JP7491585B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines such as pop-type pachinko machines.

A pachinko gaming machine is equipped with a main control board that manages the progress of the game, and a presentation control board that manages the presentation of the game through control of the LCD display on the game board and the gadgets. Some pachinko gaming machines have a normal state and a time-saving state in which the advantage in relation to auxiliary games is higher than in the normal state, and are configured so that starting wins are easier to achieve in the time-saving state. Patent Document 1 is a document that discloses technology related to the presentation of this type of gaming machine.

JP 2015-195798 A

However, there was room for improvement in the presentation of this type of gaming machine in terms of the entertainment value of the presentation during the time-saving period.

The present invention was made in consideration of these problems, and aims to further increase the enjoyment of playing with gaming machines.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a special game execution means, an auxiliary game execution means, and a presentation means including an image display means, and causes the special game execution means to execute any one of a plurality of types of jackpots, including a first jackpot that results in a first normal state after a special game, a second jackpot that results in a second normal state after a special game in a state in which the degree of advantage related to auxiliary games is higher than the first normal state, and a third jackpot that results in a time-saving state after a special game in which the degree of advantage related to auxiliary games is higher than the second normal state, the present invention provides a special game execution means that determines whether or not an auxiliary game needs to be executed, and causes the auxiliary game execution means to execute an auxiliary game based on the result of this determination, and provides a game according to the progress of the game. The game device includes a main control means capable of generating multiple types of commands including a command, and a performance control means that receives the command generated by the main control means and performs a performance by the performance means based on the received command, and the performance control means causes the performance means to display a background image of the second normal state when it receives a game state designation command for the second normal state following the end of the special game of the second jackpot, and causes the performance means to display a background image identical to the second normal state when it receives a game state designation command for the first normal state following the end of the special game of the first jackpot.

The present invention can further increase the enjoyment of playing on gaming machines.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a gaming machine 1 according to first to eighth embodiments of the present invention. This is an enlarged view of the second large prize opening 17 in the gaming machine 1 of the first to fourth embodiments. 1 is an oblique view of the rear side of the gaming machine 1 according to the first to eighth embodiments. A block diagram showing the configuration of the gaming machine 1 of the first to fourth embodiments. A figure showing the operation of the movable gimmick 33c in the gaming machine 1 of the first to eighth embodiments. A figure showing the operation of movable parts 33c, 33d in the gaming machine 1 of the first to eighth embodiments. A figure showing the operation of movable parts 33a, 33c, and 33d in the gaming machine 1 of the first to eighth embodiments. A diagram showing a game flow of the gaming machine 1 of the first and second embodiments. A figure showing the pattern changes and pending display images in the gaming machines 1 of the first to eighth embodiments. 1A to 1C are diagrams showing each presentation mode, a game state, and a background image of the gaming machine 1 of the first and second embodiments. A figure showing the normal variable presentation of the gaming machine 1 of the first to eighth embodiments. A figure showing the normal reach presentation of the gaming machine 1 of the first to eighth embodiments. A figure showing the roulette presentation of the gaming machine 1 of the first to eighth embodiments. A figure showing the roulette presentation of the gaming machine 1 of the first to eighth embodiments. A figure showing the SP reach presentation of the gaming machine 1 of the first to eighth embodiments. A figure showing the advance read pending display change presentation of the gaming machine 1 of the first to eighth embodiments. 11 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 according to the first to eighth embodiments. 13 is a flowchart showing the initialization process of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 according to the first to eighth embodiments. 10 is a flowchart showing the initialization process of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 according to the first to fourth embodiments. 13 is a flowchart showing the power interruption monitoring process of the gaming machine 1 according to the first to eighth embodiments. 13 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the first to eighth embodiments. 10 is a flowchart showing the input control processing of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the first to fourth embodiments. 13 is a flowchart showing the first start hole detection switch input processing of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the first to eighth embodiments. A diagram showing the special pattern memory area of the main control board 10 and the performance information memory area of the performance control board 120 of the gaming machine 1 of the first to eighth embodiments. A figure showing a pre-judgment table of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the first and second embodiments. 13 is a flowchart showing specific area detection switch input processing of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the first to eighth embodiments. 1 is a flowchart showing the special chart special electricity control processing of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the first to fourth embodiments. 13 is a flowchart showing the special symbol memory determination process of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the first to fourth embodiments. 13 is a flowchart showing the jackpot determination process of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the first to fourth embodiments. A figure showing a jackpot lottery determination table and a normal pattern lottery determination table of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the first to eighth embodiments. A figure showing a pattern determination table of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the first and second embodiments. A figure showing a pattern determination table of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the first and second embodiments. A figure showing a variation pattern determination table of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the first and second embodiments. A figure showing a variation pattern determination table of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the first and second embodiments. 13 is a flowchart showing the special symbol variation processing of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the first to eighth embodiments. 13 is a flowchart showing the special symbol stopping process of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the first to fourth embodiments. A figure showing a special game control table of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the first and second embodiments. A figure showing the big win opening opening control table for the big win of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the first to fourth embodiments. A figure showing the small win big prize opening opening and closing control table of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the first to fourth embodiments. A figure showing a setting table for when a special losing pattern is stopped on the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the first and second embodiments. 13 is a flowchart showing the jackpot game processing of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the first to eighth embodiments. 13 is a flowchart showing the small win game processing of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the first to fourth embodiments. A figure showing a specific area opening/closing control table for small win games of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the first to fourth embodiments. 13 is a flowchart showing the second type jackpot game transition process of the gaming machine 1 of the first to fourth embodiments. 13 is a flowchart showing the jackpot game end processing of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the first to fourth embodiments. A figure showing a special game end setting table of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the first and second embodiments. 13 is a flowchart showing the normal power control processing of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the first to eighth embodiments. 13 is a flowchart showing the normal symbol variation processing of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the first to eighth embodiments. A figure showing a normal pattern variation pattern determination table of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the first to eighth embodiments. A figure showing an auxiliary game control table of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the first to eighth embodiments. A figure showing the auxiliary game movable piece opening control table of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the first to eighth embodiments. 13 is a flowchart showing details of the auxiliary game processing of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the first to eighth embodiments. 13 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the performance control unit 120m of the gaming machine 1 according to the first to eighth embodiments. 13 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing of the performance control unit 120m of the gaming machine 1 according to the first to eighth embodiments. 13 is a flowchart showing a command analysis process of the performance control unit 120m of the gaming machine 1 of the first, fourth, fifth, and eighth embodiments. 13 is a flowchart showing a command analysis process of the performance control unit 120m of the gaming machine 1 of the first, fourth, fifth, and eighth embodiments. 13 is a flowchart showing a command analysis process of the performance control unit 120m of the gaming machine 1 according to the first to eighth embodiments. 13 is a flowchart showing a command analysis process of the performance control unit 120m of the gaming machine 1 according to the first to eighth embodiments. 13 is a flowchart showing details of the background image display control process of the performance control unit 120m of the gaming machine 1 according to the first to eighth embodiments. A figure showing the normal background setting table and the special background setting table of the performance control unit 120m of the gaming machine 1 of the first to eighth embodiments. A figure showing an example of a background image displayed in the gaming machine 1 of the first and fifth embodiments. A figure showing an example of a background image displayed in the gaming machine 1 of the first and fifth embodiments. A figure showing a command analysis process in the gaming machine 1 of the second, third, sixth and seventh embodiments. A figure showing a command analysis process in the gaming machine 1 of the second, third, sixth and seventh embodiments. A figure showing the normal background setting table and the special background setting table of the performance control unit 120m of the gaming machine 1 of the first to eighth embodiments. A figure showing an example of the display of a background image in the gaming machine 1 of the second and sixth embodiments. A figure showing an example of the display of a background image in the gaming machine 1 of the second and sixth embodiments. A diagram showing the game flow of the gaming machine 1 of the third and fourth embodiments. 13A to 13C are diagrams showing each presentation mode, game state, and background image of the gaming machine 1 of the third and fourth embodiments. A figure showing a pre-judgment table of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the third and fourth embodiments. A figure showing a pattern determination table of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the third and fourth embodiments. A figure showing a pattern determination table of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the third and fourth embodiments. A figure showing a variation pattern determination table of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the third and fourth embodiments. A figure showing a variation pattern determination table of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the third and fourth embodiments. A figure showing a special game control table of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the third and fourth embodiments. A figure showing a setting table for when a special losing pattern is stopped on the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the third and fourth embodiments. A figure showing a special game end setting table of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the third and fourth embodiments. A diagram showing the game flow of the gaming machine 1 of the fifth and sixth embodiments. A figure showing each presentation mode, game state, and background image of the gaming machine 1 of the fifth and sixth embodiments. A block diagram showing the configuration of the gaming machine 1 of the fifth to eighth embodiments. A diagram showing the special pattern memory area of the main control board 10 and the performance information memory area of the performance control board 120 of the gaming machine 1 of the fifth to eighth embodiments. 13 is a flowchart showing the initialization process of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the fifth to eighth embodiments. 13 is a flowchart showing the input control processing of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the fifth to eighth embodiments. 13 is a flowchart showing the special chart special electricity control processing of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the fifth to eighth embodiments. 13 is a flowchart showing the special symbol memory determination process of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the fifth to eighth embodiments. 13 is a flowchart showing the jackpot determination process of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the fifth to eighth embodiments. 13 is a flowchart showing the special symbol stopping process of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the fifth to eighth embodiments. 13 is a flowchart showing the jackpot game processing of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the fifth to eighth embodiments. A figure showing a pre-judgment table of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the fifth and sixth embodiments. A figure showing a jackpot lottery determination table and a normal pattern lottery determination table of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the fifth to eighth embodiments. A figure showing a pattern determination table of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the fifth and sixth embodiments. A figure showing a variation pattern determination table of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the fifth and sixth embodiments. A figure showing a variation pattern determination table of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the fifth and sixth embodiments. A figure showing the special game control table of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the fifth to eighth embodiments. A figure showing the large prize opening/closing control table of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the fifth to eighth embodiments. A figure showing a setting table for when a special losing pattern is stopped on the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the fifth and sixth embodiments. A figure showing a special game end setting table of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the fifth and sixth embodiments. A diagram showing the game flow of the gaming machine 1 of the seventh and eighth embodiments. A figure showing each presentation mode, game state, and background image of the gaming machine 1 of the seventh and eighth embodiments. A figure showing a pre-judgment table of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the seventh and eighth embodiments. A figure showing a pattern determination table of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the seventh and eighth embodiments. A figure showing a variation pattern determination table of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the seventh and eighth embodiments. A figure showing a setting table for when a special losing pattern is stopped on the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the seventh and eighth embodiments. A figure showing a special game end setting table of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1 of the seventh and eighth embodiments. 13A to 13C are diagrams showing examples of display of background images in the modified examples of the first to eighth embodiments. 13A to 13C are diagrams showing examples of display of background images in the modified examples of the first to eighth embodiments.

First Embodiment
Fig. 1 is a front view of a gaming machine 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of a second starting hole 15 in the gaming machine 1. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the rear side of the gaming machine 1. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the gaming machine 1. The gaming machine 1 of this embodiment is a type called a one-type two-type mixed machine. As shown in Fig. 1, the housing of the gaming machine 1 has a rectangular outer frame 60 and a glass door 50 that covers the playing area 6 of the outer frame 60 so that it can be seen.

One end of the glass door 50 (the left side when facing the gaming machine 1) is connected to the outer frame 60 via a hinge mechanism 51. A lock mechanism is provided at the other end of the glass door 50 (the right side when facing the gaming machine 1). When the lock mechanism of the glass door 50 is unlocked with a special key, the glass door 50 can be swung by the hinge mechanism 51 to open the gaming area 6. The glass door 50 is provided with a door opening switch 19a that detects the opening of the glass door 50.

On the outside of the part of the glass door 50 that covers the play area 6, a first special symbol display device 20, a second special symbol display device 21, a first special symbol reserved display device 23, a normal symbol display device 22, and a normal symbol reserved display device 25 are provided.

The first special symbol display device 20 notifies the result of the lottery for the big win held when the game ball enters the first start hole 14 of the game area 6 (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as the "start winning"). The second special symbol display device 21 notifies the result of the lottery for the big win held when the game ball enters the second start hole 15 of the game area 6 (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as the "start winning"). The first special symbol display device 20 and the second special symbol display device 21 each variably display a plurality of identifiable special symbols. The first special symbol display device 20 and the second special symbol display device 21 are composed of seven-segment LEDs. In the following description, the special symbol variably displayed on the first special symbol display device 20 will be appropriately referred to as the "first special symbol", and the special symbol variably displayed on the second special symbol display device 21 will be appropriately referred to as the "second special symbol".

The first special pattern reserved indicator 23 displays the number of reserved variations of the first special pattern. The first special pattern reserved indicator 23 is composed of two LEDs, one on the left and one on the right. To specifically explain the display mode of the reserved number on the first special pattern reserved indicator 23, when the number of reserved variations of the first special pattern is 1, the left LED lights up on the first special pattern reserved indicator 23. When the number of reserved variations of the first special pattern is 2, the right LED lights up. When the number of reserved variations of the first special pattern is 3, the left LED flashes and the right LED lights up. When the number of reserved variations of the first special pattern is 4, the two LEDs, one on the left and one on the right, flash.

The normal symbol display device 22 notifies the result of the normal symbol lottery which is held when the gaming ball passes through the normal symbol gate 13. The normal symbol display device 22 displays a number of different normal symbols which are identifiable. The normal symbol reserved indicator 25 displays the number of reserved normal symbol variations. The normal symbol reserved indicator 25 is made up of two LEDs, one on the left and one on the right. The display mode of the reserved number on the normal symbol reserved indicator 25 is the same as that on the first special symbol reserved indicator 23.

The game area 6 of the gaming machine 1 is roughly egg-shaped. The game area 6 is divided into a left area 6L on the left side of the center in the left-right direction, and a right area 6R on the right side. Rails 5a, 5b are provided at the left end of the left area 6L, extending in an arc with a gap between them that is slightly wider than the game ball. Of these rails 5a, 5b, a ball return prevention piece 5c is provided at the upper end of the inner rail 5b.

A performance button 35 is provided under the part of the glass door 50 that covers the play area 6. A performance button detection switch 35a is provided on the performance button 35. When the performance button detection switch 35a detects that the performance button 35 has been pressed, it outputs an ON signal indicating this.

A cross key 39 is provided to the left of the performance button 35. The cross key 39 consists of an up cursor key 39A, a down cursor key 39B, a left cursor key 39C, and a right cursor key 39D. A center key 39E is provided in a position surrounded by the up cursor key 39A, the down cursor key 39B, the left cursor key 39C, and the right cursor key 39D.

The up cursor key 39A, down cursor key 39B, left cursor key 39C, and right cursor key 39D of the cross key 39 are provided with cross key detection switches 39a, 39b, 39c, and 39d. The center key 39E is provided with a center key detection switch 39e. When the cross key detection switch 39a detects that the up cursor key 39A has been pressed, it outputs an ON signal indicating that. When the cross key detection switch 39b detects that the down cursor key 39B has been pressed, it outputs an ON signal indicating that. When the cross key detection switch 39c detects that the left cursor key 39C has been pressed, it outputs an ON signal indicating that. When the cross key detection switch 39d detects that the right cursor key 39D has been pressed, it outputs an ON signal indicating that. When the center key detection switch 39e detects that the center key 39E has been pressed, it outputs an ON signal indicating that.

A tray for storing game balls is provided behind the performance button 35 on the glass door 50. An operating handle 3 is provided to the lower right of the performance button 35 on the glass door 50. The player performs the firing operation by gripping the operating handle 3 with his/her right hand and turning it clockwise.

A touch sensor 3a is provided inside the operating handle 3. The touch sensor 3a is composed of a capacitance-type proximity switch that utilizes the change in capacitance caused by the player's touch of the operating handle 3. A ball-feeding solenoid 4b is provided in the tray of the glass door 50. The ball-feeding solenoid 4b is composed of a linear solenoid. A firing volume 3b and a firing solenoid 4a are provided near the rotating part of the operating handle 3. The firing volume 3b is composed of a variable resistor. The firing solenoid 4a is composed of a rotary solenoid.

These components 3a, 3b, 4a, and 4b perform operations related to the launch of the game ball in the tray into the game area 6 under the control of the launch control board 160. More specifically, when the player's hand touches the control handle 3, the touch sensor 3a supplies a touch signal indicating this to the launch control board 160. When the player's hand turns the control handle 3, the launch volume 3b outputs a voltage divided according to the amount of rotation of the control handle 3 to the launch control board 160. While the touch signal is being supplied from the touch sensor 3a, the launch control board 160 controls the energization of the launch solenoid 4a and the ball-feeding solenoid 4b based on the output voltage of the launch volume 3b.

By controlling the current flow of the launch control board 160, the ball feed solenoid 4b sends out the game balls in the tray one by one toward the launch member directly connected to the launch solenoid 4a. The launch solenoid 4a rotates the launch member. The game balls sent from the tray toward the launch member are launched between the rails 5a and 5b by the rotation of the launch member, and are guided to the rails 5a and 5b and rise. The game balls that rise between the rails 5a and 5b pass through the ball return prevention piece 5c and reach the play area 6, and fall unpredictably within the play area 6. Here, the rotation speed of the launch solenoid 4a is set to about 99.9 (times/minute) from the frequency based on the output period of the crystal oscillator provided on the launch control board 160. As a result, the number of launches per minute is about 99.9 (pieces/minute), since one ball is launched every time the launch solenoid 4a rotates once. In other words, one ball is launched approximately every 0.6 seconds.

