that the special 2 small win time-saving end operation has been performed is decremented by one, and the player will once again aim to win a small win in the most advantageous mode.

In the most advantageous mode, when a small win is won by the special 2 reservation, there is a 42% probability that the special pattern Z4 or special pattern Z6 is determined as the small win pattern, and a small win game based on the special pattern Z4 or special pattern Z6 is executed. In this small win game, since the game ball can enter the specific area 140b, a big role game is executed following the small win game. At this time, in the embodiment, the player can get a total of 1500 prize balls in the small win game and the big role game. In addition, the game state at the time of winning is usually referenced to the time-saving game state. Therefore, as shown in (3) of FIG. 19, the game state after the big role game is set to the higher mode as the time-saving game state.

In the most advantageous mode, if a small win is won by the special 2 reservation, there is an 8% probability that the special symbol Z5 will be determined as the small win symbol, and a small win game based on the special symbol Z5 will be played. In this small win game, since the game ball can enter the specific area 140b, a big role game will be played following the small win game. At this time, in the embodiment, the player can get a total of 1500 prize balls from the small win game and the big role game. In addition, the game state at the time of winning is usually referenced to the time-saving game state. Therefore, as shown in (2) of FIG. 19, the game state after the big role game is set as the time-saving game state, and the most advantageous mode is set again.

As mentioned above, in the most advantageous mode, the number of times the special 2 small win time-saving end operation is set to 100 times. Also, in the most advantageous mode, if a small win is won, there is a 50% probability that the special symbol Z7 will be determined, and a 50% probability that a symbol other than the special symbol Z7, i.e., special symbols Z4 to Z6, will be determined. In the most advantageous mode, the probability of winning 100 small wins and determining special symbol Z7 in all small wins is extremely low. Therefore, the most advantageous mode essentially continues until special symbols Z4 to Z6 are determined, and depending on the small win symbol that was won, the game will transition to the most advantageous mode or a higher mode via a major role game.

In addition, in the most advantageous mode, if none of the special symbols Z1 to Z6 wins before the number of special 1 variations reaches 1000 or the number of special 2 variations reaches 1000, the time-saving period ends and the game state transitions to a non-time-saving game state. In this case, the player will hit the left side again.

However, as mentioned above, the probability of winning a small jackpot based on the special 2 reserve is set at approximately 1 in 7.4, so in the most advantageous mode, you will essentially always win one of the special symbols Z4 to Z6.

In other words, if a small win is won in a non-time-saving game state and the game state after the big win is set to the most advantageous mode, the player will essentially always win one of the special symbols Z4 to Z6 in the most advantageous mode, making it possible for the player to win a minimum of 3,000 prize balls.

In addition, in the higher mode, the second start port 122 is frequently opened by passing the game ball through the gate 124. Since the gate 124 and the second start port 122 are provided in the second game area 116b, the player performs a so-called right hit, which causes the game ball to flow down into the second game area 116b, and causes the game ball to enter the second start port 122. In other words, in the higher mode where the target reserve is set to the special 2 reserve, the player plays the game in the hope of winning a small prize through the special 2 reserve.

In the higher mode, the probability of winning a small prize based on the special 2 reserve is set to approximately 1 in 7.4. In addition, the conditions for ending the time-saving feature are set as follows: the number of times that the special 1 time-saving feature is activated is 6, the number of times that the special 2 time-saving feature is activated is 16, the number of times that the time-saving feature is activated for a special 1 small prize is 2, and the number of times that the time-saving feature is activated for a special 2 small prize is 100.

In the higher mode, if a small win is won by the special 2 reservation, there is a 50% probability that the special pattern Z7 will be determined as the small win pattern, and a small win game based on the special pattern Z7 will be played. In this small win game, since the game ball cannot enter the specific area 140b, only the small win game will be played, and the big role game will not be played. Then, based on the winning of the special pattern Z7, the number of times the special 2 small win time-saving end operation has been performed is decremented by one, and the player will once again aim to win a small win in the higher mode.

In addition, in the higher mode, when a small win is won by the special 2 reservation, there is a 42% probability that the special pattern Z4 or special pattern Z6 is determined as the small win pattern, and a small win game based on the special pattern Z4 or special pattern Z6 is executed. In this small win game, since the game ball can enter the specific area 140b, a big role game is executed following the small win game. At this time, in the embodiment, the player can get a total of 1500 prize balls in the small win game and the big role game. In addition, the game state at the time of winning is usually referenced to the time-saving game state. Therefore, as shown in (3) of FIG. 19, the game state after the big role game is set as the time-saving game state, and the higher mode is set again.

In addition, in the higher mode, when a small win is won by the special 2 reservation, there is an 8% probability that the special symbol Z5 is determined as the small win symbol, and a small win game based on the special symbol Z5 is executed. In this small win game, since the game ball can enter the specific area 140b, a big role game is executed following the small win game. At this time, in the embodiment, the player can get a total of 1500 prize balls in the small win game and the big role game. In addition, the game state at the time of winning is usually referenced to the time-saving game state. Therefore, as shown in (2) of FIG. 19, the game state after the big role game is set as the time-saving game state to the most advantageous mode.

As mentioned above, in the higher mode, the number of times that the time-saving end operation is performed when a special 2 small win occurs is set to 100, and the number of times that the special 2 time-saving end occurs is set to 16. In other words, in the higher mode, the number of times that the time-saving end operation is performed when a special 2 small win occurs is set to be greater than the number of times that the special 2 time-saving end occurs, so the time-saving end condition is not actually met based on the number of times that the time-saving end operation is performed when a special 2 small win occurs.

In addition, in the higher mode, if none of the special symbols Z1 to Z6 wins before the number of special 1 variations reaches 6 or the number of special 2 variations reaches 16, the time-saving feature will be exhausted and the game state will transition to a non-time-saving game state. In this case, the player will hit the left side again.

In addition, in the lower mode, the second start port 122 is frequently opened by passing the game ball through the gate 124. Since the gate 124 and the second start port 122 are provided in the second game area 116b, the player performs a so-called right hit, which causes the game ball to flow down into the second game area 116b, and causes the game ball to enter the second start port 122. In other words, in the lower mode in which the target reserve is set to the special 2 reserve, the player plays the game in the hope of winning a small prize through the special 2 reserve.

In the lower mode, the probability of winning a small prize based on the special 2 reserve is set to approximately 1 in 7.4. In addition, the conditions for ending the time-saving feature are set as follows: the number of times that the special 1 time-saving feature is activated is 6, the number of times that the special 2 time-saving feature is activated is 1000, the number of times that the time-saving feature is activated for the special 1 small prize is activated is 2, and the number of times that the time-saving feature is activated for the special 2 small prize is activated is 1.

In the lower mode, when a small win is won by the special 2 reservation, there is a 50% probability that the special pattern Z7 is determined as the small win pattern, and a small win game based on the special pattern Z7 is executed. In this small win game, since the game ball cannot enter the specific area 140b, only the small win game is executed, and the big role game is not executed. Then, based on the winning of the special pattern Z7, the number of times that the time-saving end operation of the special 2 small win is decremented by one. As described above, in the lower mode, the number of times that the time-saving end operation of the special 2 small win is set to one. Therefore, in the lower mode, when a small win based on the special 2 reservation is won, the number of times that the time-saving end operation of the special 2 small win is decremented by one, becoming 0, the time-saving end condition is met, and the game state is changed to a non-time-saving game state.

In addition, in the lower mode, when a small win is won by the special 2 reservation, the special pattern Z4 or special pattern Z5 is determined as the small win pattern with a probability of 25%, and a small win game based on the special pattern Z4 or special pattern Z5 is executed. In this small win game, since the game ball can enter the specific area 140b, the big role game is executed following the small win game. At this time, in the embodiment, the player can get a total of 1500 prize balls in the small win game and the big role game. Also, as described above, in the lower mode, since the number of times of operation of the special 2 small win time-saving end is set to 1, when a small win based on the special 2 reservation is won, the number of times of operation of the special 2 small win time-saving end is subtracted by 1, becoming 0, the time-saving end condition is established, and the game state is changed to a non-time-saving game state. Therefore, the game state at the time of winning is referred to as the non-time-saving game state. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 19 (2), the game state after the big win is set to the most advantageous mode as a time-saving game state.

In other words, if a small win is won in the lower mode and the game state after the big win is set to the most advantageous mode, the player will essentially always win one of the special symbols Z4 to Z6 in the most advantageous mode, making it possible for the player to win a minimum of 3,000 prize balls.

In addition, in the lower mode, when a small win is won by the special 2 reservation, the special pattern Z6 is determined as the small win pattern with a probability of 25%, and a small win game based on the special pattern Z6 is executed. In this small win game, since the game ball can enter the specific area 140b, the big role game is executed following the small win game. At this time, in the embodiment, the player can get a total of 1500 prize balls in the small win game and the big role game. Also, as described above, in the lower mode, the number of times that the time-saving end operation of the special 2 small win is set to 1, so when a small win based on the special 2 reservation is won, the number of times that the time-saving end operation of the special 2 small win is deducted by 1, becomes 0, and the time-saving end condition is established, and the game state is changed to a non-time-saving game state. Therefore, the game state at the time of winning is referred to as the non-time-saving game state. Therefore, as shown in (4) of FIG. 19, the game state after the big role game is set as a time-saving game state, and the lower mode is set again.

In addition, in the lower mode, if none of the special symbols Z1 to Z6 wins before the number of special 1 variations reaches 6 or the number of special 2 variations reaches 1000, the time-saving feature will be exhausted and the game state will transition to a non-time-saving game state. In this case, the player will hit the left side again.

However, as mentioned above, the probability of winning a small jackpot based on the special 2 reserve is set to approximately 1/7.4, so in the lower mode, you will essentially always win one of the special patterns Z4 to Z7.

As described above, according to the embodiment, when a predetermined small winning symbol (special symbol Z1) is hit during non-time-saving game mode, a transition to the most advantageous mode is made, and a minimum of 3,000 winning balls is guaranteed, realizing a new and unprecedented gameplay quality and making it possible to increase the interest of the game.

In addition, according to the embodiment, when a predetermined small winning symbol (special symbol Z4, special symbol Z5) is hit in the lower mode, the game transitions to the most advantageous mode, and a minimum of 3,000 winning balls is guaranteed, realizing a new and unprecedented gameplay and making the game more interesting.

In addition, according to the embodiment, when a predetermined small winning symbol (special symbol Z5) is hit in the most advantageous mode, a minimum of 3,000 prize balls is guaranteed, which realizes a new and unprecedented gameplay and can increase the interest of the game.

In other words, according to the embodiment, if a small win is won in any game state and the game state after the big win is set to the most advantageous mode, a minimum of 3,000 winning balls is guaranteed, realizing a new and unprecedented gameplay and making it possible to increase the interest of the game.

In addition, according to the embodiment, when a small win is won by the special 2 reservation in the most advantageous mode or higher mode, the probability that the game state after the big role play ends will be set to the most advantageous mode is 8%, whereas when a small win is won by the special 2 reservation in the lower mode, the probability that the game state after the big role play ends will be set to the most advantageous mode increases to 25%, which increases the benefits to the player, realizing a new and unprecedented gameplay and making it possible to increase the interest of the game.

Figure 20 shows the transition of the game state when a small win is won by something other than the target hold, other than the final change in the time-saving function.

For example, if the time-saving feature is exhausted in the most advantageous mode, higher-level mode, or lower-level mode, or if a small win is won in the lower-level mode and the special symbol Z7 is determined as the small win symbol, the game state is set to a non-time-saving game state with the special 2 reserved. In such cases, in the non-time-saving game state, a small win based on the special 2 reserved may be won.

In the non-time-saving game state, the probability of winning a small prize based on the special 2 reservation is set to approximately 1/7.4. In the non-time-saving game state, when a small prize is won by the special 2 reservation, there is a 50% probability that the special pattern Z7 will be determined as the small prize pattern, and a small prize game based on the special pattern Z7 will be executed. In this small prize game, since the game ball cannot enter the specific area 140b, only the small prize game is executed, and the big prize game is not executed. Therefore, the game state is not changed, and the player will once again aim to win a small prize in the non-time-saving game state.

In addition, when a small win is won by the special 2 reservation in the non-time-saving game state, there is a 25% probability that the special pattern Z4 or special pattern Z5 will be determined as the small win pattern, and a small win game based on the special pattern Z4 or special pattern Z5 will be played. In this small win game, since the game ball can enter the specific area 140b, the big role game is played following the small win game. At this time, in the embodiment, the player can get a total of 1500 prize balls in the small win game and the big role game. And, since the game state at the time of winning is the non-time-saving game state, the game state after the big role game is set as the time-saving game state and is set to the most advantageous mode as shown in FIG. 20 (2).

In addition, when a small win is won by the special 2 reservation in the non-time-saving game state, there is a 25% probability that the special symbol Z6 will be determined as the small win symbol, and a small win game based on the special symbol Z6 will be played. In this small win game, since the game ball can enter the specific area 140b, the big role game will be played following the small win game. At this time, in the embodiment, the player can get a total of 1500 prize balls in the small win game and the big role game. And, since the game state at the time of winning is the non-time-saving game state, the game state after the big role game is set to the lower mode as the time-saving game state, as shown in FIG. 20 (4).

As described above, in a non-time-saving play state, if a small win is won and the special pattern Z1 is determined as the small win pattern, the play state after the big win is set to the most advantageous mode. At this time, if there is a special 1 reserved, there is a possibility that a small win based on the special 1 reserved will be won in the most advantageous mode. Alternatively, if the special 2 reserved is depleted in the most advantageous mode, but there is a special 1 reserved remaining, there is a possibility that a small win based on the special 1 reserved will be won in the most advantageous mode.

