JP7348737B2 - gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which a big prize game is executed.

Conventionally, pending information is acquired and stored on the condition that a game ball enters the starting slot, and when the starting condition is met, a major lottery is held based on the pending information, and if you win a jackpot in this major lottery, the major prize is 2. Description of the Related Art Gaming machines on which games are executed are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a gaming machine that notifies the number of prize balls acquired during a big prize game.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-169339

In general gaming machines, the number of prize balls acquired during the big prize game is announced during the ending, so it is necessary to ensure a long ending time. As a result, the game may be delayed and the player's desire to continue playing may decrease.

An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can suppress a decline in the desire to continue playing.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the gaming machine of the present invention includes a determining means that executes a win/fail determination based on the entry of a game ball into a starting area, and a large a big winning opening control unit that controls a big winning game including a round game in which a winning opening is opened and an ending period that is set after the end of the round game and in which the big winning opening is maintained in a closed state; a state setting section that sets a gaming state after the end of the game; a prize ball control section that pays out a prize ball based on at least the entry of a game ball into the big winning hole; A counting unit that counts the total number of prize balls, a notification performance that notifies the total number, and a performance execution unit that executes a variable performance that indicates the result of the validity determination, the performance execution unit comprising: When a predetermined game state is set after the end of the big prize game, the notification effect is not executed during the ending period, and after the end of the big prize game, the image for the notification effect and the image for the variable effect are changed. The image display process may display the image for the notification effect in front of the image for the variable effect, and capture the image for the variable effect. The present invention is characterized in that a processed image is generated by reducing the size of the processed image, and the processed image is displayed in front of the image for the notification effect .

According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the desire to continue playing the game.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the gaming machine with the door opened. FIG. 3 is a front view of the gaming machine. It is a diagram explaining a big prize opening. It is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a control means that controls the progress of a game. This is an address map of the memory area used by the main CPU. It is a diagram explaining a low probability jackpot determination random number determination table. It is a diagram explaining a high probability jackpot determination random number determination table. It is a figure explaining a winning pattern random number determination table and a small winning pattern random number determination table. (a) is a diagram for explaining a fluctuation pattern random number determination table, and (b) is a diagram for explaining a fluctuation time determination table. It is a figure explaining a game state and a fluctuation time. FIG. 2 is a first diagram illustrating a special electric accessory actuation ram set table. It is the 2nd figure explaining a special electric accessory operation ram set table. It is a figure explaining the opening/closing mode of a big prize opening and the opening/closing mode of a specific area by a movable member. It is a diagram explaining a game state setting table. It is a figure explaining a winning determination random number determination table. (a) is a diagram explaining a normal symbol fluctuation time data table, and (b) is a diagram explaining an opening/closing control pattern table. It is a diagram explaining the transition of the game state in accordance with the original game nature. It is a diagram explaining a gaming machine status flag. 3 is a first flowchart illustrating CPU initialization processing in the main control board. It is a 2nd flowchart explaining CPU initialization processing in a main control board. 3 is a flowchart illustrating subcommand group set processing in the main control board. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a power-off save process in the main control board. 3 is a flowchart illustrating timer interrupt processing in the main control board. 3 is a flowchart illustrating setting-related processing in the main control board. 3 is a flowchart illustrating switch management processing in the main control board. 3 is a flowchart illustrating gate passage processing in the main control board. It is a flowchart explaining the 1st starting port passage process in a main control board. It is a flowchart explaining the 2nd starting port passage process in a main control board. It is a flowchart explaining the special symbol random number acquisition process in the main control board. It is a flowchart explaining the big winning a prize opening passing process in the main control board. 3 is a flowchart illustrating specific area passage processing in the main control board. It is a diagram explaining a special game management phase. It is a flowchart explaining special game management processing in the main control board. It is a flowchart explaining special symbol variation processing in the main control board. It is a 1st flowchart explaining special symbol change waiting processing in a main control board. It is a 2nd flowchart explaining special symbol change waiting processing in a main control board. It is a flowchart explaining the special symbol hit determination process in the main control board. It is a flowchart explaining the special symbol variation number determination process in the main control board. It is a flowchart explaining the number cut management process in a main control board. It is a flowchart explaining special symbol fluctuation processing in the main control board. It is a flowchart explaining special symbol stop symbol display processing in the main control board. It is a flowchart explaining pattern forced stop processing in a main control board. It is a flowchart explaining the big prize opening pre-opening process in the main control board. It is a flowchart explaining the big winning a prize opening/closing switching process in the main control board. It is a flowchart explaining the big prize opening control process in the main control board. It is a flowchart explaining the big winning opening closing effective processing in the main control board. It is a flowchart explaining the big winning a prize opening end wait process in the main control board. It is a diagram explaining the normal game management phase. It is a flowchart explaining normal game management processing in the main control board. It is a flowchart explaining normal symbol change waiting processing in the main control board. It is a flowchart explaining processing during normal symbol fluctuation in the main control board. It is a flowchart explaining normal symbol stop symbol display processing on the main control board. It is a flowchart explaining the normal electric accessory prize opening pre-opening process in the main control board. It is a flowchart explaining the normal electric accessory prize opening opening/closing switching process in the main control board. It is a flowchart explaining the normal electric accessory prize opening control process in the main control board. It is a flowchart illustrating normal electric accessory prize opening closing effective processing in the main control board. It is a flowchart explaining normal electric accessory winning a prize opening end wait processing in the main control board. It is a figure explaining an example of performance in a normal state. It is a figure explaining an example of a performance in the most dominant state. It is a figure explaining the execution timing of the 1st information performance and the 2nd information performance. It is a figure explaining an example of the 2nd notification performance. It is a figure explaining the structure of the frame in a special variation effect. 3 is a flowchart illustrating sub CPU initialization processing in the sub control board. 3 is a flowchart illustrating sub-timer interrupt processing in the sub-control board. It is a flowchart explaining the big winning a prize opening ball entry command reception process in the sub-control board. It is a flowchart explaining the gaming state change designation command reception process in the sub-control board. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a variation pattern command reception process in the sub-control board.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dimensions, materials, and other specific numerical values shown in these embodiments are merely illustrative to facilitate understanding of the invention, and do not limit the invention unless otherwise specified. In this specification and the drawings, elements with substantially the same functions and configurations are given the same reference numerals to omit redundant explanation, and elements not directly related to the present invention are omitted from illustration. do.

In order to facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, first, the mechanical configuration and electrical configuration of the gaming machine will be briefly explained, and then specific processing on each board will be explained.

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

Similar to the outer frame 102, the inner frame 104 has a surrounding space formed by four sides arranged in a substantially rectangular shape, and a game board 108 is held in this surrounding space. Further, the front frame 106 holds a transparent plate 110 made of glass or resin. When the middle frame 104 and the front frame 106 are closed to the outer frame 102, the game board 108 and the transparent plate 110 face each other substantially parallel to each other while maintaining a predetermined distance, and from the front side of the game machine 100, , the game board 108 becomes visible through the transparent plate 110.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the gaming machine 100. As shown in this figure, an operating handle 112 that protrudes toward the front side of the gaming machine 100 is provided at the lower part of the front frame 106. This operation handle 112 is provided so that the player can rotate it, and when the player rotates the operation handle 112 to perform a firing operation, the operation handle 112 has a strength corresponding to the rotation angle of the operation handle 112, and when the player performs a firing operation, the operation handle 112 has a strength corresponding to the rotation angle of the operation handle 112. A game ball is fired by the firing mechanism. The game ball launched in this manner ascends between the rails 114a and 114b provided on the game board 108 and is guided to the game area 116.

The game area 116 is a space formed between the game board 108 and the transparent plate 110, and is an area where the game balls can flow down or roll. The game board 108 is provided with a large number of nails and windmills (not shown), and the game ball guided into the game area 116 collides with the nails and windmills, causing it to flow down and roll in irregular directions. I have to.

The game area 116 includes a first game area 116a and a second game area 116b, in which the degree of entry of game balls is different depending on the firing strength of the firing mechanism, and game balls can be shot separately. The first gaming area 116a is located on the left side of the gaming area 116 when viewed from the player facing the gaming machine 100, and the second gaming area 116b is located on the left side of the gaming area 116 when viewed from the player facing the gaming machine 100. It is located on the right side. Since the rails 114a and 114b are on the left side of the game area 116, game balls fired by the firing mechanism with a firing strength lower than the predetermined strength enter the first game area 116a and are fired with a firing strength equal to or higher than the predetermined strength. The game ball that has been played enters the second game area 116b.

In addition, the gaming area 116 is provided with a general prize opening 118 into which game balls can enter, a first fixed starting opening 120A, a first variable starting opening 120B, a second starting opening 122, and a normal figure operating opening 125. , When a game ball enters these general prize opening 118, first fixed starting opening 120A, first variable starting opening 120B, second starting opening 122, and normal pattern operation opening 125, a predetermined prize ball is paid out to the player. It will be done. In addition, below, 120 A of 1st fixed starting ports and the 1st variable starting port 120B are named generically, and are called the 1st starting port 120.

As will be described in detail later, a first starting region is provided within the first starting port 120, and a second starting region is provided within the second starting port 122. Then, when the game ball enters the first starting port 120 or the second starting port 122 and enters the first starting area or the second starting area, one of the plurality of special symbols provided in advance is selected. A lottery is held to determine the No. 1 special symbol. Each special symbol is associated with whether or not a large winning game or a small winning game that is advantageous to the player can be executed. Therefore, when a game ball enters the first starting port 120 or the second starting port 122, the player not only obtains a predetermined prize ball but also has the opportunity to obtain the right to receive various gaming benefits. becomes.

Further, the first fixed starting port 120A, the second starting port 122, and the standard operating port 125 are constituted by fixed starting ports that are open to allow game balls to enter at all times. On the other hand, the first variable starting port 120B is provided with a movable piece 120b that can be opened and closed, and the ease with which the game ball enters the first variable starting port 120B changes depending on the state of the movable piece 120b. Consists of a variable starting port. Specifically, the movable piece 120b is normally maintained in a closed state, and during this time, it becomes difficult or impossible for the game ball to enter the first variable starting port 120B.

On the other hand, when a game ball passes through the gate 124 provided in the game area 116 (second game area 116b) or when a game ball enters the normal pattern operation opening 125, a lottery of normal symbols to be described later is performed. If a winner is won in this lottery, the movable piece 120b is controlled to be in the open state for a predetermined period of time. When the movable piece 120b is in the open state, a game ball can enter the first variable starting port 120B. In this way, the movable piece 120b has an open state that allows a game ball to enter the first variable starting port 120B, and an open state in which it is more difficult to enter the game ball into the first variable starting port 120B than in the open state. Otherwise, it functions as a movable member (variable start winning device) that transitions to the closed state, which is impossible.

Note that the first fixed starting port 120A allows only game balls flowing down the first gaming area 116a to enter, and the first variable starting port 120B and the second starting port 122 allow entry of game balls flowing down the second gaming area 116b. It is placed in a position where only the ball can enter. Note that a game ball flowing down the second game area 116b may enter the first fixed starting port 120A, but in this case, the game ball flowing down the first game area 116a is It is desirable to arrange the game area 116b at a position where it is easier for the ball to enter than the game ball flowing down.

Similarly, a game ball flowing down the first game area 116a may enter the first variable starting port 120B and the second starting port 122, but in this case, a game ball flowing down the second game area 116b may enter the first variable starting port 120B and the second variable starting port 122. It is desirable that the ball be placed in a position where it is easier for the ball to enter the first game area 116a than the game ball flowing down. In any case, the first fixed starting port 120A is arranged at a position where at least a game ball flowing down the first gaming area 116a can enter, and the first variable starting port 120B and the second starting port 122 are arranged at least in a position where a game ball flowing down the first gaming area 116a can enter. 2. It is preferable that the game ball flowing down the game area 116b be placed at a position where the ball can enter.

Furthermore, a grand prize opening 128 is provided in the second gaming area 116b. The grand prize opening 128 is arranged at a position where only game balls flowing down the second game area 116b can enter. However, the big prize opening 128 may be arranged so that any game ball flowing down the first game area 116a and the second game area 116b can enter.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the big prize opening 128. A structure 129 that protrudes toward the front side of the game board 108 is provided in the second game area 116b. This structure 129 has an opening formed in the upper part, and this opening becomes the big prize opening 128. A movable piece 128b is provided at the top of the structure 129, and normally, as shown in FIG. 3(a), the movable piece 128b is maintained in a closed state that closes the big prize opening 128.

The movable piece 128b faces above the gaming machine 100 and protrudes into the gaming area 116 where the gaming ball rolls and flows down. Therefore, when the movable piece 128b is maintained in the closed state, the game ball flowing down the game area 116 (second game area 116b) will fall onto the movable piece 128b. Here, the movable piece 128b maintained in the closed state is inclined so that the left side of the gaming machine 100 is at a slightly lower position than the right side. Therefore, when the movable piece 128b is in the closed state, the game ball that has fallen onto the movable piece 128b slowly rolls from the right to the left on the movable piece 128b, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 3(a). It will move.

Then, when the later-described big winning game or small winning game is executed, the movable piece 128b shifts to the open state in which the big prize opening 128 is opened. Here, as shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b), the movable piece 128b is moved from a hole formed in the game board 108 in the front and back direction of the game machine 100 by an actuator (solenoid) not shown. direction). Normally, the actuator is maintained in a non-energized state, and the movable piece 128b is held at a position protruding from the hole of the game board 108 to the front side, thereby closing the big prize opening 128. When the actuator is energized, as shown in FIG. 3(b), the movable piece 128b is held at a position recessed toward the back side of the hole in the game board 108, and the grand prize opening 128 is opened. In this way, the game ball enters the big winning hole 128 in the state where the big winning hole 128 is opened.

A lead-out path 128d is provided inside the big winning hole 128, and the big winning hole 128 is inclined so that the game ball that enters the big winning hole 128 is guided to the leading-out path 128d. There is. The lead-out path 128d is provided with a specific area 140b and a non-specific area 140c, each of which is a hole through which a game ball can pass, and the game ball that enters the big prize opening 128 is transferred to the specific area 140b and the non-specific area. 140c, and is discharged to the back side of the game board 108.

The big prize opening 128 is provided with a movable member 142 that opens and closes a specific area 140b and a non-specific area 140c. This movable member 142 is switched by its movement (sliding) between a state in which the game ball can enter the specific area 140b and a state in which the game ball cannot enter the specific area 140b. More specifically, when the movable member 142 moves to the position shown in FIG. 3(c), the non-specific area 140c is blocked by the movable member 142, allowing the game ball to pass through the specific area 140b. On the other hand, when the movable member 142 moves to the position shown in FIG. 3(d), the specific area 140b is blocked by the movable member 142, allowing the game ball to pass through the non-specific area 140c. As will be described in detail later, when a predetermined condition is met and a game ball enters the specific area 140b in a specific round game of a big prize game, the gaming state after the big winning game becomes a high probability gaming state.

Returning to FIG. 2, the second starting port 122 and the gate 124 are arranged in parallel at the top of the second gaming area 116b. All the game balls guided to the second game area 116b either enter the second starting port 122 or pass through the gate 124 and flow downward. In this embodiment, when a game ball enters the second starting port 122, one game ball is paid out as a prize ball, and a lottery is held to determine whether or not to execute a big prize game or a small winning game. Further, when the game ball passes through the gate 124, a lottery is held to determine whether or not the first variable starting port 120B (movable piece 120b) is to be opened.

A first variable starting port 120B is provided below the second starting port 122 and the gate 124. Further, an out port 131 is provided between the second starting port 122 and the first variable starting port 120B. The out port 131 is the entrance of a passage for discharging game balls from the gaming area 116, and even if a game ball enters the out port 131, no prize ball is paid out.

Nails are arranged in the second game area 116b so that most (for example, 90% or more) of the game balls that have flown down from the second starting port 122 fall onto the movable piece 120b. In addition, a portion (for example, 1% to 10%) of the game balls that have flowed downward from the second starting port 122 are guided to the out port 131 by these nails.

When the first variable starting port 120B is in the closed state, the game ball rolls on the movable piece 120b. When the movable piece 120b is opened while the game balls are rolling on the movable piece 120b, all the game balls on the movable piece 120b are guided into the first variable starting port 120B. When a game ball enters the first variable starting port 120B, one game ball is paid out as a prize ball for each game ball that enters, and it is also determined whether or not to execute a big prize game or a small winning game. A lottery will be held.

A big winning hole 128 is provided below the first variable starting hole 120B, and most of the game balls that fall below the first variable starting hole 120B roll on the movable piece 128b of the big winning hole 128. move. The game ball on the movable piece 128b slowly rolls from the right side to the left side when the gaming machine 100 is viewed from the front due to the inclination of the movable piece 128b.

When the movable piece 128b is opened while the game balls are rolling on the movable piece 128b, all the game balls on the movable piece 128b are guided into the big prize opening 128. When a game ball enters the big prize opening 128 during a big prize game or a small winning game, a predetermined number of two or more (15 in this case) game balls will be awarded for each game ball that enters. will be paid out as.

At the lower left of the big prize opening 128, a common figure operation opening 125 is provided. Here, nails are arranged in the second game area 116b so that almost all of the game balls that fall downward from above the big prize opening 128 enter the regular game operation opening 125. In this embodiment, when a game ball enters the normal figure operation port 125, one game ball is paid out as a prize ball. Furthermore, when a game ball enters the normal pattern operating port 125, it is determined whether or not to open the first variable starting port 120B (movable piece 120b), similarly to when the game ball passes through the gate 124. A lottery will be held.

In addition, at the bottom of the gaming area 116, there are any of the general prize opening 118, the first fixed starting opening 120A, the first variable starting opening 120B, the second starting opening 122, the common figure operation opening 125, and the big winning opening 128. A discharge port 130 is provided for discharging game balls that have not entered the game area from the game area 116 to the back side of the game board 108.

The gaming machine 100 includes an effect display device 200 consisting of a liquid crystal display device, an effect accessory device 202 consisting of a movable device, and an effect display device 200 that performs effects while the game is in progress, etc., and an effect display device 202 consisting of a movable device, which is controlled in various lighting modes and emitting colors. A production lighting device 204 consisting of a lamp, an audio output device 206 consisting of a speaker, and a production operation device 208 that receives operations from a player are provided.

The effect display device 200 includes an effect display section 200a consisting of an image display section that displays an image, and this effect display section 200a is made visible from the front side of the gaming machine 100 at approximately the center of the game board 108. It is placed. Various effects will be executed on this effect display section 200a, such as three effect symbols 210 being displayed in a variable manner as shown in the figure.

The performance accessory device 202 is arranged in front of the performance display section 200a, and is usually retracted at the origin position on the back side of the game board 108 in a state where it is divided into a plurality of constituent members, so that it cannot be visually recognized by the player. It is now impossible to do so. Then, when each component moves to a movable position on the front of the performance display section 200a by driving the actuator while the above-mentioned performance symbol 210 is being displayed in a variable manner, each component is combined on the front of the performance display section 200a. This gives the player a feeling of anticipation of a jackpot.

The effect lighting device 204 is provided in the effect accessory device 202, the game board 108, etc., and is controlled to be lit in various ways according to the image displayed on the effect display section 200a.

The audio output device 206 is provided at the upper position of the front frame 106 or the lowermost position of the outer frame 102, and outputs various sounds toward the front side of the gaming machine 100 in accordance with the image displayed on the effect display section 200a. Output.

The production operation device 208 is composed of a button that accepts a pressing operation by a player, and is provided at a substantially central position in the width direction of the gaming machine 100 and at a position below the transparent plate 110. This effect operation device 208 is activated according to the image displayed on the effect display section 200a, and when it receives an operation from the player within the operation effective time, various effects are activated according to the operation. is executed.

In addition, the reference numeral 132 in the figure is an upper tray into which the prize balls paid out from the gaming machine 100 and the game balls lent out from the game ball rental device are guided, and when the upper tray 132 is full of game balls, the game balls are It will be guided to the lower tray 134. Further, a ball removal hole (not shown) for ejecting game balls from the lower tray 134 is formed in the bottom surface of the lower tray 134. This ball removal hole is normally closed by an opening/closing plate (not shown), but by pressing down the ball removal knob 134a, the opening/closing plate slides together with the ball removal knob 134a, and the ball removal hole is closed. It is possible to discharge game balls from below the lower tray 134.

In addition, on the game board 108, a first special symbol display 160, a second special symbol display 162, and a first special symbol reserved are located outside the gaming area 116 and in a position that is visible to the player. A display 164, a second special symbol reservation display 166, a normal symbol display 168, a regular symbol reservation display 170, and a right hit notification display 172 are provided. Each of these displays 160 to 172 is a device for displaying various situations related to the game, and details thereof will be described later.

(Internal configuration of control means)
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the control means that controls the progress of the game.

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

The main control board 300 includes a general winning hole detection switch 118s that detects that a game ball has entered the general winning hole 118, and a first fixed start port that detects that a game ball has entered the first fixed starting port 120A. A starting port detection switch 120As, a first variable starting port detection switch 120Bs that detects that a game ball has entered the first variable starting port 120B, and a second variable starting port detection switch 120Bs that detects that a game ball has entered the second starting port 122. Starting port detection switch 122s, gate detection switch 124s that detects that a game ball has passed through the gate 124, normal pattern operation opening detection switch 125s that detects that a game ball enters the normal pattern operation port 125, and a big prize opening. 128 is connected to a big winning opening detection switch 128s that detects that a game ball has entered, and a specific area detection switch 140s that detects that a game ball has entered a specific area 140b, and the main control is performed from these detection switches. A detection signal is input to the substrate 300.