A decorative member 7 that affects the flow of the game balls is provided at the top of the play area 6. A first performance drive device 330a, a second performance drive device 330b, a third performance drive device 330c, and a fourth performance drive device 330d are provided on the periphery of the play area 6. The first performance drive device 330a has a first movable role piece 33a. The second performance drive device 330b has a second movable role piece 33b. The third performance drive device 330c has a third movable role piece 33c. The fourth performance drive device 330d has a fourth movable role piece 33d.

The first performance drive unit 330a, the second performance drive unit 330b, the third performance drive unit 330c, and the fourth performance drive unit 330d perform game effects by operating the first movable role unit 33a, the second movable role unit 33b, the third movable role unit 33c, and the fourth movable role unit 33d under the control of the lamp/drive control unit 150 in the performance control board 120.

The first movable part 33a, the second movable part 33b, the third movable part 33c, and the fourth movable part 33d are located in a position where part or all of the parts are hidden behind the periphery of the play area 6 (hereinafter, this position is called the initial position), and by moving from the initial position toward the play area 6 and exposing the parts, they notify the player of the development of the performance, the confirmation of a jackpot, etc.

To explain more specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, when the effect during the pattern change display develops into an effect with a higher reliability of a jackpot, the third movable device 33c falls toward the play area 6.

As shown in FIG. 6, when a presentation with a changing pattern is being displayed to indicate or notify that a jackpot will develop into a presentation with a higher reliability, the third movable part 33c falls toward the play area 6, and the fourth movable part 33d moves to a position where approximately half of the width of the fourth movable part 33d is exposed inside the decorative member 7, and then returns to its initial position. This action is repeated multiple times.

As shown in FIG. 7, when a jackpot is confirmed during the performance of the changing pattern display, the third movable part 33c falls toward the play area 6, the fourth movable part 33d moves to a position where the inner edges of the left and right fourth movable parts 33d join in an egg shape in the center of the play area 6, and the first movable part 33a falls to a position inside the inner edges of the left and right fourth movable parts 33d.

As shown in FIG. 1, a first performance lighting device 340a is provided at the center of the first movable role 33a of the gaming machine 1. The first performance lighting device 340a has a first lamp 34a. A second performance lighting device 340b is provided at the center of the upper part of the glass door 50. The second performance lighting device 340b has a second lamp 34b. A third performance lighting device 340c is provided at the center of the third movable role 33c. The third performance lighting device 340c has a third lamp 34c. A fourth performance lighting device 340d is provided slightly inside the left and right corners of the upper part of the glass door 50. The fourth performance lighting device 340d has a fourth lamp 34d. The first lamp 34a, the second lamp 34b, the third lamp 34c, and the fourth lamp 34d are RGB full-color LED lamps.

The first performance lighting device 340a, the second performance lighting device 340b, the third performance lighting device 340c, and the fourth performance lighting device 340d perform game effects by emitting light from the first lamp 34a, the second lamp 34b, the third lamp 34c, and the fourth lamp 34d under the control of the lamp/drive control unit 150 in the performance control board 120.

Audio output devices 32 (speakers) are provided on the left and right of the second performance lighting device 340b at the top of the gaming machine 1. The audio output devices 32 perform game performance using performance sound effects under the control of the general control unit 141 in the performance control board 120.

Multiple general winning openings 12 are provided below the left area 6L of the game area 6. The general winning openings 12 are provided with general winning opening detection switches 12a that detect the passage of a game ball through the general winning openings 12. When the general winning opening detection switch 12a detects the passage of a game ball, a predetermined number of prize balls (e.g., 10) are paid out.

A first large prize opening 16 is provided below the right region 6R of the game area 6. The first large prize opening 16 has a horizontally long rectangular shape. The first large prize opening 16 is provided with a first large prize opening detection switch 16a that detects the entry of a game ball into the first large prize opening 16. When the first large prize opening detection switch 16a detects the entry of a game ball, a predetermined number of game balls (e.g., 15 balls) are paid out.

The first large prize opening 16 is provided with a first large prize opening door 16b and a first large prize opening opening solenoid 16c that switches the first large prize opening door 16b between open and closed. The first large prize opening door 16b is a rectangular plate of approximately the same dimensions as the first large prize opening 16. The lower edge of the first large prize opening door 16b is pivotally attached to the lower edge of the first large prize opening 16 so that it can swing freely. When the first large prize opening opening solenoid 16c is turned off, the first large prize opening door 16b stands approximately flush with the board surface of the play area 6 and is in a closed state blocking the first large prize opening 16. When the first large prize opening opening solenoid 16c is turned on, the first large prize opening door 16b is in an open state tilted forward with the lower edge of the first large prize opening 16 as a fulcrum.

While the first large prize opening door 16b is closed, game balls falling from above the first large prize opening 16 pass directly in front of the first large prize opening 16. Therefore, while the first large prize opening door 16b is closed, game balls do not enter the first large prize opening 16. On the other hand, while the first large prize opening door 16b is open, most of the game balls falling from above the first large prize opening 16 hit the upward-facing tray surface of the first large prize opening door 16b and enter the first large prize opening 16, which is detected by the first large prize opening detection switch. When the first large prize opening detection switch detects the entry of a game ball, a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 15) are paid out.

The second large prize opening 17 is provided at the lower center of the play area 6. The second large prize opening 17 is provided with a second large prize opening door 17b and a second large prize opening opening solenoid 17c that switches the opening and closing of the second large prize opening door 17b. The second large prize opening opening door 17b is a rectangular plate of approximately the same dimensions as the second large prize opening 17. The lower edge of the second large prize opening opening door 17b is pivotally attached to the lower edge of the second large prize opening 17 so as to be able to swing freely. When the second large prize opening opening solenoid 17c is turned off, the second large prize opening opening door 17b stands approximately flush with the board surface of the play area 6 and is in a closed state blocking the second large prize opening 17. When the second large prize opening opening solenoid 17c is turned on, the second large prize opening opening door 17b is in an open state tilted forward with the lower edge of the second large prize opening 17 as a fulcrum.

While the second large prize opening door 17b is closed, game balls falling from the diagonally upper right and diagonally upper left of the second large prize opening 17 pass directly in front of the second large prize opening 17. Therefore, while the second large prize opening door 17b is closed, game balls will not enter the second large prize opening 17. On the other hand, while the second large prize opening door 17b is open, most of the game balls falling from above the second large prize opening 17 hit the upward-facing tray surface of the second large prize opening door 17b and are guided into the interior of the second large prize opening 17.

As shown in FIG. 2, a specific area 19B (V winning port) is provided inside the second large winning port 19. A slide member 19c is provided in the specific area 19B. The slide member 19c serves as a sorting device that sorts game balls that pass over the specific area 19B into balls that enter the specific area 19B and balls that do not.

When the specific area opening/closing solenoid 18d (see FIG. 4) is turned off, the slide member 19c advances forward to close the specific area 19B, and when the specific area opening/closing solenoid 18d (see FIG. 4) is turned on, the slide member 19c retreats rearward to open the specific area 19B. While the specific area 19B is open, the ball enters the specific area 19B, which is detected by the specific area detection switch 18a. While the specific area 19B is closed, the game ball passes over the specific area 19B and is discharged from the opening 19e.

Above the second large prize opening 17 in the lower center of the game area 6, there are a first start opening 14 and a second start opening 15. The first start opening 14 and the second start opening 15 are lined up in the vertical direction. The first start opening 14 is provided with a first start opening detection switch 14a that detects the passage of a game ball through the first start opening 14. When the first start opening detection switch 14a detects the passage of a game ball, a predetermined number of prize balls (e.g., three) are paid out.

The second start hole 15 is provided with a second start hole detection switch 15a that detects the passage of a game ball through the second start hole 15. When the second start hole detection switch 15a detects the passage of a game ball, a predetermined number of prize balls (e.g., three) are paid out.

The second starting port 15 is provided with a pair of movable pieces 15b and a starting port opening/closing solenoid 15c that switches the movable pieces 15b between open and closed. The movable pieces 15b and the starting port opening/closing solenoid 15c serve as auxiliary game execution means. When the starting port opening/closing solenoid 15c is turned off, the pair of movable pieces 15b are each in an upright closed state. When the starting port opening/closing solenoid 15c is turned on, the pair of movable pieces 15b are in an open state tilted in an inverted V shape.

While the movable piece 15b is in the closed state, most of the game balls that fall toward the second starting hole 15 from the diagonally upper left and right of the second starting hole 15 bounce off the outer surface of the movable piece 15b. Therefore, while the movable piece 15b is in the closed state, it is difficult for game balls to pass through the second starting hole 15. On the other hand, while the movable piece 15b is in the open state, most of the game balls that fall toward the second starting hole 15 from the diagonally upper left and right of the second starting hole 15 are guided by the inner surface of the movable piece 15b and reach the second starting hole 15. Therefore, while the movable piece 15b is in the open state, it is easy for game balls to pass through the second starting hole 15.

A normal symbol gate 13 is provided at a position slightly above the first large prize opening 16 in the right region 6R of the game area 6. The normal symbol gate 13 is provided with a gate detection switch 13a that detects the passage of a game ball through the normal symbol gate 13.

In FIG. 1, an outlet 11 is provided in the center of the bottom of the play area 6. Any game ball that reaches the bottom of the play area 6 without entering any of the general winning hole 12, the first starting hole 14, the second starting hole 15, the first large winning hole 16, and the second large winning hole 17 is discharged through this outlet 11.

In the gaming machine 1, a lottery for a big win is executed when the start condition for the first special symbol is established by the start winning of the first start hole 14, and when the start condition for the second special symbol is established by the start winning of the second start hole 15. If the lottery result is a big win, the special symbol stops in the big win stop mode after a predetermined period of time of variable display, if it is a small win, the special symbol stops in the small win stop mode after a predetermined period of time of variable display, and if it is a loss, the special symbol stops in the loss stop mode after a predetermined period of time of variable display. In addition, a lottery for a normal symbol is executed when the start condition for a normal symbol is established by the passage of the game ball through the normal symbol gate 13. If the lottery result of the lottery for a normal symbol is a win, the normal symbol stops in the win stop mode after a predetermined period of variable display, and the movable piece 15b is opened in the win open mode. If it is a loss, the normal symbol stops in the loss stop mode after a predetermined period of variable display.

The gaming machine 1 has a total of eight types of jackpots: five types of first type jackpots and three types of second type jackpots. When the special symbol stops on a jackpot symbol, a first type jackpot game is executed as the special game. When the special symbol stops on a small jackpot symbol, a small jackpot game is executed, and when the game ball enters the specific area 19B during the small jackpot game, a second type jackpot game is executed as the special game. The eight types of jackpots are as follows:

A1. 1st class 10R per A
This jackpot is one of the jackpots that can be selected in a jackpot lottery triggered by the establishment of the start condition of the first special symbol. In this jackpot special game, round games from the first round to the tenth round are played. In each round game, the first large prize winning opening 16 is opened until the number of winning balls in the first large prize winning opening 16 reaches a specified number (e.g., 9 balls) or a specified time (e.g., 29 seconds) has elapsed, and then the first large prize winning opening 16 is closed for 2 seconds.

The gaming state of the gaming machine 1 includes a normal state and a low base time-saving state in which the game is played by hitting from the left, and a high base time-saving state in which the game is played by hitting from the right. As shown in the gaming flow in Figure 8, if A is reached per 10R of the first type in the normal state, the gaming state after the special game will return to the normal state. If A is reached per 10R of the first type in the low base time-saving state, the gaming state after the special game will return to the low base time-saving state. The number of time-saving times (B) when the low base time-saving state is reached after a special game of A per 10R of the first type is reached is 500 times.

Under normal conditions, the normal symbol variation time is 60 seconds, and the opening time of the movable piece 15b per winning normal symbol lottery is 0.1 seconds.

In the low base time-saving state, the normal symbol fluctuation time is 59 seconds, and the opening time of the movable piece 15b per normal symbol lottery win is 0.11 seconds.

In the high base time-saving state, the normal symbol fluctuation time is 5 seconds, and the opening time of the movable piece 15b per normal symbol lottery win is 6 seconds.

Here, the difference between the time when the normal symbols change in the low base time-saving state and the time when the normal symbols change in the normal state is only 1 second, and the advantage of the low base time-saving state in terms of auxiliary play is almost the same as the advantage of the auxiliary play in the normal state. The time when the normal symbols change in the high base time-saving state is more than 50 seconds shorter than the time when the normal symbols change in the normal state and the low base time-saving state, and the advantage of the auxiliary play in the high base time-saving state is higher than the advantage of the auxiliary play in the normal state and the low base time-saving state. In this sense, if the normal state is the first normal state, the low base time-saving state can be said to be the second normal state that has a higher advantage in terms of auxiliary play than the first normal state, and the high base time-saving state can be said to be the time-saving state that has an even higher advantage in terms of auxiliary play than the second normal state.

B1. Type 1 2R B
This jackpot is one of the jackpots that can be selected in a jackpot lottery triggered by the establishment of the start condition for the first special symbol. In this jackpot special game, a first round and a second round are played. In each round, the first large prize opening 16 is opened until the number of winning balls in the first large prize opening 16 reaches a specified number or a specified time has elapsed, and then the first large prize opening 16 is closed for two seconds.

As shown in the game flow in Figure 8, if a first type 2R hit results in B in the normal state, the game state after the special play will return to the normal state. If a first type 2R hit results in B in the low base time-saving state, the game state after the special play will return to the normal state.

C1. First class 2R C
This jackpot is one of the jackpots that can be selected in a jackpot lottery triggered by the establishment of the start condition for the first special symbol. In this jackpot special game, a first round and a second round are played. In each round, the first large prize opening 16 is opened until the number of winning balls in the first large prize opening 16 reaches a specified number or a specified time has elapsed, and then the first large prize opening 16 is closed for two seconds.

As shown in the game flow in Figure 8, if the game reaches C for 2R of the first type in the normal state, the game state after the special play will be in the high base time-saving state. The number of time-saving times (J) when the game reaches the high base time-saving state after the special play of C for 2R of the first type is 100 times. If the game reaches C for 2R of the first type in the low base time-saving state, the game state after the special play will again be in the low base time-saving state. The number of time-saving times (B) when the game reaches the low base time-saving state after the special play of C for 2R of the first type is 700 times.

F1. 1st class 10R per F
This jackpot is one of the jackpots that can be selected in a jackpot lottery triggered by the establishment of the start condition for the second special symbol. In this jackpot special game, round games from the first round to the tenth round are played. In each round game, the first large prize winning opening 16 is opened until the number of winning balls in the first large prize winning opening 16 reaches a specified number or a specified time has elapsed, and then the first large prize winning opening 16 is closed for two seconds.

As shown in the game flow in Figure 8, if the first type 10R per F is reached in the high base time-saving state, the game state after the special play will return to the high base time-saving state. The number of time-saving times (J) when the high base time-saving state is reached after the first type 10R per F special play is 100 times.

G1. First class 2R per G
This jackpot is one of the jackpots that can be selected in a jackpot lottery triggered by the establishment of the start condition for the second special symbol. In this jackpot special game, round games from the first round to the second round are played. In each round game, the first large prize winning opening 16 is opened until the number of winning balls in the first large prize winning opening 16 reaches a specified number or a specified time has elapsed, and then the first large prize winning opening 16 is closed for two seconds.

As shown in the game flow in Figure 8, if the first type 2R G occurs in the high base time-saving state, the game state after the special play will return to the high base time-saving state. The number of time-saving times (J) when the high base time-saving state is reached after the first type 2R G special play is 100 times.

H1. Type 2 actual 9R H
This jackpot is one of the jackpots that can be selected in a jackpot lottery triggered by the establishment of the starting condition for the second special symbol. In this special jackpot game, after the small jackpot game, which is essentially the first round, and winning in the specific area 19B, round games from the second round to the tenth round are played. In each round game, the first large prize opening 16 is opened until the number of winning balls in the first large prize opening 16 reaches a specified number or a specified time has elapsed, and then the first large prize opening 16 is closed for two seconds.

As shown in the game flow in Figure 8, if the second type of actual 9R per H occurs in the high base time-saving state, the game state after the special game will return to the high base time-saving state. The number of time-saving times (J) when the high base time-saving state is reached after the special game of the second type of actual 9R per H is 100 times.

I1. Type 2 actual 2R I
This jackpot is one of the jackpots that can be selected in a jackpot lottery triggered by the establishment of the starting condition for the second special symbol. In this special jackpot game, after the small jackpot game, which is essentially the first round, and winning in the specific area 19B, round games from the second round to the third round are played. In each round game, the first large prize winning opening 16 is opened until the number of winning balls in the first large prize winning opening 16 reaches a specified number or a specified time has elapsed, and then the first large prize winning opening 16 is closed for two seconds.

As shown in the game flow in Figure 8, if the high base time-saving state becomes Type 2 actual 2R I, the game state after the special game will return to the high base time-saving state. The number of time-saving times (J) when the high base time-saving state is reached after the special game of Type 2 actual 2R I is 100 times.

J1. Type 2 actual 9R J
This jackpot is one of the jackpots that can be selected in a jackpot lottery triggered by the establishment of the starting condition for the second special symbol. In this special jackpot game, after the small jackpot game, which is essentially the first round, and winning in the specific area 19B, round games from the second round to the tenth round are played. In each round game, the first large prize opening 16 is opened until the number of winning balls in the first large prize opening 16 reaches a specified number or a specified time has elapsed, and then the first large prize opening 16 is closed for two seconds.