In addition, in higher mode, if the special 2 reserve is depleted but the special 1 reserve remains, there is a chance that a small win based on the special 1 reserve will be won in the higher mode.

Also, as mentioned above, in a non-time-saving game state, if a small win is won and the special pattern Z2 is determined as the small win pattern, the game state after the big win is set to the lower mode. At this time, if special 1 reserve remains, a small win based on the special 1 reserve may be won in the lower mode. Alternatively, if the special 2 reserve is depleted in the lower mode and special 1 reserve remains, a small win based on the special 1 reserve may be won in the lower mode.

In the most advantageous mode, higher-level mode, and lower-level mode, the probability of winning a small prize based on the special 1 reservation is set to approximately 1/318.1. In the most advantageous mode, higher-level mode, and lower-level mode, when a small prize is won by the special 1 reservation, special patterns Z1 to Z3 are determined as the small prize patterns, and a small prize game based on special patterns Z1 to Z3 is executed. In this small prize game, since the game ball can enter the specific area 140b, a big prize game is executed following the small prize game. At this time, in the embodiment, the player can obtain a total of 1500 prize balls from the small prize game and the big prize game.

As mentioned above, in the most advantageous mode, higher-level mode, and lower-level mode, the number of times that the time-saving end operation is performed when a special 1 small win occurs is set to 2 times, and even if the number of times that the time-saving end operation is performed when a special 1 small win occurs is subtracted by 1 time based on the winning of the special symbols Z1 to Z3, the number of times that the time-saving end operation is performed when a special 1 small win occurs will not reach 0 times. Therefore, the time-saving game state is referenced for the game state at the time of winning, and as shown in (3) of Figure 20, the game state after the big role is played is set to the time-saving game state in the higher-level mode.

As described above, if a player unintentionally receives a big prize lottery due to a special 1 hold during time-saving play and wins a small prize, the play state after the big prize play can be set to a higher mode that is relatively advantageous to the player, thereby minimizing the disadvantages to the player, realizing a new and unprecedented gameplay and making the game more enjoyable.

Also, FIG. 21 shows the transition of the game state when a small jackpot is won by the target reserve, i.e., the special 2 reserve, at the final time of the special 2 time-saving count (final time-saving fluctuation). In the embodiment, when a small jackpot is won by the target reserve, i.e., the special 2 reserve, at the final time of the special 2 time-saving count (final time-saving fluctuation), the non-time-saving game state is referenced as the game state at the time of the win.

As shown in FIG. 21, when a small prize is won by the special 2 reserve in the final time of the special 2 time-saving count (final time-saving change) in the most advantageous mode, higher mode, or lower mode, there is a 50% probability that the special symbol Z7 will be determined as the small prize symbol, and a small prize game based on the special symbol Z7 will be executed. In this case, as shown in FIG. 21 (1), the game state is changed to a non-time-saving game state based on the small prize being won.

In addition, if a small win is won by the special 2 reserve in the final time of the special 2 time-saving count (final time-saving change) in the most advantageous mode, higher-level mode, or lower-level mode, there is a 25% probability that the special pattern Z4 or special pattern Z5 will be determined as the small win pattern, and a small win game based on the special pattern Z4 or special pattern Z5 will be executed. In this case, the game state at the time of winning is referenced to the non-time-saving game state, so as shown in (2) of Figure 21, the game state after the big role game is set to the most advantageous mode as the time-saving game state.

In addition, if a small win is won by the special 2 reserve in the final time of the special 2 time-saving count (final time-saving change) in the most advantageous mode, higher-level mode, or lower-level mode, there is a 25% probability that the special pattern Z6 will be determined as the small win pattern, and a small win game based on the special pattern Z6 will be executed. In this case, the game state at the time of winning is referenced to the non-time-saving game state, so as shown in (4) of Figure 21, the game state after the big role game is set to the lower mode as the time-saving game state.

As described above, according to the embodiment, if a predetermined small prize pattern (special pattern Z4, special pattern Z5) is won by the special 2 reservation at the final time of the special 2 time reduction (final time reduction change), a minimum of 3000 prize balls is guaranteed by switching to the most advantageous mode. In other words, in the most advantageous mode and higher modes, if a small prize is won by the special 2 reservation other than the final time reduction change, the probability of being set to the most advantageous mode is 8% (Figure 19), whereas if a small prize is won by the special 2 reservation at the final time reduction change, the probability of being set to the most advantageous mode increases to 20% (Figure 21), which increases the player's benefits, realizing a new and unprecedented gameplay and making it possible to increase the interest of the game.

In addition, according to the embodiment, if a predetermined small win pattern (special pattern Z6) is won by the special 2 reservation at the final time of the special 2 time-saving (final time-saving fluctuation), a transition to a lower mode occurs. In other words, in the most advantageous mode and the higher mode, if a small win is won by the special 2 reservation at a time other than the final time-saving fluctuation, the lower mode is not set (FIG. 19), whereas if a small win is won by the special 2 reservation at the final time-saving fluctuation, the probability of being set to the lower mode increases to 25% (FIG. 21), which provides a sense of tension to the player, realizing a new and unprecedented gameplay and making it possible to increase the interest of the game.

Also, FIG. 22 shows the transition of the game state when a small jackpot is won by a special 1 reservation other than the target reservation at the final time of the special 1 time-saving count (final time-saving fluctuation). In the embodiment, when a small jackpot is won by a special 1 reservation other than the target reservation at the final time of the special 1 time-saving count (final time-saving fluctuation), the non-time-saving game state is referenced as the game state at the time of the win.

As shown in FIG. 22, when a small win is won by a special 1 reserved in the final time of the special 1 time-saving count (final time-saving change) in the most advantageous mode, higher mode, or lower mode, there is a 20% probability that the special pattern Z1 will be determined as the small win pattern, and a small win game based on the special pattern Z1 will be executed. In this case, the game state at the time of winning is referenced to the non-time-saving game state, so as shown in FIG. 22 (2), the game state after the big role game is set to the most advantageous mode as the time-saving game state.

In addition, if a small win is won by the special 1 reserved in the final time of the special 1 time-saving count (final time-saving change) in the most advantageous mode, higher-level mode, or lower-level mode, there is a 40% probability that the special pattern Z2 will be determined as the small win pattern, and a small win game based on the special pattern Z2 will be executed. In this case, the game state at the time of winning is referenced to the non-time-saving game state, so as shown in (4) of Figure 22, the game state after the big role game is set to the lower mode as the time-saving game state.

In addition, if a small win is won by the special 1 reserved in the final time of the special 1 time-saving count (final time-saving change) in the most advantageous mode, higher-level mode, or lower-level mode, there is a 40% probability that the special pattern Z3 will be determined as the small win pattern, and a small win game based on the special pattern Z3 will be executed. In this case, the game state at the time of winning is referenced to the non-time-saving game state, so the game state after the big role game is set to the non-time-saving game state, as shown in FIG. 22 (1).

As described above, according to the embodiment, a new and unprecedented gameplay is realized, making it possible to increase the interest of the game.

Next, we will explain the main processing of the main control board 300 as the game progresses on the gaming machine 100.

Figure 23 is a diagram explaining the gaming machine status flag. In the main control board 300, the gaming machine status flag manages whether or not the game can proceed. One of six flag values from 00H to 05H is set to the gaming machine status flag. A flag value of 00H for the gaming machine status flag indicates a playable state. When the gaming machine status flag is 00H, the game is controlled to proceed, and when the gaming machine status flag is other than 00H, the game is stopped.

The flag value of the gaming machine status flag = 01H indicates a setting change state, and when the gaming machine status flag is 01H, the registered setting value can be changed. The flag value of the gaming machine status flag = 02H indicates a setting confirmation state, and when the gaming machine status flag is 02H, the registered setting value can be confirmed by displaying it on the performance display monitor 184, for example. The flag value of the gaming machine status flag = 03H indicates a setting abnormal state, and when the gaming machine status flag is 03H, the registered setting value is considered abnormal and play is stopped. The flag value of the gaming machine status flag = 04H indicates a RAM abnormal state, and when the gaming machine status flag is 04H, play is stopped. The flag value of the gaming machine status flag = 05H indicates a checksum abnormal state, and when the gaming machine status flag is 05H, play is stopped. When the power is turned on, the gaming machine status flag is set to one of the flag values, and processing according to the gaming machine status flag is performed.

(CPU Initialization Processing of Main Control Board 300)
FIG. 24 is a first flowchart illustrating the CPU initialization process in main control board 300, and FIG. 25 is a second flowchart illustrating the CPU initialization process in 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 process (S100).

(Step S100-1)
When the power is turned on, the main CPU 300a reads a startup program from the main ROM 300b as an initial setting process, and also performs setting processes required for executing various processes.

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

(Step S100-5)
The main CPU 300a judges whether a power-off warning signal has been detected. The main control board 300 is provided with a power-off detection circuit, which outputs a power-off warning signal when the power supply voltage falls below a predetermined value. If a power-off warning signal has been detected, the process proceeds to step S100-3, and if a power-off warning signal has not been detected, the process proceeds to step S100-7.

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

(Step S100-9)
The main CPU 300a executes the processes required to permit access to the main RAM 300c.

(Step S100-11)
The main CPU 300a loads the flag value of the gaming machine status flag before the power is turned off into the D register.

(Step S100-13)
The main CPU 300a calculates the checksum and determines whether the calculated checksum matches the checksum saved when the power was turned off (is normal) and whether the backup flag is normal. If it is determined that the backup flag and the checksum are normal, the process proceeds to step S100-15, and if it is determined that either one or both are not normal, the process proceeds to step S100-25.

(Step S100-15)
The main CPU 300a sets an address that does not include a setting value or a gaming machine status flag as the first address to be cleared in the main RAM 300c.

(Step S100-17)
The main CPU 300a judges whether a RAM clear operation signal has been input from the RAM clear switch 182s (whether the RAM clear button has been pressed down). If it is judged that a RAM clear operation signal has been input, the process proceeds to step S100-31, and if it is judged that a RAM clear operation signal has not been input, the process proceeds to step S100-19.

(Step S100-19)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the flag value of the gaming machine status flag loaded in step S100-11 is 00H (playable state), the setting change switch 180s is on, and the middle frame 104 is open. If it is judged that all three conditions are met, the process proceeds to step S100-21, and if it is judged that any one of the three conditions is not met, the process proceeds to step S100-23.

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

(Step S100-23)
The main CPU 300a executes an initialization process to clear the areas of the main RAM 300c subsequent to the top address set in step S100-15 that are to be cleared when the power is restored, and then proceeds to step S100-49.

(Step S100-25)
The main CPU 300a sets 05H (checksum abnormal state) in the D register.

(Step S100-27)
The main CPU 300a performs an outside area read/write check process for checking and clearing the read/write memory in the unused area.

(Step S100-29)
The main CPU 300a sets an address including a setting value and a gaming machine status flag as the first address to be cleared in the main RAM 300c.

(Step S100-31)
The main CPU 300a checks and clears the read/write memory of the used area.

(Step S100-33)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the check result of the read/write memory in the above step S100-31 is normal or not. If it is judged as normal, the process proceeds to step S100-37, and if it is judged as not normal, the process proceeds to step S100-35.

(Step S100-35)
The main CPU 300a sets 04H (RAM abnormal state) in the D register, and moves the process to step S100-45.

(Step S100-37)
The main CPU 300a judges whether 02H (setting confirmation state) is set in the D register. If it is judged that 02H is set, the process proceeds to step S100-39, and if it is judged that 02H is not set, the process proceeds to step S100-41.

(Step S100-39)
The main CPU 300a sets the D register to 00H (playable state).

(Step S100-41)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the setting change conditions are satisfied. If it is judged that the setting change conditions are satisfied, the process proceeds to step S100-43, and if it is judged that the setting change conditions are not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S100-45. Note that the setting change conditions here include at least that the setting change switch 180s is turned on, that the middle frame 104 is open, and that a RAM clear operation signal is input from the RAM clear switch 182s.

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

(Step S100-45)
The main CPU 300a saves the value set in the D register in the gaming machine status flag.

(Step S100-47)
The main CPU 300a executes an initialization process for clearing the items in the main RAM 300c that are to be cleared when the RAM is cleared, and moves the process to step S100-49.

(Step S100-49)
The main CPU 300a performs a transmission process (storing the RAM clear designation command in a transmission buffer) of a payout command (RAM clear designation command) to inform the payout control board 310 that the main RAM 300c has been cleared.

(Step S100-51)
The main CPU 300a loads the gaming machine status flag.

(Step S100-53)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the gaming machine status flag loaded in step S100-51 is 00H (playable state). If it is judged to be 00H, the process proceeds to step S110, and if it is judged not to be 00H, the process proceeds to step S100-55.

(Step S110)
The main CPU 300a performs a sub-command group set process, which will be described later.

(Step S100-55)
The main CPU 300 a performs sub-command set processing for transmitting predetermined commands to the sub-control board 330 .

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

(Step S100-59)
The main CPU 300a performs processing to disable interrupts.

(Step S100-61)
The main CPU 300a updates the initial value update random number for the winning symbol random number. The initial value update random number for the winning symbol random number is for determining the initial value and the end value of the winning symbol random number. In other words, when the winning symbol random number goes through one cycle from the initial value update random number for the winning symbol random number to the initial value update random number for the winning symbol random number - 1 by the updating process of the winning symbol random number described later, the winning symbol random number is updated to the initial value update random number for the winning symbol random number at that time.