In addition, the main control board 300 includes a normal electric accessory solenoid 120c that operates the movable piece 120b of the first variable starting opening 120B, and a big winning opening solenoid 128c that operates the movable piece 128b that opens and closes the big winning opening 128. are connected, and the main control board 300 controls the opening and closing of the first variable start opening 120B and the big prize opening 128.

Furthermore, the main control board 300 includes a first special symbol display 160, a second special symbol display 162, a first special symbol reservation display 164, a second special symbol reservation display 166, a normal symbol display 168, and a normal symbol display 168. A symbol holding display 170 and a right hit notification display 172 are connected, and the main control board 300 controls the display of each of these displays.

Furthermore, a setting change switch 180s is provided on the back side of the game board 108. The setting change switch 180s is configured to be accessible by a dedicated key. On the condition that the setting change switch 180s is turned on, it is possible to change and confirm the setting value. Although details will be described later, in the gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, one of six levels of setting values with different degrees of advantage is stored as a registered setting value in the setting value buffer, and the game is played according to the stored registered setting value. progresses. Here, it is assumed that the setting value is in six stages, but the setting value may be provided in only two stages, high setting and low setting, or may be provided in other plural stages. Furthermore, the set value is not essential, and the degree of advantage does not need to be changed.

Further, a RAM clear button is provided on the back side of the game board 108 so that it can be pressed down, and the pressing operation of this RAM clear button is detected by the RAM clear switch 182s. The RAM clear switch 182s is connected to the main control board 300, and a RAM clear operation signal is input to the main control board 300 from the RAM clear switch 182s. 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.

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

In addition, the gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment mainly plays a special game that is started by the entry of the game ball into the first starting port 120 or the second starting port 122, and the passing of the game ball into the gate 124, or It is roughly divided into a normal game that is started by the entry of a game ball into the normal pattern operation port 125. The main ROM 300b of the main control board 300 stores various programs for playing special games and normal games, as well as data and tables necessary for various games.

Further, a payout control board 310 and a sub-control board 330 are connected to the main control board 300. The payout control board 310 performs control for shooting game balls and control for paying out prize balls. This payout control board 310 also includes a CPU, ROM, and RAM, and is connected to the main control board 300 so as to be able to communicate in both directions. A game information output terminal board 312 is connected to this payout control board 310, and various information regarding game progress outputted from the main control board 300 is transmitted via the payout control board 310 and the game information output terminal board 312. , and will be output to the hall computer of the game parlor.

Further, a payout motor 314 is connected to the payout control board 310 for paying out the game balls stored in the storage section as prize balls to the player. The payout control board 310 controls the payout motor 314 based on the payout number designation command transmitted from the main control board 300 to pay out predetermined prize balls to the player. At this time, the number of game balls that have been paid out is detected by the paid-out ball counting switch 316s, so that it can be ascertained whether the prize balls that should be paid out have been paid out to the player.

Further, a tray full detection switch 318s that detects the full state of the lower tray 134 is connected to the payout control board 310. This tray full detection switch 318s is provided in a passage that guides 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.

When a predetermined amount or more of game balls are stored in the lower tray 134 and the game ball becomes full, the game balls stay in the passage toward the lower tray 134 and are sent from the tray full detection switch 318s toward the payout control board 310. , game ball detection signals are continuously input. When the game ball detection signal is 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 signal is interrupted after transmitting the full plate command, it is determined that the full state has been canceled, and a full plate release command is sent to the main control board 300.

Further, the payout control board 310 is provided with a launch control circuit 320 that controls the launch of game balls. A touch sensor 112s that is provided on the operating handle 112 and detects that the player has touched the operating handle 112, and an operating volume 112a that detects the operating angle of the operating handle 112 are connected to the payout control board 310. ing. Then, when a signal is input from the touch sensor 112s and the operation volume 112a, the firing control circuit 320 controls to energize the firing solenoid 112c provided in the game ball firing device to fire the game ball.

The sub-control board 330 mainly controls various effects such as during gaming and on standby. The sub-control board 330 includes a sub-CPU 330a, a sub-ROM 330b, and a sub-RAM 330c, and is connected to the main control board 300 so as to be able to communicate in one direction from the main control board 300 to the sub-control board 330. . The sub CPU 330a reads out the program stored in the sub ROM 330b based on commands transmitted from the main control board 300, input signals from the timer, etc., performs arithmetic processing, and controls execution of effects. At this time, the sub-RAM 330c functions as a data work area during arithmetic processing by the sub-CPU 330a.

Specifically, in the sub-control board 330, the sub-CPU 330a, sub-ROM 330b, and sub-RAM 330c work together to function as a sub-main, an image control section, an accessory control section, a lighting control section, and an audio control section. The sub-main determines the content of the performance to be executed in response to various input commands, and manages and supervises the execution of the performance. The image control section performs image display control to display an image on the effect display section 200a. The sub ROM 330b stores a large amount of image data such as symbols, backgrounds, subtitles, etc. to be displayed on the effect display section 200a, and the image control section reads out the image data from the sub ROM 330b to a VRAM (not shown) and displays the effect. The image display of the section 200a is controlled.

Further, the accessory control unit drives the actuator in accordance with the performance management by the sub-main, and controls the movement of the performance accessory device 202. The lighting control unit controls lighting of the performance lighting device 204. The audio control unit also performs audio output control to cause the audio output device 206 to output audio. The sub ROM 330b stores a large amount of audio data such as voices and songs output from the audio output device 206, and the audio control unit reads out the audio data from the sub ROM 330b and controls the audio output of the audio output device 206. do.

Furthermore, the sub-control board 330 executes a predetermined effect when an operation detection signal is input from the effect operation device detection switch 208s that detects that the effect operation device 208 is pressed or rotated.

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

FIG. 5 is an address map of the memory area used by the main CPU 300a. Note that in FIG. 5, addresses are shown in hexadecimal numbers, and "H" indicates that they are hexadecimal numbers. As shown in FIG. 5, 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 includes a used area (0000H to 1A7AH) for storing programs and data for controlling the progress of the game, and an area other than the used area for processing for performing tests specified by gaming machine regulations. and an unused area (2000H to 2BFFH) for storing programs and data for executing processing for displaying the performance display monitor 184 (including processing for calculating the base ratio to be displayed on the performance display monitor 184). and is provided.

The used areas of the main ROM 300b include a program area (0000H to 0A89H) where a program for controlling the progress of the game is stored, an unused area (0A8AH to 0FFFH), and a data area (1000H) where data other than the program is stored. ~1A7AH) are provided. Note that the used area may not include unused areas (0A8AH to 0FFFH).

The unused area of the main ROM 300b includes a program area (2000H to 27FFH) in which programs for executing tests specified by gaming machine regulations and programs for displaying the performance display monitor 184 are stored; A data area (2800H to 2BFFH) is provided in which data other than these programs is stored.

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

The memory area of the main RAM 300c consists of a used area (F000H to F1FFH) that is used temporarily when a program for controlling the progress of the game is being executed, and an area other than the used area, which is specified by gaming machine regulations. An unused area (F210H to F228H) is provided that is used temporarily when a program for performing a specified test or for displaying the performance display monitor 184 is executed.

The used areas of the main RAM 300c include a work area (F000H to F12AH) used temporarily when a program for controlling the progress of the game is being executed, an unused area (F12BH to F1D7H), and a work area (F12BH to F1D7H) used to control the progress of the game. A stack area (F1D8H to F1FFH) is provided for temporarily saving data during execution of a control program. Note that the used area may not include unused areas (F12BH to F1D7H).

The unused area of the main RAM 300c has a work area (F210H -F21FH), and a stack area (F220H to F228H) for temporarily saving data while these programs are being executed.

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

In this way, the main ROM 300b and the main RAM 300c have areas used for controlling the progress of the game, processing for conducting tests specified by gaming machine regulations, and processing for controlling the display of the performance display monitor 184. An unused area used for executing the process is provided separately.

In the main RAM 300c, a 16-byte unused area (F200H to F20FH) is provided between the used area and the unused area. This unused area (F200H to F20FH) is set as a boundary area that separates the used area and the unused area, and the boundary between the used area and the unused area is clear, and the program for controlling the progress of the game is When the program is executed, an unused area is used, and when the program is executed for the process to perform the test specified by the gaming machine regulations or the process to control the display of the performance display monitor 184. Prevents the used area from being used.

Note that the unused area provided between the used area and the unused area should be at least 1 byte or more, and from the perspective of fraud prevention, it is preferably 4 bytes or more, and it is set to 16 bytes or more. It is more desirable. Although data writing and reading are prohibited in the unused area, it may be cleared at a predetermined timing to prevent fraud.

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

As described above, in the gaming machine 100 of this embodiment, two types of games, a special game and a normal game, are played in parallel. In the special game, the game progresses in either the low probability game state or the high probability game state, and in the normal game, the game progresses in either the non-time-saving game state or the time-saving game state. .

The details of each gaming state will be described later, but the low probability gaming state is a gaming state in which the probability of acquiring the right to execute the big prize game in which the big prize opening 128 is opened is set to be low, and the high probability gaming state This is a gaming state in which the probability of acquiring the right to execute the big prize game is set high. In addition, the non-time-saving gaming state is a gaming state in which the movable piece 120b is difficult to open and the game ball is difficult to enter the first variable starting port 120B, and the non-time-saving gaming state is a non-time-saving gaming state. This is a gaming state in which the movable piece 120b is more likely to be in the open state and the game ball is more likely to enter the first variable starting port 120B. In addition, in the time-saving game state, when the game balls continue to be fired toward the second game area 116b during the game, the game balls are set so that the number of game balls decreases slightly or the number of game balls does not decrease at all. .

As mentioned above, since the special game and the normal game proceed in parallel, in this embodiment, the low probability game state or the high probability game state and the non-time-saving game state or the time-saving game state are combined. Enters gaming state. In the following, for ease of understanding, the gaming states related to special games, i.e., low probability gaming states and high probability gaming states, will be referred to as special gaming states, and the gaming states related to normal games, i.e., non-time-saving gaming states and time-saving gaming states. The gaming state is sometimes called the normal gaming state. The initial state of the gaming machine 100 is set to a low probability gaming state and a non-time saving gaming state.

When the player operates the operation handle 112 to launch a game ball into the game area 116, and when the game ball flowing down the game area 116 enters the first starting port 120 or the second starting port 122, the player is prompted to play the game. A lottery is held to determine whether or not to award a profit (hereinafter referred to as a "major lottery"). When a jackpot is won in this big prize lottery, a big prize game in which a big prize opening 128 is opened is executed, and the game state after the end of the big prize game is set to one of the above game states. Below, the major prize lottery method will be explained.

Although details will be described later, when a game ball enters the first starting port 120 or the second starting port 122, various random numbers (jackpot determination random number, winning symbol random number, fluctuating pattern random number) related to the big prize lottery are acquired. At the same time, each of these random numbers is stored in the special figure reservation storage area of the main RAM 300c. Hereinafter, various random numbers stored in the special figure holding storage area when a game ball enters the first starting port 120 will be collectively referred to as special 1 holding, and when a game ball enters the second starting port 122 The various random numbers stored in the special figure reservation storage area are collectively called special 2 reservation.

The special figure reservation storage area of the main RAM 300c includes a first special figure reservation storage area and a second special figure reservation storage area. The first special figure reservation storage area and the second special figure reservation storage area each have four storage units (first to fourth storage units). When a game ball enters the first starting port 120, the special 1 reservation is stored in order from the first storage part of the first special symbol reservation storage area, and when a game ball enters the second starting port 122, the special 2 reservations are stored in order from the first storage part of the second special figure reservation storage area.

For example, when a game ball enters the first starting port 120, if no reservation is stored in any of the first to fourth storage sections of the first special symbol reservation storage area, the first storage section Memorize special 1 reservation. Further, for example, if a game ball enters the first starting port 120 with the special 1 hold stored in the first to third storage units, the special 1 hold is stored in the fourth storage unit. Remember. Also, when a game ball enters the second starting port 122, the special 2 reservation is stored in the first to fourth storage sections of the second special symbol reservation storage area in the same manner as described above. The special 2 hold is stored in the storage unit with the smallest number (ordinal number) that is not listed.

However, the number of special 1 reservations (X1) and the number of special 2 reservations (X2) that can be stored in the first special symbol reservation storage area and the second special symbol reservation storage area are each set to four. Therefore, for example, when a game ball enters the first starting port 120, if four special 1 reservations are already stored in the first special symbol reservation storage area, the game ball enters the first starting port 120. Special 1 pending is not newly memorized due to the entry of the game ball. Similarly, when a game ball enters the second starting port 122, if four special 2 reservations are already stored in the second special figure reservation storage area, the game to the second starting port 122 is Special 2 suspension will not be newly memorized due to the ball entering the ball.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a random number determination table for determining a jackpot at low probability. When a game ball enters the first starting port 120 or the second starting port 122, one jackpot determination random number is obtained from within the range of 0 to 65535. Then, when starting the big prize lottery, that is, when determining a jackpot, a jackpot determination random number determination table is selected according to the gaming state, and based on the selected jackpot determination random number determination table and the acquired jackpot determination random number. A major lottery will be held.

In the low-probability game state, when starting the big winning lottery for special 1 pending and special 2 pending, the low probability jackpot determination random number determination table is referred to. Here, in the present embodiment, there are six levels of setting values with different degrees of advantage, and a low probability jackpot determination random number determination table is provided for each setting value. During the game, the setting value is set to one of six levels, and the random number judgment for determining a jackpot when the probability is low corresponds to the currently set setting value (registered setting value stored in the setting value buffer). A lottery is held with reference to the table.

In the low probability gaming state, when the setting value is set to 1 (registered setting value = 1), the large winning lottery is performed with reference to the low probability jackpot determination random number determination table a shown in FIG. 6(a). will be held. According to this low probability jackpot determination random number determination table a, when the jackpot determination random number is between 10001 and 10218, it is determined to be a jackpot, when the jackpot determination random number is between 20001 and 38996, it is determined to be a small hit, and other If it is a jackpot determination random number, it is determined that it is a loss. Therefore, the jackpot probability in this case is about 1/300.6, and the small win probability is about 1/3.45.

In the low probability gaming state, when the setting value is set to 2 (registered setting value = 2), the large winning lottery is performed with reference to the low probability jackpot determination random number determination table b shown in FIG. 6(b). will be held. According to this low-probability jackpot decision random number determination table b, when the jackpot decision random number is between 10001 and 10225, it is determined to be a jackpot, when the jackpot decision random number is between 20001 and 38996, it is determined as a small hit, and other If it is a jackpot determination random number, it is determined that it is a loss. Therefore, the jackpot probability in this case is about 1/291.2, and the small win probability is about 1/3.45.

In the low probability gaming state, when the setting value is set to 3 (registered setting value = 3), the large winning lottery is performed with reference to the low probability jackpot determination random number determination table c shown in FIG. 6(c). will be held. According to this low-probability jackpot determination random number determination table c, when the jackpot determination random number is between 10001 and 10232, it is determined to be a jackpot, when the jackpot determination random number is between 20001 and 38996, it is determined to be a small hit, and other If it is a jackpot determination random number, it is determined that it is a loss. Therefore, the jackpot probability in this case is about 1/282.4, and the small win probability is about 1/3.45.

In the low probability gaming state, when the setting value is set to 4 (registered setting value = 4), the large winning lottery is performed with reference to the low probability jackpot determination random number determination table d shown in FIG. 6(d). will be held. According to this low-probability jackpot determination random number determination table d, when the jackpot determination random number is between 10001 and 10239, it is determined that it is a jackpot, when the jackpot determination random number is between 20001 and 38996, it is determined that it is a small hit, and other If it is a jackpot determination random number, it is determined that it is a loss. Therefore, the jackpot probability in this case is about 1/274.2, and the small win probability is about 1/3.45.

In the low probability gaming state, when the setting value is set to 5 (registered setting value = 5), the large winning lottery is performed with reference to the low probability jackpot determination random number determination table e shown in FIG. 6(e). will be held. According to this low-probability jackpot decision random number determination table e, when the jackpot decision random number is between 10001 and 10246, it is determined to be a jackpot, when the jackpot decision random number is between 20001 and 38996, it is determined as a small hit, and other If it is a jackpot determination random number, it is determined that it is a loss. Therefore, the jackpot probability in this case is about 1/266.4, and the small win probability is about 1/3.45.

In the low probability gaming state, when the setting value is set to 6 (registered setting value = 6), the large winning lottery is performed with reference to the low probability jackpot determination random number determination table f shown in FIG. 6(f). will be held. According to this low-probability jackpot decision random number determination table f, when the jackpot decision random number is between 10001 and 10253, it is determined to be a jackpot, when the jackpot decision random number is between 20001 and 38996, it is determined as a small hit, and other If it is a jackpot determination random number, it is determined that it is a loss. Therefore, the jackpot probability in this case is about 1/259.0, and the small win probability is about 1/3.45.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a random number determination table for determining a high probability jackpot. In the high-probability gaming state, when starting the big winning lottery for special 1 pending and special 2 pending, the high probability jackpot determination random number determination table is referred to. The high probability jackpot determination random number determination table is also provided for each set value, similar to the low probability jackpot determination random number determination table.

In the high probability gaming state, when the setting value is set to 1 (registered setting value = 1), the large winning lottery is performed with reference to the high probability jackpot determination random number determination table a shown in FIG. 7(a). will be held. According to this high probability jackpot determination random number determination table a, when the jackpot determination random number is between 10001 and 10620, it is determined that it is a jackpot, when the jackpot determination random number is between 20001 and 38996, it is determined that it is a small hit, and other If it is a jackpot determination random number, it is determined that it is a loss. Therefore, the jackpot probability in this case is about 1/105.7, and the small win probability is about 1/3.45.

Similarly, in the high probability gaming state, when the setting value is set to 2 to 6 (registered setting value = 2 to 6), the high probability jackpot shown in Fig. 7(b) to (f) A major prize lottery is performed with reference to the determined random number determination tables b to f. According to these high-probability jackpot determination random number determination tables b to f, a jackpot is determined when the respective jackpot determination random numbers are the values shown. Therefore, when the setting value is 2 to 6, the jackpot probability is about 1/102.4 to 1/91.0, and the small win probability is about 1/3.45.

As described above, the major prize lottery is performed according to the registered setting values. At this time, the probability of winning the jackpot differs depending on the registered setting value, and it is easier to win the jackpot when the registered setting value is large than when it is small. Note that here, even if the registered setting values are different, the probability of winning a small hit does not change, but the probability of winning a small winning may be changed for each registered setting value. Moreover, a small win is not essential, and only either a jackpot or a loss may be determined in the large prize lottery.

In addition, here, the probability of winning a jackpot in both the low-probability gaming state and the high-probability gaming state is different depending on the registered setting value, but the probability of winning a jackpot in either the low-probability gaming state or the high-probability gaming state is Only the probability of winning may differ depending on the registered setting value.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a winning symbol random number determination table and a small winning symbol random number determination table. When a game ball enters the first starting port 120 or the second starting port 122, one winning symbol random number is obtained from within the range of 0 to 99. Then, when a determination result of "big hit" is derived from the above-mentioned big winning lottery, the type of special symbol is determined based on the acquired winning symbol random number and the winning symbol random number determination table. At this time, if you win a "jackpot" by holding special 1, as shown in Figure 8 (a), the winning symbol random number determination table a for special 1 is selected, and if you win a "jackpot" by holding special 2 In this case, as shown in FIG. 8(b), the winning symbol random number determination table b for special 2 is selected, and if a "small win" is won by holding special 1, as shown in FIG. 8(c). , when the special 1 small winning symbol random number determination table a is selected and the "small hit" is won by holding the special 2, as shown in FIG. 8(d), the special 2 small winning symbol random number determination table a is selected. b is selected. Below, the special symbol determined by the winning symbol random number, that is, the special symbol determined when a jackpot determination result is obtained, is called a jackpot symbol, and the special symbol is determined when a small hit determination result is obtained. A special symbol is called a small hit symbol, and a special symbol determined when a loss determination result is obtained is called a loss symbol.

According to the special 1 winning symbol random number determination table a shown in FIG. 8(a) and the special 2 winning symbol random number determination table b shown in FIG. 8(b), depending on the value of the acquired winning symbol random number, As shown in the figure, jackpot symbols (special symbols A to D) are determined as special symbols. In addition, according to the special 1 small winning symbol random number determination table a shown in FIG. 8(c) and the special 2 small winning symbol random number determination table b shown in FIG. 8(d), the value of the acquired winning symbol random number Accordingly, as shown in the figure, small winning symbols (special symbols Z1 to Z6) are determined as special symbols.

In addition, when the big winning lottery result is a "loss" and the lottery result is derived by special 1 reservation, special symbol X is determined as a losing symbol without performing a lottery, and the lottery result is special 2 When the special symbol Y is derived by holding, the special symbol Y is determined as a losing symbol without performing a lottery. In other words, the winning symbol random number determination table is referred to only when the major prize lottery result is a "big hit", and is not referred to when the major prize lottery result is a "loss" or a "small win". Further, the small winning symbol random number determination table is referred to only when the large winning lottery result is a "small winning", and is not referred to when the large winning lottery result is a "big winning" or "loss". In addition, special symbols Z1 to Z6, which are small winning symbols, are collectively referred to simply as special symbol Z.