As shown in the game flow of Figure 8, if the second type actual 9R per J occurs during the high base time-saving state, the game state after the special game becomes the normal state. In other words, in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, while in the high base time-saving state, if the first type actual 10R per F, the first type actual 10R per G, the second type actual 9R per H, or the second type actual 2R per I occurs, the most advantageous high base time-saving state continues, but if the second type actual 9R per J occurs, it will return to the normal state.

The gaming machine 1 has four types of special misses. Special misses are misses that can only be selected in a jackpot lottery that is triggered by the establishment of the start conditions for the first special symbol. The four types of special misses are as follows:

a1. High base time-saving special miss a
As shown in the game flow of Figure 8, when the special miss a occurs in the normal state, the high base time-saving state is entered. The number of time-saving times (J) when the high base time-saving state is entered after the special miss a is 100 times.

b1. Low base time-saving special miss b
As shown in the game flow of Figure 8, when the special miss b occurs in the normal state, the state becomes a low base time-saving state. The number of time-saving times (B) when the state becomes a low base time-saving state after the special miss b is 700 times.

c1. Low base time-saving special miss c
As shown in the game flow of Figure 8, when the special miss C occurs in the normal state, the game enters a low base time-saving state. The number of time-saving times (B) when the game enters the low base time-saving state after the special miss C is 500 times.

d1. Low base time-saving special failure d
As shown in the game flow of Figure 8, when the special miss d occurs in the normal state, the game enters a low base time-saving state. The number of time-saving times (B) when the game enters the low base time-saving state after the special miss d is 300 times.

Any miss other than the four types of special misses mentioned above is a normal miss. Stopping on a normal miss pattern does not itself trigger a change in the game state. However, as shown in the game flow in Figure 8, if the variable display that stops on a normal miss pattern continues for 900 times during a game state that is not in the high base time-saving state, the game state will change to the high base time-saving state after the 900th pattern stops. The number of time-saving times (J) when the high base time-saving state is reached after 900 normal misses is 100.

As described above, the low base time-saving state has a higher advantage in terms of auxiliary play than the normal state. However, as shown in the game flow of FIG. 8, in the low base time-saving state, no matter what the special symbol stops on, it does not enter the high base time-saving state, whereas in the normal state, when the special symbol stops on the symbol C for the first type 2R, the high base time-saving state is entered after the special play ends, and when the special symbol stops on the symbol a for the high base time-saving activation special miss, the high base time-saving state is entered immediately. Therefore, in terms of the ease of entering the high base time-saving state, the normal state has a higher advantage than the low base time-saving state. Therefore, in this embodiment, the player hopes to stay in the normal state during the normal state and get many opportunities to advance to the high base time-saving state by drawing the symbol C for the first type 2R or the symbol a for the high base time-saving activation special miss. Additionally, during the low base time-saving state, the player hopes to either hit the B symbol for the first type 2R as quickly as possible, or to resolve the fluctuation in the low base time-saving count (B) and move on to the normal state.

In FIG. 1, an image display device 31 is fitted between the decorative member 7 in the play area 6 and the first starting hole 14. The image display device 31 performs game performance using performance images under the control of the general control unit 141 in the performance control board 120. More specifically, the image display device 31 performs a pattern change performance as a performance in accordance with the pattern change display of the special pattern. As shown in FIG. 9(a), in the pattern change performance, a left pattern 36L, a middle pattern 36C, a right pattern 36R, and a fourth pattern 36Z (hereinafter, these patterns 36L, 36C, 36R, and 36Z are appropriately referred to as "decorative patterns 36") are displayed. The left pattern 36L, the middle pattern 36C, the right pattern 36R, and the fourth pattern 36Z change in sync with the first special pattern display device 20 and the second special pattern display device 21 to indicate the same jackpot determination result as that indicated by the special patterns on the first special pattern display device 20 and the second special pattern display device 21.

As shown in FIG. 9(a), when the left pattern 36L, the middle pattern 36C, the right pattern 36R, and the fourth pattern 36Z stop in a winning state and a special game is played, the gaming machine 1 performs a special game presentation in accordance with the special game. The special game presentation includes an opening presentation related to the opening of the special game, a round game presentation related to the round game, and an ending presentation related to the ending of the special game.

As shown in Fig. 9(b), an image 37(0) of the change is displayed at the bottom center of the image display device 31. When there is a hold for a change of the first special symbol, a maximum of four images are displayed on the left side of the image 37(0) of the change in the image display device 31, including an image ₃₇₁ (1) of the first hold (first hold in the change order), an image ₃₇₁ (2) of the second hold (second hold in the change order), an image ₃₇₁ (3) of the third hold (third hold in the change order), and an image ₃₇₁ (4) of the fourth hold (fourth hold in the change order).

When the reserved display number of first special symbol reserved indicator 23 increases, an image 37 ₁ (1), 37 ₁ (2), 37 ₁ (3), or 37 ₁ (4) appears according to the increased reserved number.

While the image ₃₇₁ (1), ₃₇₁ (2), ₃₇₁ (3), or ₃₇₁ (4) corresponding to the reserved display number of the first special pattern reserved indicator 23 is being displayed, each time a single variation of the special pattern is completed, the image 37(0) of that variation disappears, the image 371(1) of the first reservation moves to the position of the variation image ₃₇ (0) of that variation, and the images ₃₇₁ (2), ₃₇₁ (3), or ₃₇₁ (4) of the second reservation and thereafter move to the adjacent positions to the right of each other.

In the following description, images 37(0), ₃₇₁ (1), ₃₇₁ (2), ₃₇₁ (3), and ₃₇₁ (4) will be referred to as "hold display images" as appropriate.

As shown in FIG. 10, the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment has three modes: evening mode, day mode, and night mode. The evening mode is the mode in the normal state. The day mode is the mode in the low base time-saving state. The night mode is the mode in the high base time-saving state. During the evening mode, a background image showing an evening scene is displayed during normal fluctuation. During the day mode, a background image showing a daytime scene is displayed during normal fluctuation. During the night mode, a background image showing a nighttime scene is displayed during normal fluctuation.

As shown in FIG. 11, in the daytime, evening, and nighttime modes, the gaming machine 1 displays a normal changing image in which the left pattern 36L, the middle pattern 36C, and the right pattern 36R are displayed in a circular sequence separately on top of a background image corresponding to the current mode at the beginning of the performance that corresponds to the changing pattern display.

As shown in FIG. 12, in the effects that correspond to the pattern change display in the day mode, evening mode, and night mode, an effect that progresses from a normal change effect to a normal reach effect may be executed. The reliability of a jackpot when progressing from a normal change effect to a normal reach effect is higher than when progressing to a normal reach effect.

When moving from the normal variable performance to the normal reach performance, one of the left pattern 36L and the right pattern 36R (left pattern 36L in the example of FIG. 12) temporarily stops, and after a while the two patterns other than the temporarily stopped one are displayed in a circle, the other of the left pattern 36L and the right pattern 36R (right pattern 36R in the example of FIG. 12) temporarily stops at the same type of pattern as the one that stopped earlier.

As shown in Figures 13 and 14, a roulette effect may be executed in the effects that accompany the changing symbol display in the daytime mode and evening mode. In the nighttime mode, the roulette effect is not executed. The roulette effect is an effect that suggests which of multiple possible developments will occur depending on the result of the roulette.

The roulette numbers that can appear are "Day", "Evening", and "Miss". A "Day" number indicates that the mode will be daytime. A "Evening" number indicates that the mode will be evening. A "Miss" number indicates that the wheel will stop on a symbol that normally does not win.

As shown in FIG. 13(a), in the roulette presentation in the evening mode, if the roulette result is "Evening," the left pattern 36L, the middle pattern 36C, and the right pattern 36R are confirmed as "212," and the words "Evening mode continues" appear. After that, while maintaining the background image of the evening mode, the left pattern 36L, the middle pattern 36C, and the right pattern 36R begin their next change.

As shown in FIG. 13(b), in the roulette presentation in the evening mode, if the roulette result is "day", the left pattern 36L, the middle pattern 36C, and the right pattern 36R are confirmed as "232", and the words "Entering day mode" appear. After that, the background image switches to that of the day mode, and the left pattern 36L, the middle pattern 36C, and the right pattern 36R start to change in the next way.

As shown in FIG. 13(c), in the roulette presentation in the evening mode, if the roulette result is a "miss," the left pattern 36L, middle pattern 36C, and right pattern 36R are determined to be a miss combination other than "212" and "213" ("272" in the example of FIG. 13(c)). After that, while maintaining the background image of the evening mode, the left pattern 36L, middle pattern 36C, and right pattern 36R start the next change.

As shown in FIG. 14(a), in the roulette presentation in day mode, if the roulette result is "day", the left pattern 36L, the middle pattern 36C, and the right pattern 36R are confirmed as "232", and the words "Day mode continues" appear. After that, while maintaining the background image of day mode, the left pattern 36L, the middle pattern 36C, and the right pattern 36R start to change in the next way.

As shown in FIG. 14(b), in the roulette presentation in daytime mode, if the roulette result is "Evening," the left pattern 36L, middle pattern 36C, and right pattern 36R are confirmed as "212," and the words "Entering Evening Mode" appear. After that, while maintaining the background image of the Evening Mode, the left pattern 36L, middle pattern 36C, and right pattern 36R begin their next change.

As shown in FIG. 14(c), in the roulette presentation in day mode, if the roulette result is a "miss", the left pattern 36L, middle pattern 36C, and right pattern 36R are determined to be a miss combination other than "212" and "213" ("272" in the example of FIG. 14(c)). After that, while maintaining the background of day mode, the left pattern 36L, middle pattern 36C, and right pattern 36R start the next change.

As shown in FIG. 15, in the effects that correspond to the pattern change display in the day mode, evening mode, and night mode, there are cases where the normal reach effect develops into the SP reach effect. In the SP reach effect, the image display device 31 displays the effect image of the SP reach effect. The reliability of a jackpot when the normal reach effect develops into the SP reach effect is higher than when the SP reach effect does not progress.

When the normal reach effect develops into a SP reach effect, the middle symbol 36C slows down and appears to stop before spinning at high speed, and the left symbol 36L and right symbol 36R move away from the left and right corners of the screen. At the same time, the effect image changes to an SP reach animation.

As shown in FIG. 16, when a start winning causes a special pattern change to be put on hold (in the examples of FIG. 16(a) and FIG. 16(b) , the third hold of the first special pattern) and a pre-reading hold display change effect is being executed with the change corresponding to that hold being the final change, the display mode of the hold display image corresponding to the final change changes to either blue, green, or red at timing _tHH immediately after the start of each change between the start winning and the final change (in the examples of FIG. 16(a) and FIG. 16(b) , timing _tHH (2) immediately after the start of the change two changes before the final change, timing _tHH (1) immediately after the start of the change one change before the final change, and timing _tHH (0) immediately after the start of the final change). In the pre-reading hold display change effect, the reliability of a jackpot increases in the order of blue < green < red.

In FIG. 3, the rear surface of the gaming machine 1 is provided with a main control board 10, a presentation control board 120, a payout control board 130, a power supply board 170, a game information output terminal board 30, a power plug 171, a power switch (not shown), a RAM clear switch (not shown), etc. When a start-up operation is performed on the gaming machine 1, power is supplied from the power supply board 170 to the main control board 10, the presentation control board 120, and the payout control board 130, and these boards start up.

In FIG. 4, the main control board 10 controls the basic operations of the gaming machine 1. The main control board 10 is equipped with a one-chip microcomputer 110m, an input port (not shown), and an output port (not shown). The one-chip microcomputer 110m of the main control board 10 is composed of a main CPU 110a, a main ROM 110b, and a main RAM 110c.

The input port of the main control board 10 is connected to the payout control board 130, the general winning hole detection switch 12a, the gate detection switch 13a, the first start hole detection switch 14a, the second start hole detection switch 15a, the first large winning hole detection switch 16a, the specific area detection switch 18a, and the door opening switch 19a.

The output ports of the main control board 10 are connected to the payout control board 130, the start opening/closing solenoid 15c, the first large winning opening opening/closing solenoid 16c, the second large winning opening opening opening solenoid 17c, the specific area opening/closing solenoid 18d, the first special symbol display device 20, the second special symbol display device 21, the normal symbol display device 22, the first special symbol reserved indicator 23, the normal symbol reserved indicator 25, and the game information output terminal board 30. The game information output terminal board 30 is for outputting the external output signal generated in the main control board 10 to the hall computer of the amusement parlor or the like. The game information output terminal board 30 is provided with a connector for connecting to the hall computer of the amusement parlor or the like.

The main CPU 110a of the main control board 10 reads out the program stored in the main ROM 110b and performs calculations based on input signals from each detection switch and timer. The main CPU 110a also directly controls the display devices 20-22 and the indicators 23-25, and sends commands to other boards depending on the results of the calculations. When the main CPU 110a is started up, it executes an initialization process, and after the initialization process is completed and the game is ready for play, it updates various random numbers, including the jackpot random number (random number in the range of 0-59999), special symbol random number (random number in the range of 0-99), reach determination random number (random number in the range of 0-99), special symbol variation random number (random number in the range of 0-99), and normal symbol random number (random number in the range of 0-65535), within their respective random number ranges, while controlling the progress of the game, such as the variation of the special symbol, the variation of the normal symbol, and the special game.

The main ROM 110b of the main control board 10 stores data such as game control programs. The main ROM 110b stores various tables such as a big win determination table for the special symbol display devices 20 and 21, a win determination table for the normal symbol display device 22, a symbol determination table, a variable pattern determination table, a pre-determination table, a special game control table, a big prize opening/closing control table, a setting table at the end of a special game, a setting table at the time when a special losing symbol stops, an auxiliary game control table, and a movable piece opening control table. Details of these tables will be described later.

The main RAM 110c of the main control board 10 functions as a data work area during the calculation processing of the main CPU 110a. The main RAM 110c is provided with various storage areas such as a special symbol memory area, a special symbol special power processing data memory area, a stop symbol data memory area, a normal symbol reserved memory area, a normal symbol normal power processing data memory area, a normal symbol data memory area, a game status flag memory area, a specific area winning flag memory area, a game status buffer, a round number (R) counter, a large winning hole ball number (C) counter, a first special symbol reserved number (U1) counter, a normal symbol reserved number (G) counter, a low base time reduction number (B) counter, a high base time reduction number (J) counter, a fluctuation number (L) counter, an opening number (S) counter, a special power operation number (K) counter, a special symbol time counter, a special game timer counter, a normal symbol time counter, an auxiliary game timer counter, and a transmission data storage area for performance. Here, in the event of a power outage, the data in the used area of the main RAM 110c is backed up by the backup power source with a checksum added, and when the power is restored, the data backed up by the backup power source can be restored after a data check using the checksum.

The power supply board 170 supplies the power supply voltage to the gaming machine 1, and also supplies a power interruption detection signal indicating whether the power supply voltage has fallen below a predetermined value to the main control board 10 and the performance control board 120. The power supply board 170 has a backup power supply consisting of a capacitor. The power supply board 170 sets the power interruption detection signal to a high level while the power supply voltage is above the predetermined value, and sets the power interruption detection signal to a low level when the power supply voltage falls below the predetermined value.

The performance control board 120 is a slave control board that controls performances based on receiving performance commands from the main control board 10. The performance control board 120 is connected to the main control board 10 so that it can communicate in one direction from the main control board 10 to the performance control board 120. The performance control board 120 is equipped with a general control unit 141, a display/audio control unit 140, a lamp/drive control unit 150, input ports and output ports for performance control, etc. The input port of the performance control board 120 is connected to a performance button detection switch 35a and key detection switches 39a, 39b, 39c, 39d, etc.

The performance control board 120 receives commands from the main control board 10, and controls the image display device 31, the audio output device 32, the performance drive devices 330a, 330b, 330c, 330d, and the performance lighting devices 340a, 340b, 340c, 340d based on the received commands. The performance control board 120 includes a performance control unit 120m, a display/audio control unit 140, and a lamp/drive control unit 150.

The performance control unit 120m includes a sub-CPU 120a, a sub-ROM 120b, a sub-RAM 120c, and an RTC 120d. The RTC 120d outputs a time signal indicating the current date and time to the sub-CPU 120a. The RTC 120d operates on the power supplied when the gaming machine 1 is powered, and operates on the power of the backup power supply mounted on the power supply board 170 when the gaming machine 1 is powered off.

The sub-CPU 120a receives an operating clock from the crystal oscillator based on commands sent from the main control board 10 and input signals from the timer, reads out a program stored in the sub-ROM 120b, performs calculation processing using the sub-RAM 120c as a work area, and transmits commands generated in this processing to the general control unit 141 and the lamp/drive control unit 150. When a start-up operation is performed, the sub-CPU 120a performs an initialization process, and after the initialization process is completed and play is possible, it controls the presentation according to the progress of the game.

The sub-ROM 120b of the performance control unit 120m stores data such as a performance control program. Various tables such as a variable performance pattern determination table, a normal background setting table, and a special background setting table are stored in the sub-ROM 120b. The sub-RAM 120c of the performance control unit 120m functions as a work area for data during calculation processing by the sub-CPU 120a. The sub-RAM 120c has various storage areas such as a performance information storage area, a performance pattern storage area, a pattern variable performance pattern storage area, a game status information storage area, a performance pattern storage area, a special background image setting flag storage area, a special background image standby setting flag storage area, and a special background change count (P) counter.

The display/audio control unit 140 receives commands from the performance control board 120 and controls the image display device 31 and the audio output device 32 based on the received commands. The display/audio control unit 140 includes an overall control unit 141, a CGROM 146, an audio processor 144, an audio ROM 148, an input/output port, etc. The image display device 31 and the audio output device 32 are connected to the input/output port of the display/audio control unit 140.