(Step S100-63)
The main CPU 300a analyzes the received data (main commands) received from the payout control board 310 and executes various processes according to the received data.

(Step S100-65)
The main CPU 300 a performs processing to transmit the sub-commands stored in the transmission buffer to the sub-control board 330 .

(Step S100-67)
The main CPU 300a performs processing to permit an interrupt.

(Step S100-69)
The main CPU 300a updates the reach group determination random number, the reach mode determination random number, and the change pattern random number, and thereafter repeats the process from step S100-59. Note that, hereinafter, the reach group determination random number, the reach mode determination random number, and the change pattern random number for determining the change presentation pattern are collectively referred to as the change presentation random number.

Figure 26 is a flowchart explaining the sub-command group set process (S110) on the main control board 300.

(Step S110-1)
The main CPU 300a loads the flag value of the gaming machine status flag.

(Step S110-3)
The main CPU 300 a performs sub-command set processing for transmitting predetermined commands to the sub-control board 330 .

(Step S110-5)
The main CPU 300a performs a model command setting process to set a model command indicating model information of the gaming machine 100 in a transmission buffer.

(Step S110-7)
The main CPU 300a performs a setting value designation command setting process for setting a setting value designation command indicating a registered setting value in a transmission buffer.

(Step S110-9)
The main CPU 300a performs a special chart 1 reservation designation command setting process that sets a special chart 1 reservation designation command indicating the special chart 1 reservation number in a transmission buffer.

(Step S110-11)
The main CPU 300a performs a special chart 2 reservation designation command setting process that sets a special chart 2 reservation designation command indicating the special chart 2 reservation number in a transmission buffer.

(Step S110-13)
The main CPU 300a performs a count command setting process for setting a count command indicating the remaining number of times in the time-shortened gaming state in a transmission buffer.

(Step S110-15)
The main CPU 300a performs a variation pattern selection state designation command setting process that sets a variation pattern selection state designation command indicating the variation pattern selection state in a transmission buffer.

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

(Step S110-19)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the special game management phase is in a special symbol change waiting state. If it is judged that the special symbol change waiting state is in effect, the process proceeds to step S110-21, and if it is judged that the special symbol change waiting state is not in effect, the sub-command group set process is terminated.

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

Next, we will explain the interrupt processing in the main control board 300. Here, we will explain the power-off evacuation processing (XINT interrupt processing) and timer interrupt processing.

(Power off save process of main control board 300 (XINT interrupt process))
27 is a flowchart explaining the power-off save process (XINT interrupt process) in the main control board 300. The main CPU 300a monitors the power-off detection circuit, and when the power supply voltage falls below a predetermined value, it interrupts the CPU initialization process to execute the power-off save process.

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

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

(Step S300-5)
The main CPU 300a judges whether a power-off warning signal has been detected. If it is judged that a power-off warning signal has been detected, the process proceeds to step S300-11. If it is judged that a power-off warning signal has not been detected, the process proceeds to step S300-7.

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

(Step S300-9)
The main CPU 300a performs processing to permit an interrupt, and ends the power-off save processing.

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

(Step S300-13)
The main CPU 300a executes a checksum setting process that calculates and stores a checksum.

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

(Step S300-17)
In order to set the power interruption occurrence monitoring time, the main CPU 300a sets the counter value of a loop counter to a predetermined number of times the power interruption detection signal has been detected.

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

(Step S300-21)
The main CPU 300a judges whether a power-off warning signal has been detected. If it is judged that a power-off warning signal has been detected, the process proceeds to step S300-17. If it is judged that a power-off warning signal has not been detected, the process proceeds to step S300-23.

(Step S300-23)
The main CPU 300a subtracts 1 from the value of the loop counter set in step S300-17.

(Step S300-25)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the counter value of the loop counter is 0. If it is judged that the counter value is not 0, the process proceeds to step S300-19, and if it is judged that the counter value is 0, the process proceeds to the above-mentioned CPU initialization process (step S100).

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

(Timer interrupt processing of main control board 300)
28 is a flow chart for explaining the timer interrupt process in the main control board 300. The main control board 300 is provided with a reset clock pulse generating circuit that generates a clock pulse every predetermined period (4 milliseconds in this embodiment, hereinafter referred to as "4 ms"). When a clock pulse is generated by the reset clock pulse generating circuit, the CPU initialization process (step S100) is interrupted and the following timer interrupt process is executed.

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

(Step S400-3)
The main CPU 300a performs processing to permit an interrupt.

(Step S400-5)
The main CPU 300a outputs the common data set in the common output buffer to the output port, and executes dynamic port output processing which controls the lighting of the first special pattern display 160, the second special pattern display 162, the first special pattern reserved indicator 164, the second special pattern reserved indicator 166, the normal pattern display 168, the normal pattern reserved indicator 170, the right hit notification indicator 172, and the performance display monitor 184.

(Step S400-7)
The main CPU 300a reads various types of input port information and executes a port input process to accurately obtain the latest switch states.

(Step S400-9)
The main CPU 300a loads the flag value of the gaming machine status flag.

(Step S400-11)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the flag value loaded in step S400-9 is 00H (playable state). If it is judged to be 00H, the process proceeds to step S400-15, and if it is judged not to be 00H, the process proceeds to step S400-13.

(Step S400-13)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the flag value loaded in step S400-9 is equal to or greater than 03H (abnormal setting). If it is judged to be equal to or greater than 03H, the process proceeds to step S400-27. If it is judged to be not equal to or greater than 03H, the process proceeds to step S450.

(Step S450)
The main CPU 300a executes a setting-related process, and moves the process to step S400-27. The setting-related process will be described later.

(Step S400-15)
The main CPU 300a performs a timer update process to update various timer counters. Here, unless otherwise specified, the timer counters are decremented every time the timer interrupt process of the main control board 300 is performed, and the decrement stops when the timer counters reach 0.

(Step S400-17)
The main CPU 300a executes an update process for the initial value update random number for the winning symbol random number, similar to step S100-61 described above.

(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 if the result of the addition exceeds the maximum value of the random number range, the random number counter is reset to 0, and if the random number counter has completed one cycle, the random number is updated from the value of the initial value update random number for the winning symbol random number at that time.

Although a detailed explanation will be omitted, in the embodiment, the small win determination random number and the win determination random number use hardware random numbers updated by a hardware random number generation unit built into the main control board 300. The hardware random number generation unit updates both the small win determination random number and the win determination random number according to certain rules, automatically changing the random number sequence each time the random number sequence goes through one cycle, and changing the start value each time the system is reset.

(Step S500)
The main CPU 300a executes a switch management process to determine whether or not a signal has been input from the first start hole detection switch 120s, the second start hole detection switch 122s, the gate detection switch 124s, the first big prize hole detection switch 126s, the second big prize hole detection switch 128s, the specific area detection switch 140s, and the out ball detection switch 130s. 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 games. 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 process will be described later.

(Step S400-21)
The main CPU 300a executes an error management process for determining various errors and making settings according to the error determination results.

(Step S400-23)
The main CPU 300a checks the general prize hole detection switch 118s, the first start hole detection switch 120s, the second start hole detection switch 122s, the first large prize hole detection switch 126s, and the second large prize hole detection switch 128s, and executes prize hole switch processing to increment the corresponding counters for prize ball control, etc.

(Step S400-25)
The main CPU 300a executes a payout control management process to create and transmit a payout command based on the counter value of the counter for controlling the winning balls set in the above step S400-23.

(Step S400-27)
The main CPU 300a executes an external information management process for setting output data for external information to be output from the game information output terminal board 312 to the outside.

(Step S400-29)
The main CPU 300a executes an LED display setting process which sets display data for controlling the lighting of various indicators (LEDs), such as the first special pattern display 160, the second special pattern display 162, the first special pattern reserved indicator 164, the second special pattern reserved indicator 166, the normal pattern display 168, the normal pattern reserved indicator 170, and the right hit notification indicator 172, in an output buffer corresponding to each common.

(Step S400-31)
The main CPU 300a executes a solenoid output image synthesis process to synthesize the solenoid output images of the normal electric gimmick solenoid 122c, the first large prize opening solenoid 126c, the second large prize opening solenoid 128c and the movable member drive solenoid 142c, and store them in an output port buffer.

(Step S400-33)
The main CPU 300a executes a port output process for outputting the values of the common output buffers stored in the respective output port buffers to the output ports.

(Step S400-35)
The main CPU 300a performs processing to disable interrupts.

(Step S400-37)
The main CPU 300a uses the unused area of the main RAM 300c to perform processing for calculating a base ratio to be displayed on the performance display monitor 184, and executes a performance display monitor control processing for setting common data for displaying the calculated base ratio on the performance display monitor 184 in a common output buffer. In the performance display monitor control processing, the base ratio is calculated for each predetermined period. Here, the performance display monitor 184 may switch between displaying the base ratio for the current period and the base ratio for the previous period at predetermined time intervals. Also, the base ratio displayed on the performance display monitor 184 may be switched in response to a predetermined operation.

(Step S400-39)
The main CPU 300a restores the registers and ends the timer interrupt process.

Figure 29 is a flowchart explaining the above-mentioned setting-related processing (S450).

(Step S450-1)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the flag value of the gaming machine state flag is 01H (setting change state). If it is judged to be 01H, the process proceeds to step S450-3, and if it is judged not to be 01H, the process proceeds to step S450-15.

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

(Step S450-5)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the RAM clear switch 182s has been pressed (whether a RAM clear operation signal has been input). If it is judged that the RAM clear switch 182s has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S450-7, and if it is judged that the RAM clear switch 182s has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S450-9.

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

(Step S450-9)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the setting value of the processing area is in the range of 1 to 6. As a result, if it is judged that the setting value is in the range of 1 to 6, the process proceeds to step S450-13, and if it is judged that the setting value is not in the range of 1 to 6, the process proceeds to step S450-11.

(Step S450-11)
The main CPU 300a sets the setting value of the processing area to 1.

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

(Step S450-15)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the setting change switch 180s is on. If it is judged that the setting change switch 180s is on, the setting-related process is terminated, and if it is judged that the setting change switch 180s is not on, the process proceeds to step S450-17.

(Step S450-17)
The main CPU 300a sets a setting-related end designation command, which indicates the end of the setting-related processing, in the transmission buffer.

(Step S110)
The main CPU 300a executes the sub-command group set process of Fig. 26. That is, when the setting-related process is executed, at the end of the process, the model command, the setting value designation command, the special chart 1 reservation designation command, the special chart 2 reservation designation command, the number of times command, the variation pattern selection state designation command, the special chart phase designation command, and the customer waiting designation command are transmitted to the sub-control board 330.

(Step S450-19)
The main CPU 300a sets the gaming machine state flag to 00H (playable state), and ends the setting-related processing.

As described above, according to the embodiment, when the power is turned on normally with the middle frame 104 open, the setting change switch 180s on, and the RAM clear button pressed, the gaming machine status flag is set to 01H (setting change state) in the CPU initialization process (FIG. 24). After that, the timer interrupt process is executed, but because the gaming machine status flag is set to 01H (setting change state), all processes related to the progress of the game (steps S400-15 to S400-25 in FIG. 28) are stopped, and setting-related processes are executed.

The setting-related process is executed repeatedly while the setting change switch 180s is on, and during this setting-related process, pressing the RAM clear button is accepted as a setting change operation for the registered setting value. In other words, during the setting change process (S450-1 to S450-13) that accepts setting change operations, the registered setting value stored in the setting value buffer is switched to one of multiple setting values in response to the setting change operation.

When the setting change switch 180s is switched off while the gaming machine status flag is set to 01H (setting change state), the setting change process ends and the gaming machine status flag is set to 00H (playable state). This makes it possible to execute processes related to the progress of the game, starting with the next timer interrupt process.

Here, in the setting-related processing, after the RAM clear button is pressed, i.e., after the acceptance of the setting change operation of the registered setting value has ended, a setting value designation command corresponding to the registered setting value is sent to the sub-control board 330 in the sub-command group set processing. On the other hand, while the setting change operation is being accepted, the setting value designation command is not sent to the sub-control board 330. In this way, while the setting change operation is being accepted, the setting value designation command is not sent, and when the acceptance of the setting change operation has ended and the game transitions to a state in which it is possible to proceed, the setting value designation command is sent, thereby reducing the risk of the registered setting value being obtained illegally.

In addition, in the embodiment, multiple flag values including at least 01H (setting change state) are switched. Then, when the gaming machine state flag is set to 01H (setting change state), setting-related processing becomes executable, and the progress of the game is stopped. In this way, since setting-related processing is not executed while the game is in progress, setting value designation commands are not sent while the game is in progress, and the risk of registered setting values being illegally obtained is reduced.

Next, we will explain in detail the switch management process in step S500, the special game management process in step S600, and the regular game management process in step S700 of the timer interrupt process described above.

Figure 30 is a flowchart explaining the switch management process (step S500) in the main control board 300.

(Step S500-1)
The main CPU 300a judges whether 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. If it is judged that the gate detection switch is ON, the process proceeds to step S510, and if it is judged that the gate detection switch is not ON, the process proceeds to step S500-3.

(Step S510)
The main CPU 300a executes a gate passing process based on the passage of the gaming ball through the gate 124. The gate passing process will be described in detail later.

(Step S500-3)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the first start hole detection switch is ON, that is, whether a game ball has entered the first start hole 120 and a detection signal has been input from the first start hole detection switch 120s. If it is determined that the first start hole detection switch is ON, the process proceeds to step S520, and if it is determined that the first start hole detection switch is not ON, the process proceeds to step S500-5.

(Step S520)
The main CPU 300a executes a first start hole passing process based on the entry of the gaming ball into the first start hole 120. The first start hole passing process will be described in detail later.