FIG. 9(a) is a diagram illustrating a fluctuation pattern random number determination table, and FIG. 9(b) is a diagram illustrating a fluctuation time determination table. Note that there are multiple fluctuation pattern random number determination tables for each reservation type, big prize lottery result (special symbol type), gaming state, number of fluctuations, and even number of reservations, but here, any fluctuation pattern random number determination table is provided. Table x will be explained. When the type of special symbol is determined as described above, a fluctuation pattern random number determination table as shown in FIG. One of the fluctuation pattern numbers is determined based on the fluctuation pattern random numbers in the range of 0 to 238 obtained in the above. As shown in FIG. 9(b), each variation pattern number is associated with a variation time. This variation time is the time until the determined special symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 160 or the second special symbol display 162.

As will be described in detail later, when a special symbol is determined based on special 1 reservation and a variation pattern number, that is, a variation time is determined, the symbols will be displayed on the first special symbol display 160 over the determined variation time. A variable display is performed, and when the variable time has elapsed, the determined special symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 160. In addition, when a special symbol is determined based on the special 2 hold and a variation pattern number, that is, a variation time is determined, the variation display of the symbol is displayed on the second special symbol display 162 over the determined variation time. When the variable time has elapsed, the determined special symbol is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 162. At this time, the losing symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 160, so that the losing symbol is confirmed as a result of the big prize lottery, and the next major prize lottery based on special 1 reservation can be executed, and the losing symbol is the second special symbol. By being stopped and displayed on the special symbol display 162, a loss is confirmed as a result of the major prize lottery, and the next major prize lottery based on the special 2 hold can be executed. On the other hand, when the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 160 or the second special symbol display 162, the jackpot is confirmed as a result of the big prize lottery, the big prize game is executed, and the small prize symbol is displayed as the second special symbol. When the symbols are stopped and displayed on the symbol display 162, a small win is determined as a result of the large winning lottery, and a small win game is executed.

In this way, the fluctuation time defines the time for fluctuating display of the symbols on the first special symbol display 160 or the second special symbol display 162, in other words, the time until the result of the big prize lottery is determined. However, a plurality of variation pattern random number determination tables for determining this variation time are provided depending on the reservation type, the result of the major prize lottery (special symbol type), the gaming state, etc. As a result, even if the values of the obtained fluctuation pattern random numbers are the same, different fluctuation pattern numbers, ie, fluctuation times, will be determined depending on the selected fluctuation pattern random number determination table.

When the variation pattern number is determined as described above, a variation pattern command corresponding to the determined variation pattern number is transmitted to the sub control board 330. In the sub-control board 330, the mode of the variation effect is determined based on the received variation pattern command, but a detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the gaming state and variable time. As described above, the special game state and the normal game state are combined to form one game state, and the progress of the game is controlled according to the game state being set. As already explained, there are two types of special gaming states: a low probability gaming state and a high probability gaming state, which have different jackpot winning probabilities. Further, the normal game state is provided with two types: a non-time-saving game state and a time-saving game state, which differ in the ease of entry of game balls into the first variable starting port 120B (entering frequency).

Here, in the normal game, the ease with which a game ball enters the first variable starting port 120B is determined by three factors: winning probability, variable time, and opening time. Although details will be described later, in a normal game, when a game ball passes through the gate 124 or when a game ball enters the normal pattern operation opening 125, the normal pattern holding state is stored. Then, based on the stored standard pattern reservation, a standard pattern lottery is performed to determine whether or not to release the movable piece 120b. The result of this general drawing lottery is determined after a predetermined variable time has elapsed. When a winning result is determined as a result of the general drawing lottery, the movable piece 120b is released. At this time, the probability of winning in the normal drawing lottery, the variable time, and the opening time when the movable piece 120b is opened are set for each normal game state.

The initial state of the gaming machine 100 is a low probability gaming state and a non-time saving gaming state. In addition, in the non-time-saving gaming state, the winning probability in the general lottery is low, the fluctuation time is long, and the opening time of the movable piece 120b is short. Below, the gaming state set to the low-probability gaming state and the non-time-saving gaming state may be referred to as the low-probability non-time-saving gaming state or the normal state.

Further, in this embodiment, the high probability gaming state and the non-time saving gaming state may be set. This game state has the highest degree of advantage among the four game states, and if you shoot the game balls properly, the number of game balls will gradually increase during the game even if you do not win the jackpot. It is set. Below, the gaming state set to the high probability gaming state and the non-time-saving gaming state may be referred to as the high-probability non-time-saving gaming state or the most advantageous state.

Further, in this embodiment, the low probability gaming state and the time saving gaming state may be set. In addition, in the time-saving game state, the winning probability in the general lottery is high, the fluctuation time is short, and the open time of the movable piece 120b is long. Below, the gaming state set to the low-probability gaming state and the time-saving gaming state may be referred to as the low-probability time-saving gaming state.

Further, in this embodiment, the high probability gaming state and the time saving gaming state may be set. Below, the gaming state set to the high-probability gaming state and the time-saving gaming state may be referred to as the high-probability time-saving state.

As described above, in this embodiment, four game states are provided. Then, as shown in FIG. 10, a fluctuation pattern random number determination table is selected according to the gaming state when the big winning lottery is held, the type of reservation, the number of fluctuations in the gaming state, and the type of symbols, and the selected fluctuation pattern The fluctuation pattern number is determined by referring to the random number determination table.

Here, in the gaming machine 100, a substantial variable target is set for each gaming state. The actual variable object originally indicates the type of reservation for which the major prize lottery should be performed, and either special 1 reservation or special 2 reservation is set as the actual fluctuation object for each gaming state. Under normal conditions, special 1 reservation is set as subject to real fluctuation. Further, in the normal state, since the normal gaming state is a non-time-saving gaming state, the first variable starting port 120B is hardly opened. Therefore, in the normal state, the player needs to launch the game ball toward the first game area 116a in order to cause the game ball to enter the first fixed starting port 120A.

In the normal state, if a big prize lottery is held due to special 1 hold, which is subject to actual fluctuation, the following will occur depending on the number of fluctuations (number of times the symbol is displayed fluctuating) since the normal state was set: A fluctuation pattern random number determination table is selected. That is, at the start of the first variable display of symbols in the normal state, the special A table is selected regardless of the determined symbol type. According to this special A table, a variation pattern number whose variation time is set to 10 seconds is definitely determined.

Further, when a losing symbol or a small winning symbol is determined at the start of the second and subsequent symbol fluctuation display in the normal state, table A is selected as the fluctuation pattern random number determination table. According to this table A, the variable time is determined within the range of 3 to 100 seconds. Further, when the jackpot symbol is determined, table B is selected as the fluctuation pattern random number determination table. According to this table B, the variable time is determined within the range of 40 to 100 seconds.

On the other hand, in the normal state, when a big winning lottery is performed by special 2 reservation which is not subject to actual fluctuation, the fluctuation pattern random number determination table is selected as follows according to the number of fluctuations. That is, at the start of the first variable display of symbols in the normal state, the special B table is selected regardless of the determined symbol type. According to this special B table, a variation pattern number with a variation time of 10 seconds is definitely determined.

Further, at the start of the second and subsequent symbol fluctuation display in the normal state, table C is selected as the fluctuation pattern random number determination table regardless of the determined symbol type. According to this table C, the variable time is always determined to be 10 minutes. In this way, by setting the variable time to a long time such as 10 minutes, in the normal state, even if the player enters the game ball into the second starting port 122, the big winning lottery based on special 2 reservation will not be possible. Opportunities for execution become extremely rare.

Specifically, the second starting port 122 is provided in the second gaming area 116b, and the second starting port 122 is configured as a fixed starting port into which a game ball can always enter. Further, due to the playability of the gaming machine 100, the second starting port 122 is arranged at a position where a game ball enters more easily than the first starting port 120. Therefore, if the variation time related to special 2 pending is made short in the normal state, the player will be given more chances to win the big prize lottery than necessary. Therefore, in accordance with the original gameplay in the normal state, the variable time is set to a long time such as 10 minutes in order to appropriately launch the game ball toward the first game area 116a.

In the most advantageous state, special 2 reservation is set as subject to real fluctuation. Therefore, in the most advantageous state, the player needs to launch the game ball toward the second game area 116b in order to cause the game ball to enter the second starting port 122. In the most advantageous state, when a major prize lottery is performed by special 1 reservation which is not subject to actual fluctuation, table D is selected as the fluctuation pattern random number determination table regardless of the determined symbol type. According to this table D, the variation time is always determined to be 10 seconds. Furthermore, in the case where a major prize lottery is held using Toku 1 reservation, which is not subject to actual fluctuation in the most advantageous state, the game quality is improved compared to when a major prize lottery is performed by Toku 2 reservation, which is not subject to actual fluctuation in the normal state. The impact is small. Therefore, in the most advantageous state, the fluctuation time when a major prize lottery is performed due to special 1 reservation, which is not subject to actual fluctuation, is set as short as 10 seconds.

In the most advantageous state, a major prize lottery is carried out using special 2 hold, which is a real variable target, and when a losing symbol or a small winning symbol is determined, table E is selected as a variable pattern random number determination table. According to this table E, a variable time of 1 second to 8 seconds is determined. In addition, in the most advantageous state, a big prize lottery is performed by special 2 reservation, and when a jackpot symbol is determined, table F is selected as a fluctuation pattern random number determination table. According to this table F, the variation time is determined to be 8 seconds.

In the low-probability time-saving state, special 1 hold is set to be subject to real fluctuation. In addition, in the low-accuracy time-saving state, the normal game state is set to the time-saving game state, and the first variable starting port 120B is frequently controlled to be in the open state. Therefore, in the low accuracy time saving state, the player needs to launch the game ball toward the second game area 116b in order to cause the game ball to enter the first variable starting port 120B.

In the low-probability time-saving state, a major prize lottery is performed by special 1 reservation, which is a real variable target, and when a losing symbol or a small winning symbol is determined, table G is selected as a variable pattern random number determination table. According to this table G, the variable time is determined within the range of 1 to 30 seconds. Further, when the jackpot symbol is determined, table H is selected as the fluctuation pattern random number determination table. According to this table H, the variation time is always determined to be 30 seconds.

On the other hand, in the low probability time saving state, when a big winning lottery is performed by special 2 reservation which is not subject to actual fluctuation, table I is selected as the fluctuation pattern random number determination table regardless of the determined symbol type. According to Table I, the variable time is always determined to be 10 minutes.

In the high probability time saving state, a big winning lottery is carried out by special 1 reservation which is actually subject to fluctuation, and when a losing symbol or a small winning symbol is determined, table J is selected as a fluctuation pattern random number determination table. According to this table J, the variable time is determined within the range of 3 to 100 seconds. Further, when the jackpot symbol is determined, table K is selected as the fluctuation pattern random number determination table. According to this table K, the variable time is determined within the range of 40 to 100 seconds.

On the other hand, in the high-accuracy time-saving state, when a big winning lottery is performed by special 2 reservation which is not subject to actual fluctuation, table L is selected as the fluctuation pattern random number determination table regardless of the determined symbol type. According to this table L, the variable time is always determined to be 10 minutes.

As described above, a real variable target is set for each gaming state, and when a major prize lottery is performed based on the reservation type as a real variable target, the longest variable time is 100 seconds. On the other hand, when a major prize lottery is performed based on a reservation type that is not subject to actual fluctuation, the fluctuation time is approximately 10 minutes, and a game that is contrary to the original gameplay is prevented from being played.

FIG. 11 is a first diagram illustrating the special electric accessory operation ram set table, and FIG. 12 is a second diagram illustrating the special electric accessory operation ram set table. In addition, the special electric accessory actuation ram set table stores various data for controlling the big prize game or the small winning game, and during the big prize game or the small winning game, the special electric accessory actuating ram set table With reference to the table, the large prize opening solenoid 128c is energized and controlled. In addition, in reality, there are multiple special electric accessory activation ram set tables for each type of special symbol (big winning symbol and small winning symbol), and the corresponding table is used as a major prize depending on the determined type of special symbol. Although it is set at the start of a game or a small winning game, here, for convenience of explanation, special symbol control data is shown for each symbol type.

As shown in FIG. 11, the big winning game consists of a plurality of round games in which the big prize opening 128 is opened and closed a predetermined number of times, and the small winning game is a round game that is executed only once. According to this special electric accessory activation ram set table, the opening time (waiting time until the first round game starts), the maximum number of special electric accessory activations (performed during one big prize game or small winning game) number of round games to be played), number of special electric accessory opening/closing switching times (number of times the big winning hole 128 is opened during one round), solenoid energization time (powering time of the big winning hole solenoid 128c for each number of times the big winning hole 128 is opened) In other words, the opening time of one big winning hole 128), the specified number (the maximum number of prizes that can be won in the big winning hole 128 in one round game), the closing effective time of the big winning hole (the opening time of the big winning hole 128 between round games), The closing time of 128, that is, the interval time), the ending time (the waiting time from the end of the last round game until the normal special game (variable display of symbols described below) is restarted) are the control data. , are stored in advance for each type of special symbol as shown in the figure.

Incidentally, when a jackpot is won by special 1 reservation and special symbols A to C are determined as jackpot symbols, a big prize game consisting of 16 round games is executed. In each big prize game, the big prize opening 128 is opened in the 1st to 16th round games. When special symbol A is determined as the jackpot symbol, in the first round game, the grand prize opening 128 is opened for only 0.1 seconds at maximum, and in the 2nd to 16th round games, the grand prize opening 128 is opened at the maximum. It is released for 29.0 seconds. When a specified number of game balls enter the grand prize opening 128 or when the maximum opening time elapses, the grand prize opening 128 is closed and one round game ends.

In addition, when special symbols B and C are determined as the jackpot symbols, in the first round game, the jackpot 128 is opened for 0.1 seconds, then kept closed for 2.0 seconds, and then It will be released for 27.0 seconds. Furthermore, in the 2nd to 16th round games, the grand prize opening 128 is opened for a maximum of 29.0 seconds.

Further, when a small win is won due to special 1 retention and special symbols Z1 to Z3 are determined as the small win symbols, a small win game consisting of one round game is executed. In this small winning game, the big prize opening 128 is opened once for 0.1 seconds in one round game.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12, when a jackpot is won by special 2 reservation and special symbol D is determined as the jackpot symbol, a major prize game consisting of two round games is executed. In this big winning game, in the first round game, the opening of the big prize opening 128 for 0.1 seconds and the closing for 2.0 seconds are repeated 10 times. In addition, in the second round game, the grand prize opening 128 is opened for 0.1 seconds. Note that the interval time set between the first round game and the second round game is 2.0 seconds.

Further, even when a small hit is won due to special 2 reservation and special symbols Z4 to Z6 are determined as the small winning symbols, a small winning game consisting of one round game is executed. Here, in a small winning game where special symbols Z4 to Z6 are determined as small winning symbols, in one round game, the big prize opening 128 is opened for 0.1 seconds and closed for 2.0 seconds. are repeated 2, 3, and 11 times, respectively.

As described above, this embodiment has a structure in which the game balls tend to stay on the movable piece 128b that maintains the big prize opening 128 in the closed state, and when the movable piece 128b shifts to the open state, the movable The game balls staying on the piece 128b are guided into the big prize opening 128. Therefore, even if the grand prize opening 128 is opened twice for 0.1 seconds, 2 to 3 game balls will enter the grand prize opening 128 on average.

In addition, as mentioned above, in the big winning game that is executed when the special symbol D is determined and the small winning game that is executed when the special symbol Z6 is determined, the opening and closing mode of the major winning opening 128 is completely different. will be the same. Therefore, depending on the opening/closing manner of the big prize opening 128, the player cannot distinguish whether he has won a big hit or a small win.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the opening/closing manner of the big prize opening 128 and the opening/closing manner of the specific area 140b by the movable member 142. As shown in FIG. 13, the movable member 142 simultaneously opens the big prize opening 128 in a specific round game (here, the first round game in all the big prize games) among the round games that constitute the big prize games. After opening the specific area 140b for a moment (about 0.1 seconds), the specific area 140b is kept closed for a predetermined period of time, and then the specific area 140b is kept open again. In addition, in round games other than the specific round games and small winning games, the movable member 142 always maintains the specific area 140b in a closed state.

Then, as shown in FIG. 13(a), when the special symbol A is determined and the big prize game is executed, the big winning hole is opened only for 0.1 seconds from the start of the first round game (specific round game). 128 is opened. During this time, it takes a predetermined time for the game ball that entered the big winning hole 128 to reach the specific area 140b. Therefore, when the game ball that entered the big prize opening 128 reaches the specific area 140b, the specific area 140b is always closed, and as a result, when the special symbol A is determined and a specific round game is executed. Also, the game ball will not enter the specific area 140b.

In addition, if an unexpected situation occurs, such as a game ball getting stuck in the grand prize opening 128, or a game ball staying in the grand prize opening 128 for a long time for some reason, etc. In this case, there is a possibility that a game ball may enter the specific area 140b even in a specific round game that is executed after the special symbol A is determined. Therefore, in this specification, in order to facilitate understanding, the words "always" and "certainly" are used in explanations, but this does not mean that the state of the gaming machine 100 is not sufficient to proceed with the game. This is based on the assumption that it is in an appropriate state and that no unforeseen circumstances have occurred, and does not mean 100% physical.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13(b), when the special symbols B and C are determined and the big winning game is executed, the big prize opening 128 is opened for 0.1 seconds in the specific round game. After that, it is closed for 2.0 seconds and then opened for a maximum of 27 seconds. Therefore, there is a possibility that a game ball that enters the big winning hole 128 at the same time as the first opening of the big winning hole 128 cannot enter the specific area 140b, but when the big winning hole 128 is opened for the second time, , the game ball that enters the big prize opening 128 can reliably enter the specific area 140b. Although a detailed explanation will be omitted, a structure is provided above the grand prize opening 128 to decelerate the game ball rolling on the grand prize opening 128, so that the second game can be played appropriately from the start of the specific round game. If a game ball is launched into the area 116b, the game ball will definitely enter the specific area 140b.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 13(c), when the special symbol D is determined and the big prize game is executed, in the specific round game, the opening of the big prize opening 128 for 0.1 second is 2.0 seconds. Repeated 10 times at intervals of seconds. Therefore, even when the special symbol D is determined, the game ball can be reliably entered into the specific area 140b in the specific round game.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a gaming state setting table for setting the gaming state after the end of the big prize game. In this embodiment, when a big winning game is executed, the game status setting table is referred to, and based on whether or not a game ball enters the specific area 140b in a specific round game, whether or not the limiter is activated, and the type of jackpot symbol, To set the game state after the end of the big prize game.

Note that the limiter defines the upper limit number of times that the high probability gaming state can be continuously set after the big winning game. Here, the upper limit number of times that the high probability gaming state can be set consecutively is four times, and the limiter is activated when the high probability gaming state has already been set four times in a row.

If a game ball enters the specific area 140b in a specific round game and the limiter is not activated, the special game state is set to a high probability game state regardless of the type of jackpot symbol. Note that the high probability gaming state continues until the next jackpot is won. Further, at this time, the normal game state is set as follows depending on the type of jackpot symbol. Specifically, if the jackpot symbols are special symbols A and B, the time-saving gaming state is set. Note that the time-saving gaming state continues until the next jackpot is won. On the other hand, if the jackpot symbol is a special symbol C or D, the normal gaming state is set to a non-time-saving gaming state.

As mentioned above, in the specific round game, when the game ball enters the specific area 140b, if the limiter is not activated, the high probability game state is always set after the big winning game. However, as described above, if the jackpot symbol is the special symbol A, the game ball will not enter the specific area 140b.

In addition, when a game ball enters the specific area 140b in a specific round game, and when the limiter is activated, the gaming state after the big prize game is a low probability gaming state and a non-time saving gaming state, regardless of the type of jackpot symbol. is set to

Further, when the game ball does not enter the specific area 140b in the specific round game, the gaming state after the big winning game is set to the low probability gaming state regardless of whether or not the limiter is activated. In addition, in a specific round game, if the game ball does not enter the specific area 140b, the limiter is not activated, and the type of jackpot symbol is special symbol A, the gaming state after the big prize game is set to the time-saving gaming state. Ru. At this time, the number of times the time saving game state continues (time saving number of times) is set to 50 times. In addition, when the game ball does not enter the specific area 140b in the specific round game, if the type of jackpot symbol is other than special symbol A, the gaming state after the big prize game is set to a non-time-saving gaming state.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a winning determination random number determination table. When a game ball flowing down the game area 116 passes through the gate 124 or enters the normal operating port 125, it is associated with whether or not to control the energization of the movable piece 120b of the first variable starting port 120B. A normal symbol determination process (hereinafter referred to as "normal symbol lottery") is performed.

Although the details will be described later, when the game ball passes through the gate 124 or enters the normal pattern operation port 125, one winning determination random number is obtained from within the range of 0 to 99, and this random number is Numerical values are stored in the general figure reservation storage area of the main RAM 300c, with an upper limit of four. In other words, the common pattern holding storage area includes four storage sections for saving winning determination random numbers. Therefore, when the game ball passes through the gate 124 or enters the normal pattern operation opening 125 with the determined random number stored in all four storage units of the normal pattern holding storage area, the game ball No winning random numbers are stored based on the passage of the ball. Hereinafter, the winning determination random number stored in the normal pattern holding storage area when a game ball passes through the gate 124 or enters the normal pattern operation opening 125 will be referred to as normal pattern holding.