The overall control unit 141 includes an overall CPU 141a, an overall ROM 141c, and an overall RAM 141b. The overall CPU 141a receives an operating clock from a crystal oscillator, reads out a program stored in the overall ROM 141c, performs calculations while using the overall RAM 141b as a work area, and controls the VDP 145 and the audio processor 144 based on the calculations.

The general ROM 141c stores an image/audio control program for performing image display and audio control, a display list generation program for generating a display list consisting of a group of drawing control commands, an animation pattern for displaying animation of a performance pattern, animation scene information, and a sound list generation program for generating a sound list consisting of a group of sound control commands.

The VDP 145 is connected to the CGROM 146. The CGROM 146 stores compressed image data and uncompressed palette data. The image data is material data that compiles pixel information for a predetermined range of pixels (e.g., 32 x 32 pixels) in an image (e.g., individual images such as a performance pattern image, a background image that constitutes the background of the performance pattern, a character image, and a dialogue image) to be displayed as a sprite or a movie frame on the image display device 31. The pixel information of the image data is composed of color number information that specifies a color number for each pixel and an alpha value that indicates the transparency of the image. The palette data is data that associates color number information that specifies a color number with display color information that indicates the actual display color of the pixel.

VRAM 147 is provided within VDP 145. VRAM 147 has a display list storage area, a decompression storage area, a first frame buffer area, a second frame buffer area, etc. The display list storage area is an area for temporarily storing the display list output from the overall control unit 141 (overall CPU 141a). The decompression storage area is an area for temporarily storing image data that is the decompression of compressed image data in CGMOM.

The first and second frame buffer areas are areas for drawing and displaying images. The first and second frame buffer areas are switched alternately between drawing and display each time drawing starts.

The VDP 145 stores the display list sent from the general control unit 141 in the display list storage area of the VRAM 147, reads out the image data indicated by the display list in the CGROM 146, draws one frame's worth of drawing data in the drawing frame buffer of the VRAM 147 based on this image data, and outputs one frame's worth of drawing data in the display frame buffer of the VRAM 147 as a video signal (such as an RGB signal) to the image display device 31.

The VDP 145 receives an operating clock from a crystal oscillator, and by dividing the operating clock, generates synchronization signals (horizontal synchronization signal and vertical synchronization signal) for synchronization with the image display device 31, and outputs them to the image display device 31. In this embodiment, the frame rate of the image control unit 155 is 30 fps (1/30 sec = approximately 33 ms) so that 30 drawings (image displays) are performed per second, but it may also be 60 fps (1/60 sec = approximately 16.6 ms) so that 60 drawings (image displays) are performed per second.

The audio processor 144 is connected to the audio ROM 148. The audio ROM 148 stores compressed audio data. The audio processor 144 reads out from the audio ROM 148 the audio data indicated by the sound list transmitted from the general control unit 141, decodes this audio data, applies acoustic processing to the signal obtained by the decoding, and outputs the signal after the acoustic processing to the audio output device 32 as a sound signal for the sound effects.

The lamp/drive control unit 150 receives commands from the performance control board 120 and controls the performance lighting devices 340a, 340b, 340c, 340d and the performance drive devices 330a, 330b, 330c, 330d based on the received commands. The lamp/drive control unit 150 includes a lamp CPU 150a, a lamp RAM 150b, a lamp ROM 150c, and input/output ports. The performance lighting devices 340a, 340b, 340c, 340d and the performance drive devices 330a, 330b, 330c, 330d are connected to the input/output ports of the lamp/drive control unit 150.

The lamp CPU 150a receives an operating clock from a crystal oscillator, reads out a program stored in the lamp ROM 150c, and performs calculation processing while using the lamp RAM 150b as a work area, and controls the performance lighting devices 340a, 340b, 340c, and 340d and the performance drive devices 330a, 330b, 330c, and 330d based on this processing.

The lamp ROM 150c stores a lamp drive control program for lighting the lamps and driving the props, a light emission mode determination program for determining and setting the lamp light emission information of the performance lighting devices 340a, 340b, 340c, and 340d and causing the performance lighting devices 340a, 340b, 340c, and 340d to emit light according to this setting, an operation mode determination program for determining and setting the prop drive information of the performance drive devices 330a, 330b, 330c, and 330d and causing the performance drive devices 330a, 330b, 330c, and 330d to operate according to this setting, a performance lamp control mode determination table, a performance prop control mode determination table, and the like.

The payout control board 130 controls the payout of game balls. The payout control board 130 is connected to the main control board 10 so that it can communicate in both directions. The payout control board 130 is equipped with a one-chip microcomputer 110m consisting of a payout CPU, a payout ROM, and a payout RAM (not shown). The payout CPU reads out a program stored in the payout ROM based on input signals from the payout ball counting switch 132 and the timer, performs arithmetic processing while using the payout RAM as a work area, and transmits a corresponding command to the main control board 10 based on the processing. The output side of the payout control board 130 is connected to a payout motor 131 of a payout device for paying out a predetermined number of game balls from the game ball storage section. The payout CPU reads out a predetermined program from the payout ROM based on a command transmitted from the main control board 10, performs arithmetic processing, and controls the payout motor 131 of the payout device to pay out a predetermined number of game balls. At this time, the payout RAM functions as a work area for data during the payout CPU's calculation processing.

Next, the operation of the gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the main control board 10 of the gaming machine 1. The main processing is started when power is supplied from the power supply board 170 to the main control board 10 by a start-up operation, causing a system reset in the main CPU 110a of the main control board 10.

In FIG. 17, the main CPU 110a performs an initialization process (S10). In the initialization process, the main CPU 110a reads and executes a game control program from the main ROM 110b in response to power-on. In the initialization process, the main CPU 110a determines whether data recovery is required based on the on/off state of the RAM clear switch (not shown) on the back of the gaming machine 1 when the power is turned on, and the power outage occurrence information and checksum contents that were saved and backed up in the main RAM 110c during the power outage monitoring process (S20) at the time of the previous power outage. If it is determined that recovery is not required, the main CPU 110a clears the main RAM 110c, and if it is determined that recovery is required, the data in the main RAM 110c is restored. Details of the initialization process will be described later.

Next, the main CPU 110a performs a power interruption monitoring process (S20). In the power interruption monitoring process, the main CPU 110a monitors whether or not a power interruption has occurred to the gaming machine 1, and if a power interruption has occurred, it performs a series of processes, including stopping the firing of game balls by the firing mechanism (touch sensor 3a, firing volume 3b, firing solenoid 4a, and ball feed solenoid 4b), clearing the output port, stopping the payout of game balls by the payout device, creating and saving checksums in each memory area of the main RAM 110c, and setting power interruption occurrence information, and then prohibiting access to the main RAM 110c in preparation for a power interruption. Details of the power interruption process will be described later.

Next, the main CPU 110a performs a game random number value update process (S30). In the game random number value update process, the main CPU 110a updates the random number value for reach determination and the random number value for special symbol variation. Next, the main CPU 110a performs an initial random number value update process (S40). In the initial random number value update process, the main CPU 110a updates the jackpot initial random number value, the normal symbol initial random number value, and the special symbol initial random number value.

After this, the main CPU 110a repeats the loop process of steps S20 to S40. In addition to this loop process, the main CPU 110a also executes a timer interrupt process each time a reset clock pulse signal is generated by the reset clock pulse generating circuit.

Figures 18 and 19 are flow charts showing the details of the initialization process (S10) in Figure 7. In Figure 18, the main CPU 110a of the main control board 110 performs a security check of the main CPU 110a, and then performs a process of waiting for 2000 ms (S10-1).

Next, the main CPU 110a permits access to the main RAM 110c (S10-2). Next, the main CPU 110a sets the serial communication port (S10-3). Next, the main CPU 110a sets the watchdog timer (S10-4). Here, the watchdog timer monitors whether the one-chip microcomputer 110m of the main control board 110 is operating normally according to the game control program. If an abnormality occurs in the game control program and the game control program being executed is interrupted or stopped, or if only a loop process is repeatedly executed so that other game processes are not executed after the execution of the program is interrupted, when the timer count section of the watchdog timer counts up during the stopped state or the standby state due to the loop process, the one-chip microcomputer 110m of the main control board 110 is forcibly initialized.

Next, the main CPU 110a sends a power-on command to the performance control board 120 (S10-5). After that, the main CPU 110a outputs a launch permission signal to the launch control board 160, thereby enabling the launch of game balls by the launch mechanism (the launch mechanism consisting of the touch sensor 3a, launch volume 3b, launch solenoid 4a, and ball feed solenoid 4b) (S10-6).

Next, the main CPU 110a determines whether a RAM clear switch (not shown) on the back of the gaming machine 1 has been pressed (S10-7). If the RAM clear switch is on (S10-7: Yes), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S10-11. If the RAM clear switch is off (S10-7: No), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S10-8.

In step S10-8, the main CPU 110a determines whether the power interruption occurrence information is normal. If the power interruption occurrence information is not normal (S10-8: No), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S10-11. If the power interruption occurrence information is normal (S10-8: Yes), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S10-15.

In step S10-9, the main CPU 110a calculates a checksum of the data in the used area of the main RAM 110c, and proceeds to the next step S10-10. In step S10-10, the main CPU 110a determines whether the checksum is normal. More specifically, the main CPU 110a compares the checksum calculated in step S10-10 with the checksum calculated from the data in the used area of the main RAM 110c at that time during the power outage monitoring process (S20) at the time of the previous power outage and saved in the main RAM 110c. If the two match, the checksum is determined to be normal (the backup is valid and data recovery is possible), and if the two do not match, the checksum is determined to be abnormal (the backup is invalid and data recovery is impossible). If the checksum is abnormal (S10-10: No), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S10-11. If the checksum is normal (S10-10: Yes), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S10-15.

In step S10-11, the main CPU 110a clears the usage area of the main RAM 110c. By clearing this usage area, certain data in the usage area (such as flags in the game status flag storage area that were backed up at the time of the previous power outage) is initialized.

After executing step S10-11, the main CPU 110a sets the main RAM 110c when the backup is not valid (S10-12). The main CPU 110a then clears the watchdog timer (S10-13). The main CPU 110a then sends a RAM clear command to the performance control board 120 (S10-14). Then, proceed to step S10-17.

In step S10-15, the main CPU 110a sets the main RAM 110c when the backup is valid. Specifically, the main CPU 110a restores the data in the use areas of the main RAM 110c (special symbol memory area, special symbol special power processing data memory area, stop symbol data memory area, normal symbol reserved memory area, normal symbol normal power processing data memory area, normal symbol data memory area, game status flag memory area, specific area winning flag memory area, game status buffer, round number (R) counter, large winning slot ball number (C) counter, first special symbol reserved number (U1) counter, normal symbol reserved number (G) counter, low base time reduction number (B) counter, high base time reduction number (J) counter, fluctuation number (L) counter, opening number (S) counter, special power operation number (K) counter, special symbol time counter, special game timer counter, normal symbol time counter, auxiliary game timer counter, performance transmission data storage area, etc.).

After executing step S10-15, the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S10-16. In step S10-16, the main CPU 110a determines whether the game state flag for the normal state is set in the game state flag storage area of the main RAM 110c. If the game state flag for the normal state is set (step S10-16: Yes), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S10-17, and if the game state flag for the normal state is not set (step S10-16: No), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S10-18. In step S10-17, the main CPU 110a sends a power restoration designation command corresponding to the normal state to the performance control board 120 and ends the initialization process.

In step S10-18, the main CPU 110a determines whether the game state flag for the low base time-saving state is set in the game state flag storage area of the main RAM 110c. If the game state flag for the low base time-saving state is set (step S10-18: Yes), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S10-19, and if the game state flag for the low base time-saving state is not set (step S10-18: No), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S10-24. In step S10-19, the main CPU 110a sends a power restoration command corresponding to the low base time-saving state to the performance control board 120 and ends the initialization process.

In step S10-24, the main CPU 110a transmits a power restoration command corresponding to the high base time-saving state to the performance control board 120. After that, the main CPU 110a transmits a game state designation command corresponding to the game state after restoration to the performance control board 120 (S10-25), and ends the initialization process.

Figure 20 is a flowchart showing the details of the power interruption monitoring process. In Figure 20, the main CPU 110a of the main control board 110 sets interruption prohibition (S20-1). Next, the main CPU 110a determines whether or not a power interruption has occurred to the gaming machine 1 (S20-2). Specifically, the main CPU 110a determines that a power interruption has occurred if a power interruption detection signal indicating that the power supply voltage has fallen below a predetermined value is input from the power supply section (not shown) of the power supply board 170, and determines that a power interruption has not occurred if a power interruption detection signal is not input.

If the main CPU 110a determines in step S20-2 that a power outage has not occurred (S20-2: Yes), the process proceeds to step S20-3. If the main CPU 110a determines that a power outage has occurred (S20-2: No), the process proceeds to step S20-4.

In step S20-3, the main CPU 110a sets the interrupt permission. After executing step S20-3, the main CPU 110a ends this power interruption monitoring process.

In step S20-4, the main CPU 110a outputs a launch stop signal to the launch control board 160, thereby stopping the launch of game balls by the launch mechanism. Next, the main CPU 110a clears the output port (S20-5). Thereafter, the main CPU 110a transmits a power-off command to the payout control board 130 (S20-6). When the payout control board 130 receives the power-off command, it replies with a command related to the output of external information. The main CPU 110a receives this command related to the output of external information and saves it in the main RAM 110c (S20-7).

After execution of step S20-7, the main CPU 110a creates a checksum of the data in the used area of the main RAM 110c at that time (special pattern memory area, special pattern special signal processing data memory area, stop pattern data memory area, normal pattern reserved memory area, normal pattern normal signal processing data memory area, normal pattern data memory area, game status flag memory area, specific area winning flag memory area, game status buffer, number of rounds (R) counter, number of balls entered into the large winning slot (C) counter, number of reserved first special patterns (U1) counter, number of reserved normal patterns (G) counter, number of low base time reductions (B) counter, number of high base time reductions (J) counter, number of fluctuations (L) counter, number of openings (S) counter, special signal operation number (K) counter, special pattern time counter, special game timer counter, normal pattern time counter, auxiliary game timer counter, transmission data storage area for performance, etc.) and stores the created checksum in the main RAM 110c (S20-8). Here, the checksum saved in main RAM 110c in step S20-8 is compared with the checksum calculated from the data in the used area of main RAM 110c at that time during the initialization process the next time the power is turned on, and depending on whether the two match, it is determined whether the checksum is normal (whether the backup is valid and data recovery is possible).

After executing step S20-8, the main CPU 110a sets power interruption occurrence information (S20-9). Thereafter, the main CPU 110a sets access to the main RAM 110c to be prohibited (S20-10). After executing step S20-10, the main CPU 110a performs an infinite loop to prepare for a power interruption.

Figure 21 is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt process of the main control board 10. The main CPU 110a of the main control board 10 executes the timer interrupt process every 4 milliseconds, which is the generation period of the reset clock pulse signal in the reset clock pulse generating circuit in the main control board 10.

In FIG. 21, when a reset clock pulse signal is generated, the main CPU 110a saves the information in the registers of the main CPU 110a at that time to the stack area (S100). Next, the main CPU 110a performs a time control process (S110). The time control process is a process for updating counters used to measure various times in the main RAM 110c. In the time control process, the main CPU 110a decrements the special symbol time counter, special game timer counter, normal symbol time counter, and auxiliary game timer counter in the main RAM 110c by one.

Next, the main CPU 110a performs a random number update process (S120). In the random number update process, the main CPU 110a updates the jackpot random number value, normal symbol random number value, and special symbol random number value. More specifically, the main CPU 110a updates each random number counter by incrementing it by 1. Note that if the incremented random number counter value exceeds the maximum value of the random number range (if the random number counter has gone around once), the random number counter is reset to 0 and each random number value is updated from the initial random number value at that time.

After executing step S120, the main CPU 110a performs an initial random number value update process (S130). In the initial random number value update process, the main CPU 110a updates the jackpot initial random number value, the normal symbol initial random number value, and the special symbol initial random number value.

Next, the main CPU 110a performs input control processing (S200). In the input control processing, the main CPU 110a determines whether or not there has been input to the various switches, namely the general winning hole detection switch 12a, the first large winning hole detection switch 16a, the first starting hole detection switch 14a, the second starting hole detection switch 15a, and the gate detection switch 13a, and sets predetermined data if there has been input. The details of the procedure for the input control processing will be described later.

After executing step S200, the main CPU 110a performs special symbol special electricity control processing (S300). In the special symbol special electricity control processing, the main CPU 110a updates the value of the special symbol special electricity processing data provided in the main RAM 110c according to the progress of the game in the gaming machine 1, and selects and executes one of six processes: special symbol memory determination processing (processing when special symbol special electricity processing data = 0), special symbol change processing (processing when special symbol special electricity processing data = 1), special symbol stop processing (processing when special symbol special electricity processing data = 2), big win game processing (processing when special symbol special electricity processing data = 3), small win game processing (processing when special symbol special electricity processing data = 4), and big win game end processing (processing when special symbol special electricity processing data = 5). Details of the procedure of the special symbol special electricity control processing will be described later.

After execution of step S300, the main CPU 110a performs a normal symbol normal power control process (S400). In the normal symbol normal power control process, the main CPU 110a updates the value of the normal symbol normal power processing data stored in the main RAM 110c according to the progress of the game in the gaming machine 1, and selects and executes one of two processes: a normal symbol variation process (processing when the normal symbol normal power processing data = 0) and an auxiliary game process (processing when the normal symbol normal power processing data = 1). The details of the procedure for the normal symbol normal power control process will be described later.