(Step S500-5)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the second start hole detection switch is ON, that is, whether a game ball has entered the second start hole 122 and a detection signal has been input from the second start hole detection switch 122s. If it is determined that the second start hole detection switch is ON, the process proceeds to step S530, and if it is determined that the second start hole detection switch is not ON, the process proceeds to step S500-7.

(Step S530)
The main CPU 300a executes a second start hole passing process based on the entry of the gaming ball into the second start hole 122. The second start hole passing process will be described in detail later.

(Step S500-7)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the time has come when the large prize opening detection switch is detected as ON, that is, whether a game ball has entered the first large prize opening 126 and the second large prize opening 128 and a detection signal has been input from the first large prize opening detection switch 126s and the second large prize opening detection switch 128s. If it is determined that the time has come when the large prize opening detection switch is detected as ON, the process proceeds to step S500-9, and if it is determined that the time has not come when the large prize opening detection switch is detected as ON, the process proceeds to step S500-11.

(Step S500-9)
The main CPU 300a judges whether or not a big prize game or a small prize game is currently being played, and judges whether the game balls have entered the first big prize opening 126 and the second big prize opening 128 properly. If it is judged that a big prize game or a small prize game is not being played, a predetermined fraud detection process is executed, and if it is judged that a big prize game or a small prize game is being played and the game balls have entered the first big prize opening 126 and the second big prize opening 128 properly, the main CPU 300a increments the big prize opening winning ball number counter by 1 and sets a big prize opening winning designation command in the transmission buffer.

(Step S500-11)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the specific area detection switch is ON, that is, whether the game ball has entered the specific area 140b and a detection signal has been input from the specific area detection switch 140s. If it is judged that the specific area detection switch is ON, the process proceeds to step S540, and if it is judged that the specific area detection switch is not ON, the process proceeds to step S500-13.

(Step S540)
The main CPU 300a executes a specific area passing process based on the entry of the gaming ball into the specific area 140b, and ends the switch management process. The specific area passing process will be described in detail later.

(Step S500-13)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the general winning opening detection switch is ON, that is, whether a game ball has entered the general winning opening 118 and a detection signal has been input from the general winning opening detection switch 118s. If it is judged that the general winning opening detection switch is ON, the process proceeds to step S500-15, and if it is judged that the general winning opening detection switch is not ON, the process proceeds to step S500-17.

(Step S500-15)
The main CPU 300a sets a general prize slot winning designation command in the transmission buffer.

(Step S500-17)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the out ball detection switch is on, i.e., whether a detection signal has been input from the out ball detection switch 130s. If it is determined that the out ball detection switch is on, the process proceeds to step S500-19, and if it is determined that the out ball detection switch is not on, the switch management process is terminated.

(Step S500-19)
The main CPU 300a sets the out ball detection designation command in the transmission buffer and terminates the switch management process.

Figure 31 is a flowchart explaining the gate passage process (step S510) in the main control board 300.

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

(Step S510-3)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the counter value of the normal pattern reserved ball counter is equal to or greater than the maximum value, that is, whether the counter value of the normal pattern reserved ball counter is equal to or greater than 4. If it is judged that the counter value of the normal pattern reserved ball counter is equal to or greater than the maximum value, the gate passing process is terminated, and if it is judged that the normal pattern reserved ball counter is not equal to or greater than the maximum value, the process proceeds to step S510-5.

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

(Step S510-7)
The main CPU 300a determines which of the four memory sections in the general reserve memory area is to be the target memory section in which to save the acquired winning determination random number.

(Step S510-9)
The main CPU 300a saves the winning determination random number obtained in the above step S510-1 in the target memory calculated in the above step S510-7.

(Step S510-11)
The main CPU 300a sets a regular map reservation designation command indicating the number of regular map reservations stored in the regular map reservation memory area in the transmission buffer, and terminates the gate passing process.

Figure 32 is a flowchart explaining the first start port passing process (step S520) in the main control board 300.

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

(Step S520-3)
The main CPU 300a sets the address of the special pattern 1 reserved ball count counter.

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

Figure 33 is a flowchart explaining the second start port passing 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 pattern 2 reserved ball count counter.

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

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

(Step S530-7)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the normal game management phase loaded in step S530-5 is "04H". The normal game management phase "04H" indicates that the normal electric role winning hole opening control process is in progress. In this normal electric role winning hole opening control process, the normal electric role solenoid 122c is energized and the movable piece 122b is controlled to be in an open state, so here, it is judged whether the second start hole 122 is in a state in which it can be opened properly. As a result, if it is judged that the normal game management phase is not "04H", the second start hole passing process is terminated, and if it is judged that the normal game management phase is "04H", the process is transferred to step S530-9.

(Step S530-9)
The main CPU 300a updates the counter value of the normal electric device winning ball count counter to a value obtained by adding "1" to the current counter value, and ends the second starting hole passing process.

Figure 34 is a flowchart explaining 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 module common to the first start port passing process (step S520) and the second start port passing process (step S530) described above.

(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 reserved balls for the target special symbol. Here, if the special symbol identification value loaded in the above step S535-1 is "00H", the counter value of the reserved ball counter for the special symbol 1, i.e., the reserved number for special 1, is loaded. Also, if the special symbol identification value loaded in the above step S535-1 is "01H", the counter value of the reserved ball counter for the special symbol 2, i.e., the reserved number for special 2, is loaded.

(Step S535-5)
The main CPU 300a loads the small win determination random number updated by the hardware random number generating unit.

(Step S535-7)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the number of reserved balls of the target special symbol loaded in step S535-3 is equal to or greater than the upper limit. If it is judged to be equal to or greater than the upper limit, the process proceeds to step S535-23. If it is judged not to be equal to or greater than the upper limit, the process proceeds to step S535-9.

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

(Step S535-11)
The main CPU 300a calculates a target memory section among the eight memory sections of the special chart reserved memory area in which to save the acquired small win determination random number.

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

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

(Step S535-17)
The main CPU 300a executes the acquisition time performance determination process for provisionally determining the big role, provisionally determining the winning symbol, and provisionally determining the variable information based on the various random numbers stored in the target memory unit in the above step S535-13. In this acquisition time performance determination process, a pre-reading designation command indicating the variable information to be determined when the newly stored reserved is read out is transmitted to the sub-control board 330.

(Step S535-19)
The main CPU 300a loads the counter values of the special pattern 1 reserved ball count counter and the special pattern 2 reserved ball count counter.

(Step S535-21)
The main CPU 300a sets the special reserved command in the transmission buffer based on the counter value loaded in step S535-19. Here, the special reserved command is set based on the counter value (special reserved number of special 1) of the special reserved ball number counter, and the special reserved command is set based on the counter value (special reserved number of special 2) of the special reserved ball number counter. As a result, the special reserved number of special 1 and the special reserved number of special 2 are transmitted to the sub-control board 330 every time the special reserved number of special 1 or special reserved number of special 2 is stored.

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

(Step S535-25)
The main CPU 300a checks the normal game management phase loaded in step S535-23 and judges whether it is below the normal electric device winning opening control state described later. If it is judged to be below the normal electric device winning opening control state, the process proceeds to step S535-27, and if it is judged not to be below the normal electric device winning opening control state, the special symbol random number acquisition process is terminated.

(Step S535-27)
The main CPU 300a determines whether or not an abnormal winning has occurred, and if it determines that an abnormal winning has occurred, executes a start port abnormal winning error process to perform a predetermined processing, and ends the special pattern random number acquisition process (step S535).

Figure 35 is a flowchart explaining the specific area passing process in step S540 above.

(Step S540-1)
When the main CPU 300a determines in step S500-11 that the specific area detection switch has been turned on, it determines whether the valid period flag is on. If it determines that the valid period flag is on, it proceeds to step S540-3, and if it determines that the valid period flag is not on, it proceeds to step S540-9.

Although more details will be given later, this validity period flag is used to determine whether or not the entry of the game ball into the specific area 140b is considered valid, and in this embodiment, it is turned on at the start of the small win game (first round game).

(Step S540-3)
In the above step S540-1, if it is determined that the valid period flag is on, the main CPU 300a determines whether the specific area entry flag is on. The specific area entry flag is used to identify that the gaming ball has already validly entered the specific area 140b. If it is determined that the specific area entry flag is on, the specific area passing process is terminated, and if it is determined that the specific area entry flag is not on, the process proceeds to step S540-5.

(Step S540-5)
The main CPU 300a turns on the specific area entry flag.

(Step S540-7)
The main CPU 300a sets a specific area entry command in the transmission buffer to notify the sub-control board 330 that the gaming ball has validly entered the specific area 140b, and ends the specific area passing process.

(Step S540-9)
The main CPU 300a executes a predetermined error process.

(Step S540-11)
The main CPU 300a sets an error command indicating that an error has been detected in the transmission buffer, and ends the specific area passing process.

Figure 36 is a diagram explaining the special game management phase. As already explained, in the embodiment, a special game triggered by the entry of a game ball into the first start port 120 or the second start port 122, and a normal game triggered by the passage of a game ball through the gate 124 proceed simultaneously in parallel. The processing related to the special game is executed stepwise and repeatedly, and the main control board 300 manages each processing related to such special games by the special game management phase.

As shown in FIG. 36, the main ROM 300b stores a plurality of special game control modules for controlling the execution of special games, and each of these special game control modules is associated with a special game management phase. Specifically, if the special game management phase is "00H", a module for executing "special symbol change waiting process" is called, if the special game management phase is "01H", a module for executing "special symbol change process" is called, if the special game management phase is "02H", a module for executing "special symbol stop pattern display process" is called, if the special game management phase is "03H" or "07H", a module for executing "large prize opening pre-processing" is called, if the special game management phase is "04H" or "08H", a module for executing "large prize opening control process" is called, if the special game management phase is "05H" or "09H", a module for executing "large prize opening closing valid process" is called, if the special game management phase is "06H" or "0AH", a module for executing "large prize opening end wait process" is called.

Figure 37 is a flowchart explaining the special game management process (step S600) on 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 and starts processing.

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

Figure 38 is a flowchart explaining the special symbol change waiting process in the main control board 300. This special symbol change waiting process is executed when the special game management phase is "00H".

(Step S610-1)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the counter value of the special symbol 2 reserved ball counter, that is, the special 2 reserved number (X2) is "1" or more. If it is judged that the special 2 reserved number (X2) is "1" or more, the process proceeds to step S610-7, and if it is judged that the special 2 reserved number (X2) is not "1" or more, the process proceeds to step S610-3.

(Step S610-3)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the counter value of the special symbol 1 reserved ball counter, that is, the special 1 reserved number (X1) is 1 or more. If it is judged that the special 1 reserved number (X1) is 1 or more, the process proceeds to step S610-7, and if it is judged 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 designation command in the transmission buffer, executes a customer waiting setting process to set the machine to a customer waiting state, and ends the special pattern change waiting process.

(Step S610-7)
The main CPU 300a transfers the special 2 reserved balls stored in the first to fourth storage units of the second special pattern reserved storage area, or the special 1 reserved balls stored in the first to fourth storage units of the first special pattern reserved storage area, to a storage unit with a smaller ordinal number by one. Specifically, when it is determined in the above step S610-1 that the number of reserved balls for special pattern 2 is "1" or more, the special 2 reserved balls stored in the second to fourth storage units of the second special pattern reserved storage area are transferred to the first to third storage units. In addition, the main RAM 300c is provided with a 0th storage unit to be processed, and the special 2 reserved balls stored in the 1st storage unit are block-transferred to the 0th storage unit. In addition, in the above step S610-3, if it is determined that the number of reserved balls of the special pattern 1 is "1" or more, the special pattern 1 reserved balls stored in the second storage section to the fourth storage section of the first special pattern reserved memory area are transferred to the first storage section to the third storage section, and the special pattern 1 reserved balls stored in the first storage section are block-transferred to the 0th storage section. In addition, in this special pattern memory area shift process, the counter value of the target special pattern reserved ball count counter corresponding to the reserved type transferred to the 0th storage section is decremented by "1", and a reserved reduction designation command indicating that the special pattern 1 reserved balls or the special pattern 2 reserved balls have been decremented by "1" is set in the transmission buffer.

(Step S610-9)
The main CPU 300a loads the small win determination random number and the reserved type transferred to the 0th memory unit, selects the corresponding small win determination random number judgment table, performs a lottery for a big role, and executes a special symbol win judgment process to store the lottery result.

(Step S610-11)
The main CPU 300a executes a special symbol pattern determination process for determining a special symbol. Here, if the result of the big role lottery in step S610-9 is a small win, the winning symbol random number and reservation type transferred to the 0th storage unit are loaded, the corresponding winning symbol random number determination table is selected to extract special symbol determination data, and the extracted special symbol determination data (small win symbol type) is saved. Also, if the result of the big role lottery in step S610-9 is a loss, the special symbol determination data for loss (losing symbol type) corresponding to the reservation type is saved. Specifically, if the reservation type is special 1 reservation, the special symbol X is saved as a losing symbol, and if the reservation type is special 2 reservation, the special symbol Y is saved as a losing symbol. 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 160 and the second special symbol display 162 are each composed of 7 segments, and each segment constituting the 7 segments is associated with a number (counter value). The special symbol stop symbol number determined here indicates the number (counter value) of the segment that will finally be lit up.

(Step S612)
The main CPU 300a executes a special symbol variable number determination process for determining a variable mode number and a variable pattern number. The details of this special symbol variable number determination process will be described later.