When starting the regular lottery when the normal gaming state is the non-time-saving gaming state, the winning determination random number determination table for the non-time-saving gaming state is referred to, as shown in FIG. 15(a). According to this winning random number determination table for non-time-saving gaming state, when the winning random number is 0, a winning symbol is determined as the type of normal symbol, and when the winning random number is 1 to 99, A losing symbol is determined as the type of normal symbol. Therefore, the probability that a winning symbol is determined in the non-time-saving gaming state, that is, the winning probability is 1/100. As will be described in detail later, when a winning symbol is determined in this general lottery, the movable piece 120b of the first variable starting port 120B is controlled to be in the open state, and when a losing symbol is determined, the first variable starting port is opened. The movable piece 120b of the mouth 120B is maintained in the closed state.

In addition, when starting the regular lottery in the time-saving gaming state, as shown in FIG. 15(b), the winning determination random number determination table for the time-saving gaming state is referred to. According to this winning random number determination table for the time-saving gaming state, when the winning random number is 0 to 98, a winning symbol is determined as the type of normal symbol, and when the winning random number is 99, the winning symbol is determined as a normal symbol. A losing symbol is determined as the symbol type. Therefore, the probability that a winning symbol is determined in the time-saving gaming state, that is, the winning probability is 99/100.

FIG. 16(a) is a diagram for explaining the normal symbol fluctuation time data table, and FIG. 16(b) is a diagram for explaining the opening/closing control pattern table. As described above, when the ordinary symbol lottery is performed, the fluctuation time of the ordinary symbol is determined. The normal symbol fluctuation time data table is referred to when determining the fluctuation time of the normal symbol when a winning symbol or a losing symbol is determined by the regular symbol lottery. According to this normal symbol fluctuation time data table, the fluctuation time is determined to be 10 seconds when the gaming state is set to the non-time saving gaming state, and the fluctuation time is determined to be 10 seconds when the gaming state is set to the time saving gaming state. The time is determined to be 1 second. When the variable time is determined in this manner, the normal symbol display 168 is displayed in a variable manner (blinking display) over the determined time. Then, when a winning symbol is determined, the normal symbol display 168 lights up, and when a losing symbol is determined, the normal symbol display 168 is turned off.

Then, when the winning symbol is determined by the ordinary symbol lottery and the ordinary symbol display 168 lights up, the movable piece 120b of the first variable starting port 120B performs opening/closing control as shown in FIG. 16(b). The energization is controlled by referring to the pattern table. In fact, the opening/closing control pattern table is provided for each gaming state, and depending on the gaming state when the normal symbol is determined, the corresponding table is set when the energization of the normal electric accessory solenoid 120c starts. .

When the winning symbol is determined, as shown in FIG. 16(b), the opening/closing control of the first variable starting port 120B is performed with reference to the opening/closing control pattern table. According to this opening/closing control pattern table, the time before normal electric opening (the waiting time until opening of the first variable starting port 120B starts), the maximum number of switching times for normal electric accessories (opening of the first variable starting port 120B), number of times), solenoid energization time (the energization time of the normal electric accessory solenoid 120c for each number of times the first variable starting port 120B is opened, that is, the opening time of the first variable starting port 120B once), the specified number (the first variable maximum number of prizes that can be won in the first variable starting port 120B while the starting port 120B is fully open), normal power closing effective time (closing time between each opening of the first variable starting port 120B, that is, rest time), normal power Valid state time (wait time from the end of the last opening of the first variable starting port 120B), normal power end wait time (wait until the normal symbol fluctuation display, which will be described later, is resumed after the normal power valid state time has elapsed) time) is stored in advance as control data for the first variable starting port 120B for each gaming state as shown in the figure.

In this way, by setting the winning probability of the normal symbol, the variable time, and the opening time, as shown in the lower part of FIG. The ratio of the number of prize balls that are paid out to the player when game balls enter the first starting port 120, second starting port 122, and normal pattern operating port 125 is the following: Number of fired balls: Number of prize balls = 100:20, and in the time-saving game state, the number of fired balls: the number of prize balls = 100:99.

The opening/closing conditions of the first variable starting port 120B define three elements: the winning probability of the normal symbol, the time of variable display of the normal symbol, and the opening time of the first variable starting port 120B. In other words, by combining the three elements of the winning probability of the normal symbol, the time of variable display of the normal symbol, and the opening time of the first variable starting port 120B, the first variable starting port in the non-time saving gaming state and the time saving gaming state, respectively. It is possible to set the frequency of game balls entering 120B and the firing prize ball ratio. In any case, the combination of the three elements shown here is just an example, and if you combine the three elements so that the firing prize ball ratio is higher in the time-saving game state than in the non-time-saving game state, good.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the transition of gaming states in accordance with the original gameplay. With the above configuration, the gaming machine 100 realizes the following gaming experience. Note that here, a case will be described in which the registration setting value is set to "1". First, in the initial state of the gaming machine 100, it is set to the normal state shown in FIG. 17(a). In the normal state, since the actual variable target is set to special 1 pending, the player shoots the game ball toward the first game area 116a in order to enter the game ball into the first fixed starting port 120A. Since the first game area 116a is located on the left side of the game board 108, the player will play what is called "left-handed play" in the normal state.

When a game ball enters the first fixed starting port 120A, special 1 reservation is stored in the first special figure reservation storage area. The special 1 reservations stored in the first special symbol reservation storage area are sequentially read out when the starting condition is met, and a big prize lottery is performed based on the read special 1 reservations. At this time, the probability of winning the jackpot is set to approximately 1/300.6. In the normal state, a game is played with the aim of winning a jackpot in the big winning lottery based on this special 1 reservation. Note that the firing prize ball ratio when the game balls are fired toward the first game area 116a is set to 100:20, and the number of game balls will decrease during the game.

Then, in the normal state, when a jackpot is won in the big winning lottery by special 1 reservation, the big winning game is executed. In this big prize game, a round game in which the big prize opening 128 is opened is executed 16 times, and the player can win prize balls for 16 rounds. When a jackpot is won due to special 1 retention, one of the special symbols A to C is determined as the jackpot symbol.

In the normal state, if the jackpot symbol stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 160 is the special symbol A, the game ball will not enter the specific area 140b during the specific round game, so after the big prize game The gaming state becomes a low probability time saving state shown in FIG. 17(b). When winning a jackpot with special 1 pending, the probability that special symbol A will be determined as the jackpot symbol is 50%. Therefore, if the player wins a jackpot in the normal state, there is a 50% probability that the gaming state will shift to the low probability time saving state. In the low-probability time-saving state, the actual variable target is set to special 1 pending, but since the normal gaming state is the time-saving gaming state, the player enters the first variable start opening 120B with the game ball. 2. The player will hit the ball to the right aiming at the 2 game area 116b.

That is, in this low-probability time-saving state, as in the normal state, a game is played with the aim of winning a jackpot in the big winning lottery based on special 1 reservation. Note that in the low-probability time-saving state, the probability of winning a jackpot is about 1/300.6, but since the normal game state is the time-saving game state, the movable piece 120b is frequently in the open state. Therefore, the firing prize ball ratio is 100:99, and the player can aim for a jackpot while reducing consumption of game balls.

In addition, when shifting to the low probability time saving state, the number of time saving times is set to 50, and if the jackpot is not won in the 50 big prize draws, the gaming state will shift to the normal state again (time saving exit) ).

Further, for example, in the normal state or the low-accuracy time-saving state, if the jackpot symbol stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 160 is the special symbol B, the game ball enters the specific area 140b during a specific round game. Therefore, the gaming state after the big prize game becomes a high-accuracy time-saving state shown in FIG. 17(c). When winning the jackpot with special 1 pending, the probability that special symbol B will be determined as the jackpot symbol is 25%. Therefore, if the player wins a jackpot by holding special 1, there is a 25% probability that the gaming state will shift to the high-accuracy time-saving state. In the high-accuracy time-saving state, the actual variable target is set to special 1 pending, but since the normal gaming state is the time-saving gaming state, the player enters the game ball into the first variable starting port 120B. 2. The player will hit the ball to the right aiming at the 2 game area 116b.

That is, in this high probability time saving state, as in the normal state, a game is played with the aim of winning a jackpot in the big winning lottery based on special 1 reservation. In addition, in the high-accuracy time-saving state, the probability of winning a jackpot is about 1/105.7, and since the normal game state is the time-saving game state, the movable piece 120b is frequently opened. Therefore, the firing prize ball ratio is 100:99, and the player can perform the big winning lottery while reducing the consumption of game balls.

In addition, in the normal state, low-accuracy time-saving state, and high-accuracy time-saving state, if the jackpot symbol stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 160 is the special symbol C, the game ball may appear in the specific area 140b during a specific round game. enters, the gaming state after the big prize game becomes the most advantageous state shown in FIG. 17(d). When winning a jackpot with special 1 pending, the probability that special symbol C will be determined as the jackpot symbol is 25%.

In the most dominant state, since the actual variable target is set to special 2 pending, the player shoots the game ball toward the second game area 116b in order to enter the game ball into the second starting port 122. Since the second game area 116b is located on the right side of the game board 108, the player will play the so-called "right-handed game" in the most advantageous state.

In the most dominant state, when a game ball enters the second starting port 122, special 2 reservation is stored in the second special figure reservation storage area. The special 2 reservations stored in the second special symbol reservation storage area are sequentially read out when the starting condition is met, and a big prize lottery is performed based on the read special 2 reservations. At this time, the winning probability of the jackpot is set to about 1/105.7, and the winning probability of the small winning is set to about 1/3.45. In the most advantageous state, the main purpose of the game is to win the small prize in the major prize lottery based on this special 2 reservation.

Specifically, when game balls are fired into the second game area 116b, the ratio of prize balls paid out by entering the game balls into the second starting port 122 to the number of fired balls is 100:60 to 80. It is set to about. In the most advantageous state, small winning games are frequently played because the probability of winning a small winning is about 1/3.45 in the special lottery with special 2 reservation. Here, if a small hit is won due to special 2 reservation, small winning symbols Z4 to Z6 are determined. As described above, in the small winning game when the small winning symbol Z4 is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 162, an average of 2 to 3 game balls enter the large winning hole 128. In the small winning game when the small winning symbol Z5 is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 162, an average of 3 to 4 game balls enter the large winning hole 128. Further, in the small winning game when the small winning symbol Z6 is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 162, almost a prescribed number of game balls enter the large winning hole 128.

When a game ball enters the big prize opening 128, for example, 15 prize balls are paid out for each game ball that enters. As a result, in the most dominant state, the firing prize ball ratio, which is the ratio of the number of all prize balls to the number of firing balls, is 100:120, and by simply continuing to fire the game balls toward the second game area 116b, the game ball can be increased.

In addition, in this most dominant state, the normal game state has become a non-time-saving game state, and the movable piece 120b is almost never in the open state. In addition, in the most advantageous state, the special gaming state is a high probability game state, and when transitioning to the most advantageous state, the high probability number of times is always set to "next time". Since the probability of winning the jackpot in the most advantageous state is about 1/105.7, it can be said that in the most advantageous state, winning the next jackpot is virtually guaranteed.

According to the special 2 reservation of the real variable object in this most dominant state, when a jackpot is won, the special symbol D is definitely determined as the jackpot symbol. When the special symbol D is determined and a big winning game is executed, a game ball enters the specific area 140b during a specific round game. At this time, if the limiter is not activated, the most advantageous state is set again after the big winning game. On the other hand, when the limiter is activated, the state shifts to the normal state after the big prize game.

Here, when the special symbol D is determined, two round games are executed in the major prize game, but in this major prize game and the small winning game which is executed after the special symbol Z6 is determined, the major prize opening is 128 are opened and closed in the same manner, and the player cannot discern whether a small winning game or a large winning game is being executed.

Therefore, the player cannot know how many times he has won the jackpot in the most advantageous state, and it is difficult for the player to know when the limiter is activated, or in other words, how long the most advantageous state will continue. I can't. For example, when changing from the normal state to the most dominant state, if the special symbol D is determined four times in the most dominant state, the limiter is activated and the state shifts to the normal state after the big prize game. However, in the most dominant state, it is impossible to know the number of times the special symbol D has been determined, so when the limiter is activated, the most dominant state suddenly ends for the player. In other words, according to the gameplay of this embodiment, the player is constantly given a sense of tension in the most advantageous state.

In addition, in the above-mentioned low-probability time-saving state and high-probability time-saving state, the probability of winning a small win is about 1/3.45. Therefore, even in the low-probability time-saving state and the high-probability time-saving state, small winning games are frequently executed as in the most advantageous state. However, in both the low-accuracy time-saving state and the high-accuracy time-saving state, the normal gaming state is the time-saving gaming state. Further, as will be described in detail later, the normal game state is maintained in the time-saving game state even during the small winning game. Therefore, although the big prize opening 128 is opened during the small winning game, the first variable starting opening 120B is also opened during this time.

As described above, the first variable starting opening 120B is provided above the big winning opening 128. Therefore, in the low-accuracy time-saving state and the high-accuracy time-saving state, most of the game balls flowing down the second game area 116b enter the first variable starting opening 120B, and most of the game balls enter the big winning opening 128. There's nothing to do. As a result, in the low-accuracy time-saving state and the high-accuracy time-saving state, unlike the most dominant state, the number of game balls gradually decreases even if the ball is hit right during the game.

Below, the main processing of the main control board 300 for realizing the above-mentioned gaming properties will be explained.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating the gaming machine status flag. In the main control board 300, whether or not the game can be played is managed by a gaming machine status flag. The gaming machine status flag is set to one of six flag values from 00H to 05H. The flag value of the gaming machine status flag = 00H indicates a gaming enabled state, and when the gaming machine status flag is 00H, the progress of the game is controlled, and when the gaming machine status flag is other than 00H, the game is stopped. will be stopped.

The flag value of the gaming machine state flag=01H indicates a setting change state, and when the gaming machine state flag is 01H, the registered setting value can be changed. The flag value of the gaming machine status flag = 02H indicates the setting confirmation status, and when the gaming machine status flag is 02H, the registered setting value is displayed on the performance display monitor 184, etc. It becomes possible to confirm. The flag value of the gaming machine status flag=03H indicates an abnormal setting state, and when the gaming machine status flag is 03H, the registered setting value is considered abnormal and the game 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, the game 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, the game 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 process of main control board 300)
FIG. 19 is a first flowchart illustrating the CPU initialization process in the main control board 300, and FIG. 20 is a second flowchart illustrating the CPU initialization process in the main control board 300.

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

(Step S100-1)
When the main CPU 300a is powered on, the main CPU 300a reads a startup program from the main ROM 300b as an initial setting process and performs setting processes necessary to execute 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 determines whether a power-off notice signal is detected. Note that the main control board 300 is provided with a power-off detection circuit, and when the power supply voltage falls below a predetermined value, a power-off warning signal is output from the power-off detection circuit. If a power cutoff notice signal is detected, the process moves to step S100-3, and if a power cutoff notice signal is not detected, the process moves to step S100-7.

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

(Step S100-9)
Main CPU 300a executes necessary processing to permit access to main RAM 300c.

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

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

(Step S100-15)
The main CPU 300a sets an address that does not include the set value and gaming machine status flag as the start address of the main RAM 300c to be cleared.

(Step S100-17)
The main CPU 300a determines whether a RAM clear operation signal is input from the RAM clear switch 182s (whether the RAM clear button is pressed). As a result, if it is determined that the RAM clear operation signal is input, the process moves to step S100-31, and if it is determined that the RAM clear operation signal is not input, the process moves to step S100-19. .

(Step S100-19)
The main CPU 300a checks 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. judge. As a result, if it is determined that all three conditions are satisfied, the process moves to step S100-21, and if it is determined that even one of the three conditions is not satisfied, the process moves to step S100-23.

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

(Step S100-23)
The main CPU 300a executes an initialization process to clear the area of the main RAM 300c after the start address set in step S100-15, which is to be cleared when the power is restored, and moves the process 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 out-of-area read/write check process that checks and clears the read/write memory in the out-of-use area.

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

(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 determines whether the check result of the read/write memory in step S100-31 is normal. As a result, if it is determined that it is normal, the process moves to step S100-37, and if it is determined that it is not normal, the process moves 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 determines whether 02H (setting confirmation state) is set in the D register. As a result, if it is determined that 02H is set, the process moves to step S100-39, and if it is determined that 02H is not set, the process moves to step S100-41.

(Step S100-39)
The main CPU 300a sets 00H (game ready state) in the D register.

(Step S100-41)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the setting change conditions are satisfied. As a result, if it is determined that the setting change conditions are satisfied, the process moves to step S100-43, and if it is determined that the setting change conditions are not satisfied, the process moves to step S100-45. Here, the setting change conditions 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. included.

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

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

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

(Step S100-49)
The main CPU 300a performs processing for transmitting a payout command (RAM clear designation command) (stores the RAM clear designation command in a transmission buffer) for transmitting to 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 determines whether the gaming machine status flag loaded in step S100-51 is 00H (playable status). As a result, if it is determined that it is 00H, the process moves to step S110, and if it is determined that it is not 00H, the process moves to step S100-55.

(Step S110)
The main CPU 300a performs subcommand group setting processing. Note that this subcommand group set processing will be described later.

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

(Step S100-57)
The main CPU 300a sets the cycle of timer interrupts.

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

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

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

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

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

(Step S100-69)
The main CPU 300a updates the reach group determination random number, the reach mode determination random number, and the fluctuation pattern random number, and thereafter repeats the process from step S100-59. In addition, below, the reach group determination random number, the reach mode determination random number, and the fluctuation pattern random number for determining the fluctuation performance pattern are collectively referred to as the random number for fluctuation performance.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating the subcommand group setting process (S110) in 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 300a performs sub-command set processing for transmitting a predetermined command 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 the transmission buffer.

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

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

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

(Step S110-13)
The main CPU 300a performs a number command setting process to set a number command indicating the remaining number of times in the time saving gaming state in the 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 a variation pattern selection state in the transmission buffer.

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

(Step S110-19)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the special game management phase is in a special symbol change waiting state. As a result, if it is determined that it is in the special symbol change waiting state, the process moves to step S110-21, and if it is determined that it is not in the special symbol change waiting state, the subcommand group set process is ended.

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

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

(Evacuation processing at power-off of main control board 300 (XINT interrupt processing))
FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating the power-off saving 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, interrupts the CPU initialization process and executes the power-off save process.

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

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

(Step S300-5)
The main CPU 300a determines whether a power-off notice signal is detected. As a result, if it is determined that a power-off notice signal has been detected, the process moves to step S300-11, and if it is determined that a power-off notice signal has not been detected, the process moves 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 interrupts, and ends the power-off save processing.

(Step S300-11)
The main CPU 300a executes output port clear processing to stop output from the output port.

(Step S300-13)
The main CPU 300a executes checksum setting processing to calculate and save a checksum.

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

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

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

(Step S300-21)
The main CPU 300a determines whether a power-off notice signal is detected. As a result, if it is determined that a power-off notice signal has been detected, the process moves to step S300-17, and if it is determined that a power-off notice signal has not been detected, the process moves 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 above.

(Step S300-25)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the counter value of the loop counter is not zero. As a result, if it is determined that the counter value is not 0, the process moves to step S300-19, and if it is determined that the counter value is 0, the process moves to the above-described CPU initialization process (step S100).

Note that if the power is actually cut off, the operation of the gaming machine 100 is stopped while the steps S300-17 to S300-25 are looped.

(Timer interrupt processing of main control board 300)
FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating timer interrupt processing in the main control board 300. The main control board 300 is provided with a reset clock pulse generation circuit that generates a clock pulse at every predetermined period (4 milliseconds in this embodiment, hereinafter referred to as "4ms"). When a clock pulse is generated by the reset clock pulse generation circuit, the CPU initialization process (step S100) is interrupted and the following timer interrupt process is executed.

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

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

(Step S400-5)
The main CPU 300a outputs the common data set in the common output buffer to the output port, and outputs the first special symbol display 160, the second special symbol display 162, the first special symbol reservation display 164, and the second special symbol reservation. Dynamic port output processing is executed to control the lighting of the display 166, normal symbol display 168, normal symbol pending display 170, right hit notification display 172, and performance display monitor 184.

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

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

(Step S400-11)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the flag value loaded in step S400-9 is 00H (playable state). As a result, if it is determined that it is 00H, the process moves to step S400-15, and if it is determined that it is not 00H, the process moves to step S400-13.

(Step S400-13)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the flag value loaded in step S400-9 above is equal to or greater than 03H (setting abnormal state). As a result, if it is determined that it is 03H or more, the process moves to step S400-27, and if it is determined that it is not 03H or more, the process moves to step S450.

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

(Step S400-15)
The main CPU 300a performs timer update processing to update various timer counters. Here, unless otherwise specified, the various timer counters are decremented each time the main control board 300 performs timer interrupt processing, and when they reach 0, they stop decrementing.

(Step S400-17)
The main CPU 300a executes the process of updating the initial value update random number for the winning symbol random number, as in step S100-61 above.

(Step S400-19)
The main CPU 300a performs a process of updating the winning symbol random number. Specifically, the random number counter is incremented by 1 and updated, and if the added result exceeds the maximum value of the random number range, the random number counter is reset to 0, and when the random number counter has completed one cycle, the current Update the random number from the initial value update random number for winning symbol random number.