After executing step S400, the main CPU 110a performs a payout control process (S500). In the payout control process, the main CPU 110a references the general winning port prize ball counter, the first starting port prize ball counter, and the second starting port prize ball counter in the main RAM 110c, generates a payout number designation command that instructs the payout of the number of game balls indicated by each counter, and sends this command to the payout control board 130. When the payout control board 130 receives the payout number designation command, it controls the payout motor 131 of the payout device to pay out the game balls.

After executing step S500, the main CPU 110a performs a data generation process (S600). In the data generation process, the main CPU 110a generates data for external output, start opening/closing solenoid data, first large prize opening/closing solenoid data, second large prize opening/closing solenoid data, special pattern display device data, and normal pattern display device data.

After executing step S600, the main CPU 110a performs output control processing (S700). In the output control processing, the main CPU 110a performs port output processing to output signals of the external output data, the start opening/closing solenoid data, the first large winning opening opening/closing solenoid data, and the second large winning opening opening/closing solenoid data created in the data generation processing of step S600. In addition, in order to light up the LEDs of the first special pattern display device 20, the second special pattern display device 21, and the normal pattern display device 22, the main CPU 110a performs display device output processing to output the special pattern display device data and the normal pattern display device data created in the data generation processing of S600. In addition, the main CPU 110a also performs command transmission processing to transmit the command set in the performance transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c to the performance control unit 120m.

After executing step S700, the main CPU 110a restores the information saved in the stack area in step S100 to the register of the main CPU 110a (S800).

Figure 22 is a flowchart showing details of the input control process. In Figure 22, the main CPU 110a performs general prize opening detection switch input processing (S210). In the general prize opening detection switch input processing, the main CPU 110a determines whether or not a detection signal has been input from the general prize opening detection switch 12a. If no detection signal has been input, the process proceeds directly to step S220. If a detection signal has been input, the general prize opening prize ball counter in the main RAM 110c is updated by adding a predetermined number (e.g., 10 balls).

After executing step S210, the main CPU 110a performs a first large prize opening detection switch input process (S220). In the first large prize opening detection switch input process, the main CPU 110a determines whether or not a detection signal has been input from the first large prize opening detection switch 16a. If there is no detection signal input from the first large prize opening detection switch 16a, the main CPU 110a proceeds directly to step S240. If there is a detection signal input from the first large prize opening detection switch 16a, the main CPU 110a adds a predetermined number (e.g., 15 balls) to the large prize opening prize ball counter in the main RAM 110c to update it, and updates the count value (C) of the large prize opening ball number (C) counter in the main RAM 110c by +1.

After executing step S220, the main CPU 110a performs a first start hole detection switch input process (S240). In the first start hole detection switch input process, the main CPU 110a judges whether or not a detection signal has been input from the first start hole detection switch 14a. If the main CPU 110a has not input a detection signal from the first start hole detection switch 14a, the main CPU 110a proceeds directly to step S250. If a detection signal has been input from the first start hole detection switch 14a, the main CPU 110a performs a series of processes, such as updating the prize ball counter, judging whether the first special symbol reservation number (U1) is less than 4, updating the first special symbol reservation number (U1) when the first special symbol reservation number (U1) is less than 4, storing a random number value in the special symbol memory area, pre-judging a big win lottery and setting a start winning designation command according to the result of the judgment, and setting a special symbol reservation number designation command according to the first special symbol reservation number (U1). The details of the procedure for the first start hole detection switch input process will be described later.

After executing step S240, the main CPU 110a performs a second start hole detection switch input process (S250). In the second start hole detection switch input process, the main CPU 110a determines whether or not a detection signal has been input from the second start hole detection switch 15a. If there has been no detection signal input from the second start hole detection switch 15a, the main CPU 110a proceeds directly to step S260. If there has been a detection signal input from the second start hole detection switch 15a, the main CPU 110a performs a series of processes such as updating the prize ball counter and storing a random number value in the special symbol memory area.

After execution of step S250, the main CPU 110a performs a specific area detection switch input process (S260). In the specific area detection switch input process, the main CPU 110a determines whether or not a detection signal has been input from the specific area detection switch 18a. If there has been no detection signal input from the specific area detection switch 18a, the main CPU 110a proceeds directly to step S260. If there has been a detection signal input from the specific area detection switch 18a, the main CPU 110a performs a series of processes such as setting a specific area winning flag and setting a specific area winning designation command. Details of the specific area detection switch input process will be described later.

Next, the main CPU 110a performs a gate detection switch input process (S270). In the gate detection switch input process, the main CPU 110a judges whether or not a detection signal has been input from the gate detection switch 13a. If the detection signal has not been input from the gate detection switch 13a, the main CPU 110a ends the current input control process. If a detection signal has been input from the gate detection switch 13a, the main CPU 110a generates a gate pass designation command and sets the generated gate pass designation command in the performance transmission data storage area of the main RAM 110c. In this case, the main CPU 110a also judges whether or not the count value (G) of the normal pattern reserved number (G) counter that counts the normal pattern reserved number (G) is less than 4. If the count value (G) of the normal pattern reserved number (G) counter is less than 4, the count value (G) is updated by +1, and the normal pattern random number value is obtained and the obtained normal pattern random number value is stored in the normal pattern reserved memory area.

Figure 23 is a flowchart showing the details of the first start hole detection switch input process. In Figure 23, if the main CPU 110a receives a detection signal from the first start hole detection switch 14a (S240-1: Yes), it proceeds to step S240-2. If the main CPU 110a does not receive a detection signal from the first start hole detection switch 14a (S240-1: No), it ends the current first start hole detection switch input process.

In step S240-2, the main CPU 110a updates the start hole prize ball counter by adding a predetermined number (e.g., 3 balls) (S240-2). After that, the main CPU 110a determines whether the count value (U1) of the first special symbol reserved number (U1) counter, which counts the first special symbol reserved number (U1), is less than 4 (S240-3).

If the count value (U1) of the first reserved number of special symbols (U1) counter is not less than 4 (S240-3: No), the main CPU 110a ends the current first start hole detection switch input process. If the count value (U1) of the first reserved number of special symbols (U1) counter is less than 4 (S240-3: Yes), the main CPU 110a updates the count value (U1) by +1 (S240-4).

After executing step S240-4, the main CPU 110a acquires the jackpot random number value, and stores the acquired jackpot random number value in the data storage destination memory section that has the smallest number and has no data stored therein among the first through fourth memory sections of the first special symbol memory area (S240-5).

24(a) is a diagram showing the special symbol storage area. As shown in FIG. 24(a), the special symbol storage area has a 0th storage section corresponding to the change, a 1st special symbol storage area corresponding to the 1st special symbol, and a 2nd special symbol storage area corresponding to the 2nd special symbol. The 1st special symbol storage area has a 1st storage section corresponding to the 1st reservation, a 2nd storage section corresponding to the 2nd reservation, a 3rd storage section corresponding to the 3rd reservation, and a 4th storage section corresponding to the 4th reservation. The 2nd special symbol storage area has only the 1st storage section. This is because the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment does not have a reservation of the 2nd special symbol. As shown in FIG. 24(b), each storage section in the special symbol reservation storage section can store a set of a jackpot random number value, a special symbol random number value, a reach determination random number value, and a special symbol change random number value.

After executing step S240-5, the main CPU 110a acquires the special pattern random number value and stores the acquired special pattern random number value in the memory section that stores data in the first special pattern memory area (S240-6).

After executing step S240-6, the main CPU 110a acquires a random number value for special pattern variation and a random number value for reach determination, and stores the acquired random number value for special pattern variation and random number value for reach determination in the memory unit that stores data in the first special pattern memory area (S240-7).

After executing step S240-7, the main CPU 110a performs a pre-determination process (S240-8). In this pre-determination process, the main CPU 110a refers to the pre-determination table in the main ROM 110b, and determines the winning information for the jackpot lottery triggered by the establishment of the start condition for the current first special symbol based on the combination of the memory contents of the game status flag memory area at the time of executing this step S240-8 (when the start condition is established) and the jackpot random number value, special symbol random number value, reach determination random number value, and special symbol variation random number value stored in the memory section of the first special symbol memory area in steps S240-5 to S240-7.

Figure 25 shows a pre-determination table for determining the result of a jackpot lottery in advance. The pre-determination table stores a set of jackpot random number value, special symbol random number value, game state (normal state, low base time-saving state, or high base time-saving state), reach determination random number value, special symbol variation random number value, winning information, and start winning designation command.

After executing step S240-8, the main CPU 110a generates a start winning designation command corresponding to the winning information determined in the pre-determination process of step S240-8, and sets this start winning designation command in the performance transmission data storage area (S240-9). After that, the main CPU 110a references the count value (U1) of the first special symbol reserved number (U1) counter, generates a special symbol reserved number designation command indicating the first special symbol reserved number (U1), and sets this special symbol reserved number designation command in the performance transmission data storage area (S240-10).

The start winning specification command and special symbol reservation number specification command set in the performance transmission data storage area are sent to the performance control unit 120m in the output control process (S700) of the timer interrupt process.

In the second start hole detection switch input process, only the processes corresponding to steps S240-1 to S240-2 in FIG. 23 and the processes corresponding to steps S240-5 to S240-7 are executed. In the second start hole detection switch input process, when a detection signal is input from the second start hole detection switch 15a, a jackpot random number value, a special symbol random number value, a random number value for special symbol variation, and a random number value for reach determination are obtained, and these random number values are stored in the first memory unit of the second special symbol memory area.

Figure 26 is a flowchart showing the details of the specific area detection switch input process. In Figure 26, if the main CPU 110a receives a detection signal from the specific area detection switch 18a (S260-1: Yes), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S260-2. If the main CPU 110a does not receive a detection signal from the specific area detection switch 18a (S260-1: No), the main CPU 110a ends the current specific area detection switch input process.

In step S260-2, the main CPU 110a sets a specific area winning flag in the specific area winning flag storage area of the main RAM 110c. The specific area winning flag is a flag indicating that a win has been made in the specific area 19B (V winning port). Winning in the specific area 19B (V winning port) triggers a special game of the second type jackpot. In the next step S260-3, the main CPU 110a generates a specific area winning designation command and sets this specific area winning designation command in the performance transmission data storage area. After that, the main CPU 110a obtains the current game status (at the time of winning in the specific area 19B) based on the memory contents of the game status flag storage area, stores game status information indicating the obtained game status in the game status buffer (S260-4), and ends this specific area detection switch input process.

Figure 27 is a flowchart showing the details of the special symbol special power control process. In Figure 27, the main CPU 110a loads the special symbol special power processing data (S301). In the next step S302, the main CPU 110a refers to the branch address from the loaded special symbol special power processing data, and if the special symbol special power processing data = 0, the process moves to the special symbol memory determination process (step S310), if the special symbol special power processing data = 1, the process moves to the special symbol change process (step S320), if the special symbol special power processing data = 2, the process moves to the special symbol stop process (step S330), if the special symbol special power processing data = 3, the process moves to the big win game process (step S340), if the special symbol special power processing data = 4, the process moves to the small win game process (step S350), and if the special symbol special power processing data = 5, the process moves to the big win game end process (step S360).

Figure 28 is a flowchart showing the details of the special symbol memory determination process. In Figure 28, the main CPU 110a determines whether or not the special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner (S310-1). More specifically, the main CPU 110a refers to the special symbol time counter in the main RAM 110c, and if the special symbol time counter is not 0, it determines that the special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner, and if the special symbol time counter is 0, it determines that the special symbol is not being displayed in a variable manner. If the special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner (S310-1: Yes), the main CPU 110a ends this special symbol memory determination process. If the special symbol is not being displayed in a variable manner (S310-1: No), the process proceeds to step S310-2.

In step S310-2, the main CPU 110a determines whether data is stored in the first memory section of the second special symbol memory area. If data is not stored in the first memory section of the second special symbol memory area (S310-2: No), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S310-4. If data is stored in the first memory section of the second special symbol memory area (S310-2: Yes), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S310-6.

In step S310-4, the main CPU 110a refers to the count value (U1) of the first special symbol reserved number (U1) counter in the main RAM 110c and determines whether the first special symbol reserved number (U1) is 1 or more. If the first special symbol reserved number (U1) is not 1 or more (S310-4: No), the main CPU 110a ends this special symbol memory determination process.

If the number of reserved first special symbols (U1) is 1 or more (S310-4: Yes), the main CPU 110a updates the count value (U1) of the number of reserved first special symbols (U1) counter by decrementing it by 1 (S310-5).

After executing step S310-5, the main CPU 110a performs a memory area shift process (S310-6). In this memory area shift process, if data is stored in the first memory section of the second special symbol memory area, the main CPU 110a writes the data to the 0th memory section, which is the judgment information memory area. Also, if data is not stored in the first memory section of the second special symbol memory area, the main CPU 110a shifts the data in the 2nd to 4th memory sections of the first special symbol memory area to the previous memory section, and writes the data in the first memory section of the first special symbol memory area to the 0th memory section. By writing the data to this 0th memory section, the random number values (jackpot random number value, special symbol random number value, reach judgment random number value, special symbol variation random number value) that were stored in the 0th memory section are erased.

After executing step S310-6, the main CPU 110a generates a special symbol reserved number designation command to notify the performance control unit 120m of the first special symbol reserved number (U1), sets this special symbol reserved number designation command in the performance transmission data storage area (S310-7), and proceeds to step S310-8.

In step S310-8, the main CPU 110a refers to the count value (B) of the low base time reduction count (B) counter and determines whether the low base time reduction count (B) is 1 or more. If the low base time reduction count (B) is 0 (S310-8: No), the process proceeds to step S310-11. If the low base time reduction count (B) is 1 or more (S310-8: Yes), the process updates the count value (B) of the low base time reduction count (B) counter by -1 (S310-9), and determines whether the updated count value (B) has become 0 (S310-10). If the low base time reduction count (B) is 0 (S310-10: Yes), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S310-17. If the low base time reduction count (B) is not 0 (S310-10: No), the process proceeds to step S311.

In step S310-11, the main CPU 110a refers to the count value (J) of the high base time-saving count (J) counter and determines whether the high base time-saving count (J) is 1 or more. If the high base time-saving count (J) is 0 (S310-11: No), proceed to step S311. If the high base time-saving count (J) is 1 or more (S310-11: Yes), the main CPU 110a updates the count value (J) of the high base time-saving count (J) counter by -1 (S310-12), and determines whether the updated count value (J) is 0 (S310-13). If the high base time-saving count (J) is 0 (S310-13: Yes), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S310-17. If the high base time-saving count (J) is not 0 (S310-13: No), proceed to step S311.

In step S310-17, the game status flag for the normal state is set in the game status flag storage area of the main RAM 110c. Then, proceed to step S311.

In step S311, the main CPU 110a performs a jackpot determination process. In the jackpot determination process, the main CPU 110a determines the result of the jackpot lottery triggered by the establishment of the current start condition (jackpot, small win, or miss), and if it is a jackpot, determines the type of jackpot, generates a pattern designation command for the jackpot that corresponds to the determined type of jackpot, and sets it in the performance transmission data storage area. If it is a small win, determines the type of jackpot, generates a pattern designation command for the small win that corresponds to the determined type of small win, and sets it in the performance transmission data storage area. If it is a miss, generates a pattern designation command for a miss, and sets it in the performance transmission data storage area.

In more detail, in this jackpot determination process, as shown in FIG. 29 (a flow chart showing details of the jackpot determination process), the main CPU 110a determines whether or not the result of the jackpot lottery triggered by the establishment of the current start condition is a jackpot (S311-1). Specifically, the main CPU 110a refers to the jackpot lottery determination table in the main ROM 110b, and determines the lottery result based on the jackpot random number value stored in the 0th memory unit in step S310-6.

Figure 30(a) is a diagram showing a jackpot lottery determination table for a first special symbol display device. Figure 30(b) is a diagram showing a jackpot lottery determination table for a second special symbol display device. The jackpot lottery determination table stores pairs of jackpot random number values and lottery results of the jackpot lottery (jackpot, special miss, or normal miss).

If the result of the determination in step S311-1 is a jackpot (S311-1: Yes), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S311-2, and if the result of the determination in step S311-1 is not a jackpot (S311-1: No), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S311-5.

In step S311-2, the main CPU 110a performs a jackpot symbol determination process. In this jackpot symbol determination process, the main CPU 110a refers to the jackpot symbol determination table in the main ROM 110b, and determines the stop symbol data of the variable stop symbol based on the special symbol random number value stored in the 0th memory unit in step S310-6, and stores the determined stop symbol data in the stop symbol data memory area in the main RAM 110c. Here, the stop symbol data indicates a two-digit number that corresponds to the type of special symbol that is displayed after the variable and stops.

Figure 31 (a) is a diagram showing a jackpot symbol determination table. In the jackpot symbol determination table, a set of special symbol random number values, special symbol types (types of jackpots), stop symbol data, and symbol designation commands are stored separately for reference when the start condition of the first special symbol in the first special symbol display device 20 is met, and for reference when the start condition of the second special symbol in the second special symbol display device 21 is met.

The symbol designation command is a command to notify the performance control unit 120m of the type of special symbol that will change and then stop when it is displayed.

The stop symbol data stored in the stop symbol data storage area in this step S311-2 is referenced when determining the jackpot symbol in the special symbol stop process, when determining the operation mode of the jackpot winning slot in the jackpot game process, and when determining the game status in the jackpot game end process. Details will be described later.