(Step S610-15)
The main CPU 300a loads the fluctuation mode number and the fluctuation pattern number determined in step S612, and refers to the fluctuation time determination table to determine the fluctuation time 1 and the fluctuation 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 performs a reserve area setting process for storing the type of small winning symbol (special symbol determination data) and the like in the reserve area of the main RAM 300c.

(Step S610-19)
The main CPU 300a executes a process of setting a special symbol display counter in order to start the variable display of the special symbol in the first special symbol display 160 or the second special symbol display 162. A counter value is associated with each segment of the 7-segment that constitutes the first special symbol display 160 and the second special symbol display 162, and the segment corresponding to the counter value set in the special symbol display counter is controlled to light up. Here, the counter value corresponding to the segment to be lit at the start of the variable display of the special symbol is set in the special symbol display counter. Note that the special symbol display counter is provided separately as a special symbol 1 display counter corresponding to the first special symbol display 160 and a special symbol 2 display counter corresponding to the second special symbol display 162, and here, a counter value is set in the counter corresponding to the reserved type.

(Step S610-21)
The main CPU 300a loads the counter values of the special pattern 1 reserved ball counter and the special pattern 2 reserved ball counter, and sets the special pattern reserved designation command in the transmission buffer. Here, the special pattern 1 reserved designation command is set based on the counter value of the special pattern 1 reserved ball counter (special 1 reserved number), and the special pattern 2 reserved designation command is set based on the counter value of the special pattern 2 reserved ball counter (special 2 reserved number). In addition, here, the special pattern winning order command corresponding to the winning order of the special 1 reserved and special 2 reserved stored in the above step S610-7 is set in the transmission buffer. As a result, every time the special 1 reserved or special 2 reserved is consumed, the special 1 reserved number and the special 2 reserved number, as well as the winning order of each of these reserved numbers, 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 change waiting process.

Figure 39 is a flowchart explaining the special pattern variable number determination process in the main control board 300.

(Step S612-1)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the result of the big role lottery in the step S610-9 is a small win. If it is judged to be a small win, the process proceeds to step S612-3, and if it is judged not to be a small win (miss), the process proceeds to step S612-5.

(Step S612-3)
The main CPU 300a sets a reach mode determination random number judgment table corresponding to the current game state, the type of small win symbol, the reserved type, and the variable state.

(Step S612-5)
When the hold type of the read-out hold is special 2 hold, the main CPU 300a checks the counter value of the special pattern 2 hold ball count counter, and when the hold type of the read-out hold is special 1 hold, the main CPU 300a checks the counter value of the special pattern 1 hold ball count counter.

(Step S612-7)
The main CPU 300a sets the corresponding reach group determination random number judgment table based on the current game state, the reserved number and reserved type confirmed in the above step S612-5, and determines the reach group (group type) based on the set reach group determination random number judgment table and the reach group determination random number transferred to the 0th memory unit in the above step S610-7.

(Step S612-9)
The main CPU 300a sets a random number judgment table for determining a losing reach mode corresponding to the group type determined in step S612-7.

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

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

(Step S612-15)
The main CPU 300a determines a fluctuation pattern number based on the fluctuation pattern random number determination table determined in the above step S612-11 and the fluctuation pattern random number transferred to the 0th memory unit in the above 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 above in the transmission buffer, and ends the special pattern variation number determination process.

Figure 40 is a flowchart explaining the processing during special symbol fluctuation in the main control board 300. This processing during special symbol fluctuation 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 a counter value that completes one revolution in a predetermined cycle (e.g., 100 ms). Specifically, when the counter value of the special symbol variation base counter is "0", a predetermined counter value (e.g., 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 judges whether the counter value of the special symbol variation base counter updated in the above step S620-1 is "0". 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 fluctuation timer update process to subtract a predetermined value from the timer value of the special symbol fluctuation timer set in the above step S610-15.

(Step S620-7)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the timer value of the special symbol fluctuation timer updated in step S620-5 is "0". If the timer value is "0", the process proceeds to step S620-15. 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 make up the first special symbol display device 160 and the second special symbol display device 162. Specifically, if the timer value of the special symbol display timer is "0", a predetermined timer value is set, and if the timer value is "1" or greater, the timer value is updated to a value obtained by subtracting "1" from the current timer value.

(Step S620-11)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the timer value of the special symbol display timer is "0". If it judges that the timer value of the special symbol display timer is "0", the process proceeds to step S620-13, and if it judges that the timer value of the special symbol display timer is not "0", the process during the special symbol variation is terminated.

(Step S620-13)
The main CPU 300a updates the counter value of the special symbol display symbol counter to be updated, and ends the special symbol variation process. As a result, each segment constituting the 7-segment display is sequentially lit at predetermined time 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. As a result, the determined special symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display device 160 or the second special symbol display device 162.

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

(Step S620-21)
The main CPU 300a sets the special pattern variation stop time, which is the time for which the special pattern is stopped and displayed, in the special game timer, and ends the special pattern variation process.

Figure 41 is a flowchart explaining the special symbol stop symbol display process 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 judges whether the timer value of the special game timer set in the above step S620-21 is not "0". If it is judged that the timer value of the special game timer is not "0", the process proceeds to step S631, and if it is judged that the timer value of the special game timer is "0", the process proceeds to step S630-3.

(Step S631)
The main CPU 300a executes a number-of-times-off management process, and ends the special symbol stop symbol display process. This number-of-times-off management process will be described later.

(Step S630-3)
The main CPU 300a turns off the number-of-playback management flag, which indicates that the number-of-playback-back management process of step S631 has been executed.

(Step S630-5)
The main CPU 300a sets in the transmission buffer a game state confirmation command at the time of special symbol determination, which indicates the game state when the special symbol is determined.

(Step S630-7)
The main CPU 300a sets in the transmission buffer a number command for transmitting the number of times of special 1 time reduction, the number of times of special 2 time reduction, the number of times of time reduction end operation for special 1 small win, and the number of times of time reduction end operation for special 2 small win updated in the number reduction management process of step S631 above to the sub-control board 330.

(Step S630-9)
The main CPU 300a checks the result of the big role lottery.

(Step S630-11)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the result of the big role lottery is a small win or not. If it is judged to be a small win, the process proceeds to step S630-15, and if it is judged not to be a small win, the process proceeds to step S630-13.

(Step S630-13)
The main CPU 300a updates the special game management phase to "00H" and ends the special symbol stop symbol display process. This ends the special game management process based on the reservation of 1, and if special reservation 1 or special reservation 2 is stored, a process for starting the variable display of the special symbol based on the next reservation is performed.

(Step S630-15)
The main CPU 300a sets data in a special electric role activation RAM set table according to the type of the determined special symbol.

(Step S630-17)
The main CPU 300a performs a process for setting the maximum number of times that the special electric device operates. Specifically, the data set in step S630-15 is referenced, and a predetermined number (counter value corresponding to the type of special symbol = number of rounds) is set as a counter value in the maximum number of times that the special electric device operates. The maximum number of times that the special electric device operates indicates the number of rounds ("1") that can be executed in the small win game that is about to start. Meanwhile, the main RAM 300c is provided with a counter for the number of consecutive times that the special electric device operates, and the current number of rounds is managed by adding "1" to the counter value of the counter for the consecutive times that the special electric device operates at the start of each round of play. Here, a process for resetting (updating to "0") the counter value of the counter for the consecutive times that the special electric device operates is executed at the same time as the start of the small win game.

(Step S630-19)
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 S630-21)
The main CPU 300a sets in the transmission buffer an opening designation command for transmitting the start of the small win game to the sub-control board 330. Note that this opening designation command is provided for each opening time, and here, the opening designation command corresponding to the opening time saved in the above step S630-19 is set in the transmission buffer.

(Step S630-23)
The main CPU 300a updates the special game management phase to "07H" and ends the special symbol stop symbol display process. This starts the small win game.

Figure 42 is a flowchart explaining the cutoff management process on the main control board 300.

(Step S631-1)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the number of times ...

(Step S631-3)
The main CPU 300a turns off the number-of-times cut management flag. That is, in the embodiment, each process from step S631-3 onwards is executed when the special symbol stop symbol display process is executed for the first time after the special symbol change stop time (fixed time) is set. However, the number-of-times cut management process may be executed when the special symbol change stop time (fixed time) is set, that is, when the change time has elapsed (step S620-15 onwards in FIG. 40).

(Step S631-5)
The main CPU 300a loads a time-saving state flag for identifying whether the game state is a non-time-saving game state or a time-saving game state, and checks whether the current game state is a non-time-saving game state or a time-saving game state. If the current game state is a time-saving game state, the process proceeds to step S631-7, and if the current game state is a non-time-saving game state, the process ends.

(Step S631-7)
The main CPU 300a checks the result of the big role lottery.

(Step S631-9)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the result of the big role lottery is a small win or not. If the result is a small win, the process proceeds to step S631-11, and if not, the process proceeds to step S631-25.

(Step S631-11)
In step S620-17, the main CPU 300a judges whether a special symbol is displayed as stopped on the first special symbol display 160 or whether a special symbol is displayed as stopped on the second special symbol display 162. If a special symbol is displayed as stopped on the first special symbol display 160, the process proceeds to step S631-13, and if a special symbol is displayed as stopped on the second special symbol display 162, the process proceeds to step S631-19.

(Step S631-13)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the value of the special 1 small win counter, which indicates the number of times a small win has been won by the special 1 reservation since the game state was set to the time-saving game state, is greater than 0. As a result, if the value of the special 1 small win counter is greater than 0, the process proceeds to step S631-15, and if the value of the special 1 small win counter is not greater than 0 (is 0), the process proceeds to step S631-25.

(Step S631-15)
The main CPU 300a decrements the value of the special 1 small win count counter.

(Step S631-17)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the value of the special 1 small win counter updated in the above step S631-15 is 0. As a result, if the value of the special 1 small win counter is 0, the process proceeds to step S631-39, and if the value of the special 1 small win counter is not 0, the process proceeds to step S631-25.

(Step S631-19)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the value of the special 2 small win counter, which indicates the number of times a small win has been won by the special 2 reservation since the game state was set to the time-saving game state, is greater than 0. As a result, if the value of the special 2 small win counter is greater than 0, the process proceeds to step S631-21, and if the value of the special 2 small win counter is not greater than 0 (is 0), the process proceeds to step S631-25.

(Step S631-21)
The main CPU 300a decrements the value of the special 2 small win count counter.

(Step S631-23)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the value of the special 2 small win counter updated in the above step S631-21 is 0. As a result, if the value of the special 2 small win counter is 0, the process proceeds to step S631-39, and if the value of the special 2 small win counter is not 0, the process proceeds to step S631-25.

(Step S631-25)
In step S620-17, the main CPU 300a judges whether a special symbol is displayed as stopped on the first special symbol display 160 or whether a special symbol is displayed as stopped on the second special symbol display 162. If a special symbol is displayed as stopped on the first special symbol display 160, the process proceeds to step S631-27, and if a special symbol is displayed as stopped on the second special symbol display 162, the process proceeds to step S631-33.

(Step S631-27)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the value of the special 1 time-saving count counter, which counts the number of times the special 1 time-saving is performed, is greater than 0. As a result, if the value of the special 1 time-saving count counter is greater than 0, the process proceeds to step S631-29, and if the value of the special 1 time-saving count counter is not greater than 0 (is 0), the process proceeds to step S631-41.

(Step S631-29)
The main CPU 300a decrements the counter value of the special 1 time-saving cut-off counter.

(Step S631-31)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the value of the special 1 time-saving count cut counter updated in the above step S631-29 is 0. As a result, if the value of the special 1 time-saving count cut counter is 0, the process proceeds to step S631-39, and if the value of the special 1 time-saving count cut counter is not 0, the process proceeds to step S631-41.

(Step S631-33)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the value of the special 2 time-saving count counter, which counts the number of times the special 2 time-saving is performed, is greater than 0. As a result, if the value of the special 2 time-saving count counter is greater than 0, the process proceeds to step S631-35, and if the value of the special 2 time-saving count counter is not greater than 0 (is 0), the process proceeds to step S631-41.

(Step S631-35)
The main CPU 300a decrements the counter value of the special 2 time-saving cut-off counter.

(Step S631-37)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the value of the special 2 time-saving number-of-times-off counter updated in the above step S631-35 is 0. As a result, if the value of the special 2 time-saving number-of-times-off counter is 0, the process proceeds to step S631-39, and if the value of the special 2 time-saving number-of-times-off counter is not 0, the process proceeds to step S631-41.

(Step S631-39)
The main CPU 300a sets the time-saving state flag to set the game state to a non-time-saving game state. As a result, after the game state is set to the time-saving game state, when the special pattern (small winning pattern) is stopped and displayed when the number of times a small winning is won by the special 1 reservation reaches the number of times of the special 1 small winning time-saving end operation that is set in advance, that is, before the start of the small winning game, the game state is changed to a non-time-saving game state. Also, after the game state is set to the time-saving game state, when the special pattern (small winning pattern) is stopped and displayed when the number of times a small winning is won by the special 2 reservation reaches the number of times of the special 2 small winning time-saving end operation that is set in advance, that is, before the start of the small winning game, the game state is changed to a non-time-saving game state. Also, after the game state is set to the time-saving game state, when the special pattern is stopped and displayed when the number of times the special 1 reservation changes reaches the number of times of the special 1 time-saving end operation that is set in advance, the game state is changed to a non-time-saving game state. In addition, after the game state is set to the time-saving game state, when the number of times the special 2 reserve changes reaches the preset number of times for special 2 time-saving, the game state is changed to a non-time-saving game state when the special pattern is displayed in a stopped state.