Although a detailed explanation will be omitted, in this embodiment, the jackpot determination random number and the hit determination random number are hardware random numbers that are updated by a hardware random number generation section built into the main control board 300. The hardware random number generator updates both the jackpot determination random number and the winning determination random number according to certain rules, automatically changes the random number sequence every time the random number sequence goes around, and updates the starting value every time the system is reset. It is changing.

(Step S500)
The main CPU 300a includes a first fixed starting opening detection switch 120As, a first variable starting opening detection switch 120Bs, a second starting opening detection switch 122s, a gate detection switch 124s, a regular figure operation opening detection switch 125s, and a first big winning opening detection switch. 126s, a switch management process is executed to determine whether or not a signal is input from the big winning opening detection switch 128s. Note that details of this switch management processing will be described later.

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

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

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

(Step S400-23)
The main CPU 300a checks the general winning opening detection switch 118s, the first starting opening detection switch 120s, the second starting opening detection switch 122s, and the big winning opening detection switch 128s, and adds the corresponding prize ball control counter etc. Execute the winning opening switch process for.

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

(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 includes a first special symbol display 160, a second special symbol display 162, a first special symbol pending display 164, a second special symbol pending display 166, a normal symbol display 168, and a normal symbol pending display 170. , executes an LED display setting process in which display data for controlling the lighting of various indicators (LEDs) such as the right-handed hit notification display 172 is set in the output buffer corresponding to each common.

(Step S400-31)
The main CPU 300a synthesizes the solenoid output images of the normal electric accessory solenoid 120c and the big prize opening solenoid 128c, and executes a solenoid output image synthesis process for storing the synthesized image in the output port buffer.

(Step S400-33)
The main CPU 300a executes port output processing for outputting the common output buffer value stored in each output port buffer to the output port.

(Step S400-35)
The main CPU 300a performs processing to prohibit 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 to common data for displaying the calculated base ratio on the performance display monitor 184. Execute performance display monitor control processing to set in the output buffer. Note that in the performance display monitor control process, the base ratio is calculated every predetermined period. Here, the base ratio of the current period and the base ratio of the previous period may be switched and displayed on the performance display monitor 184 at predetermined time intervals. Further, the base ratio displayed on the performance display monitor 184 may be switched in accordance with a predetermined operation.

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

FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating the above setting-related processing (S450).

(Step S450-1)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the flag value of the gaming machine status flag is 01H (setting change status). As a result, if it is determined that it is 01H, the process moves to step S450-3, and if it is determined that it is not 01H, the process moves 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 determines whether the RAM clear switch 182s is pressed (whether a RAM clear operation signal is input). As a result, if it is determined that the RAM clear switch 182s is pressed, the process moves to step S450-7, and if it is determined that the RAM clear switch 182s is not pressed, the process moves 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 determines whether the setting value of the processing area is within the range of 1 to 6. As a result, if it is determined that the set value is within the range of 1 to 6, the process moves to step S450-13, and if it is determined that the set value is not within the range of 1 to 6, the process moves to step S450-11. move.

(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 determines whether the setting change switch 180s is on. As a result, if it is determined that the setting change switch 180s is turned on, the setting-related process is ended, and if it is determined that the setting change switch 180s is not turned on, the process moves to step S450-17.

(Step S450-17)
The main CPU 300a sets a settings-related end designation command indicating the end of the settings-related process in the transmission buffer.

(Step S110)
The main CPU 300a executes the subcommand group set process shown in FIG. That is, when the setting-related process is executed, at the end, the model command, setting value specification command, special figure 1 hold specification command, special figure 2 hold specification command, number of times command, variation pattern selection state specification command, special figure phase A designation command and a 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 present embodiment, when the power is turned on normally with the middle frame 104 opened, the setting change switch 180s turned on, and the RAM clear button pressed, the CPU is initialized. In the process (FIG. 19), the gaming machine status flag is set to 01H (setting change status). After that, the timer interrupt process is executed, but since the gaming machine status flag is set to 01H (setting change status), all processes related to the progress of the game (steps S400-15 to S400-25 in FIG. 23) are executed. ) is stopped and configuration-related processing is executed.

The setting-related process is repeatedly executed while the setting change switch 180s is on, and during this setting-related process, a press operation of the RAM clear button is accepted as a setting change operation of the registered setting value. That is, during the setting change process (S450-1 to S450-13) that accepts a setting change operation, the registered setting value stored in the setting value buffer is set to one of the setting values in multiple stages according to the setting change operation. can be switched to

Then, when the setting change switch 180s is turned 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 status). Set. As a result, processing related to the progress of the game can be executed from the next timer interrupt processing.

Here, in the setting-related processing of this embodiment, after the RAM clear button press operation, that is, the reception of the setting change operation of the registered setting value, is completed, the setting value specifying command corresponding to the registered setting value is executed in the subcommand group set processing. is transmitted to the sub control board 330. On the other hand, while a setting change operation is being accepted, the setting value designation command is not sent to the sub control board 330. In this way, the setting value specification command is not sent while the setting change operation is being accepted, but the setting value specification command is sent when the setting change operation is finished accepting and the game can proceed. By doing so, it is possible to reduce the risk that registered setting values are obtained illegally.

Further, in this embodiment, a plurality of flag values including at least 01H (setting change state) are switched. When the gaming machine state flag is set to 01H (setting change state), the setting-related process becomes executable and the progress of the game is stopped. In this way, since no settings-related processing is executed while the game is in progress, no setting value specification commands are sent while the game is in progress, reducing the risk of unauthorized acquisition of registered setting values. be done.

Next, among the timer interrupt processes described above, the switch management process in step S500, the special game management process in step S600, and the normal game management process in step S700 will be explained in detail.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating switch management processing (step S500) in the main control board 300.

(Step S500-1)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the gate detection switch is being turned on, that is, whether the game ball has passed through the gate 124 and the detection signal from the gate detection switch 124s has been turned on. As a result, if it is determined that the gate detection switch-on is detected, the process moves to step S510, and if it is determined that the gate detection switch-on is not detected, the process moves to step S500-7.

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

(Step S500-3)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the normal game operating port detection switch is on-detected, that is, whether a game ball enters the normal game operating port 125 and the detection signal from the normal game operating port detection switch 125s is turned on. . As a result, if it is determined that the ordinary figure actuation opening detection switch is turned on, the process moves to step S510, and if it is determined that the ordinary figure actuation opening detection switch is not turned on, the process goes to step S500-5. move.

(Step S510)
The main CPU 300a executes a gate passing process based on the entry of the game ball into the normal figure operating port 125.

(Step S500-5)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the first fixed starting port detection switch is turned on, that is, whether a game ball enters the first fixed starting port 120A and a detection signal is input from the first fixed starting port detection switch 120As. judge. As a result, if it is determined that the first fixed starting port detection switch is on, the process moves to step S520, and if it is determined that the first fixed starting port detection switch is not on, the process moves to step S500-7. Processing is transferred to .

(Step S520)
The main CPU 300a executes the first starting port passing process based on the game ball entering the first fixed starting port 120A. Note that details of this first starting port passing process will be described later.

(Step S500-7)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the first variable starting port detection switch is turned on, that is, whether a game ball enters the first variable starting port 120B and a detection signal is input from the first variable starting port detection switch 120Bs. judge. As a result, if it is determined that the first variable starting port detection switch is on, the process moves to step S520, and if it is determined that the first variable starting port detection switch is not on, the process moves to step S500-9. Processing is transferred to .

(Step S520)
The main CPU 300a executes the first starting port passing process based on the entry of the game ball into the first variable starting port 120B. Note that details of this first starting port passing process will be described later.

(Step S500-9)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the second starting port detection switch is on-detection, that is, whether a game ball enters the second starting port 122 and a detection signal is input from the second starting port detection switch 122s. As a result, if it is determined that the second starting port detection switch is on, the process moves to step S530, and if it is determined that the second starting port detection switch is not on, the process moves to step S500-11. move.

(Step S530)
The main CPU 300a executes the second starting port passing process based on the game ball entering the second starting port 122. Note that details of this second starting port passage processing will be described later.

(Step S500-11)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the big winning hole detection switch is on-detected, that is, whether a game ball enters the big winning hole 128 and a detection signal is input from the big winning hole detection switch 128s. As a result, if it is determined that the big winning opening detection switch is on, the process moves to step S540, and if it is determined that the big winning opening detection switch is not on, the process moves to step S500-13. .

(Step S540)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the game ball has entered the grand prize opening 128 properly, and if it is determined that the game ball has entered the grand prize opening 128 properly, the main CPU 300a determines whether the game ball has entered the grand prize opening 128 properly. A grand prize opening passage process is executed to transmit a grand prize opening entry command indicating the entry of a game ball to the sub-control board 330. The details of this big prize opening passage process will be described later.

(Step S500-13)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the specific area detection switch is turned on, that is, whether a game ball enters the specific area 140b and a detection signal is input from the specific area detection switch 140s. As a result, if it is determined that the specific area detection switch is on, the process moves to step S550, and if it is determined that the specific area detection switch is not on, the switch management process ends.

(Step S550)
The main CPU 300a executes a specific area passage process based on the entry of the game ball into the specific area 140b, and ends the switch management process. Note that details of this specific area passing process will be described later.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating the gate passing 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 determines whether the counter value of the normal symbol reserved ball number counter is greater than or equal to the maximum value, that is, whether the counter value of the normal symbol reserved ball number counter is 4 or more. As a result, if it is determined that the counter value of the normal symbol reserved ball number counter is greater than or equal to the maximum value, the gate passing process is terminated, and if it is determined that the normal symbol reserved ball number counter is not greater than the maximum value, The process moves to step S510-5.

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

(Step S510-7)
The main CPU 300a calculates a target storage section in which the acquired winning determination random number is to be saved among the four storage sections of the normal pattern reservation storage area.

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

(Step S510-11)
The main CPU 300a sets in the transmission buffer a general pattern reservation designation command indicating the general pattern reservation number stored in the general pattern reservation storage area, and ends the gate passing process.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating the first starting 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. In addition, the special symbol identification value is for identifying whether the reservation type is special 1 reservation or special 2 reservation, and the special symbol identification value (00H) indicates special 1 reservation, and the special symbol identification value (00H) indicates special 1 reservation. 01H) indicates special 2 reservation.

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

(Step S535)
The main CPU 300a executes a special symbol random number acquisition process, and ends the first starting opening passage process. Note that this special symbol random number acquisition process is executed using a module common to the second starting opening passage process (step S530). Therefore, details of the special symbol random number acquisition process will be explained after explaining the second starting opening passage process.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating the second starting 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 symbol 2 reserved ball number counter.

(Step S535)
The main CPU 300a executes a special symbol random number acquisition process to be described later, and ends the second starting opening passage process.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating the special symbol random number acquisition process (step S535) in the main control board 300. This special symbol random number acquisition process is executed using a common module in the first starting opening passage process (step S520) and the second starting opening passage 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 target special symbol reserved balls. Here, if the special symbol identification value loaded in step S535-1 is "00H", the counter value of the special symbol 1 reserved ball number counter, that is, the special 1 reserved number is loaded. Further, if the special symbol identification value loaded in step S535-1 is "01H", the counter value of the special symbol 2 reserved ball number counter, that is, the special 2 reserved number is loaded.

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

(Step S535-7)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the target special symbol reserved ball number loaded in step S535-3 is equal to or greater than the upper limit value. As a result, if it is determined that it is greater than or equal to the upper limit value, the special symbol random number acquisition process is ended, and if it is determined that it is not greater than or equal to the upper limit value, the process moves to step S535-9.

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

(Step S535-11)
The main CPU 300a calculates a target storage section in which the acquired jackpot determination random number is to be saved among the storage sections of the special figure reservation storage area.

(Step S535-13)
The main CPU 300a acquires the jackpot determination random number loaded in step S535-5 above, the winning symbol random number updated in step S400-13 above, and the fluctuation pattern random number updated in step S100-69 above, and executes the random number in step S535-11 above. Store it in the target storage unit calculated in .

(Step S535-15)
The main CPU 300a loads the counter values of the special symbol 1 reserved ball number counter and the special symbol 2 reserved ball number counter.

(Step S535-17)
The main CPU 300a sets the special figure reservation designation command in the transmission buffer based on the counter value loaded in step S535-15. Here, the special symbol 1 reservation designation command is set based on the counter value of the special symbol 1 reservation ball number counter (special 1 reservation number), and the special symbol 1 reservation designation command is set based on the counter value of the special symbol 2 reservation ball number counter (special 2 reservation number). and set the special map 2 reservation designation command. As a result, the number of special 1 reservations and the number of special 2 reservations are transmitted to the sub-control board 330 every time special 1 reservation or special 2 reservation is stored.

(Step S536)
The main CPU 300a performs the performance determination process at the time of acquisition, and ends the special symbol random number acquisition process. In this performance determination process at the time of acquisition, the result of the major lottery, the fluctuation pattern number, etc. are tentatively determined, and a prefetch designation command according to the result of the tentative determination is transmitted to the sub-control board 330.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating the big winning opening passage process (step S540) in the main control board 300.

(Step S540-1)
If the main CPU 300a determines in step S500-11 that the big winning opening detection switch is turned on, it loads the special game management phase. Although details will be described later, the special game management phase indicates the stage of the special game execution process, that is, the progress status of the special game, and is updated according to the stage of the special game execution process.

(Step S540-3)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the special game management phase loaded in the above step S540-1 indicates a stage of the execution process equal to or higher than the grand prize opening pre-processing. The special game management phase is provided with nine stages from 00H to 08H, of which 01H to 08H corresponds to the stage of execution processing beyond the big prize opening pre-processing. Since the big winning game or the small winning game is executed when the special game management phase is from 01H to 08H, it is determined here whether the big winning game or the small winning game is currently being played. If it is determined that the special game management phase indicates a stage of execution processing that is higher than the big winning opening pre-opening process, the process moves to step S540-5, and the special game management phase is the big winning opening pre-opening process. If it is determined that it does not indicate the above execution processing stage, the process moves to step S540-7.

(Step S540-5)
The main CPU 300a sets a grand prize opening ball entry command indicating that the game ball has properly entered the grand prize opening 128 in the transmission buffer, and ends the grand prize opening passing process.

(Step S540-7)
The main CPU 300a determines that the game ball entering the grand prize opening 128 is inappropriate, executes a predetermined error process, and ends the grand prize opening passage process.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating the specific area passing process in step S550.

(Step S550-1)
If the main CPU 300a determines in step S500-13 that the specific area detection switch is turned on, the main CPU 300a determines whether the valid period flag is on. As a result, if it is determined that the validity period flag is on, the process moves to step S550-3, and if it is determined that the validity period flag is not on, the process moves to step S550-9.

Although the details will be described later, this validity period flag is for determining whether or not the entry of the game ball into the specific area 140b is considered valid, and in this embodiment, it is used for the big prize game. It is turned on at the start of a specific round game (first round game).

(Step S550-3)
If it is determined in step S550-1 that the validity period flag is on, the main CPU 300a determines whether the specific area entry flag is on. Note that the specific area entry flag identifies that the game ball has already effectively entered the specific area 140b. If it is determined that the specific area entry flag is on, the specific area passing process is ended, and if it is determined that the specific area entry flag is not on, the process moves to step S550-5.

(Step S550-5)
The main CPU 300a turns on the specific area entry flag.

(Step S550-7)
The main CPU 300a sets a specific area entry command in the transmission buffer to notify the sub-control board 330 that the game ball has effectively entered the specific area 140b, and ends the specific area passing process.

(Step S550-9)
The main CPU 300a executes predetermined error processing.

(Step S550-11)
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.

FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating the special game management phase. As already explained, in this embodiment, there is a special game triggered by the entry of a game ball into the first starting port 120 or the second starting port 122, and a special game triggered by the passing of a game ball into the gate 124 or the normal pattern operating port 125. A normal game, which is triggered by the entry of a game ball into the game ball, proceeds simultaneously and in parallel. The processing related to the special game is executed stepwise and repeatedly, but the main control board 300 manages each process related to the special game in a special game management phase.

As shown in FIG. 32, the main ROM 300b stores a plurality of special game control modules for controlling the execution of special games, and a special game management phase is associated with each of these special game control modules. . Specifically, when the special game management phase is "00H", a module for executing "special symbol variation processing" is called, and when the special game management phase is "01H" or "05H" In this case, a module for executing the "big winning opening pre-opening process" is called, and if the special game management phase is "02H" or "06H", the "great winning opening opening control process" is executed. If the special game management phase is "03H" or "07H", the module for executing the "big winning opening closing effective process" is called, and the special game management phase is "04H". ” or “08H”, a module for executing “big winning opening end wait process” is called.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating the special game management process (step S600) in the main control board 300.

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

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

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

FIG. 34 is a flowchart illustrating special symbol variation processing in the main control board 300. This special symbol variation process is executed when the special game management phase is "00H".

(Step S610)
The main CPU 300a executes a special symbol change waiting process. This special symbol change waiting process will be described later using FIGS. 35 to 38.

(Step S620)
The main CPU 300a executes special symbol variation processing. This special symbol variation process will be described later using FIG. 40.

(Step S630)
The main CPU 300a executes a special symbol stop symbol display process. This special symbol stop symbol display process will be described later using FIG. 41.

FIG. 35 is a first flowchart illustrating the special symbol change waiting process (step S610) in the main control board 300, and FIG. 2 is a flowchart.

(Step S610-1)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the suspended flag is on. In addition, although details will be described later, in this embodiment, during the variable display of symbols on the first special symbol display 160, small winning symbols may be stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 162. In this case, when the small winning symbol is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 162, a small winning game is executed, but during this time, the subtraction of the variation time of the special symbol on the first special symbol display 160 is interrupted. After the end of the small winning game, the variable display of symbols on the first special symbol display 160 is restarted. The suspended flag is turned on when the small winning symbols are stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 162 and the first special symbol display 160 is in the process of displaying the symbols in a fluctuating manner. Here, if it is determined that the suspending flag is on, the process moves to step S610-3, and if it is determined that the suspending flag is not on, the process moves to step S610-5.

(Step S610-3)
The main CPU 300a executes a process for restarting the variable display of symbols on the first special symbol display 160, and moves the process to step S610-51 in FIG. 36.

(Step S610-5)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the special 1 pending number is 1 or more. As a result, if it is determined that the special 1 pending number is 1 or more, the process moves to step S610-7, and if it is determined that the special 1 pending number is not 1 or more, the process moves to step S610-51. .

(Step S610-7)
The main CPU 300a determines, on the first special symbol display 160, whether the symbols based on special 1 reservation are being displayed in a variable manner, or whether the symbols based on special 1 reservation are being displayed in a stopped state (while measuring the stop display time). Determine. As a result, if it is determined that the display is fluctuating or the display is stopped, the process moves to step S610-51, and if it is determined that the display is not fluctuating or the display is not stopped, the process moves to step S610-51. The process moves to step S610-9.

(Step S610-9)
The main CPU 300a blocks the special 1 reservation stored in the first to fourth storage sections of the first special figure reservation storage area to the storage section with the lowest ordinal number. Specifically, the special 1 pending stored in the second to fourth storage units is transferred to the first to third storage units. Further, the main RAM 300c is provided with a 0th storage section to be processed, and the special 1 pending stored in the first storage section is block transferred to the 0th storage section. In addition, in this special symbol storage area shift process, the counter value of the target special symbol reserved ball number counter corresponding to special 1 pending is subtracted by "1", and it is indicated that special 1 pending has been subtracted by "1". Set the pending reduction specification command to the send buffer.

(Step S610-11)
The main CPU 300a determines whether symbols are being displayed in a variable manner on the second special symbol display 162. As a result, if it is determined that the symbols are being displayed in a variable manner, the process moves to step S610-17, and if it is determined that the symbols are not being displayed in a variable manner, the process is transferred to step S611.

(Step S611)
The main CPU 300a executes a special symbol winning determination process for performing a major lottery. This special symbol hit determination process will be described later.

(Step S610-15)
The main CPU 300a executes a special symbol determination process for determining a special symbol. Here, if the result of the major lottery in step S611 is a jackpot or a small win, the winning symbol random number and reservation type transferred to the 0th storage section are loaded, and the corresponding winning symbol random number determination table or small winning symbol is loaded. Select the random number determination table, extract special symbol determination data, and save the extracted special symbol determination data (type of jackpot symbol). Moreover, when the result of the big winning lottery in step S611 is a loss, special symbol determination data for a loss is saved. Then, after saving the special symbol determination data, a symbol type designation command corresponding to the special symbol determination data is set in the transmission buffer.

(Step S610-17)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the special symbol finally stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 162 is a jackpot symbol. As a result, if it is determined that it is a jackpot symbol, the process moves to step S610-19, and if it is determined that it is not a jackpot symbol, the process moves to step S611.

(Step S610-19)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the jackpot determination random number transferred to the 0th storage unit is within the range of a small win. As a result, if it is determined that it is within the range of a small win, the process moves to step S610-21, and if it is determined that it is outside the range of a small win, the process moves to step S610-23.

(Step S610-21)
The main CPU 300a loads the transferred winning symbol random number and reservation type into the 0th storage unit, selects the corresponding small winning symbol random number determination table, extracts special symbol determination data, and extracts special symbol determination data (small (type of winning symbol).