Next, the main CPU 110a generates a pattern designation command for a jackpot that corresponds to the stop pattern data determined in step S311-2, and sets this pattern designation command in the performance transmission data storage area (S311-3).

Next, the main CPU 110a determines the current game status (at the time of the big win lottery) based on the memory contents of the game status flag memory area, and stores game status information indicating the determined game status in the game status buffer (S311-4).

In step S311-5, the main CPU 110a determines whether the result of the big win lottery is a small win or not. If the result is a small win (S311-5: Yes), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S311-6, and if the result is not a small win (S311-5: No), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S311-8.

In step S311-6, the main CPU 110a performs a small win symbol determination process. In this small win symbol determination process, the main CPU 110a refers to the small win symbol determination table in the main ROM 110b, determines the stop symbol data of the variable stop symbol based on the special symbol random number value in the 0th memory unit, and stores the determined stop symbol data in the stop symbol data storage area in the main RAM 110c.

Figure 31 (b) shows a small win symbol determination table. The small win symbol determination table stores a set of special symbol random number values, special symbol types (the type of big win determined by winning in specific area 19B), stopping symbol data, and symbol designation commands.

Next, the main CPU 110a generates a pattern designation command for a small win that corresponds to the stop pattern data determined in step S311-6, and sets this pattern designation command in the performance transmission data storage area (S311-7).

In step S311-8, the main CPU 110a determines whether the result of the jackpot lottery is a special miss. If the result is a special miss (S311-8: Yes), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S311-9. If the result is not a special miss (S311-8: No), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S311-11.

In step S311-9, the main CPU 110a performs a special losing symbol determination process. In this special losing symbol determination process, the main CPU 110a refers to the special losing symbol determination table in the main ROM 110b, determines the stopping symbol data of the variable stopping symbol based on the special symbol random number value in the 0th memory unit, and stores the determined stopping symbol data in the stopping symbol data storage area in the main RAM 110c.

Figure 32 (a) shows a special miss symbol determination table. The special miss symbol determination table stores a set of special symbol random number values, special symbol types (special miss types), stopping symbol data, and symbol designation commands.

Next, the main CPU 110a generates a pattern designation command for a special miss that corresponds to the stopping pattern data determined in step S311-9, and sets this pattern designation command in the performance transmission data storage area (S311-10).

In step S311-11, the main CPU 110a performs a normal losing symbol determination process. In this normal losing symbol determination process, the main CPU 110a refers to the normal losing symbol determination table in the main ROM 110b, determines the stopping symbol data of the variable stopping symbol based on the special symbol random number value in the 0th memory unit, and stores the determined stopping symbol data in the stopping symbol data storage area in the main RAM 110c.

Figure 32 (b) shows a symbol determination table for normal misses. The symbol determination table for normal misses stores a set of special symbol random number values, special symbol types (types of normal misses), stopping symbol data, and symbol designation commands.

Next, the main CPU 110a generates a pattern designation command for a normal miss that corresponds to the stop pattern data determined in step S311-11, and sets this pattern designation command in the performance transmission data storage area (S311-12).

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 28, after executing the jackpot determination process (S311), the main CPU 110a executes the variation pattern determination process (S312). In the variation pattern determination process, the main CPU 110a refers to the variation pattern determination table for the special symbols in the main ROM 110b, and determines the variation pattern of the variation based on the lottery result of the jackpot lottery in step S311 (jackpot, special miss, or normal miss), the memory contents of the game flag memory area at the time of executing this step S312, the reserved number (U1) after the update in step S310-5, and the jackpot random number value, reach determination random number value, and special symbol variation random number value stored in the 0th memory unit in step S310-6.

There are two types of special symbol fluctuation pattern determination tables: one that is referenced when the first special symbol fluctuates, and one that is referenced when the second special symbol fluctuates. Figure 33 is a diagram showing a fluctuation pattern determination table that is referenced when the first special symbol fluctuates. Figure 34 is a diagram showing a fluctuation pattern determination table that is referenced when the second special symbol fluctuates.

The special symbol change pattern determination table stores a set of the special symbol type (jackpot type), game status, number of reserved symbols, random number value for reach determination, random number value for special symbol change, type of special symbol change pattern, change time, and change start command.

In the special symbol fluctuation pattern determination table, if the result of the jackpot lottery is a jackpot, a fluctuation pattern with a long fluctuation time is likely to be selected. Conversely, in the special symbol fluctuation pattern determination table, if the result of the jackpot lottery is a miss, a fluctuation pattern with a short fluctuation time is likely to be selected.

For example, the options for the fluctuation pattern corresponding to special pattern 01 (A per first type 10R) in the fluctuation pattern determination table for the first special pattern shown in FIG. 33 include fluctuation patterns 12, 13, 14, and 15. The fluctuation time of fluctuation pattern 12 is T12 (for example, T12 = 20,000 ms). The fluctuation time of fluctuation pattern 13 is T13 (T13 = 30,000 ms). The fluctuation time of fluctuation pattern 14 is T14 (T14 = 40,000 ms). The fluctuation time of fluctuation pattern 15 is T15 (T15 = 60,000 ms). The magnitude relationship of the selection rates of fluctuation patterns 12, 13, 14, and 15 is fluctuation pattern 12 < fluctuation pattern 13 < fluctuation pattern 14 < fluctuation pattern 15.

The options for the fluctuation pattern corresponding to special pattern 02 (B per first type 2R) in the fluctuation pattern determination table for the first special pattern shown in FIG. 33 include fluctuation patterns 22, 23, 24, and 25. The fluctuation time of fluctuation pattern 22 is T12 (20,000 ms). The fluctuation time of fluctuation pattern 23 is T13 (30,000 ms). The fluctuation time of fluctuation pattern 24 is T14 (40,000 ms). The fluctuation time of fluctuation pattern 25 is T15 (60,000 ms). The magnitude relationship of the selection rates of fluctuation patterns 22, 23, 24, and 25 is fluctuation pattern 22 < fluctuation pattern 23 < fluctuation pattern 24 < fluctuation pattern 25.

The options for the fluctuation pattern corresponding to special pattern 03 (C per first type 2R) in the fluctuation pattern determination table for the first special pattern shown in FIG. 33 include fluctuation patterns 32, 33, 34, and 35. The fluctuation time of fluctuation pattern 32 is T12 (20,000 ms). The fluctuation time of fluctuation pattern 33 is T13 (30,000 ms). The fluctuation time of fluctuation pattern 34 is T14 (40,000 ms). The fluctuation time of fluctuation pattern 35 is T15 (60,000 ms). The magnitude relationship of the selection rates of fluctuation patterns 32, 33, 34, and 35 is fluctuation pattern 32 < fluctuation pattern 33 < fluctuation pattern 34 < fluctuation pattern 35.

The options for the variation patterns corresponding to the special symbols 09, 0A, 0B, and 0C (special miss) in the variation pattern determination table for the first special symbol shown in Figure 33 include variation patterns 81, 82, 83, and 84. The variation time for variation patterns 81, 82, 83, and 84 is T11 (18,000 ms).

In the variation pattern determination table for the first special symbol shown in FIG. 33, the variation pattern options corresponding to the combination of special symbol 20 (normal miss), number of reserved symbols 0-2, and no reach (the random number value for reaching the reach is "0-69") include variation pattern 89. The variation time for variation pattern 89 is T9 (for example, T9 = 6000 ms).

In the variation pattern determination table for the first special pattern shown in FIG. 33, the options for the variation pattern corresponding to the combination of special pattern 20 (normal miss), reserved number 0-2, and reach (random number value for reach determination is "70-99") include variation patterns 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, and 95. The variation time of variation pattern 90 is T10 (for example, T10 = 10,000 ms). The variation time of variation pattern 91 is the same length as that of variation pattern 11, T11 (18,000 ms). The variation time of variation pattern 92 is the same length as that of variation pattern 12, T12 (20,000 ms). The variation time of variation pattern 93 is the same length as that of variation pattern 13, T13 (30,000 ms). The variation time of variation pattern 94 is the same length as that of variation pattern 14, T14 (40,000 ms). The fluctuation time of fluctuation pattern 95 is the same length T15 (60,000 ms) as that of fluctuation pattern 15. The magnitude relationship of the selection rates of fluctuation patterns 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, and 95 is fluctuation pattern 90 > fluctuation pattern 91 > fluctuation pattern 92 > fluctuation pattern 93 > fluctuation pattern 94 > fluctuation pattern 95.

Comparing the special symbol variation pattern determination table in Figures 33 and 34 with the advance determination table (Figure 25) shown above, the advance determination table is designed to allow the relevant data in the table to be searched for without referring to the reserved number of variations of the first special symbol (U1). In contrast, the variation pattern determination table is designed so that if the result of the jackpot lottery is a miss, the relevant data in the table cannot be searched for unless the reserved number of variations of the first special symbol (U1) is referred to. For this reason, although the advance determination table can determine the type of development after the reach performance, it cannot distinguish between "normal variation" and "shortened variation".

In FIG. 28, the main CPU 110a generates a fluctuation start command corresponding to the fluctuation pattern determined in step S312, and sets this fluctuation start command in the performance transmission data storage area (S313).

Next, the main CPU 110a determines the current game state based on the memory contents of the game state flag memory area, generates a game state designation command corresponding to the determined game state, and sets this game state designation command in the performance transmission data storage area (S314).

Next, the main CPU 110a performs processing to start the variable display of the special pattern (S315). More specifically, the main CPU 110a sets variable display data in a predetermined processing area to cause the first special pattern display device 20 or the second special pattern display device 21 to perform a variable display of the special pattern (flashing of the LED). When the variable display data is set in the predetermined processing area, data for turning on or off the LED is created in step S600 above, and the created data is output in the output control processing of step S700, thereby performing a variable display of the first special pattern display device 20 or the second special pattern display device 21.

Next, the main CPU 110a sets the variation time based on the variation pattern determined in step S312 in the special symbol time counter (S316). The special symbol time counter is decremented every 4 milliseconds in step S110.

Next, the main CPU 110a sets the special symbol special signal processing data to 1 (S317) and ends this special symbol memory determination process.

If the special symbol special electricity processing data is set to 1 here, in the subsequent special symbol special electricity control processing, processing shifts to special symbol variation processing in step S302, and special symbol variation processing is performed.

Figure 35 is a flowchart showing the details of the special symbol variation process. In Figure 35, the main CPU 110a judges whether the special symbol variation time has elapsed (S320-1). Specifically, the main CPU 110a refers to the special symbol time counter set in step S316, and if the special symbol time counter is 0, it judges that the special symbol variation time has elapsed, and if the special symbol time counter is not 0, it judges that the special symbol variation time has not yet elapsed. If the main CPU 110a judges that the special symbol variation time has elapsed (S320-1: Yes), it proceeds to step S320-2, and if it judges that the special symbol variation time has not elapsed (S320-1: No), it ends the current special symbol variation process and executes the next subroutine.

In step S320-2, the main CPU 110a performs processing to stop the variable display of the special symbol. Specifically, the main CPU 110a clears the variable display data set in step S315 above, and sets in a predetermined processing area stopped symbol data for causing the special symbol set in step S311-2, S311-6, S311-9, or S311-11 to be displayed in a stopped state on the first special symbol display device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21 (S320-2). This causes the special symbol to be displayed in a stopped state on the first special symbol display device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21.

Next, the main CPU 110a sets the pattern determination command in the performance transmission data storage area (S320-3).

Next, the main CPU 110a sets the symbol stop time (0.5 seconds = 125 counters) in the special symbol time counter (S320-4). The special symbol time counter is decremented every 4 milliseconds in step S110.

Next, the main CPU 110a sets the special symbol special signal processing data to 2 (S320-5) and ends this special symbol variation process.

If the special symbol special electricity processing data is set to 2, then in the subsequent special symbol special electricity control processing, processing shifts to the special symbol stop processing in step S302, and the special symbol stop processing is performed.

Figure 36 is a flowchart showing the details of the special symbol stop processing. In Figure 36, the main CPU 110a judges whether or not the stop time of the special symbol has elapsed (S330-1). Specifically, the main CPU 110a refers to the special symbol time counter set in step S320-4, and judges that the stop time of the special symbol has elapsed if the special symbol time counter is 0, and judges that the stop time of the special symbol has not yet elapsed if the special symbol time counter is not 0. If the main CPU 110a judges that the stop time of the special symbol has elapsed (S330-1: Yes), it proceeds to step S330-2, and if it judges that the stop time of the special symbol has not elapsed (S330-1: No), it proceeds to step S330-23.

In step S330-3, the main CPU 110a determines whether the stop pattern data in the stop pattern data storage area is for a jackpot. If the stop pattern data in the stop pattern data storage area is for a jackpot (S330-3: Yes), the process proceeds to step S330-4. If the stop pattern data is not for a jackpot (S330-3: No), the process proceeds to step S330-11.

In step S330-4, the main CPU 110a sets the normal game state flag in the game state flag storage area of the main RAM 110c.

In the next step S330-5, the main CPU 110a resets the low base time-saving count (B) counter and the high base time-saving count (J) counter in the main RAM 110c. In the next step S330-6, the main CPU 110a resets the fluctuation count (L) counter in the main RAM 110c.

In the next step S330-7, the main CPU 110a performs a first type jackpot game preparation process. In the first type jackpot game preparation process, the main CPU 110a refers to the first type jackpot special game control table in the main ROM 110b, and determines the first type jackpot special prize opening/closing control table to be referenced based on the stopping symbol data in the stopping symbol data storage area.

Figure 37(a) shows a special game control table for the first type of big win. Figure 38(a) shows a big prize opening/closing control table for the first type of big win.

The special game control table for the first type of jackpot stores the stop symbol data, opening time, opening designation command, table number of the large prize opening control table for the first type of jackpot, ending time, and a set of symbol designation commands for each type of jackpot. Here, the table number of the large prize opening control table for the first type of 10R win A and the first type of 10R win F is "01", and the table number of the large prize opening control table for the first type of 2R win B, the first type of 2R win C, and the first type of 2R win G is "02". The large prize opening control table for each table number stores data indicating the opening and closing times for each round, and the type of large prize opening to be opened.

The main CPU 110a generates an opening designation command according to the type of jackpot, and sets this opening designation command in the performance transmission data storage area (S330-8).

Next, the main CPU 110a determines the start interval time according to the type of jackpot, sets this start interval time in the special pattern time counter (S330-9), and proceeds to step S330-10.

In step S330-10, the main CPU 110a sets the special picture special signal processing data to 3. Then, the process proceeds to step S330-23.

In step S330-11, the main CPU 110a determines whether the stop pattern data in the stop pattern data storage area is for a small win. If the stop pattern data in the stop pattern data storage area is for a small win (S330-11: Yes), the process proceeds to step S330-12. If the stop pattern data is not for a small win (S330-11: No), the process proceeds to step S330-16.

In step S330-12, the main CPU 110a performs a small win preparation process. In the small win preparation process, the main CPU 110a determines the small win large prize opening opening control table to be referenced in the main ROM 110b.

Figure 39 shows the large prize opening/closing control table for small prizes. The large prize opening/closing control table for small prizes stores data indicating the opening and closing times of the 10 operations in one round, and the type of large prize opening to be opened.

The main CPU 110a generates an opening designation command for the small win based on the large prize opening opening control table for the small win determined in step S330-12, and sets this opening designation command in the performance transmission data storage area (S330-13).

The main CPU 110a determines the start interval time of the small win based on the large prize opening opening control table for small wins determined in step S330-12, sets this start interval time in the special pattern time counter (S330-14), and proceeds to step S330-15.

In the next step S330-15, the main CPU 110a sets the special chart special signal processing data to 4. Then, the process proceeds to step S330-23.

In step S330-16, the main CPU 110a determines whether the stop pattern data in the stop pattern data storage area is a special miss. If the stop pattern data in the stop pattern data storage area is a special miss (S330-16: Yes), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S330-17, and if it is a normal miss (S330-16: No), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S330-21.

In step S330-17, the main CPU 110a determines whether the count value (L) of the fluctuation count (L) counter in the main RAM 110c has reached the specified number of times, which is 900. If the fluctuation count (L) has reached the specified number of times (S330-17: Yes), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S330-18, and if the fluctuation count (L) has not reached the specified number of times (S330-17: No), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S330-21.

In step S330-18, the main CPU 110a resets the fluctuation count (L) counter in the main RAM 110c.

In the next step S330-19, the main CPU 110a performs a game state setting process. In this game state setting process, the main CPU 110a refers to the special miss symbol stop setting table in the main ROM 110b, and determines the game state when the special miss symbol stops based on the stopped symbol data and the memory contents of the game state flag memory area.

Figure 40 shows a setting table for when a special losing symbol stops. The setting table for when a special losing symbol stops stores a set of stopping symbol data, data indicating the game state before the special losing symbol stops, data indicating the game state when the special losing symbol stops, data indicating the low base time-saving number of times (B), and data indicating the high base time-saving number of times (J).

To explain the game status setting process of step S330-19 in detail, when the stopped symbol data is "09", if the game status flag in the game status flag storage area is in the normal state, the main CPU 110a sets the high base time-saving state as the game status when the special losing symbol stops, and if it is in the low base time-saving state or the high base time-saving state, the game status before the special losing symbol stops is maintained even after the symbol stops.

When the stopped symbol data is "10," "11," or "12," if the game status flag in the game status flag storage area is in the normal state, the low base time-saving state is set as the game status when the special losing symbol stops, and if it is in the low base time-saving state or the high base time-saving state, the game status before the special losing symbol stops is maintained even after the symbol stops.