(Step S631-41)
The main CPU 300a stores the current game state as a winning game state in the main RAM 300c.

(Step S631-43)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the stopped small win symbol is any of the special symbols Z1 to Z6. If the stopped small win symbol is any of the special symbols Z1 to Z6, the process proceeds to step S631-45, and if the stopped small win symbol is not any of the special symbols Z1 to Z6, that is, if the stopped special symbol is a losing symbol or the special symbol Z7 which is a small win symbol, the process proceeds to step S631-47.

(Step S631-45)
The main CPU 300a sets the time-saving state flag to set the game state to the non-time-saving game state. As a result, if a small win is won after the game state is set to the time-saving game state and the special symbols Z1 to Z6 are determined as the small win symbols, the game state is changed to the non-time-saving game state when the small win symbols (special symbols Z1 to Z6) are stopped and displayed, that is, before the small win game starts. Note that, if the game state has already been set to the non-time-saving game state in the above step S631-39, the game state is not set to the non-time-saving game state again in this step, and the setting of the non-time-saving game state is maintained.

(Step S631-47)
The main CPU 300a loads a time-saving state flag for identifying whether the game state is a non-time-saving game state or a time-saving game state, and checks whether the current game state is a non-time-saving game state or a time-saving game state. If the current game state is a non-time-saving game state, the process proceeds to step S631-49, and if the current game state is a time-saving game state, the process ends.

(Step S631-49)
The main CPU 300a sets a game state change designation command indicating the game state when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the transmission buffer, and ends the number-of-plays management process. In other words, when the game state is changed from the time-limited game state to the non-time-limited game state in the number-of-plays management process, the game state change designation command is transmitted to the sub-control board 330.

In other words, if a small win based on the special 1 reserved is won in the final change in the number of special 1 time-saving times, the special 1 time-saving end counter is decremented from 1 to 0 in step S631-29 above, and the time-saving end condition (the special 1 time-saving number of times goes from 1 to 0) is met, and after the game state is changed to a non-time-saving state in step S631-39 above, the non-time-saving game state is stored as the game state at the time of the win in step S631-41 above. In this case, the non-time-saving game state is referenced as the game state at the time of the win in step S670-3 described below.

In addition, if a small win based on the special 2 reserve is won in the final change in the number of special 2 time-saving times, the special 2 time-saving end counter is decremented from 1 to 0 in step S631-35 above, and the time-saving end condition (the special 2 time-saving number of times goes from 1 to 0) is met, and after the game state is changed to a non-time-saving state in step S631-39 above, the non-time-saving game state is stored as the game state at the time of the win in step S631-41 above. In this case, the non-time-saving game state is referenced as the game state at the time of the win in step S670-3 described below.

In addition, if a small win based on the special 1 reserved is won in the time-saving game state, in the above step S631-15, the special 1 small win count counter is decremented from 1 to 0, and the time-saving end condition (the number of times the time-saving end operation for the special 1 small win goes from 1 to 0) is met, and after the game state is changed to a non-time-saving state in the above step S631-39, the non-time-saving game state is stored as the game state at the time of the win in the above step S631-41. In this case, in step S670-3 described later, the non-time-saving game state will be referenced as the game state at the time of the win.

In addition, if a small win based on the special 2 reserve is won in the time-saving game state, in the above step S631-21, the special 2 small win count counter is decremented from 1 to 0, and the time-saving end condition (the number of times the special 2 small win time-saving end is activated goes from 1 to 0) is met, and after the game state is changed to a non-time-saving state in the above step S631-39, the non-time-saving game state is stored as the game state at the time of the win in the above step S631-41. In this case, in step S670-3 described later, the non-time-saving game state will be referenced as the game state at the time of the win.

On the other hand, if a small win is won in the time-saving game state, and none of the time-saving end conditions are met, that is, if the number of times of time-saving for special 1 does not change from 1 to 0, the number of times of time-saving for special 2 does not change from 1 to 0, the number of times of time-saving end operation for special 1 small win does not change from 1 to 0, and the number of times of time-saving end operation for special 2 small win does not change from 1 to 0, the processing of the above step S631-39 is not performed. Therefore, in the above step S631-41, the time-saving game state is stored as the game state at the time of winning. After that, if a specified small win is won (special pattern Z1 to special pattern Z6 are determined), the game state is changed to a non-time-saving state in the above step S631-45, and if a win other than the specified small win is won (special pattern Z7 is determined), the processing of the above step S631-45 is not performed and the time-saving game state is maintained.

In addition, if the number of times the time-saving end operation is performed on a special 1 small win is set to 0, or if the number of times the time-saving end operation is not set on a special 1 small win, the above-mentioned step S631-13 will not be judged as YES, and the above-mentioned steps S631-15 and S631-17 will not be executed, so the time-saving end condition based on the number of times the time-saving end operation is performed on a special 1 small win will not actually be met, and the time-saving game state will be maintained.

In addition, if the number of times the time-saving end operation is performed on a special 2 small win is set to 0, or if the number of times the time-saving end operation is not set on a special 2 small win, the above-mentioned step S631-19 will not be judged as YES, and the above-mentioned steps S631-21 and S631-23 will not be executed, so the time-saving end condition based on the number of times the time-saving end operation is performed on a special 2 small win will not actually be met, and the time-saving game state will be maintained.

Figure 43 is a flowchart explaining the processing before the opening of the large prize opening in the main control board 300. This processing before the opening of the large prize opening is executed when the special game management phase is "03H" or "07H".

(Step S640-1)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the timer value of the special game timer is not "0". If it is judged that the timer value of the special game timer is not "0", the main CPU 300a ends the pre-opening process of the special prize opening, and if it is judged that the timer value of the special game timer is "0", the process proceeds to step S640-3.

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

(Step S640-5)
The main CPU 300a sets in the transmission buffer a large prize opening designation command for transmitting the start of opening of the first large prize opening 126 and the second large prize opening 128 (start of a round of play) to the sub-control board 330.

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

(Step S640-7)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the special game management phase is 07H, that is, whether a small win game is being played. If it is judged that the special game management phase is 07H, the process proceeds to step S640-9, and if it is judged that the special game management phase is not 07H, the process proceeds to step S640-13.

(Step S640-9)
The main CPU 300a judges whether it is the start of the first round of play based on the counter value of the special electric device continuous operation number counter. If it is judged as the start of the first round of play, the process proceeds to step S640-11, and if it is judged as not the start of the first round of play, the process proceeds to step S640-13.

(Step S640-11)
The main CPU 300a turns on the valid period flag, which enables the entry of the gaming ball into the specific area 140b when the small win game starts.

(Step S640-13)
The main CPU 300a updates the special game management phase to a value obtained by adding 01H to the current value ("04H" or "08H"), and ends the pre-opening process for the large prize opening.

Figure 44 is a flowchart explaining the large prize opening/closing switching process on the main control board 300.

(Step S641-1)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the counter value of the special electric device opening/closing switching count counter is the upper limit value of the special electric device opening/closing switching count (the number of times the first large prize opening 126 and the second large prize opening 128 are opened and closed during one round of play). If it is judged that the counter value is the upper limit value, the main CPU 300a ends the large prize opening opening/closing switching process, and if it is judged 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 in the special electric device operation RAM set table and extracts solenoid control data for controlling the energization of the first large prize opening solenoid 126c or the second large prize opening solenoid 128c based on the counter value of the special electric device opening/closing switching count counter, as well as timer data which is the energization time or non-energization time of the first large prize opening solenoid 126c or the second large prize opening solenoid 128c.

(Step S641-5)
The main CPU 300a executes a large prize opening solenoid energization control process to start energization of the first large prize opening solenoid 126c or the second large prize opening solenoid 128c or to stop energization of the first large prize opening solenoid 126c or the second large prize opening solenoid 128c based on the solenoid control data extracted in the above step S641-3. By executing this large prize opening solenoid energization control process, the start or stop of energization of the first large prize opening solenoid 126c or the second large prize opening solenoid 128c is controlled in the above steps S400-31 and S400-33.

(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 first large prize opening 126 and the second large prize opening 128 in one time.

(Step S641-9)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the first large prize opening solenoid 126c or the second large prize opening solenoid 128c is in the energization start state, that is, whether the control process to start energization of the first large prize opening solenoid 126c or the second large prize opening solenoid 128c has been performed in the above step S641-5. If it is judged to be in the energization start state, the process proceeds to step S641-11, and if it is judged not to be in the energization start state, the large prize opening opening open/close switching process is terminated.

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

Figure 45 is a flowchart explaining the special prize opening control process in the main control board 300. This special prize opening control process is executed when the special game management phase is "04H" or "08H".

(Step S650-1)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the timer value of the special game timer saved in the above step S641-7 is "0". If it is judged that the timer value of the special game timer is not "0", the process proceeds to step S650-5, and if it is judged that the timer value of the special game timer is "0", the process proceeds to step S650-3.

(Step S650-3)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the counter value of the special electric role opening/closing switching counter is the upper limit value of the special electric role opening/closing switching count. If it is judged that the counter value is the upper limit value, the process proceeds to step S650-7, and if it is judged that the counter value is not the upper limit value, the process proceeds to step S641.

(Step S641)
In the above step S650-3, if it is determined that the counter value of the special electric role opening/closing switching count counter is not the upper limit value of the special electric role opening/closing switching count, the main CPU 300a executes the processing of the above step S641.

(Step S650-5)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the counter value of the large prize opening winning ball counter updated in the above step S500-9 has reached a specified number, that is, whether the same number of game balls as the maximum number of winnings in one round have entered the first large prize opening 126 or the second large prize opening 128. As a result, if it is judged that the specified number has not been reached, the large prize opening opening opening control process is terminated, and if it is judged that the specified number has been reached, the process proceeds to step S650-7.

(Step S650-7)
The main CPU 300a executes a large prize opening closing process required to stop the energization of the first large prize opening solenoid 126c and the second large prize opening solenoid 128c to close the first large prize opening 126 and the second large prize opening 128. As a result, the first large prize opening 126 and the second large prize opening 128 are closed.

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

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

(Step S650-13)
The main CPU 300a sets a large prize opening closure designation command indicating that the first large prize opening 126 and the second large prize opening 128 have been closed in the transmission buffer, and terminates the large prize opening opening control process.

Figure 46 is a flowchart explaining the special prize opening closure activation process in the main control board 300. This special prize opening closure activation process is executed when the special game management phase is "05H" or "09H".

(Step S660-1)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the timer value of the special game timer saved in the above step S650-9 is not "0". If it is judged that the timer value of the special game timer is not "0", the main CPU 300a ends the special prize opening closure valid processing, and if it is judged that the timer value of the special game timer is "0", the processing proceeds to step S660-3.

(Step S660-3)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the counter value of the special electric device continuous operation counter matches the counter value of the special electric device maximum operation counter, that is, whether a preset number of rounds of play have been completed. If it is judged that the counter value of the special electric device continuous operation counter matches the counter value of the special electric device maximum operation counter, the process proceeds to step S660-9, and if it is judged that they do not match, the process proceeds to step S660-5.

(Step S660-5)
The main CPU 300a updates the special game management phase to "03H". Note that when the special game management phase is "09H", that is, during control of the small win game, the number of rounds of the small win game is "1", so that the result of step S660-3 is always YES, and the process does not proceed to that step.

(Step S660-7)
The main CPU 300a saves the predetermined special prize opening closing time in the special game timer and ends the special prize opening closing validity process, thereby starting the next round of games.

(Step S660-9)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the special game management phase is 09H, that is, whether a small win game is being played. If it is judged that the special game management phase is 09H, the process proceeds to step S660-11, and if it is judged that the special game management phase is not 09H, the process proceeds to step S660-21.

(Step S660-11)
The main CPU 300a judges whether all the game balls that entered the second large prize opening 128 have been discharged. Here, when the value obtained by subtracting the total number of game balls that entered the specific area 140b and the non-specific area 140c from the number of game balls that entered the second large prize opening 128 becomes 0, it is judged that the discharge is completed. If it is judged that the discharge is completed, the process proceeds to step S660-13, and if it is judged that the discharge is not completed, the large prize opening closure valid process is terminated. Note that if the judgment result that the discharge is not completed is continuously derived for a certain period of time, an error process is performed.

(Step S660-13)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the specific area entry flag is on. If it is judged that the specific area entry flag is on, the process proceeds to step S660-15, and if it is judged that the specific area entry flag is not on, the process proceeds to step S660-21.

(Step S660-15)
The main CPU 300a turns off the specific area entry flag.

(Step S660-17)
The main CPU 300a checks the type of small winning symbol and sets a predetermined number (the counter value corresponding to the type of special symbol = the number of rounds minus 1, i.e., the number of rounds in the big winning game) as the counter value in the special electric device maximum operation count counter.

(Step S660-19)
The main CPU 300a sets the special game management phase to 03H, and ends the large prize opening closure validation process.

(Step S660-21)
The main CPU 300a executes an ending time setting process for saving the ending time in a special game timer.

(Step S660-23)
The main CPU 300a updates the special game management phase to a value obtained by adding 01H to the current value ("06H" or "0AH").

(Step S660-25)
The main CPU 300a sets an ending designation command indicating the start of the ending in the transmission buffer, and ends the large prize opening closure activation process.

Figure 47 is a flowchart explaining the special prize opening end wait process in the main control board 300. This special prize opening end wait process is executed when the special game management phase is "06H" or "0AH".

(Step S670-1)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the timer value of the special game timer saved in the above step S660-7 is not "0". As a result, if it is judged that the timer value of the special game timer is not "0", the main CPU 300a ends the waiting process for the end of the special winning port, and if it is judged that the timer value of the special game timer is "0", the process proceeds to step S670-3.