(Step S610-23)
The main CPU 300a saves special symbol determination data related to losing symbols, and sets a symbol type designation command corresponding to the special symbol determination data in the transmission buffer. In other words, when the second special symbol display 162 is displaying a fluctuating symbol that will eventually stop displaying a jackpot symbol, the first special symbol display 160 will always display a small winning symbol or a losing symbol. Only the variable display of the symbols that are finally stopped and displayed will be performed.

(Step S610-25)
The main CPU 300a saves the special symbol stop symbol number corresponding to the special symbol determination data extracted in steps S610-15, S610-21, and S610-23. Note that the first special symbol display 160 and the second special symbol display 162 are each composed of 7 segments, and a number (counter value) is associated with each segment that constitutes the 7 segments. The special symbol stop symbol number determined here indicates the number (counter value) of the segment that will finally light up.

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

(Step S610-27)
The main CPU 300a loads the variation pattern number determined in step S612, and determines the variation time by referring to the variation time determination table. Then, the determined variation time is set in the special symbol variation timer.

(Step S610-29)
The main CPU 300a determines whether or not the result of the big winning lottery is a jackpot. If it is a jackpot, the main CPU 300a loads the special symbol determination data saved in step S610-15 above and checks the type of jackpot symbol. do. Then, with reference to the gaming state setting table and the current gaming state, the gaming state, high accuracy number, and time saving number to be set after the end of the big prize game are determined, and the determination results are used as the special symbol probability state preliminary flag and the time saving state preliminary flag. It is saved in the flag, high-accuracy number-cutting reserve counter, and time-saving number-cutting reserve counter. In addition, if the losing symbol is saved, the process moves to the next process without executing the process.

(Step S610-31)
The main CPU 300a executes a process of setting a special symbol display symbol counter in order to start variable display of symbols on the first special symbol display 160. A counter value is associated with each of the 7 segments constituting the first special symbol display 160, and the lighting control of the segment corresponding to the counter value set in the special symbol display symbol counter is performed. Here, the counter value corresponding to the segment to be lit at the start of the variable display of symbols is set in the special symbol display symbol counter. The special symbol display symbol counter includes a special symbol 1 display symbol counter corresponding to the first special symbol display 160 and a special symbol 2 display symbol counter corresponding to the second special symbol display 162, which are separately provided. Here, a counter value is set in the special symbol 1 display symbol counter.

(Step S613)
The main CPU 300a executes the number-of-times management process. Here, processing is performed to end the time saving gaming state according to the number of fluctuations. This number-of-times management process will be described later.

(Step S610-35)
The main CPU 300a sets a number command indicating the remaining number of times (actual remaining number of times) until the high-accuracy number of times and the time-saving number of times become 0 in the transmission buffer.

(Step S610-37)
The main CPU 300a sets a gaming state change designation command indicating the gaming state at the start of the variable display of special symbols in the transmission buffer.

(Step S610-51)
As shown in FIG. 36, the main CPU 300a determines whether the special 2 pending number is 1 or more. As a result, if it is determined that the special 2 pending number is 1 or more, the process moves to step S610-53, and if it is determined that the special 2 pending number is not 1 or more, the process moves to step S610-85. .

(Step S610-53)
The main CPU 300a determines, on the second special symbol display 162, whether the symbols based on special 2 reservation are being displayed in a variable manner, or whether the symbols based on special 2 reservation are being displayed in a stopped state (while measuring the stop display time). Determine. As a result, if it is determined that the display is fluctuating or static, the process moves to step S610-85, and if it is determined that the display is not fluctuating or static, the process proceeds to step S610. -55.

(Step S610-55)
The main CPU 300a block-transfers the special 2 reservations stored in the first to fourth storage sections of the second special figure reservation storage area to the storage section with the next lower ordinal number. Specifically, the special 2 reservations stored in the second to fourth storage units are transferred to the first to third storage units. Further, the main RAM 300c is provided with a 0th storage section to be processed, and the special 2 pending stored in the first storage section is block transferred to the 0th storage section. In addition, in this special symbol storage area shift process, the counter value of the target special symbol reserved ball number counter corresponding to special 2 reservation is subtracted by "1", and it is indicated that special 2 reservation has been subtracted by "1". Set the pending reduction specification command to the send buffer.

(Step S610-57)
The main CPU 300a determines whether symbols are being displayed in a variable manner on the first special symbol display 160. As a result, if it is determined that the symbols are being displayed in a variable manner, the process moves to step S610-63, and if it is determined that the symbols are not being displayed in a variable manner, the process is transferred to step S611.

(Step S611)
The main CPU 300a loads the jackpot determination random number transferred to the 0th storage unit, the special symbol probability state flag that identifies whether it is a high probability gaming state or a low probability gaming state, and reads the corresponding jackpot determination random number determination table. A special symbol winning determination process is executed in which a winning lottery is selected, a major prize lottery is performed, and the lottery results are stored.

(Step S610-61)
The main CPU 300a executes a special symbol determination process for determining a special symbol. Here, if the result of the major lottery in step S611 is a jackpot or a small win, the winning symbol random number and reservation type transferred to the 0th storage section are loaded, and the corresponding winning symbol random number determination table or small winning symbol is loaded. Select the random number determination table, extract special symbol determination data, and save the extracted special symbol determination data (type of jackpot symbol). Moreover, when the result of the big winning lottery in step S611 is a loss, special symbol determination data for a loss is saved. Then, after saving the special symbol determination data, a symbol type designation command corresponding to the special symbol determination data is set in the transmission buffer.

(Step S610-63)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the special symbol finally stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 160 is a jackpot symbol. As a result, if it is determined that it is a jackpot symbol, the process moves to step S610-65, and if it is determined that it is not a jackpot symbol, the process moves to step S611.

(Step S610-65)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the jackpot determination random number transferred to the 0th storage unit is within the range of a small win. As a result, if it is determined that it is within the range of a small win, the process moves to step S610-67, and if it is determined that it is outside the range of a small win, the process moves to step S610-69.

(Step S610-67)
The main CPU 300a loads the transferred winning symbol random number and reservation type into the 0th storage unit, selects the corresponding small winning symbol random number determination table, extracts special symbol determination data, and extracts special symbol determination data (small (type of winning symbol).

(Step S610-69)
The main CPU 300a saves special symbol determination data related to losing symbols, and sets a symbol type designation command corresponding to the special symbol determination data in the transmission buffer. In other words, when the first special symbol display 160 is displaying a fluctuating symbol that will eventually stop displaying a jackpot symbol, the second special symbol display 162 will always display a small winning symbol or a losing symbol. Only the variable display of the symbols that are finally stopped and displayed will be performed.

(Step S610-71)
The main CPU 300a saves the special symbol stop symbol number corresponding to the special symbol determination data extracted in steps S610-61, S610-67, and S610-69.

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

(Step S610-73)
The main CPU 300a loads the variation pattern number determined in step S612, and determines the variation time by referring to the variation time determination table. Then, the determined variation time is set in the special symbol variation timer.

(Step S610-75)
The main CPU 300a determines whether or not the result of the big winning lottery in step S611 is a jackpot. If it is a jackpot, the main CPU 300a loads the special symbol determination data saved in steps S610-61 and selects the jackpot symbol. Check the type. Then, with reference to the gaming state setting table and the current gaming state, the gaming state, high accuracy number, and time saving number to be set after the end of the big prize game are determined, and the determination results are used as the special symbol probability state preliminary flag and the time saving state preliminary flag. It is saved in the flag, high-accuracy number-cutting reserve counter, and time-saving number-cutting reserve counter. In addition, if the losing symbol is saved, the process moves to the next process without executing the process.

(Step S610-77)
The main CPU 300a executes a process of setting a special symbol display symbol counter in the second special symbol display 162 in order to start variable display of symbols. A counter value is associated with each of the 7 segments constituting the second special symbol display 162, and lighting control is performed on the segment corresponding to the counter value set in the special symbol display symbol counter. Here, the counter value corresponding to the segment to be lit at the start of the variable display of symbols will be set in the special symbol 2 display symbol counter.

(Step S613)
The main CPU 300a executes a number-of-times management process, which will be described later.

(Step S610-81)
The main CPU 300a sets a number command indicating the counter value updated in step S610-79 (remaining number of times until the high probability number becomes 0) in the transmission buffer.

(Step S610-83)
The main CPU 300a sets a gaming state change designation command indicating the gaming state at the start of the variable display of special symbols in the transmission buffer.

(Step S610-85)
The main CPU 300a executes a predetermined customer waiting process when the first special symbol display 160 and the second special symbol display 162 are not displaying symbols fluctuating or stopping, and wait for the special symbol to change. Finish the process.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart illustrating the above special symbol hit determination process (S611).

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

(Step S611-3)
The main CPU 300a loads the registered setting values in the setting value buffer.

(Step S611-5)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the registered setting value loaded in step S611-3 is within the normal range. As a result, if it is determined that the value is within the normal range, the process moves to step S611-11, and if it is determined that the value is not within the normal range, the process moves to step S611-7.

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

(Step S611-9)
The main CPU 300a sets the setting abnormal state command (subcommand) in the transmission buffer, and ends the special symbol hit determination process. When this setting abnormal state command is sent to the sub control board 330, a notification to the effect that the setting is abnormal is made.

(Step S611-11)
The main CPU 300a refers to the jackpot determination random number determination table corresponding to the information loaded in steps S611-1 and S611-3, and sets the lower limit value and upper limit value for determining a jackpot or small win, respectively.

(Step S611-13)
The main CPU 300a compares the jackpot determination random number transferred to the 0th storage unit with the above lower limit value and upper limit value, and performs a determination process (major lottery) to determine whether or not a jackpot or small win has been won.

(Step S611-15)
The main CPU 300a sets the result of the determination process in step S611-13 as determination information, and ends the special symbol hit determination process.

FIG. 38 is a flowchart illustrating the special symbol variation number determination process (step S612) in the main control board 300.

(Step S612-1)
The main CPU 300a loads the special symbol determination data (special symbol type) saved in step S610.

(Step S612-3)
The main CPU 300a checks the currently set gaming state and determines whether the normal gaming state is a non-time-saving gaming state. As a result, if it is determined that the normal gaming state is a non-time-saving gaming state, the process moves to step S612-5, and if it is determined that it is not a non-time-saving gaming state, the process moves to step S612-9.

(Step S612-5)
The main CPU 300a checks the currently set gaming state and determines whether the special gaming state is a low probability gaming state. As a result, if it is determined that the special gaming state is a low probability gaming state, the process moves to step S612-7, and if it is determined that the special gaming state is not a low probability gaming state, the process moves to step S612-9.

(Step S612-7)
The main CPU 300a increments the variation counter. Note that the fluctuation number counter is a counter that counts the number of fluctuations in the normal state. Although a detailed explanation will be omitted, the counter value of the fluctuation number counter is reset with the execution of the big winning game.

(Step S612-9)
The main CPU 300a selects and sets a corresponding fluctuation pattern random number determination table based on the fluctuation pattern selection state flag, the counter value of the fluctuation number counter, the current gaming state, the pending type, and the determined special symbol type. Executes random number determination table selection processing. Here, at the start of the first fluctuating display of symbols in the normal state, the above-mentioned special A table or special B table is selected, and the fluctuating time is determined to be 10 seconds.

(Step S612-11)
The main CPU 300a determines the fluctuation pattern number based on the fluctuation pattern random number determination table set in the above step S612-11 and the fluctuation pattern random number transferred to the 0th storage unit in the above step S610-9 or step S610-55. do.

(Step S612-13)
The main CPU 300a sets the variation pattern command corresponding to the variation pattern number determined in step S612-11 above in the transmission buffer, and ends the special symbol variation number determination process.

FIG. 39 is a flowchart illustrating the number cut management process (step S613) in the main control board 300.

(Step S613-1)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the number of time reductions, that is, the counter value of the time reduction number cut-off counter is greater than zero. As a result, if it is determined that the number of time reductions is greater than 0, the process moves to step S613-3, and if it is determined that the number of time reductions is 0, the number of time reduction management processing is ended.

(Step S613-3)
The main CPU 300a decrements the time saving counter.

(Step S613-5)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the counter value (time saving number) has been updated to 0 in step S613-3. As a result, if it is determined that the number of time reductions is 0, the process moves to step S613-7, and if it is determined that the number of time reductions is not 0, the number of time reduction management processing is ended.

(Step S613-7)
The main CPU 300a sets a time-saving state flag in order to set the normal gaming state to a non-time-saving gaming state. As a result, after the normal gaming state is set to the time-saving gaming state, the normal gaming state is changed to the non-time-saving gaming state at the start of fluctuation when the number of fluctuations reaches the number of time-savings (in this case, 50 or 100 times). The Rukoto.

(Step S613-9)
The main CPU 300a turns on the time saving end flag and ends the number-of-times-cutting management process.

FIG. 40 is a flowchart illustrating the special symbol variation process in the main control board 300.

(Step S620-1)
The main CPU 300a sets "00H" as the processing target identification value. Note that the processing target identification value is used to identify whether to execute the process related to special 1 suspension or the process related to special 2 suspension when executing each of the following processes, If "00H" is set as the processing target identification value, processing related to special 1 pending is executed, and if "01H" is set as the processing target identification value, processing related to special 2 pending is executed. is executed. In addition, the various counters and timers that appear in the explanation of the special symbol fluctuation process and the special symbol stop symbol display process are provided with special 1 hold and special 2 hold, and the following steps S620-5~ The process in step S620-23 is performed on the processing target (counter, timer, etc.) corresponding to the processing target identification value stored in the main RAM 300c.

(Step S620-3)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the pending processing target is being displayed in a variable manner on the first special symbol display 160 or the second special symbol display 162. As a result, if the variable display is in progress, the process moves to step S620-5, and if the variable display is not in progress, the process moves to step S620-25.

(Step S620-5)
The main CPU 300a executes processing to update the special symbol variation base counter. Note that the counter value of the special symbol variation base counter is set so that it makes one round at a predetermined period (for example, 100 ms). Specifically, when the counter value of the special symbol variation base counter is "0", a predetermined counter value (for example, 25) is set, and when the counter value is "1" or more, The counter value is updated to the value obtained by subtracting "1" from the current counter value.

(Step S620-7)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the counter value of the special symbol variation base counter updated in step S620-5 is "0". As a result, if the counter value is "0", the process moves to step S620-9, and if the counter value is not "0", the process moves to step S620-13.

(Step S620-9)
The main CPU 300a performs a special symbol fluctuation timer update process that subtracts a predetermined value from the timer value of the special symbol fluctuation timer set in step S610-27 or step S610-73.

(Step S620-11)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the timer value of the special symbol fluctuation timer updated in step S620-9 is "0". As a result, if the timer value is "0", the process moves to step S620-19, and if the timer value is not "0", the process moves to step S620-13.

(Step S620-13)
The main CPU 300a updates a special symbol display timer that measures the lighting time of each segment of the 7 segments that constitute the first special symbol display 160 and the second special symbol display 162. Specifically, when the timer value of the special symbol display timer is "0", a predetermined timer value is set, and when the timer value is "1" or more, the timer value is set from the current timer value. Update the timer value to the value subtracted by "1".

(Step S620-15)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the timer value of the special symbol display timer is "0". As a result, if it is determined that the timer value of the special symbol display timer is "0", the process moves to step S620-17, and if it is determined that the timer value of the special symbol display timer is not "0", step The process moves to S620-25.

(Step S620-17)
The main CPU 300a updates the counter value of the special symbol display symbol counter to be updated, and moves the process to step S620-25. As a result, each segment constituting the 7 segments is sequentially lit at predetermined time intervals.

(Step S620-19)
The main CPU 300a saves the special symbol stop symbol number (counter value) determined in the above step S610-25 or S610-71 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 160 or the second special symbol display 162.

(Step S620-21)
The main CPU 300a sets a special symbol stop designation command indicating that the special symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 160 or the second special symbol display 162 in the transmission buffer.

(Step S620-23)
The main CPU 300a sets a special symbol fluctuation stop time, which is a time during which special symbols are stopped and displayed, in a special game timer.

(Step S620-25)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the processing target identification value stored in the main RAM 300c is the maximum (01H). As a result, if it is determined that the processing target identification value is the maximum, the special symbol variation process is ended, and if it is determined that the processing target identification value is not the maximum, the process moves to step S620-27.

(Step S620-27)
The main CPU 300a sets "01H" as the processing target identification value, and moves the process to step S620-3.

FIG. 41 is a flowchart illustrating the special symbol stop symbol display process in the main control board 300.

(Step S630-1)
The main CPU 300a sets "00H" as the processing target identification value.

(Step S630-3)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the special symbol related to the reservation type corresponding to the processing target identification value set in the main RAM 300c is being stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 160 or the second special symbol display 162. . As a result, if it is determined that the display is stopped, the process moves to step S630-5, and if it is determined that the display is not stopped, the process moves to step S630-27.

(Step S630-5)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the timer value of the special game timer set in step S620-23 is not "0". As a result, if it is determined that the timer value of the special game timer is not "0", the process moves to step S630-27, and if it is determined that the timer value of the special game timer is "0", step S630 -7.

(Step S630-7)
The main CPU 300a confirms the results of the major lottery.

(Step S630-9)
The main CPU 300a sets a game state confirmation designation command when a special symbol is confirmed, which indicates the gaming state when the special symbol is confirmed, in the transmission buffer.

(Step S630-11)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the result of the major lottery is a loss. As a result, if it is determined that the game is a loss, the process moves to step S630-27, and if it is determined that the game is not a loss, the process moves to step S630-13.

(Step S630-13)
The main CPU 300a determines whether there is a special symbol that is being displayed in a variable manner. As a result, if it is determined that there is a special symbol that is being displayed in a variable manner, the process moves to step S631, and if it is determined that there is no special symbol that is being displayed in a variable manner, the process is transferred to step S630-15.

(Step S631)
The main CPU 300a executes a pattern forced stop process. This pattern forced stop processing will be described later using FIG. 42.

(Step S630-15)
The main CPU 300a performs a game state update process to update the game state. Here, when the special symbol being stopped and displayed is a jackpot symbol, the game state is set to the initial state, and when the special symbol being stopped and displayed is a small winning symbol, the process proceeds directly to the next process.

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

(Step S630-19)
The main CPU 300a performs a special electric accessory maximum activation count setting process. Specifically, referring to the data set in step S630-17 above, a predetermined number (counter value corresponding to the type of special symbol = number of rounds) is set as a counter value in the special electric accessory maximum operation number counter. . In addition, this special electric accessory maximum operation number counter indicates the number of rounds that can be executed in the big prize game that will start from now. On the other hand, the main RAM 300c is provided with a special electric accessory continuous operation number counter, and at the start of each round game, by adding "1" to the counter value of the special electric accessory continuous operation number counter, the current The number of round games is managed. Here, with the start of the big winning game, a process of resetting (updating to "0") the counter value of the special electric accessory continuous operation number counter is also executed.

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

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

(Step S630-25)
The main CPU 300a updates the special game management phase to "01H" when starting a big prize game, and updates the special game management phase to "05H" when starting a small winning game.

(Step S630-27)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the processing target identification value stored in the main RAM 300c is the maximum (01H). As a result, if it is determined that the processing target identification value is the maximum, the special symbol stop symbol display process is ended, and if it is determined that the processing target identification value is not the maximum, the process moves to step S630-29. .

(Step S630-29)
The main CPU 300a adds 01H to the processing target identification value and moves the process to step S630-3.

FIG. 42 is a flowchart illustrating the pattern forced stop processing (step S631) in the main control board 300.

(Step S631-1)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the special symbol that is being stopped and displayed is a small winning symbol. As a result, if it is determined that it is a small winning symbol, the process moves to step S631-3, and if it is determined that it is not a small winning symbol, the process moves to step S631-11.

(Step S631-3)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the processing target identification value is 00H, that is, whether the small winning symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 160. As a result, if it is determined that the processing target identification value is 00H, the process moves to step S631-11, and if it is determined that the processing target identification value is not 00H, the process moves to step S631-5.

(Step S631-5)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the (other) special symbol being displayed in a variable manner is a jackpot symbol. As a result, if it is determined that it is a jackpot symbol, the process moves to step S631-11, and if it is determined that it is not a jackpot symbol, the process moves to step S631-7.

(Step S631-7)
The main CPU 300a turns on the suspending flag.

(Step S631-9)
The main CPU 300a executes a fluctuation interruption process that interrupts the fluctuation display of symbols on the first special symbol display 160, and ends the symbol forced stop processing. Here, processing is performed to temporarily save information regarding the remaining time of the variable time and special symbols to a predetermined storage area.

(Step S631-11)
The main CPU 300a performs a process of forcing the first special symbol display 160 or the second special symbol display 162, on which the symbols are displayed in a variable manner, to forcibly stop losing symbols, and ends the symbol forced stop processing.

As a result of the above processing, when the small winning symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 160, the losing symbol is forcibly stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 162. In addition, when the small winning symbol is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 162, if the jackpot symbol is being displayed in a fluctuating manner in which it is finally stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 160, the first special symbol is displayed. A losing symbol is forcibly stopped and displayed on the device 160. On the other hand, when a small winning symbol is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 162, if a small winning symbol or a losing symbol is being displayed in a fluctuating manner in which it is finally stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 160, 1 The variable display on the special symbol display 160 will be temporarily interrupted.

FIG. 43 is a flowchart illustrating the pre-processing for opening the big winning hole in the main control board 300. This big prize opening pre-opening process is executed when the special game management phase is "01H" or "05H".