When the stopping pattern data is "20", regardless of whether the game status flag in the game status flag storage area is in the normal state or the low base time-saving state, the high base time-saving state is set as the game status when the special losing pattern stops.

In the next step S330-20, the main CPU 110a performs a remaining number setting process. In the remaining number setting process, the main CPU 110a refers to the setting table for when the special losing symbol stops in the main ROM 110b, and determines the low base time reduction number (B) and the high base time reduction number (J) when the special losing symbol stops based on the stopped symbol data and the memory contents of the game status flag memory area, and sets the low base time reduction number (B) in the low base time reduction number (B) counter and sets the high base time reduction number (J) in the high base time reduction number (J) counter.

In the next step S330-21, the main CPU 110a generates a number designation command indicating the number of low base time-saving times (B) and the number of high base time-saving times (J), and sets this number designation command in the performance transmission data storage area.

In the next step S330-22, the main CPU 110a sets the special picture special signal processing data to 0. Then, the process proceeds to step S330-23.

In step S330-23, the main CPU 110a determines the current game state based on the memory contents of the game state flag memory area, generates a game state designation command corresponding to the determined game state, and sets this game state designation command in the performance transmission data storage area. Then, the current special symbol stop process is terminated.

Here, if the special symbol special electricity processing data is set to 3, then in the subsequent special symbol special electricity control processing, processing shifts to big win game processing in step S302, and big win game processing is performed. If the special symbol special electricity processing data is set to 4, then in the subsequent special symbol special electricity control processing, processing shifts to small win game processing in step S302, and small win game processing is performed. If the special symbol special electricity processing data is set to 0, then in the subsequent special symbol special electricity control processing, processing shifts to special symbol memory determination processing in step S302, and special symbol memory determination processing is performed.

Figure 41 is a flowchart showing the details of the jackpot game process. In Figure 41, the main CPU 110a judges whether or not the opening is currently in progress (S340-1). Specifically, the main CPU 110a refers to the count value (R) of the round number (R) counter, and judges that the opening is in progress if the round number (R) is 0, and judges that the opening is not in progress if the round number (R) is not 0. If the opening is in progress (S340-1: Yes), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S340-2, and if the opening is not in progress (S340-1: No), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S340-6.

In step S340-2, the main CPU 110a determines whether the start interval time has elapsed. Specifically, the main CPU 110a refers to the special symbol time counter set in step S330-9 of the special symbol stop processing, and determines that the start interval time has elapsed if the special symbol time counter is 0, and determines that the start interval time has not yet elapsed if the special symbol time counter is not 0. If the main CPU 110a determines that the start interval time has elapsed (S340-2: Yes), it proceeds to step S340-3, and if it determines that the start interval time has not yet elapsed (S340-2: No), it ends the current jackpot game processing.

In step S340-3, the main CPU 110a performs a jackpot start setting process. In the jackpot start setting process, the main CPU 110a updates the count value (R) of the round number (R) counter by incrementing it by 1. Here, when the start interval time has elapsed, no action has been performed yet, and the count value (R) of the round number (R) counter is 0. Therefore, the round number (R) after the update in step S340-3 becomes 1.

After executing step S340-3, the main CPU 110a performs the large prize opening process (S340-4). In this large prize opening process, in order to open the first large prize opening door 16b, energization data is set to energize the first large prize opening opening solenoid 16c. The main CPU 110a also refers to the referenced large prize opening opening control table to determine the opening time of the first large prize opening 16 for the current round number (R), and sets this opening time in the special game timer counter.

After executing step S340-4, the main CPU 110a performs a round start command transmission determination process (S340-5). In the round start command transmission determination process, the main CPU 110a generates a round start command according to the count value (R) of the round number (R) counter, sets this round start command in the performance transmission data storage area, and ends the current jackpot game process.

In step S340-6, the main CPU 110a determines whether the ending is currently in progress. If the ending is not in progress (S340-6: No), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S340-7. If the ending is in progress (S340-6: Yes), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S340-18.

In step S340-7, the main CPU 110a determines whether the large prize opening is closed. Specifically, if the energization data (energization data for energizing the first large prize opening opening solenoid 16c or the second large prize opening opening solenoid 17c) is not set in a predetermined area of the main RAM 110c, the main CPU 110a determines that the large prize opening is closed, and if the energization data is set in a predetermined area of the main RAM 110c, the main CPU 110a determines that the large prize opening is not closed. If the large prize opening is closed (S340-7: Yes), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S340-8, and if the large prize opening is not closed (S340-7: No), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S340-9.

In step S340-8, the main CPU 110a determines whether the closure time has elapsed. Here, the closure time is set in the special game timer counter in step S340-10, which will be described later. If the main CPU 110a determines that the closure time has elapsed (S340-8: Yes), it proceeds to the large prize opening process in step S340-4, performs the large prize opening process and the subsequent round start command transmission determination process (S340-5), and ends the current jackpot game process. If the main CPU 110a determines that the closure time has not elapsed (S340-8: No), it ends the current jackpot game process.

In step S340-9, the main CPU 110a determines whether the opening end condition of the large prize opening has been met. Specifically, the main CPU 110a determines that the opening end condition has been met if the count value (C) of the large prize opening ball entry number (C) counter reaches a specified number (9 balls) or the opening time has elapsed. The main CPU 110a also determines that the opening end condition has not been met if the count value (C) of the large prize opening ball entry number (C) counter has not reached a specified number (9 balls) and the opening time has not elapsed. If the main CPU 110a determines that the opening end condition has been met (S340-9: Yes), it proceeds to step S340-10, and if it determines that the opening end condition has not been met (S340-9: No), it ends the current large prize game processing.

In step S340-10, the main CPU 110a performs a large prize opening closing process. In the large prize opening closing process, the main CPU 110a stops the energizing data that energizes the first large prize opening opening solenoid 16c in order to close the first large prize opening opening door 16b. The main CPU 110a also references the large prize opening opening opening control table for a large win and sets the closing time of the first large prize opening 16 in the special game timer counter based on the current number of rounds (R). This causes the first large prize opening 16 to close.

After executing step S340-10, the main CPU 110a judges whether or not one round of play has ended (S340-11). Specifically, the main CPU 110a judges that one round of play has ended when the count value (C) of the large prize opening ball entry number (C) counter reaches a specified number (9 balls). The main CPU 110a also judges that one round of play has not ended when the count value (C) of the large prize opening ball entry number (C) counter has not reached a specified number (9 balls). When the main CPU 110a judges that one round of play has ended (S340-11: Yes), it proceeds to step S340-12, and when it judges that one round of play has not ended (S340-11: No), it ends the current large prize game processing.

In step S340-12, the main CPU 110a performs a round data initialization process. In the round data initialization process, the main CPU 110a resets the round number (R) counter.

After executing step S340-12, the main CPU 110a determines whether the count value (R) of the round number (R) counter has reached the maximum value (specifically, the number of the final round in the big win opening opening control table for big wins) (S340-13).

If it is determined that the number of rounds (R) is not at its maximum value (S340-13: No), the main CPU 110a updates the count value (R) of the number of rounds (R) counter by +1 (S340-14), and ends the current jackpot game processing.

If it is determined that the number of rounds (R) has reached its maximum value (S340-13: Yes), the main CPU 110a resets the number of rounds (R) counter (S340-15).

After executing step S340-15, the main CPU 110a refers to the big win opening opening control table for the big win, generates an ending designation command according to the type of big win, and sets this ending designation command in the performance transmission data storage area (S340-16).

After executing step S340-16, the main CPU 110a determines the end interval time according to the type of jackpot, and sets this end interval time in the special game timer counter (S340-17).

After executing step S340-17, or when it is determined in step S340-6 that the game is ending (S340-6: Yes), the main CPU 110a determines whether the end interval has elapsed (S340-18). Specifically, the main CPU 110a refers to the special game timer counter set in step S340-17, and if the special game timer counter is 0, it determines that the end interval has elapsed, and if the special game timer counter is not 0, it determines that the end interval has not yet elapsed. If the main CPU 110a determines that the end interval has not yet elapsed (S340-18: No), it ends the current jackpot game process.

When the main CPU 110a determines that the end interval time has elapsed (S340-18: Yes), it sets the special chart special power processing data to 5 (S340-19) and ends the current jackpot game processing.

If the special chart special electricity processing data is set to 5, the subsequent special chart special electricity control process moves to the jackpot game end process in step S302, and the jackpot game end process is performed.

Figure 42 is a flowchart showing the details of the small win game process. In Figure 42, the main CPU 110a determines whether or not the opening is currently in progress (S350-1). If the opening is in progress (S350-1: Yes), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S350-2, and if the opening is not in progress (S350-1: No), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S350-5.

In step S350-2, the main CPU 110a determines whether the start interval time has elapsed. Specifically, the main CPU 110a refers to the special symbol time counter set in step S330-14 of the special symbol stop processing, and determines that the start interval time has elapsed if the special symbol time counter is 0, and determines that the start interval time has not yet elapsed if the special symbol time counter is not 0. If the main CPU 110a determines that the start interval time has elapsed (S350-2: Yes), it proceeds to step S350-3, and if it determines that the start interval time has not yet elapsed (S350-2: No), it ends the current small win game processing.

The main CPU 110a performs the large prize opening process in step S350-3. In this large prize opening process, first, the count value (K) of the special electric operation number (K) counter in the main RAM 110c is updated by +1. Then, in order to open the second large prize opening door 17b, energization data is set to energize the second large prize opening opening solenoid 17c. The main CPU 110a also refers to the small prize large prize opening opening control table to determine the opening time of the second large prize opening 17 for the current special electric operation number (K), and sets this opening time in the special game timer counter.

In step S350-4, the main CPU 110a performs a specific winning opening opening/closing control process. In this specific winning opening opening/closing control process, the main CPU 110a controls the current supply to the specific area opening/closing solenoid 18d based on the specific area opening/closing control table for small win games in the main ROM 110b.

Figure 43 shows the specific area opening/closing control table for small win games. The specific area opening/closing control table for small win games stores a set of data indicating the elapsed time since the second large prize opening was opened, data indicating the opening time of specific area 19B, and data indicating the closing time of specific area 19B.

In step S350-5, the main CPU 110a determines whether the specific area winning flag is set. If the specific area winning flag is set (S350-5: Yes), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S351. If the specific area winning flag is not set (S350-5: No), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S350-6.

In step S351, the main CPU 110a performs a process to transition to a second type of jackpot game. The details of the process to transition to a second type of jackpot game will be described later.

In step S350-6, the main CPU 110a determines whether the ending is currently in progress. If the ending is in progress (S350-6: Yes), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S350-14. If the ending is not in progress (S350-6: No), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S350-7.

In step S350-7, the main CPU 110a determines whether the second large prize opening 17 is open. If the second large prize opening 17 is not open (S350-7: No), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S350-8. If the second large prize opening 17 is open (S350-7: Yes), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S350-9.

In step S350-8, the main CPU 110a determines whether the closing time has elapsed. Here, the closing time is set in the special game timer counter in step S350-10, which will be described later. If the main CPU 110a determines that the closing time has elapsed (S350-8: Yes), it proceeds to the large prize opening opening process in step S350-3, performs the large prize opening opening process and the specific prize opening opening control process (S350-4) that follows, and ends the current big win game process. If the main CPU 110a determines that the closing time has not elapsed (S350-8: No), it ends the current big win game process.

In step S350-9, the main CPU 110a determines whether the opening end condition for the large prize opening has been met. If the main CPU 110a determines that the opening end condition has been met (S350-9: Yes), it proceeds to step S350-10, and if it determines that the opening end condition has not been met (S350-9: No), it ends the current small prize game processing.

In step S350-10, the main CPU 110a performs a large prize opening closing process. In order to close the second large prize opening opening door 17b, the energizing data for energizing the second large prize opening opening solenoid 17c is stopped. The main CPU 110a also references the small prize large prize opening opening opening control table and sets the closing time of the second large prize opening 17 in the special game timer counter based on the current special power operation number (K). This causes the second large prize opening 17 to close.

In step S350-11, the main CPU 110a determines whether the small win game end condition has been met. Specifically, the main CPU 110a determines that the small win game end condition has been met if the special power operation number (K) has reached its maximum value (the final number of operations in the small win large prize opening opening control table). If the special power operation number (K) has not reached its maximum value, the main CPU 110a determines that the small win game end condition has not been met.

In step S350-12, the main CPU 110a performs a small win game end process. In the small win game end process, the special power activation number (K) counter is reset.

In step S350-13, the main CPU 110a performs an ending process. In this ending process, the main CPU 110a sets an ending designation command for the small win in the performance transmission data storage area based on the special chart stop data, and sets the end interval time of the small win in the special game timer counter.

In step S350-14, the main CPU 110a determines whether the end interval has elapsed. Specifically, the main CPU 110a refers to the special game timer counter set in step S350-10 above, and determines that the end interval has elapsed if the special game timer counter is 0, and determines that the end interval has not elapsed if the special game timer counter is not 0.

If the main CPU 110a determines that the end interval time has not elapsed (S350-14: No), it ends the current small win game process.

When the main CPU 110a determines that the end interval time has elapsed (S350-14: Yes), it sets the special chart special power processing data to 0 (S350-15) and ends the current small win game processing.

If the special symbol special electricity processing data is set to 0, then in the subsequent special symbol special electricity control process, processing shifts to the special symbol memory determination process in step S302, and the special symbol memory determination process is performed.

Figure 44 is a flowchart showing the details of the second type jackpot game transition process. In Figure 44, the main CPU 110a determines whether or not the game is currently ending (S351-1). If the game is not currently ending (S351-1: No), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S351-2, and if the game is currently ending (S351-1: Yes), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S351-6.

In step S351-2, the main CPU 110a determines whether the second large prize opening 17 is open. If the second large prize opening 17 is open (S351-2: Yes), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S351-3. If the second large prize opening 17 is not open (S351-2: No), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S351-4.

In step S351-3, the main CPU 110a sets data to stop the flow of current to the second large prize opening opening solenoid 19b in order to close the second large prize opening 17.

In step S351-4, the main CPU 110a performs a small win game end process. In the small win game end process, the special power activation number (K) counter is reset.

In step S351-5, the main CPU 110a performs an ending process. In this ending process, the main CPU 110a sets an ending designation command for the small win in the performance transmission data storage area based on the special chart stop data, and sets the end interval time of the small win in the special game timer counter.

In step S351-6, the main CPU 110a determines whether the end interval time has elapsed.

If the main CPU 110a determines that the end interval time has elapsed (S351-6: Yes), it proceeds to step S351-7, and if it determines that the end interval time has not elapsed (S351-6: No), it ends the current second type jackpot game transition process.

In step S351-7, the main CPU 110a clears the specific area winning flag storage area of the main RAM 110c.

In step S351-8, the main CPU 110a sets the normal game state flag in the game state flag storage area of the main RAM 110c.

In the next step S351-9, the main CPU 110a resets the low base time-saving count (B) counter and the high base time-saving count (J) counter in the main RAM 110c. In the next step S351-10, the main CPU 110a resets the fluctuation count (L) counter in the main RAM 110c.

In the next step S351-11, the main CPU 110a performs a second type jackpot game preparation process. In the second type jackpot game preparation process, the main CPU 110a refers to the special game control table in the main ROM 110b, and determines the second type jackpot big prize opening/closing control table to be referenced based on the stopping pattern data in the stopping pattern data storage area, and sets the count value (R) of the round number (R) counter to 1.

Figure 37(b) shows a special game control table for the second type of big win. Figure 38(b) shows a big prize opening/closing control table for the second type of big win.

The special game control table for the second type of jackpot stores the stopping symbol data, the table number of the large prize opening/closing control table, the ending time, and a set of symbol designation commands for each type of jackpot. Here, the table number for the second type of actual 9R win H and the second type of actual 2R win J is "03", and the table number for the large prize opening/closing control table for the second type of actual 2R win I is "04". The large prize opening/closing control table for each table number stores data indicating the opening and closing times for each round, and the type of large prize opening to be opened.

The reason why the count value (R) of the round number (R) counter is set to 1 in the second type jackpot game preparation process is that the second type jackpot is executed when the player enters the specific area 19B during a small jackpot game, and the small jackpot game is considered to be the first round of the second type jackpot game.

In step S351-15, the main CPU 110a sets the special chart special power processing data to 3 and ends the second type jackpot game transition process.

If the special chart special electricity processing data is set to 3, the subsequent special chart special electricity control process will shift to the jackpot game processing in step S302, and the jackpot game processing will be performed.

Figure 45 is a flowchart showing the details of the jackpot game end process. In Figure 45, the main CPU 110a loads the stopping symbol data that was set in the stopping symbol data storage area and the game status information that was set in the game status buffer (S360-1).

After executing step S360-1, the main CPU 110a performs a game state setting process (S360-2). In this game state setting process, the main CPU 110a refers to the special game end setting table in the main ROM 110b, and determines the game state at the end of the special game based on the stopped symbol data loaded in step S360-1 and the memory contents of the game state flag memory area.

Figure 46 shows the setting table at the end of special play. The setting table at the end of special play stores a set of stopped symbol data, game status information set in the game status buffer, data indicating the game status at the end of the special play, data indicating the low base number of time-saving times (B), and data indicating the high base number of time-saving times (J).