(Step S670-3)
The main CPU 300a checks the winning game state saved in the above step S631-41.

(Step S670-5)
The main CPU 300a executes a state setting process for setting the game state after the end of the big prize game executed based on the game ball entering the specific area 140b in the small prize game. Specifically, the main CPU 300a refers to the game state setting table (FIG. 16) and sets the game state after the end of the big prize game, the number of times of special 1 time reduction, the number of times of special 2 time reduction, the number of times of time reduction end operation for special 1 small prize, and the number of times of time reduction end operation for special 2 small prize based on the type of special pattern that triggered the execution of the small prize game and the game state at the time of winning confirmed in the above step S670-3. Note that, when the main CPU 300a sets the game state after the big prize game to a non-time reduction game state, it sets a time reduction state flag corresponding to the non-time reduction game state. Also, when the main CPU 300a sets the game state after the big prize game to a time reduction game state, it sets a time reduction state flag corresponding to the time reduction game state.

Note that if the game ball does not enter the specific area 140b in a small win game, that is, if the special game management phase is "OAH", the game state is not set in step S670-5. In other words, if the game ball does not enter the specific area 140b in a small win game based on special patterns Z1 to Z6 in a time-saving game state, the game state is changed (set) before the start of the small win game by the number-cut management process described above, and the non-time-saving game state is maintained. Also, if a small win game based on special pattern Z7 is executed, the game state is not set in step S670-5.

In addition, the process also involves setting the variable state after the big win game ends, based on the small win symbol that triggered the small win game and the currently set value.

(Step S670-7)
The main CPU 300a sets in the transmission buffer a game state change designation command for transmitting the game state and the variable state that are set after the end of the big role game.

(Step S670-9)
The main CPU 300a sets in the transmission buffer number-designation commands corresponding to the number of times the special 1 time-saving operation is performed, the number of times the special 2 time-saving operation is performed, the number of times the special 1 time-saving operation is ended for a small win, and the number of times the special 2 time-saving operation is ended for a small win, all of which were saved in step S670-5.

(Step S670-11)
The main CPU 300a updates the special game management phase to "00H" and ends the waiting process for the end of the special winning slot. As a result, if the special 1 reserve or special 2 reserve is stored, the variable display of the special symbol is resumed.

Figure 48 is a diagram explaining the normal game management phase. As already explained, in the embodiment, the processing related to the normal game triggered by the passage of the game ball through the gate 124 is executed stepwise and repeatedly, and the main control board 300 manages each processing related to such normal game by the normal game management phase.

As shown in FIG. 48, the main ROM 300b stores a plurality of normal game control modules for controlling the execution of normal games, and each of these normal game control modules is associated with a normal game management phase. Specifically, when the normal game management phase is "00H", a module for executing "normal symbol change waiting process" is called, when the normal game management phase is "01H", a module for executing "normal symbol change process" is called, when the normal game management phase is "02H", a module for executing "normal symbol stop symbol display process" is called, when the normal game management phase is "03H", a module for executing "normal electric role winning opening pre-processing" is called, when the normal game management phase is "04H", a module for executing "normal electric role winning opening opening control process" is called, when the normal game management phase is "05H", a module for executing "normal electric role winning opening closing valid process" is called, when the normal game management phase is "06H", a module for executing "normal electric role winning opening end wait process" is called.

Figure 49 is a flowchart explaining the normal game management process (step S700) on the main control board 300.

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

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

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

(Step S700-7)
The main CPU 300a loads a normal game timer that manages the control time of the normal game.

Figure 50 is a flowchart explaining the normal symbol change waiting process in the main control board 300. This normal symbol change waiting process is executed when the normal game management phase is "00H".

(Step S710-1)
The main CPU 300a loads the counter value of the normal symbol reserved ball number counter and judges whether the counter value is "0", that is, whether the normal symbol reserved is "0". If it is judged that the counter value is "0", the normal symbol change waiting process is terminated, and if it is judged that the counter value is not "0", the process proceeds to step S710-3.

(Step S710-3)
The main CPU 300a transfers the regular reserved balls (win-determining random numbers) stored in the first to fourth storage sections of the regular reserved ball storage area in blocks to the storage section with the next smaller ordinal number. Specifically, the regular reserved balls stored in the second to fourth storage sections are transferred to the first to third storage sections. The main RAM 300c is also provided with a 0th storage section to be processed, and the regular reserved balls stored in the 1st storage section are transferred to the 0th storage section. In addition, in this regular pattern storage area shift process, the counter value of the regular pattern reserved ball count counter is decremented by "1," and a regular reserved reduction command indicating that the regular reserved balls have been decremented by "1" is set in the transmission buffer.

(Step S710-5)
The main CPU 300a loads the winning determination random number transferred to the 0th memory unit, selects a winning determination random number judgment table corresponding to the current game state, performs a regular symbol lottery, and executes a regular symbol winning determination process that stores the lottery result.

(Step S710-7)
The main CPU 300a saves the normal symbol stop symbol number corresponding to the result of the normal symbol lottery in step S710-5. In the embodiment, the normal symbol display 168 is composed of one LED lamp, and in the case of a win, the normal symbol display 168 is turned on, and in the case of a loss, the normal symbol display 168 is turned off. The normal symbol stop symbol number determined here indicates whether or not the normal symbol display 168 is ultimately turned on. For example, in the case of a win, "0" is determined as the normal symbol stop symbol number, and in the case of a loss, "1" is determined as the normal symbol stop symbol number.

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

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

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

(Step S710-15)
The main CPU 300a executes a process of setting a normal pattern display pattern counter in order to start the variable display of normal patterns in the normal pattern display 168. When the counter value is set to, for example, "0" in the normal pattern display pattern counter, the normal pattern display 168 is controlled to be turned on, and when the counter value is set to "1", the normal pattern display 168 is controlled to be turned off. Here, a predetermined counter value is set in the normal pattern display pattern counter at the start of the variable display of normal patterns.

(Step S710-17)
The main CPU 300a sets a regular map reservation designation command indicating the number of regular map reservations stored in the regular map reservation memory area in a transmission buffer.

(Step S710-19)
The main CPU 300a sets a normal pattern designation command in the transmission buffer based on the normal pattern stopping pattern number determined in step S710-7 above, i.e., the pattern type (winning pattern or losing pattern) determined by the normal pattern winning judgment process.

(Step S710-21)
The main CPU 300a updates the normal game management phase to "01H" and ends the normal pattern change waiting process.

Figure 51 is a flowchart explaining the normal pattern change processing in the main control board 300. This normal pattern change processing is executed when the normal game management phase is "01H".

(Step S720-1)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the timer value of the normal game timer saved in the above step S710-13 is "0". If the timer value is "0", the process proceeds to step S720-9, and if the timer value is not "0", the process proceeds to step S720-3.

(Step S720-3)
The main CPU 300a updates the normal symbol display timer that measures the light-on and light-off times of the normal symbol display 168. Specifically, if the timer value of the normal symbol display timer is "0", a predetermined timer value is set, and if the timer value is "1" or more, the timer value is updated to a value obtained by subtracting "1" from the current timer value.

(Step S720-5)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the timer value of the normal symbol display timer is "0". As a result, if it is judged that the timer value of the normal symbol display timer is "0", the process proceeds to step S720-7, and if it is judged that the timer value of the normal symbol display timer is not "0", the process during the normal symbol variation is terminated.

(Step S720-7)
The main CPU 300a updates the counter value of the normal symbol display symbol counter. Here, if the counter value of the normal symbol display symbol counter is a counter value indicating that the normal symbol display 168 is turned off, it is updated to a counter value indicating that the normal symbol display 168 is turned on, and if the counter value is a counter value indicating that the normal symbol display 168 is turned on, it is updated to a counter value indicating that the normal symbol display 168 is turned off, and the normal symbol variation process is terminated. As a result, the normal symbol display 168 is turned on and off repeatedly (blinks) at predetermined intervals over the normal symbol variation time.

(Step S720-9)
The main CPU 300a saves the normal symbol stop symbol number (counter value) determined in step S710-7 in the normal symbol display symbol counter. As a result, the normal symbol display 168 is finally controlled to be turned on or off, and the result of the normal symbol lottery is announced.

(Step S720-11)
The main CPU 300a sets a normal pattern variation stop time, which is the time for stopping and displaying the normal pattern, in a normal game timer.

(Step S720-13)
The main CPU 300a sets a normal symbol stop command, which indicates that the stopped display of the normal symbols has begun, in the transmission buffer.

(Step S720-15)
The main CPU 300a updates the normal game management phase to "02H" and ends the normal pattern variation processing.

Figure 52 is a flowchart explaining the normal symbol stop symbol display process in the main control board 300. This normal symbol stop symbol display process is executed when the normal game management phase is "02H".

(Step S730-1)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the timer value of the normal game timer set in the above step S720-11 is not "0". As a result, if it is judged that the timer value of the normal game timer is not "0", the normal symbol stop symbol display process is terminated, and if it is judged that the timer value of the normal game timer is "0", the process proceeds to step S730-3.

(Step S730-3)
The main CPU 300a checks the result of the regular drawing.

(Step S730-5)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the result of the normal drawing is a win or not. If it is judged to be a win, the process proceeds to step S730-9, and if it is judged to be a no win (no win), the process proceeds to step S730-7.

(Step S730-7)
The main CPU 300a updates the normal game management phase to "00H" and ends the normal stop symbol display process. This ends the normal game management process based on one normal symbol reservation, and if a normal symbol reservation is stored, processing is performed to start the variable display of the next reserved normal symbol.

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

(Step S730-11)
The main CPU 300a updates the normal game management phase to "03H" and ends the normal stop symbol display process. This starts the opening/closing control of the second start port 122.

Figure 53 is a flow chart explaining the processing before the opening of the winning opening of the normal electric device in the main control board 300. This processing before the opening of the winning opening of the normal electric device is executed when the normal game management phase is "03H".

(Step S740-1)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the timer value of the normal game timer is not "0". As a result, if it is judged that the timer value of the normal game timer is not "0", the normal electric role winning opening pre-opening process is terminated, and if it is judged that the timer value of the normal game timer is "0", the process proceeds to step S741.

(Step S741)
The main CPU 300a executes a normal electric device prize opening/closing switching process, which will be described later.

(Step S740-3)
The main CPU 300a updates the normal game management phase to "04H" and ends the processing before opening the normal electric device winning port.

Figure 54 is a flowchart explaining the normal electric device prize opening/closing switching process on the main control board 300.

(Step S741-1)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the counter value of the normal electric role opening/closing switching counter is the upper limit value of the normal electric role opening/closing switching count (the number of times the movable piece 122b opens and closes during one opening/closing control). If it is judged that the counter value is the upper limit value, the normal electric role winning port opening/closing switching process is terminated, and if it is judged that the counter value is not the upper limit value, the process proceeds to step S741-3.

(Step S741-3)
The main CPU 300a refers to the data in the opening/closing control pattern table and extracts solenoid control data (energization control data or energization stop control data) for controlling the energization of the normal electric role solenoid 122c based on the counter value of the normal electric role opening/closing switching count counter, and timer data which is the energization time (solenoid energization time) or energization stop time (normal power closing effective time = pause time) of the normal electric role solenoid 122c.

(Step S741-5)
The main CPU 300a executes a normal electric role solenoid energization control process to start energizing the normal electric role solenoid 122c or to stop energizing the normal electric role solenoid 122c based on the solenoid control data extracted in the above step S741-3. By executing this normal electric role solenoid energization control process, the normal electric role solenoid 122c is controlled to start or stop energizing in the above step S400-31 and step S400-33.

(Step S741-7)
The main CPU 300a saves the timer value based on the timer data extracted in step S741-3 in the normal game timer. The timer value saved in the normal game timer here is the maximum opening time of the second start hole 122 once.

(Step S741-9)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the normal electric role solenoid 122c is in the energization start state, that is, whether the control process to start energization of the normal electric role solenoid 122c has been performed in the above step S741-5. As a result, if it is judged to be in the energization start state, the process proceeds to step S741-11, and if it is judged not to be in the energization start state, the normal electric role winning port opening/closing switching process is terminated.

(Step S741-11)
The main CPU 300a updates the counter value of the normal electric role opening/closing switching count counter to a value obtained by adding "1" to the current counter value.

Figure 55 is a flowchart explaining the normal electric device prize opening control process in the main control board 300. This normal electric device prize opening control process is executed when the normal game management phase is "04H".

(Step S750-1)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the timer value of the normal game timer saved in the above step S741-7 is not "0". As a result, if it is judged that the timer value of the normal game timer is not "0", the process proceeds to step S750-5, and if it is judged that the timer value of the normal game timer is "0", the process proceeds to step S750-3.

(Step S750-3)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the counter value of the normal electric role opening/closing switching counter is the upper limit value of the normal electric role opening/closing switching count. If it is judged that the counter value is the upper limit value, the process proceeds to step S750-7, and if it is judged that the counter value is not the upper limit value, the process proceeds to step S741.

(Step S741)
In the above step S750-3, if it is determined that the counter value of the normal electric role opening/closing switching count counter is not the upper limit value of the normal electric role opening/closing switching count, the main CPU 300a executes the processing of the above step S741.

(Step S750-5)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the counter value of the normal electric device winning ball counter updated in the above step S530-9 has reached a specified number, that is, whether the same number of game balls as the maximum number of winning balls during one opening and closing control have entered the second starting hole 122. As a result, if it is judged that the specified number has not been reached, the normal electric device winning hole opening control process is terminated, and if it is judged that the specified number has been reached, the process proceeds to step S750-7.