(Step S640-1)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the timer value of the special game timer set in step S630-21 and the like is not "0". As a result, if it is determined that the timer value of the special game timer is not "0", the corresponding big prize opening pre-opening process is terminated, and if it is determined that the timer value of the special game timer is "0", The process moves to step S640-3.

(Step S640-3)
The main CPU 300a updates the counter value of the special electric accessory 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 big winning opening designation command for transmitting the opening start of the big winning opening (start of the round game) to the sub control board 330.

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

(Step S640-7)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the special game management phase is 01H, that is, whether a major prize game is in progress. As a result, if it is determined that the special game management phase is 01H, the process moves to step S640-9, and if it is determined that the special game management phase is not 01H, the process moves to step S640-13.

(Step S640-9)
The main CPU 300a determines whether it is the start of the first round game. As a result, if it is determined that it is the start of the first round game, the process moves to step S640-11, and if it is determined that it is not the start of the first round game, the process moves to step S640-13. .

(Step S640-11)
The main CPU 300a turns on the validity period flag. Although detailed explanation will be omitted, the validity period flag is turned off after a predetermined period of time has passed after the end of the first round game of the big prize game.

(Step S640-13)
The main CPU 300a updates the special game management phase to a value obtained by adding 01H to the current value ("02H" or "06H"), and ends the special winning opening pre-opening process.

FIG. 44 is a flowchart illustrating the big winning opening opening/closing switching process in the main control board 300.

(Step S641-1)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the counter value of the special electric accessory opening/closing switching number counter is the upper limit of the number of special electric accessory opening/closing switching (the number of opening/closing of the big prize opening during one round game). As a result, when it is determined that the counter value is the upper limit value, the corresponding big winning opening opening/closing switching process is ended, and when it is determined that the counter value is not the upper limit value, the process is moved to step S641-3.

(Step S641-3)
The main CPU 300a refers to the data of the special electric accessory actuation ram set table, and based on the counter value of the special electric accessory opening/closing switching counter, solenoid control data for controlling the energization of the big prize opening solenoid 128c; Extract timer data that is the energization time or energization stop time.

(Step S641-5)
Based on the solenoid control data extracted in step S641-3 above, the main CPU 300a executes the grand prize opening solenoid energization control process to start or stop the energization of the grand prize opening solenoid 128c. By executing this big winning opening solenoid energization control process, the big winning opening solenoid 128c is controlled to start or stop energizing in step S400-23 and step S400-25.

(Step S641-7)
The main CPU 300a saves the timer value based on the timer data extracted in step S641-3 above in the special game timer. Note that the timer value saved in the special game timer here becomes the maximum opening time of the big prize opening 128 for one time.

(Step S641-9)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the energization of the big winning opening solenoid 128c is started, that is, whether the control process to start energizing the big winning opening solenoid 128c has been performed in step S641-5. As a result, if it is determined that the current is in the energization start state, the process moves to step S641-11, and if it is determined that the energization is not in the energization start state, the big winning opening opening/closing switching process is ended.

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

FIG. 45 is a flowchart illustrating the big winning opening control process in the main control board 300. This big prize opening control process is executed when the special game management phase is "02H" or "06H".

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

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

(Step S641)
In step S650-3 above, if it is determined that the counter value of the special electric accessory opening/closing switching frequency counter is not the upper limit of the number of switching times of special electric accessory opening/closing, the main CPU 300a executes the process of step S641 above. do.

(Step S650-5)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the counter value of the grand prize opening winning ball number counter updated in step S500-9 has reached the specified number, that is, whether or not the counter value of the grand prize opening winning ball number counter updated in step S500-9 has reached the specified number. It is determined whether the same number of game balls have entered the ball. As a result, if it is determined that the specified number has not been reached, the big winning opening control process is ended, and if it is determined that the specified number has been reached, the process moves to step S650-7.

(Step S650-7)
The main CPU 300a executes the big winning hole closing process necessary to close the big winning hole 128 by stopping the power supply to the big winning hole solenoid 128c. As a result, the big prize opening 128 is closed.

(Step S650-9)
The main CPU 300a saves the big winning opening closing effective time (interval time) in a 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 ("03H" or "07H").

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

FIG. 46 is a flowchart illustrating the big winning opening closing effective process in the main control board 300. This big winning opening closing effective process is executed when the special game management phase is "03H" or "07H".

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

(Step S660-3)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the counter value of the special electric accessory continuous operation number counter matches the counter value of the special electric accessory maximum operation number counter, that is, whether the preset number of round games has been completed. . As a result, if it is determined that the counter value of the special electric accessory continuous activation number counter matches the counter value of the special electric accessory maximum activation number counter, the process moves to step S660-9, and if it is determined that they do not match, the process moves to step S660-9. Then, the process moves to step S660-5.

(Step S660-5)
The main CPU 300a updates the special game management phase to "01H". In addition, when the special game management phase is 07H, that is, while the small winning game is being controlled, the number of rounds of the small winning game is "1", so the above step S660-3 is always determined as YES, Processing does not proceed to that step.

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

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

(Step S660-11)
The main CPU 300a updates the special game management phase to a value obtained by adding 01H to the current value ("04H" or "08H").

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

FIG. 47 is a flowchart illustrating the big winning opening end wait process in the main control board 300. This big winning opening end wait process is executed when the special game management phase is "04H" or "08H".

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

(Step S670-3)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the special game management phase is "04H", that is, whether the big prize game is over. As a result, if it is determined that the special game management phase is "04H", the process moves to step S670-5, and if it is determined that the special game management phase is not "04H", the corresponding big winning opening end weight Finish the process.

(Step S670-5)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the specific area entry flag is on. As a result, if the specific area entry flag is not on, the process moves to step S670-7, and if the specific area entry flag is on, the process moves to step S670-9.

(Step S670-7)
The main CPU 300a sets the gaming state to a low probability gaming state.

(Step S670-9)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the limiter remaining number of times (counter value of the limiter counter) is greater than 0. As a result, if the remaining limiter count is greater than 0, the process moves to step S670-13, and if the limiter remaining count is 0, the process moves to step S670-11.

(Step S670-11)
The main CPU 300a sets the limiter counter to 4 as the limiter remaining number of times.

(Step S670-13)
The main CPU 300a decrements the limiter remaining number of times (counter value of the limiter counter).

(Step S670-15)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the limiter remaining count updated in step S670-13 is 0. As a result, if it is determined that the limiter remaining number of times is 0, the process moves to step S670-7, and if it is determined that the limiter remaining number of times is not 0, the process moves to step S670-17.

(Step S670-17)
The main CPU 300a sets the gaming state to a high probability gaming state.

(Step S670-19)
The main CPU 300a sets the normal game state based on the on/off status of the specific area entry flag, the remaining number of limiters, and the type of jackpot symbol.

(Step S670-21)
The main CPU 300a turns off the specific area entry flag.

(Step S670-23)
The main CPU 300a sets in the transmission buffer a gaming state change designation command for transmitting the gaming state set after the end of the big winning game.

(Step S670-25)
The main CPU 300a sets a number of times command corresponding to the number of time saving times in the transmission buffer.

(Step S670-27)
The main CPU 300a updates the special game management phase to "00H" and ends the big winning opening end wait process. As a result, if special 1 hold or special 2 hold is stored, the fluctuating display of symbols will be restarted.

FIG. 48 is a diagram illustrating the normal game management phase. As already explained, in this embodiment, the process related to the normal game triggered by the passage of the game ball to the gate 124 or the entry of the game ball into the normal pattern operating port 125 is executed stepwise and repeatedly. However, in the main control board 300, each process related to such a normal game is managed by a 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 a normal game management phase is associated with each of these normal game control modules. . Specifically, when the normal game management phase is "00H", the module for executing the "normal symbol change waiting process" is called, and when the normal game management phase is "01H", A module for executing "normal symbol fluctuation processing" is called, and if the normal game management phase is "02H", a module for executing "normal symbol stop symbol display processing" is called, When the game management phase is "03H", the module for executing the "normal electric accessory prize opening pre-opening process" is called, and when the normal game management phase is "04H", the "normal When the module for executing the "Electric accessory prize opening control process" is called, and the normal game management phase is "05H", the module for executing the "Ordinary electric accessory prize opening opening control process" is called. is called, and when the normal game management phase is "06H", a module for executing the "normal electric accessory winning opening end wait process" is called.

FIG. 49 is a flowchart illustrating the normal game management process (step S700) in 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 above.

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

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

FIG. 50 is a flowchart illustrating 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 pending ball counter and determines whether the counter value is "0", that is, whether the normal symbol pending is "0". As a result, if it is determined that the counter value is "0", the normal symbol change waiting process is ended, and if it is determined that the counter value is not "0", the process is moved to step S710-3.

(Step S710-3)
The main CPU 300a block-transfers the normal pattern reservations (winning determination random numbers) stored in the first to fourth storage sections of the general pattern reservation storage area to the storage section with one ordinal number smaller. Specifically, the ordinary map reservations stored in the second to fourth storage units are transferred to the first to third storage units. Further, the main RAM 300c is provided with a 0th storage section to be processed, and transfers the general map reservation stored in the first storage section to the 0th storage section. In addition, in this normal symbol storage area shift process, the counter value of the normal symbol reserved ball number counter is subtracted by "1", and a regular symbol pending reduction designation command indicating that the regular symbol pending has been subtracted by "1" is transmitted. Set in buffer.

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

(Step S710-7)
The main CPU 300a saves the regular symbol stop symbol number corresponding to the result of the regular symbol lottery in step S710-5. In this 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 will finally be lit. For example, in the case of winning, the normal symbol stop symbol number will be "0". is determined, and in the case of a loss, "1" is determined as the normal symbol stop symbol number.

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

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

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

(Step S710-15)
The main CPU 300a executes a process of setting a normal symbol display symbol counter in order to start variable display of normal symbols on the normal symbol display 168. For example, if the counter value of this normal symbol display symbol counter is set to "0", the normal symbol display 168 is controlled to light up, and if the counter value is set to "1", the normal symbol display is displayed. The lamp 168 is controlled to be turned off. Here, a predetermined counter value is set to the normal symbol display symbol counter at the start of the variable display of the normal symbols.

(Step S710-17)
The main CPU 300a sets, in the transmission buffer, a general pattern reservation designation command indicating the general pattern reservation number stored in the general pattern reservation storage area.

(Step S710-19)
The main CPU 300a sends a normal symbol designation command to the sending buffer based on the normal symbol stop symbol number determined in step S710-7, that is, the symbol type (winning symbol or losing symbol) determined by the normal symbol hit determination process. Set to .

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

FIG. 51 is a flowchart illustrating the process during normal symbol variation in the main control board 300. This normal symbol variation process is executed when the normal game management phase is "01H".

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

(Step S720-3)
The main CPU 300a updates a normal symbol display timer that measures the lighting time and light-off time of the normal symbol display 168. Specifically, when the timer value of the normal symbol display timer is "0", a predetermined timer value is set, and when the timer value is "1" or more, the timer value is set from the current timer value. Update the timer value to the value subtracted by "1".

(Step S720-5)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the timer value of the normal symbol display timer is "0". As a result, if it is determined that the timer value of the normal symbol display timer is "0", the process moves to step S720-7, and if it is determined that the timer value of the normal symbol display timer is not "0", the corresponding Normal symbol fluctuation processing ends.

(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 that indicates that the light of the normal symbol display 168 is off, it is updated to a counter value that indicates that the light of the symbol display 168 is lit, and the counter value that indicates that the symbol display 168 is lit is updated. If it is, the counter value is updated to indicate extinguishment, and the normal symbol fluctuation processing is terminated. As a result, the normal symbol display 168 repeats lighting and extinguishing (flashing) at predetermined time 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 the above step S710-7 in the normal symbol display symbol counter. As a result, the normal symbol display 168 is finally controlled to turn on or off, and the result of the common symbol lottery is notified.

(Step S720-11)
The main CPU 300a sets the normal symbol fluctuation stop time, which is the time during which the normal symbols are stopped and displayed, in the normal game timer.

(Step S720-13)
The main CPU 300a sets a normal pattern stop designation command in the transmission buffer indicating that the stop display of the normal pattern has started.

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

FIG. 52 is a flowchart illustrating 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 determines whether the timer value of the normal game timer set in step S720-11 is not "0". As a result, if it is determined 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 determined that the timer value of the normal game timer is "0", The process moves to step S730-3.

(Step S730-3)
The main CPU 300a confirms the result of the general lottery.

(Step S730-5)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the result of the general drawing lottery is a win. As a result, if it is determined that it is a win, the process moves to step S730-9, and if it is determined that it is not a win (it is a loss), the process moves to step S730-7.

(Step S730-7)
The main CPU 300a updates the normal game management phase to "00H" and ends the normal symbol stop symbol display process. As a result, the normal game management process based on the first normal symbol pending is completed, and if the common symbol pending is stored, the process for starting the fluctuating display of the normal symbol based on the next pending is performed. becomes.

(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 as a timer value in the normal game timer.

(Step S730-11)
The main CPU 300a updates the normal game management phase to "03H" and ends the normal symbol stop symbol display process. As a result, the opening/closing control of the first variable starting port 120B is started.

FIG. 53 is a flowchart illustrating the normal electric accessory prize opening pre-opening process in the main control board 300. This normal electric accessory prize opening pre-opening process is executed when the normal game management phase is "03H".

(Step S740-1)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the timer value of the normal game timer set in step S730-9 is not "0". As a result, if it is determined that the timer value of the normal game timer is not "0", the normal electric accessory prize opening pre-opening process is terminated, and it is determined that the timer value of the normal game timer is "0". If so, the process moves to step S741.

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

(Step S740-3)
The main CPU 300a updates the normal game management phase to "04H" and ends the normal electric accessory prize opening pre-opening process.

FIG. 54 is a flowchart illustrating the normal electric accessory prize opening opening/closing switching process in the main control board 300.

(Step S741-1)
The main CPU 300a determines that the counter value of the normal electric accessory opening/closing switching frequency counter is the upper limit of the normal electric accessory opening/closing switching frequency (the number of opening/closing times of the movable piece 120b of the first variable starting port 120B during one opening/closing control). Determine if there is. As a result, if it is determined that the counter value is the upper limit value, the normal electric accessory prize opening opening/closing switching process is terminated, and if it is determined that the counter value is not the upper limit value, the process proceeds to step S741-3. Move.

(Step S741-3)
The main CPU 300a refers to the data in the opening/closing control pattern table and generates solenoid control data (energization control data or energization (stop control data) and timer data that is the energization time (solenoid energization time) or energization stop time (normal energization closing effective time = rest time) of the normal electric accessory solenoid 120c.

(Step S741-5)
Based on the solenoid control data extracted in step S741-3, the main CPU 300a starts energizing the normal electric accessory solenoid 120c, or starts energizing the normal electric accessory solenoid 120c. Executes physical solenoid energization control processing. By executing this normal electric accessory solenoid energization control process, the normal electric accessory solenoid 120c is controlled to start or stop energizing in step S400-23 and step S400-25.

(Step S741-7)
The main CPU 300a saves the timer value based on the timer data extracted in step S741-3 above in the normal game timer. Note that the timer value saved in the normal game timer here becomes the maximum opening time of the first variable starting port 120B once.

(Step S741-9)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the normal electric accessory solenoid 120c has started energization, that is, whether the control process to start energizing the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 120c has been performed in step S741-5. As a result, if it is determined that the current is in the energization start state, the process moves to step S741-11, and if it is determined that the energization is not in the energization start state, the normal electric accessory prize opening opening/closing switching process is ended.

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

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

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

(Step S750-3)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the counter value of the normal electric accessory opening/closing switching frequency counter is the upper limit of the number of switching times of the normal electric accessory opening/closing. As a result, if it is determined that the counter value is the upper limit value, the process moves to step S750-7, and if it is determined that the counter value is not the upper limit value, the process moves to step S741.

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

(Step S750-5)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the counter value of the normal electric accessory winning ball number counter updated in step S530-9 has reached the specified number, that is, whether the first variable starting port 120B is under one opening/closing control. It is determined whether the same number of game balls as the maximum possible winning number of balls have entered. As a result, if it is determined that the specified number has not been reached, the normal electric accessory prize opening control process is ended, and if it is determined that the specified number has been reached, the process moves to step S750-7.

(Step S750-7)
The main CPU 300a executes a normal electric accessory closing process necessary to stop the energization of the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 120c and close the first variable starting port 120B. As a result, the first variable starting port 120B is brought into a closed state.

(Step S750-9)
The main CPU 300a saves the normal power valid 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 accessory prize opening control process.

FIG. 56 is a flowchart illustrating the normal electric accessory prize opening closing validating process in the main control board 300. This normal electric accessory prize opening effective processing is executed when the normal game management phase is "05H".

(Step S760-1)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the timer value of the normal game timer saved in step S750-9 is not "0". As a result, if it is determined that the timer value of the normal game timer is not "0", the normal electric accessory prize opening closing valid processing is terminated, and it is determined that the timer value of the normal game timer is "0". If so, the process moves 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 accessory winning opening closing validating process.

FIG. 57 is a flowchart illustrating the normal electric accessory winning hole end wait process in the main control board 300. This normal electric accessory winning hole end wait process is executed when the normal game management phase is "06H".

(Step S770-1)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the timer value of the normal game timer saved in step S760-3 is not "0". As a result, if it is determined that the timer value of the normal game timer is not "0", the normal electric accessory prize opening end wait process is terminated, and it is determined that the timer value of the normal game timer is "0". If so, the process moves to step S770-3.

(Step S770-3)
The main CPU 300a updates the normal game management phase to "00H" and ends the normal electric accessory winning opening end wait process. As a result, if the normal pattern is stored, the variable display of the normal pattern will be restarted.

Next, the effects executed and controlled by the sub-control board 330 will be explained. During the above game, various effects are performed depending on the game state. Here, as an example, an explanation will be given of a performance that is executed when a game is being played appropriately in a normal state and a most advantageous state.

FIG. 58 is a diagram illustrating an example of presentation in a normal state. In the normal state, the actual variable target is set to special 1 pending, and the result of the big winning lottery based on special 1 pending is announced by a variable effect. The fluctuating performance is executed with the start of the fluctuating display of the symbols on the first special symbol display 160, and ends with the stop display of the special symbols on the first special symbol display 160.

As shown in FIG. 58(a), in the variable performance, three performance symbols 210a, 210b, and 210c are finally displayed in a stopped state on the performance display section 200a, and a combination of these three performance symbols 210a, 210b, and 210c is displayed. As a result, the results of the big winning lottery are notified to the players. When the variable effect starts, the effect symbols 210a, 210b, and 210c start scrolling as shown in FIG. 210a, 210b, and 210c are stopped and displayed.

When a jackpot is won in the normal state and the jackpot symbol is the special symbol A, performance symbols 210a, 210b, and 210c having the same even number are displayed in a stopped state on the performance display section 200a. In addition, if you win a jackpot in the normal state and the jackpot symbols are special symbols B and C, the performance symbols 210a, 210b, and 210c with the same odd numbers are displayed in a stopped state on the performance display section 200a. Ru. However, if the jackpot symbol is special symbol C, the production symbols 210a, 210b, and 210c with the number "7" will be stopped and displayed, and if the jackpot symbol is special symbol B, the production symbols 210a, 210b, and 210c with the number "7" will be displayed. Production symbols 210a, 210b, and 210c with odd numbers are displayed in a stopped state.

Further, in the normal state, a hold display effect is executed simultaneously and in parallel with the above-described variable effect. In the normal state, the hold display area 212, the first hold display area 214a, the second hold display area 214b, the third hold display area 214c, and the fourth hold display area 214d are provided at the bottom of the effect display section 200a. The hold display area 212 corresponds to the processing area (0th storage unit) in the main control board 300, and the first hold display area 214a to the fourth hold display area 214d correspond to the first hold display area 214a to the fourth hold display area 214d, respectively, in the main control board 300. It corresponds to the first storage section to the fourth storage section of the special figure reservation storage area. Note that hereinafter, the hold display area 212 and the first hold display area 214a to the fourth hold display area 214d are collectively referred to simply as a hold display area.

For example, when a special symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 160, if two special 1 reservations are stored in the main RAM 300c, as shown in FIG. 58(a), the reservation display area 212 , a pending image (indicated by a circle in the figure) is displayed in the first pending display area 214a and the second pending display area 214b. Although a detailed explanation will be omitted, there are multiple types of display formats for the pending image, and the pending image is displayed in various display formats depending on the stored reliability of the pending image.

Thereafter, when a big winning lottery is held in which special 1 pending is read out on the main control board 300, the pending image displayed in the pending display area 212 is erased, and the pending image displayed in the first pending display area 214a is erased. The held image is shifted and displayed in the held display area 212. At this time, the pending images displayed in the second pending display area 214b to the fourth pending display area 214d are shifted and displayed from the first pending display area 214a to the third pending display area 214c, respectively.

In this way, in the hold display effect, the same number of hold images as the special 1 hold are displayed in the hold display area, and the currently stored special 1 hold number is notified to the player. In addition, in the hold display effect, the reliability of the jackpot for each special 1 hold is suggested by the display form of the hold image.

FIG. 59 is a diagram illustrating an example of presentation in the most dominant state. As shown in FIG. 59(a), in the most dominant state, a predetermined background image is displayed on the effect display section 200a. As mentioned above, in the most advantageous state, the special 2 hold is set as the actual variable target, and when a big winning lottery is held based on the special 2 hold, the fluctuation time of 1 second to 8 seconds is determined. . Here, when the variation time is determined to be 8 seconds, the continuation suggestion effect is executed. In the continuation suggestion performance, for example, as shown in FIG. 59(b), the performance display section 200a is divided into an area labeled "Continue" and an area labeled "End".