(Step S750-7)
The main CPU 300a executes a normal electric role closing process required to stop the energization of the normal electric role solenoid 122c and close the second start port 122. As a result, the second start port 122 is in a closed state.

(Step S750-9)
The main CPU 300a saves the normal power effective state time in the normal game timer.

(Step S750-11)
The main CPU 300a updates the normal game management phase to "05H" and ends the normal electric device winning port opening control process.

Figure 56 is a flow chart explaining the normal electric device prize opening closure enable process in the main control board 300. This normal electric device prize opening closure enable process is executed when the normal game management phase is "05H".

(Step S760-1)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the timer value of the normal game timer saved in the above step S750-9 is not "0". As a result, if it is judged that the timer value of the normal game timer is not "0", the normal electric role winning port closure valid processing is terminated, and if it is judged that the timer value of the normal game timer is "0", the processing proceeds to step S760-3.

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

(Step S760-5)
The main CPU 300a updates the normal game management phase to "06H" and ends the normal electric device winning port closure validation processing.

Figure 57 is a flowchart explaining the normal electric role winning slot end wait process in the main control board 300. This normal electric role winning slot end wait process is executed when the normal game management phase is "06H".

(Step S770-1)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the timer value of the normal game timer saved in the above step S760-3 is not "0". As a result, if it is judged that the timer value of the normal game timer is not "0", the normal electric role winning port end wait process is terminated, and if it is judged that the timer value of the normal game timer is "0", the process proceeds to step S770-3.

(Step S770-3)
The main CPU 300a updates the normal game management phase to "00H" and ends the normal electric role winning port end wait process. As a result, if a normal symbol reservation is stored, the variable display of the normal symbol is resumed.

As described above, the main control board 300 executes various processes to allow the special game and normal game to proceed, and while these games are in progress, the sub-control board 330 performs control to execute various effects based on commands sent from the main control board 300.

Next, we will explain the processing in the sub-control board 330 to execute the above-mentioned light-emitting effects. Note that, in the following, we will omit explanations of the processing in the sub-control board 330 that is not related to the light-emitting effects.

(Sub-CPU Initialization Processing of the Sub-Control Board 330)
FIG. 58 is a flowchart illustrating the sub-CPU initialization process (S1000) of the sub-control board 330.

(Step S1000-1)
When the power is turned on, the sub-CPU 330a reads a CPU initialization processing program from the sub-ROM 330b, and initializes and sets flags and the like stored in the sub-RAM 330c.

(Step S1000-3)
Next, the sub-CPU 330a performs a process of updating each effect random number, and thereafter repeats the process of step S1000-3 until an interrupt process is performed. Note that multiple types of effect random numbers are provided, and here, each effect random number is updated asynchronously.

(Sub-timer interrupt processing of the sub-control board 330)
59 is a flow chart for explaining the sub timer interrupt process (S1100) of the sub control board 330. The sub control board 330 is provided with a reset clock pulse generating circuit (not shown) that generates a clock pulse at a predetermined cycle (30 times per second). When the reset clock pulse generating circuit generates a clock pulse, the sub CPU 330a reads a timer interrupt process program and starts the sub timer interrupt process.

(Step S1100-1)
The sub CPU 330a saves the registers.

(Step S1100-3)
The sub-CPU 330a performs processing for permitting an interrupt.

(Step S1100-5)
The sub-CPU 330a performs update processing of various timer counters used in the sub-control board 330. Here, unless otherwise specified, the various timer counters are decremented by 1 each time the sub-timer interrupt processing of the sub-control board 330 is performed, and the decrement stops when the counter reaches 0.

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

(Step S1100-7)
The sub-CPU 330a performs a time schedule management process that refers to a time table and executes a process corresponding to the corresponding time stored in the time table. Here, based on the time data set in the time table, various flags are turned on or off, or commands are sent to each performance device, thereby controlling the execution of each performance, including the variable performance and the major role performance.

(Step S1100-9)
The sub-CPU 330a restores the registers and ends the sub-timer interrupt process.

Figure 60 is a flowchart explaining the opening designation command reception process executed when an opening designation command is received, part of the command analysis process. As described above, the opening designation command is set in the main control board 300 in Figure 41, and then transmitted to the sub-control board 330 by the sub-command transmission process of step S100-65 (see Figure 25).

(Step S1230-1)
The sub-CPU 330a judges whether a small win game based on the winning of any of the special symbols Z1 to Z6 will be executed. If a small win game based on the winning of any of the special symbols Z1 to Z6 will be executed as a result, the process proceeds to step S1230-3, and if a small win game based on the winning of any of the special symbols Z1 to Z6 is not executed, that is, if a small win game based on the winning of the special symbol Z7 is executed, the opening designation command reception process is terminated.

(Step S1230-3)
The sub-CPU 330a decides to execute the above-mentioned light emission effect.

(Step S1230-5)
The sub-CPU 330a sets the time data in the time table based on the decision in step S1230-3, and ends the opening designation command reception process. Based on the time table set here, in step S1100-7, the performance execution control such as the lighting control process of the performance lighting device 204a is performed.

Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the attached drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can come up with various modified or revised examples within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

In the above embodiment, an example of the case where the present invention is applied to a type 2 gaming machine has been described, but the gaming characteristics of the gaming machine to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to this. For example, it goes without saying that the present invention can also be applied to a type 1 gaming machine and a type 1/type 2 mixed machine.

The game progress conditions in the non-time-saving game state, the most advantageous mode, the higher-level mode, and the lower-level mode shown in the above embodiment are merely examples, and the game progress conditions are not limited to these. In other words, in the above embodiment, the most advantageous mode, the higher-level mode, and the lower-level mode are set as time-saving game states to give the player an advantage over the non-time-saving game state, but the game progress conditions are not limited to these. For example, a low-probability game state in which the probability of winning a win is low and a high-probability game state in which the probability of winning a win is higher than the low-probability game state may be provided, and the most advantageous mode, the higher-level mode, and the lower-level mode may be set as high-probability game states. In addition, the game progresses in any game state that combines a low-probability game state or a high-probability game state with a non-time-saving game state or a time-saving game state, and the most advantageous mode, the higher-level mode, and the lower-level mode may be set as favorable progress conditions. In addition,

In the above example, the most important mode time-saving end conditions are set as follows: the number of times of special 1 time-saving is 1000, the number of times of special 2 time-saving is 1000, the number of times of time-saving end operation per special 1 small is 2, and the number of times of time-saving end operation per special 2 small is 100. The higher mode time-saving end conditions are set as follows: the number of times of special 1 time-saving is 6, the number of times of special 2 time-saving is 16, the number of times of time-saving end operation per special 1 small is 2, and the number of times of time-saving end operation per special 2 small is 100. The lower mode time-saving end conditions are set as follows: the number of times of special 1 time-saving is 6, the number of times of special 2 time-saving is 1000, the number of times of time-saving end operation per special 1 small is 2, and the number of times of time-saving end operation per special 2 small is 1. However, the specific number of times is not limited to the above.

In other words, for example, among the conditions for ending the time-saving feature in the lower mode, the number of times the time-saving feature ends when a special 2 small win occurs can be any number of times as long as it is less than the number of times the time-saving feature ends when a special 1 small win occurs. This allows for a new level of gameplay that has never been seen before to be achieved in the lower mode, which creates a sense of tension for the player, and makes it possible to increase the enjoyment of the game.

In addition, for example, among the conditions for ending the time-saving feature in the higher-level mode, the number of times that the time-saving feature ends when a special 2-small win occurs can be any number of times, so long as it is greater than the number of times that the time-saving feature ends when a special 1-small win occurs. This makes it possible to increase the degree of advantage in the higher-level mode, and to increase the interest of the game.

Also, for example, any number of times is acceptable as long as the number of times the time-saving end operation is activated when there is a special 2 small win among the time-saving end conditions in the higher mode is greater than the number of times the time-saving end operation is activated when there is a special 2 small win among the time-saving end conditions in the lower mode. This realizes a new and unprecedented gameplay that increases the degree of advantage in the higher mode while providing the player with a sense of tension in the lower mode, making it possible to increase the enjoyment of the game.

In addition, in the above embodiment, by setting the number of times that the special 2 small win time-saving end operation is performed to 1, among the conditions for ending the time-saving in the lower mode, the condition for ending the time-saving is met in the lower mode based on the result of a predetermined small win (special pattern Z7) being derived once, so that a new and unprecedented gameplay is realized in the lower mode, which can give the player a sense of tension, and it is possible to increase the interest of the game.

In addition, in the above embodiment, even if a predetermined small win determination result (special symbol Z7) is derived a predetermined number of times (1 to 99 times) in the higher mode, the time-saving end condition is not met, so it is possible to increase the degree of advantage in the higher mode and increase the interest in the game.

In addition, in the above embodiment, based on the result of deriving a specific small win (special symbols Z1 to Z6) in the lower mode, the number of times the special 2 small win time-saving end operation is subtracted from 1 to 0, thereby establishing the time-saving end condition, and the game state transitions to a non-time-saving game state before the start of the small win game. Therefore, when the small win game starts, the game state is set to a non-time-saving game state, so that it is possible to prevent the player from winning too many prize balls in the time-saving game state, which could lead to excessive gambling in the time-saving game state.

In addition, in the above embodiment, even if the number of times the special 2 small win time-saving end operation is not subtracted from 1 to 0 based on the result of deriving a specific small win (special symbol Z1 to special symbol Z6) in the higher mode, when a specific small win (special symbol Z1 to special symbol Z6) is won in the time-saving play state and a small win play is executed, the time-saving play state ends before the start of the small win play and the play state transitions to a non-time-saving play state, so that when the small win play starts, the play state is set to a non-time-saving play state, and it is possible to suppress the risk of the player acquiring excessive prize balls in the time-saving play state and excessively increasing gambling in the time-saving play state.

In addition, in the above embodiment, based on the result of deriving a predetermined small win (special symbol Z7) in the lower mode, the number of times the special 2 small win time-saving end operation is performed is subtracted from 1 to 0, and the time-saving end condition is met, and the game state transitions to a non-time-saving game state. This realizes a new and unprecedented gameplay that can give the player a sense of tension in the lower mode, making it possible to increase the enjoyment of the game.

In addition, in the above embodiment, as described above, the time-saving end condition is not actually established based on the number of times that the time-saving end operation is performed for the special 2 small win, so the number of times that the time-saving end operation is performed for the special 2 small win is not subtracted from 1 to 0 based on the result of deriving a predetermined small win (special symbol Z7). Also, when the result of deriving a predetermined small win (special symbol Z7) is determined, as shown in steps S631-43 and S631-439 above, the game state is not changed to a non-time-saving game state, and the time-saving game state (higher mode) is maintained. This makes it possible to increase the degree of advantage in the higher mode, and to increase the interest in the game.

The main CPU 300a that executes the process of step S610-11 in the above embodiment corresponds to the symbol determination means of the present invention.
Moreover, the main CPU 300a which executes the processes of steps S631 and S670-5 in the above embodiment corresponds to the game state setting means and the game state changing means of the present invention.
Moreover, the non-time-saving gaming state in the above embodiment corresponds to the normal gaming state of the present invention.
Moreover, the lower mode in the above embodiment corresponds to the first specific gaming state of the present invention.
Moreover, the higher level mode in the above embodiment corresponds to the second specific game state of the present invention.
The time-saving end condition in the lower mode in the above embodiment corresponds to the first change condition of the present invention.
The time-saving end condition in the higher-level mode in the above embodiment corresponds to the second change condition of the present invention.
Furthermore, among the time-saving end conditions in the lower mode in the above embodiment, the number of times (1 time) that the time-saving end is activated when hitting the special 2 small number corresponds to the first number of times in the present invention.
Furthermore, among the conditions for ending the time-saving feature in the higher mode in the above embodiment, the number of times (100 times) that the time-saving feature ends when a special 2 small bonus is won corresponds to the second number of times according to the present invention.
Furthermore, among the time-saving end conditions in the lower mode in the above embodiment, the number of times (2 times) that the time-saving end is activated per special small number corresponds to the third number of times in the present invention.
Furthermore, among the time-saving end conditions in the higher mode in the above embodiment, the number of times (2 times) that the time-saving end is activated per special small number corresponds to the fourth number of times in the present invention.

100 Gaming machine 300 Main control board 300a Main CPU
300b Main ROM
300c Main RAM

Claims (2)

A symbol determination means for determining a first special symbol from among a plurality of types of symbols including a small win symbol based on the entry of the gaming ball into a first starting area, and for determining a second special symbol from among a plurality of types of symbols including the small win symbol based on the entry of the gaming ball into a second starting area;
a game state setting means for setting any one of game states including at least a normal game state in which a game progresses according to a game progress condition set in advance, and a first specific game state and a second specific game state in which a game progresses according to a game progress condition that is more advantageous than the normal game state;
a game state changing means capable of changing a game state from the first specific game state to the normal game state based on the establishment of a first change condition, and capable of changing a game state from the second specific game state to the normal game state based on the establishment of a second change condition;
Equipped with
In the first specific game state, at least when the small win symbol is determined as the second special symbol a first number of times, the first change condition is established, and when the small win symbol is determined as the first special symbol a first number of times, the first change condition is not established;
A gaming machine characterized in that, in the second specific game state, the second change condition is established at least when the small winning symbol is determined as the second special symbol a second number of times. In the first specific game state, when the small winning symbol is determined as the first special symbol at least a third number of times, which is greater than the first number of times, the first change condition is established;
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the second change condition is established when, in the second specific gaming state, the small winning symbol is determined as the first special symbol at least a fourth number of times, which is less than the second number of times.

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