Continuation suggestion effects are roughly divided into continuation patterns and termination patterns. In the continuation suggestion effect of the continuation pattern, as shown in FIG. 59(c), the area labeled "Continue" eventually extends to the entire surface of the effect display section 200a. In this case, after the special symbol is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 162, the continuation suggestion performance ends when a predetermined fixed time has elapsed. When the continuation suggestion effect of the continuation pattern is completed, the background image for the most dominant state is displayed on the effect display section 200a, as shown in FIG. 59(d).

On the other hand, in the continuation suggestion effect of the end pattern, as shown in FIG. 59(e), the area labeled "End" eventually extends to the entire surface of the effect display section 200a. When the continuation suggestion effect of the end pattern is completed, a result standby screen is displayed on the effect display section 200a, as shown in FIG. 59(f). On the result standby screen, a reduced screen 220 is displayed at the lower right corner of the effect display section 200a, superimposed on a dedicated background image. This reduced screen 220 is a reduced version of the display screen of the effect display section 200a during a variable effect in the normal state.

Here, if the result of the big winning lottery based on special 2 reservation is a loss or a small win, the variable time can be determined to be 8 seconds with a predetermined probability. That is, when a loss or small winning winning result is derived based on special 2 reservation, the continuation suggestion performance is executed with a predetermined probability. However, if a winning result of a loss or a small win is derived, the continuation suggestion performance of the continuation pattern is always executed.

On the other hand, when the result of the big winning lottery based on special 2 reservation is a jackpot, that is, when the special symbol D is determined as the jackpot symbol, the variable time is always determined to be 8 seconds. In other words, when winning a jackpot based on special 2 reservation, the continuation suggestion performance is always executed. At this time, if the limiter is not activated, a continuation suggestion effect of the continuation pattern is executed, and if the limiter is activated, a continuation suggestion effect of the end pattern is executed. In this way, when the most dominant state continues, the continuation suggestion performance of the continuation pattern is executed, and when the most dominant state ends, the continuation suggestion performance of the end pattern is executed.

In addition, even when the special symbol D is determined, it may be set so that the continuation suggestion performance is not performed with a certain probability. In this way, it becomes even more difficult to understand the period until the limiter is activated.

Further, in the case where the above-mentioned continuation suggestion effect is not executed in the most dominant state, the background image for the most dominant state is continuously displayed on the effect display section 200a. Then, when a game ball enters the big winning hole 128 during a small winning game or a big winning game and the prize balls are paid out, the number of paid out prize balls (here 15 ) is displayed on the effect display section 200a. In other words, in the normal state, a variable effect is executed every time a major prize lottery is held, and the results of the major prize lottery are notified to the players, but in the most advantageous state, the results of the major prize lottery are widely notified to the players. Never.

That is, in the most dominant state, even if the game situation changes, such as the fluctuating display of symbols on the second special symbol display 162, small winning games, and large winning games, a series of performances are continuously executed. Therefore, it is difficult for the player to notice changes in the progress of the game on the main control board 300.

Further, during the most dominant state, the first notification effect is executed. The first notification performance is a performance that notifies the total number of prize balls that are paid out after game balls enter the big prize opening 128 from the so-called first hit until the end of the most advantageous state. In the first notification performance, the total number of prize balls is displayed in the upper right corner of the performance display section 200a. This total number of prize balls is updated every time a prize ball is paid out. Note that the first notification effect is executed even during the continuation suggestion effect, as shown in FIG. Therefore, if the gaming state before and after the execution of the big prize game is the most advantageous state, the first notification effect executed before the start of the big prize game will continue to be executed during the big prize game and even after the big prize game ends. It will be done.

The continuation suggestion performance of the end pattern is executed until the big prize game ends, but the first notification performance ends when the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 162. In other words, during the final big winning game, the first notification performance is not executed.

FIG. 60 is a diagram illustrating the execution timing of the first notification effect and the second notification effect. In FIG. 60, OP indicates an opening process, R indicates a round game, and ED indicates an ending process. Furthermore, the black portion in FIG. 60 indicates the period from when the major prize lottery is performed until the fixed time for stopping display of the special symbol has elapsed. In this embodiment, when a jackpot is won in a gaming state other than the most dominant state and the state is set to the most dominant state after a big winning game, the total number of prize balls is counted from that big winning game as shown in FIG. It will be done. This counting continues until the limiter is activated and the most dominant state is finally ended.

Moreover, the above-mentioned first notification performance is started when the most dominant state is first set after the ending process of the big prize game. This first notification performance is continued even during the big winning game which is executed with the special symbol D being stopped and displayed. Then, in the most advantageous state, if you win a jackpot that activates the limiter, the first notification effect will end when the fixed time for the stop display of the special symbol (jackpot symbol) has elapsed, that is, at the start of the last big prize game. Become. Incidentally, even after the first notification performance is completed, the total number of prize balls is counted during the final big prize game.

Conventionally, when informing a player of the total number of prize balls won during a so-called consecutive game, it is common practice to lengthen the ending time of the last major game at which the consecutive game ends, and to notify the player during the ending process. It is true. However, if the ending time is lengthened, the game will be delayed, and there is a risk that the player's desire to continue playing the game will decrease. In particular, the timing at which the gaming state is changed is also the timing at which the player's desire to continue playing is the lowest. Therefore, if the ending time is lengthened at such timing, there is a risk that the player's desire to continue playing the game will further decrease. Therefore, in the present embodiment, in order to suppress a decline in the player's desire to continue playing, a second notification performance that notifies the total number of prize balls paid out in the most advantageous state is executed during a variable performance in the normal state. do.

FIG. 61 is a diagram illustrating an example of the second notification effect. In the second notification performance, as shown in FIG. 61(a), the total number of prize balls paid out until the end of the most dominant state is displayed on the performance display section 200a. This second notification effect is executed simultaneously with the start of the first variable effect in the normal state. Therefore, for example, when transitioning from the highest priority state to the normal state, if neither special 1 hold nor special 2 hold is stored, the system enters a standby state and the second notification effect is not started. In this case, the result standby screen remains displayed on the effect display section 200a.

Further, as described above, the result standby screen is displayed with the start of the final big winning game, and at this time, the reduced screen 220 is displayed superimposed on the dedicated background image. The first variation performance in the normal state is a special variation performance, and the second notification performance is executed as part of the special variation performance. For example, suppose that after transitioning to the normal state, a major prize lottery is held based on special 1 pending, and a special variation effect is started. In this special variable effect, the effect symbols 210a, 210b, and 210c start to be displayed in a variable manner on the reduced screen 220, as shown in FIG. 61(a). Here, as described above, when transitioning from the most dominant state to the normal state, the first symbol variation time on the first special symbol display 160 is always determined to be 10 seconds (see FIG. 10).

Therefore, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 160 after 10 seconds have elapsed from the start of the first fluctuating display of the symbol in the normal state, the symbol is reduced as shown in FIG. 61(b). Production patterns 210a, 210b, and 210c are stopped and displayed on the screen 220. In this way, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed for the first time in the normal state, the reduced screen 220 gradually expands. When the reduced screen 220 has expanded to the entire surface of the performance display section 200a, the special variation performance ends. Then, as shown in FIGS. 61(c) and 61(d), the second variation effect is performed as usual.

In addition, even if when transitioning to the normal state, special 1 hold is not stored and only special 2 hold is stored, the special fluctuation performance will be executed in the same way as above, and during this special fluctuation performance. A second notification effect is executed. However, in this case, the performance symbols 210a, 210b, and 210c are not displayed in a variable manner within the reduced screen 220, and the fact that the symbols are being displayed in a variable manner is notified by blinking the so-called mini symbols.

FIG. 62 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a frame in the special variation effect. As shown in FIG. 62, frames in the special variation effect include image 222-1 (background image), image 222-3 (image of effect patterns 210a, 210b, 210c), image 222-5 (reserved image), image Image 222-7 (dedicated background image for the result standby screen) and image 222-9 (composite image) are included. Image 222-9 is an image obtained by reducing and tilting a composite image of images 222-1 to 222-5. A priority is set for each of these images, and the closer the image is displayed in FIG. 62, the higher the priority is set.

Here, the image 222-9 is not image data stored in advance in the sub ROM 330b, but an intermediate image in which images 222-1 to 222-5 are superimposed in priority order. Specifically, when generating frames in the special variation effect, image data representing an intermediate image (composite image) obtained by overlapping images 222-1, 222-3, and 222-5 is generated using a frame buffer, Image data of the generated intermediate image is temporarily held in a predetermined capture area.

The image data held in the capture area is read out at the timing when the dummy image 222-9 is superimposed on the frame buffer. That is, the image data held in the capture area is read out after the image 222-7 is superimposed on the frame buffer. The read image data is then reduced and tilted, replaced with a dummy image, and superimposed on the frame buffer as an image 222-9.

In the special variation effect, image data of a composite image including images 222-1 (background image) to 222-5 (reserved image) is held in the capture area. That is, an intermediate image obtained by combining images with priorities equal to or lower than image 222-5 is stored in the capture area. Then, by overlapping the images 222-1, 222-3, 222-5, 222-7, and 222-9, a composite image shown in FIG. 62 is displayed on the effect display section 200a. Note that image data representing a composite image is stored in the capture area and read out from the capture area for each frame. Therefore, an increase or decrease in the number of pending images that occurs during the special variation effect is appropriately reflected in the image 222-9.

Below, among the processes in the sub-control board 330, the processes for mainly executing the first notification effect and the second notification effect will be described. Note that descriptions of processes unrelated to the first notification effect and the second notification effect will be omitted.

(Sub CPU initialization process of sub control board 330)
FIG. 63 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 also 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 performance random number, and thereafter repeatedly performs the process of step S1000-3 until an interrupt process is performed. Note that a plurality of types of performance random numbers are provided, and here, each performance random number is updated asynchronously.

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

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

(Step S1100-3)
The sub CPU 330a performs processing to permit interrupts.

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

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

(Step S1100-7)
The sub CPU 330a performs time schedule management processing that measures the elapsed time of the variable effects, refers to a timetable set for each variable effect, and executes processing corresponding to the corresponding time stored in the timetable. . Here, various effects including variable effects are executed by turning various flags on and off or sending commands to each effect device based on the time data set in the timetable. will be controlled.

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

FIG. 65 is a flowchart illustrating the big winning opening ball entering command reception process that is executed when the big winning opening ball entering command is received among the above command analysis processes. As described above, the big winning opening ball entry command is set in the main control board 300 in step S540-5 of FIG. sent to.

(Step S1210-1)
Upon receiving the grand prize opening ball entry command, the sub CPU 330a first determines whether the counting flag is on. As a result, if it is determined that the counting flag is on, the process moves to step S1210-3, and if it is determined that the counting flag is not on, the receiving process for receiving the command for entering the big winning opening is ended. .

(Step S1210-3)
The sub CPU 330a updates the counter value of the prize ball counter.

(Step S1210-5)
The sub CPU 330a determines whether the first notification effect is in progress. If the first notification presentation is in progress, the process moves to step S1210-7, and if the first notification presentation is not in progress, the receiving process for receiving the command to enter the big winning hole is ended.

(Step S1210-7)
The sub CPU 330a updates and displays the total number of prize balls in the effect display section 200a based on the counter value of the prize ball number counter updated in step S1210-3 above, and ends the corresponding big winning opening ball entry command reception process. . As a result, during the most dominant state, in the first notification performance, each time a game ball enters the big winning hole 128, the total number of paid out prize balls is updated.

In addition, here, the prize ball number counter is updated based on the reception of the grand prize opening ball entry command, but for example, when a command indicating that the payout of the prize balls is completed is received, the number counter shown in FIG. You may also perform the process shown in

FIG. 66 is a flowchart illustrating the game state change designation command reception process that is executed when the game state change designation command is received among the command analysis processes described above. As described above, the game state change designation command is set in the main control board 300 in step S670-23 of FIG. Sent.

(Step S1220-1)
Upon receiving the gaming state change designation command, the sub CPU 330a first determines whether the set gaming state is the normal state. As a result, if it is determined that the state is normal, the process moves to step S1220-3, and if it is determined that the state is not normal, the process moves to step S1220-9.

(Step S1220-3)
The sub CPU 330a determines whether the gaming state at the time of winning the jackpot is the most advantageous state. As a result, if it is determined that it is in the most dominant state, the process moves to step S1220-5, and if it is determined that it is not in the most dominant state, the game state change designation command receiving process is ended.

(Step S1220-5)
The sub CPU 330a generates a frame for the result standby screen and displays it on the effect display section 200a. As a result, the result standby screen including the reduced screen 220 is displayed on the effect display section 200a as the most dominant state shifts to the normal state.

(Step S1220-7)
The sub CPU 330a turns off the counting flag and ends the game state change designation command reception process.

(Step S1220-9)
The sub CPU 330a determines whether the set gaming state is the most advantageous state. As a result, if it is determined that it is in the most dominant state, the process moves to step S1220-11, and if it is determined that it is not in the most dominant state, the game state change designation command receiving process is ended.

(Step S1220-11)
The sub CPU 330a turns on the count flag and ends the game state change designation command reception process.

FIG. 67 is a flowchart illustrating a variable pattern command reception process that is executed when a variable pattern command is received, among the command analysis processes described above. As described above, after the fluctuation pattern command is set in step S612-13 of FIG. 38 in the main control board 300, it is transmitted to the sub-control board 330 by the subcommand transmission process (see FIG. 20) of step S100-65. Ru.

(Step S1230-1)
Upon receiving the variation pattern command, the sub CPU 330a first determines whether the received variation pattern command is a special variation pattern command. Note that the special variation pattern command is sent to the sub-control board 330 when the special variation pattern number is determined by the special A table or the special B table. That is, the special variation pattern command is transmitted to the sub control board 330 at the start of the first variation performance in the normal state. If it is determined that the special variation pattern command has been received, the process moves to step S1230-5, and if it is determined that the special variation pattern command has not been received, the process moves to step S1230-3.

(Step S1230-3)
Based on the received variation pattern command, the sub CPU 330a performs a variation production execution process of determining and executing a variation production execution pattern, and ends the variation pattern command reception process.

(Step S1230-5)
The sub CPU 330a performs special variation effect execution processing to generate and display a frame for special variation effect.

(Step S1230-7)
The sub CPU 330a performs a second notification performance execution process to read out the counter value of the prize ball number counter and display it on the performance display section 200a, and ends the variable pattern command reception process. As a result, the second notification effect will be executed during the first variation effect (special variation effect) in the normal state.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the second notification effect is executed to notify the total number of prize balls. When the predetermined game state (normal state) is set after the end of the big prize game, the second notification effect is not executed during the ending process, and the second notification effect is executed after the big win game ends (after the ending process). Execute. Therefore, the time required for the ending process can be shortened, the delay in playing the game can be prevented, and a decrease in the player's desire to play can be suppressed.

Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. It is clear that those skilled in the art can come up with various changes and modifications within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention. be done.

For example, the gameplay of the above embodiment is only an example. In the embodiment described above, the variable display of symbols on the first special symbol display 160 and the variable display of symbols on the second special symbol display 162 can be executed in parallel. However, for example, the fluctuating display of symbols on the second special symbol display 162 is executed with priority over the fluctuating display of symbols on the first special symbol display 160, or the fluctuating display of symbols is executed in the order in which reservations are stored. You may also do so.

Further, in the above embodiment, a case where a limiter function is provided has been described, but the limiter function is not essential. Further, the specific area 140b is not essential, and for example, the gaming state after the big winning game may be set only by the jackpot symbol, or the playing state after the big winning game may be set based on the jackpot symbol and the gaming state at the time of winning the jackpot. A gaming state may be set.

Further, the types of special symbols, decision probabilities, transitions of game states, content of effects, and the board configuration of the game board 108 in the above embodiments are merely examples. In any case, in the present invention, a big winning game including a round game in which the big winning hole 128 is opened and an ending period that is set after the end of the round game and in which the big winning hole 128 is maintained in a closed state is executed. The execution conditions and contents of the big winning game can be designed as appropriate.

Further, in the above embodiment, the first notification effect and the second notification effect are executed, but the first notification effect is not essential.

In addition, in the above embodiment, when the normal state is set after the end of the big prize game, the first notification performance and the second notification performance are not executed during the ending process of the last big prize game, and the final notification performance is set after the end of the big prize game. When set to an advantageous state, the first notification performance may be executed during the ending process of the big winning game. However, for example, even when the most dominant state is set after the end of the big winning game, both the first notification performance and the second notification performance may be non-executed. Further, for example, when a specific gaming state different from the normal state (predetermined gaming state) is set after the end of the big winning game, the total number of prize balls may be notified during the ending process.

Further, in the above embodiment, the total number of prize balls paid out from the so-called first hit until the end of the most dominant state is counted. However, if the total number of prize balls paid out during a predetermined period including at least a round game of a big winning game or a small winning game is counted, the period can be designed as appropriate. In addition, in the above embodiment, the number of prize balls paid out is counted based on the entry of game balls into the big prize opening 128, but in addition to this, for example, the first starting opening 120, the second starting opening 122, etc. You may also count the game balls that hit the ball.

Further, in the above embodiment, the continuation suggestion effect is executed, but the continuation suggestion effect is not essential.

Further, in the above embodiment, the first notification effect is not executed during the last big prize game, but the first notification effect may be executed also during the last big prize game. In any case, the second notification performance may be made non-executable during the ending process of the last big prize game. Note that the second notification effect does not necessarily have to be executed, and may be executed when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

Further, in the above embodiment, in order to reduce the delay in the performance, the ending time of the jackpot is set short, and for example, in the normal state, it is shorter than the shortest variable time determined based on special 1 pending. Further, the ending time of the jackpot may be shorter than the variation time of the special variation based on special 1 reservation in the normal state, for example.

Further, for example, the second notification effect in the above embodiment may be executed over a period longer than the ending time of the jackpot, or may be executed over a plurality of variable effects.

Furthermore, for example, the average time of the fluctuation time determined based on the special 2 reservation of the real fluctuation target in the most dominant state is longer than the average time of the fluctuation time determined based on the special 1 reservation of the real fluctuation target in the normal state. may also be set shorter. In this way, in the most advantageous state, it is possible to obtain balls in a short period of time, and after the limiter is activated, it is possible to notify the result of the most advantageous state using a long fluctuation time. In addition, by lengthening the period of time in the normal state in which the number of balls does not increase, the overall ball release rate per unit time does not increase too much, and the gambling nature can be suppressed. Note that the average time of the fluctuation time mentioned above applies to the fluctuation time at the time of small wins and losses, excluding the fluctuation time at the time of winning the jackpot.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the total number of prize balls is not displayed at all during the ending period of the jackpot, but the display of the total number may be started from the middle of the ending period of the jackpot, and at least the total number of prize balls may be started from the middle of the ending period of the jackpot. The total number may be displayed for a longer period of time during the variable performance after the ending than during the ending of the jackpot.

Also, for example, the ending time of the jackpot may vary depending on whether or not the limiter is activated. For example, if the ending time of a jackpot when the limiter is not activated is made shorter than the ending time of a jackpot when the limiter is activated, it is possible to further reduce the delay in performance in the most advantageous state.

In addition, in the said embodiment, the main CPU300a which performs the process of FIG. 43 to FIG. 47 corresponds to the big winning a prize opening control part of this invention.
Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the main CPU 300a that executes the process shown in FIG. 47 corresponds to the state setting unit of the present invention.
Further, the payout control board 310 in the above embodiment corresponds to the prize ball control section of the present invention.
Further, in the above embodiment, the sub CPU 330a that executes the process of step S1210-3 in FIG. 65 corresponds to the counting section of the present invention.
Further, in the above embodiment, the sub CPU 330a that executes the process shown in FIG. 67 corresponds to the effect execution section of the present invention.
Further, the second notification effect in the above embodiment corresponds to the notification effect of the present invention.

100 Gaming machine 128 Big prize opening 300 Main control board 300a Main CPU
300b main ROM
300c main RAM
330 Sub control board 330a Sub CPU
330b sub ROM
330c sub RAM

Claims (1)

Judgment means for making a propriety judgment based on the entry of the game ball into the starting area;
Including a round game in which a big prize opening is opened when a winning determination result is derived from the above judgment, and an ending period that is set after the end of the round game and in which the big winning hole is maintained in a closed state. A big prize opening control unit that controls the big prize game,
a state setting unit that sets a gaming state after the end of the big prize game;
a prize ball control unit that pays out a prize ball based on at least the entry of a game ball into the big prize opening;
a counting unit that counts the total number of prize balls during a predetermined period including at least the round game;
a performance execution unit that executes a notification performance that notifies the total number, and a variation performance that indicates the result of the validity determination;
Equipped with
The performance execution unit is
When a predetermined game state is set after the end of the big prize game, the notification effect is not executed during the ending period, and after the end of the big prize game, the image for the notification effect and the image for the variable effect are changed. image display processing for displaying images simultaneously in parallel ;
In the image display processing,
Displaying the image for the notification effect in front of the image for the variation effect,
Generate a processed image by capturing and reducing the image for the variation effect,
A gaming machine characterized in that the processed image is displayed in front of the image for notification effect .

Images