Here, as shown in the game flow of FIG. 8, in this embodiment, during the high base time-saving state, the game is played by hitting the right hand, so in the high base time-saving state, it is almost impossible for the first start hole 14 to start winning, the first special symbol display device 20 to change, and the lottery for the first special symbol to become a jackpot. However, although it is a rare case, during the normal state, one or more reserved first special symbols are left, and the first type 2R win C or special miss a occurs, and after the high base time-saving state is entered, a jackpot occurs in the change corresponding to the reservation of the first special symbol. For this reason, in the special game end setting table, data indicating the game state to which the game state to which the game state information of the game state buffer is to be transferred is stored for the stop symbol data "01", "02", and "03" corresponding to the first special symbol display device 20.

In addition, since the game is played by hitting the left hand during the normal state or low base time-saving state, it is almost impossible for the second start hole 15 to start winning, the second special symbol display device 21 to change, and the lottery for the second special symbol to become a jackpot in the normal state or low base time-saving state. However, during the normal state or low base time-saving state, the opening time of the movable piece 15b is extremely short, and it is possible for the second start hole 15 to start winning, and it is possible for the change of the second special symbol to become a jackpot in the normal state or low base time-saving state. For this reason, in the special game end setting table, data indicating the game state to which the game state information in the game state buffer is 00H (normal state) and 01H (low base time-saving state) is stored for the stop symbol data "04", "05", "06", "07", and "08" corresponding to the second special symbol display device 21.

To explain the game status setting process of step S360-2 in detail, when the stopped symbol data is "01", if the game status information in the game status buffer is 00H (normal status), the main CPU 110a sets the normal status as the game status at the end of the special game, and if the game status information in the game status buffer is 01H (low base time-saving status) or 02H (high base time-saving status), the main CPU 110a sets the low base time-saving status as the game status at the end of the special game.

In addition, when the stopping symbol data is "02", the normal state will be the game state at the end of the special game regardless of whether the game state information in the game state buffer is 00H (normal state), 01H (low base time-saving state), or 02H (high base time-saving state).

In addition, when the stopping symbol data is "03", if the game status information in the game status buffer is 00H (normal state), the high base time-saving state will be the game status at the end of the special game, and if the game status information in the game status buffer is 01H (low base time-saving state) or 02H (high base time-saving state), the low base time-saving state will be the game status at the end of the special game.

In addition, when the stopping symbol data is "04", "05", "06", or "07", the high base time-saving state will be the game state at the end of the special game, regardless of whether the game state information in the game state buffer is 00H (normal state), 01H (low base time-saving state), or 02H (high base time-saving state).

In addition, when the stopping symbol data is "08", if the game status information in the game status buffer is 00H (normal state), the high base time-saving state will be the game status at the end of the special game, and if the game status information in the game status buffer is 01H (low base time-saving state) or 02H (high base time-saving state), the normal state will be the game status at the end of the special game.

After executing step S360-2, the main CPU 110a performs a remaining number setting process (S360-3). In the remaining number setting process, the main CPU 110a refers to the special game end setting table in the main ROM 110b, and determines the low base time reduction number (B) and high base time reduction number (J) at the end of the special game based on the stopped symbol data loaded in step S360-1 and the memory contents of the game status flag memory area, and sets the low base time reduction number (B) in the low base time reduction number (B) counter and sets the high base time reduction number (J) in the high base time reduction number (J) counter.

After executing step S360-3, the main CPU 110a determines the current game state based on the memory contents of the game state flag memory area, generates a game state designation command corresponding to the current game state, and sets this game state designation command in the performance transmission data storage area (S360-4).

After executing step S360-4, the main CPU 110a sets the special chart special power processing data to 0 (S360-5) and ends the jackpot game end processing.

If the special symbol special electricity processing data is set to 0, then in the subsequent special symbol special electricity control process, processing shifts to the special symbol memory determination process in step S302, and the special symbol memory determination process is performed.

Figure 47 is a flowchart showing details of the normal symbol normal power control processing. In Figure 47, the main CPU 110a loads normal symbol normal power processing data (S401). In the next step S402, the main CPU 110a references a branch address from the loaded special symbol special power processing data, and if the normal symbol normal power processing data = 0, the process moves to normal symbol variation processing (step S410), and if the normal symbol normal power processing data = 1, the process moves to auxiliary game processing (step S420).

Figure 48 is a flowchart showing details of the normal pattern change process. In Figure 48, the main CPU 110a determines in step S410-1 whether or not the normal pattern change is in progress. More specifically, the main CPU 110a refers to the normal pattern time counter in the main RAM 110c, and if the normal pattern time counter is not 0, it determines that the normal pattern change is in progress, and if the normal pattern time counter is 0, it determines that the normal pattern change is not in progress. If the normal pattern change is not in progress (S410-1: No), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S410-2, and if the normal pattern change is in progress (S410-1: Yes), it proceeds to step S410-12.

In step S410-2, the main CPU 110a determines whether the count value (G) in the regular symbol reservation number (G) memory area of the main RAM 110c is 1 or more. If the regular symbol reservation number (G) is 1 or more (S410-2: Yes), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S410-3, and if the regular symbol reservation number (G) is not 1 or more (S410-2: No), the main CPU 110a ends this regular symbol change process.

In step S410-3, the main CPU 110a updates the count value (G) of the normal symbol reserved number (G) counter in the main RAM 110c by decrementing it by 1.

In step S410-4, the main CPU 110a performs a memory area shift process. In this memory area shift process, the main CPU 110a shifts the data in the second to fourth memory sections of the normal symbol reserved memory area of the main RAM 110c to the previous memory section, and writes the data in the first memory section of the normal symbol reserved memory area to the 0th memory section. By writing the data to this 0th memory section, the random number value (normal symbol random number value) that was previously stored in the 0th memory section is erased.

After executing step S410-4, the main CPU 110a performs a win determination process for the normal symbol (S410-5). In the win determination process, the main CPU 110a refers to the normal symbol lottery determination table in the main RAM 110c, and determines the lottery result (win or miss) of the normal symbol lottery based on the current game state and the normal symbol random number value stored in the 0th memory unit in step S410-4.

Figure 30 (c) is a diagram showing the normal symbol lottery judgment table. In the normal symbol lottery judgment table, pairs of normal symbol random number values and lottery results (win or miss) of the normal symbol lottery are stored separately for reference in the normal state, for reference in the low base time-saving state, and for reference in the high base time-saving state.

In this normal symbol lottery judgment table, the random number value for determining a normal symbol when it is a hit in the normal state, the random number value for determining a normal symbol when it is a hit in the low base time-saving state, and the random number value for determining a normal symbol when it is a hit in the high base time-saving state are all 65535 (0 to 65534). The random number range for the normal symbol judgment random number value is 0 to 65535. Therefore, the probability of winning a hit in the normal state, the probability of winning a hit when it is a hit in the low base time-saving state, and the probability of winning a hit when it is a hit in the high base time-saving state is 65535/65536 = 1/1.00002.

In step S410-6, the main CPU 110a performs a normal symbol determination process. In the normal symbol determination process, the main CPU 110a determines the stopped normal symbol data according to the result of the winning judgment, and sets the determined stopped normal symbol data in the stopped normal symbol data storage area in the main RAM 110c.

Next, the main CPU 110a generates a normal pattern designation command corresponding to the stopped normal pattern data determined in step S410-6 above, and sets this normal pattern designation command in the performance transmission data storage area (S410-7).

In step S410-8, the main CPU 110a performs a process to determine the normal symbol variation pattern. In the normal symbol variation pattern determination process, the main CPU 110a refers to the normal symbol variation pattern determination table in the main ROM 110b, and determines the normal symbol variation pattern based on the current game state and the normal symbol random number value stored in the 0th memory unit in step 410-4.

Figure 49 shows a normal symbol variation pattern determination table. The normal symbol variation pattern determination table stores a set of game state, normal symbol variation pattern type, normal symbol variation time, and normal symbol variation start command.

In step S410-9, the main CPU 110a generates a normal symbol variation start command that corresponds to the normal symbol variation pattern determined in step S410-8 above, and sets this normal symbol variation start command in the performance transmission data storage area.

Next, the main CPU 110a performs processing to start the variable display of the normal pattern (S410-10). More specifically, the main CPU 110a sets normal pattern variable display data in a predetermined processing area to cause the normal pattern display device 22 to display the variable display of the normal pattern (flashing of the LED). When the normal pattern variable display data is set in the predetermined processing area, data for turning on or off the LED is created in step S600 above, and the created data is output in the output control processing of step S700, thereby causing the variable display of the normal pattern display device 22.

In step S410-11, the main CPU 110a sets the normal symbol time counter to the normal symbol fluctuation time based on the normal symbol fluctuation pattern determined in step S410-8 above, and ends this normal symbol fluctuation process. The normal symbol time counter is decremented every 4 milliseconds in step S110 above.

In step S410-12, the main CPU 110a determines whether the normal pattern change time has elapsed. Specifically, the main CPU 110a refers to the normal pattern time counter set in step S410-11, and if the normal pattern time counter is 0, it determines that the normal pattern change time has elapsed, and if the normal pattern time counter is not 0, it determines that the normal pattern change time has not yet elapsed. If the main CPU 110a determines that the normal pattern change time has elapsed (S410-12: Yes), it proceeds to step S410-13, and if it determines that the normal pattern change time has not elapsed (S410-12: No), it ends this normal pattern change process.

In step S410-13, the main CPU 110a performs processing to stop the variable display of the normal pattern. Specifically, the main CPU 110a clears the variable display data of the normal pattern set in step S410-10, and sets the stopped normal pattern data for stopping and displaying the normal pattern of the stopped normal pattern data set in step S410-6 in a predetermined processing area. This causes the normal pattern of the normal pattern display device 22 to be stopped and displayed.

Next, the main CPU 110a sets a normal pattern determination command in the performance transmission data storage area (S410-14).

In step S410-15, the main CPU 110a determines whether the stopped normal symbol data is a winning symbol. If the stopped normal symbol data is a winning symbol (S410-15: Yes), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S410-16. If the stopped normal symbol data is a losing symbol (S410-15: No), the main CPU 110a ends this normal symbol variation process.

In step S410-16, the main CPU 110a performs an opening preparation process. In the opening preparation process, the main CPU 110a refers to the auxiliary game control table in the main ROM 110b, and determines the auxiliary game movable piece opening control table to be referenced based on the current game state.

Figure 50 is a diagram showing an auxiliary game control table. Figure 51 is a diagram showing an auxiliary game movable piece opening control table. In the auxiliary game control table, a set of an opening time, an opening designation command, a table number of the auxiliary game movable piece opening control table, and a pattern designation command is stored for each type of game state. Here, the table number of the auxiliary game movable piece opening control table in the normal state is "11", the table number of the auxiliary game movable piece opening control table in the low base time-saving state is "12", and the table number of the auxiliary game movable piece opening control table in the high base time-saving state is "13". In the auxiliary game movable piece opening control table for each table number, data indicating the opening time of the movable piece 15b and data indicating the closing time of the movable piece 15b are stored.

In the auxiliary game movable piece opening control table with table number "11" corresponding to the normal state, the opening time is 0.1 seconds. In contrast, in the auxiliary game movable piece opening control table with table number "12" corresponding to the low base time-saving state, the opening time is 0.11 seconds. The opening time of the movable piece 15b in the low base time-saving state is only 0.01 seconds longer than the opening time of the movable piece 15b in the normal state. In this sense, the low base time-saving state can be said to be a slight time-saving state in which the advantage in relation to auxiliary games is slightly higher than in the normal state.

In addition, in the auxiliary game movable piece opening control table with table number "13" corresponding to the high base time-saving state, the opening time is 6 seconds. The opening time of the movable piece 15b in the high base time-saving state is 5 seconds longer than the opening time of the movable piece 15b in the normal state and the low base time-saving state. In this sense, the high base time-saving state can be said to be a time-saving state in which the advantage in relation to auxiliary games is significantly higher than the normal state and the low base time-saving state.

The main CPU 110a generates an opening designation command for the auxiliary game and sets this opening designation command in the performance transmission data storage area (S410-17).

Next, the main CPU 110a determines the start interval time, sets this start interval time in the special pattern time counter (S410-18), and proceeds to step S410-19.

In step S410-19, the main CPU 110a sets the normal symbol/normal power processing data to 1 and ends this normal symbol variation process.

If the normal map normal power processing data is set to 1, then in the subsequent normal map normal power control process, processing shifts to auxiliary game processing in step S402, and auxiliary game processing is performed.

Figure 52 is a flowchart showing the details of the auxiliary game processing. In Figure 52, the main CPU 110a determines whether or not the opening is currently in progress (S420-1). If the opening is in progress (S420-1: Yes), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S420-2, and if the opening is not in progress (S420-1: No), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S420-5.

In step S420-2, the main CPU 110a determines whether the start interval time has elapsed. Specifically, the main CPU 110a refers to the normal pattern time counter set in step S410-18 of the normal pattern variation processing, and determines that the start interval time has elapsed if the normal pattern time counter is 0, and determines that the start interval time has not yet elapsed if the normal pattern time counter is not 0. If the start interval time has elapsed (S420-2: Yes), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S420-3, and if the start interval time has not elapsed (S420-2: No), the main CPU 110a ends the current auxiliary game processing.

In step S420-3, auxiliary game start processing is performed. In the auxiliary game start processing, the main CPU 110a updates the count value (S) of the opening count (S) counter in the main RAM 110c by +1.

In step S420-4, a movable piece opening process is performed. In the movable piece opening process, the main CPU 110a sets energization data for energizing the second start port opening/closing solenoid 14b in order to open the movable piece 15b of the second start port 15.

In step S420-5, the main CPU 110a determines whether the movable piece 15b is open. If the movable piece 15b is open (S420-5: Yes), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S420-6. If the movable piece 15b is not open (S420-5: No), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S420-8.

In step S420-6, the main CPU 110a determines whether the opening end condition of the second starting port 15 has been met. Specifically, if the opening time has elapsed, the main CPU 110a determines that the opening end condition has been met. If the opening time has not elapsed, the main CPU 110a determines that the opening end condition has not been met. If the main CPU 110a determines that the opening end condition has been met (S420-6: Yes), it proceeds to step S420-7, and if it determines that the opening end condition has not been met (S420-6: No), it ends the current auxiliary game processing.

In step S420-7, the main CPU 110a performs a movable piece closing process. In the movable piece closing process, the main CPU 110a stops the energizing data that energizes the second start opening opening/closing solenoid 14b in order to convert the movable piece 15b of the second start opening 15 to a closed state. The main CPU 110a also references the auxiliary game movable piece opening control table and sets the closing time of the second start opening 15 in the auxiliary game timer counter based on the current number of openings (S). This causes the second start opening 15 to close. After executing step S420-7, the current auxiliary game process is terminated.

In step S420-8, the main CPU 110a determines whether the movable piece 15b is closed. If the movable piece 15b is closed (S420-8: Yes), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S420-9, and if the movable piece 15b is not closed (S420-8: No), the main CPU 110a ends the current auxiliary game process.

In step S420-9, the main CPU 110a determines whether the closing time of the second start port 15 has elapsed. If the main CPU 110a determines that the closing time of the second start port 15 has elapsed (S420-9: Yes), it proceeds to step S420-10, and if it determines that the closing time of the second start port 15 has not elapsed (S420-9: No), it ends this auxiliary game processing.

In step S420-10, the main CPU 110a determines whether the final release has been completed. If the final release has not been completed (S420-10: No), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S420-11. If the final release has been completed (S420-10: Yes), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S420-13.

In step S420-11, auxiliary game progress processing is performed. In the auxiliary game progress processing, the main CPU 110a updates the count value (S) of the opening count (S) counter in the main RAM 110c by +1.

In step S420-12, a movable piece opening process is performed. In the movable piece opening process, the main CPU 110a sets energization data for energizing the second start opening opening solenoid 14b in order to open the movable piece 15b of the second start opening 15. In addition, by referring to the auxiliary game movable piece opening control table determined in step S410-16 above, the opening time of the second start opening 15 is set in the auxiliary game timer counter based on the current number of openings (S). This causes the second start opening 15 to open. After step S420-12 is executed, the current auxiliary game process is terminated.

In step S420-13, auxiliary game termination processing is performed. In the auxiliary game termination processing, the main CPU 110a resets the count value (S) of the opening count (S) counter in the main RAM 110c.

In step S420-14, the main CPU 110a generates an ending designation command for the auxiliary game and sets this ending designation command in the performance transmission data storage area.

In step S420-15, the main CPU 110a sets the normal special call processing data to 0 and ends this auxiliary game processing.

If the regular special power processing data is set to 0 here, in the subsequent regular regular power control processing, processing shifts to regular pattern change processing in step S402, and regular pattern change processing is performed.

Figure 53 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the performance control unit 120m of the gaming machine 1. The main processing is started when a system reset occurs in the sub-CPU 120a of the performance control unit 120m from the power supply board 170 due to a startup operation.

In FIG. 53, the sub CPU 120a performs an initialization process (S1000). In the initialization process, the sub CPU 120a reads a startup program from the sub ROM 120b in response to power-on, and initializes various flags in the sub RAM 120c. After completing the initialization process, the sub CPU 120a repeats the process of updating random numbers for performance, etc. (S1100). In addition to this random number value update process, the sub CPU 120a also executes a timer interrupt process each time a reset clock pulse signal is generated by the reset clock pulse generating circuit.

The time required for the initialization process of the sub-CPU 120a is much shorter than the time required for the initialization process of the main CPU 110a. Therefore, when the initialization process of the main CPU 110a starts, the sub-CPU 120a has already completed the initialization process and is in a state where it can store commands from the main CPU 110a in the receive buffer.

Figure 54 is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt processing of the performance control unit 120m. After the initialization process is completed and play is possible, the sub-CPU 120a of the performance control unit 120m executes the series of processes shown in Figure 54 every 2 milliseconds, which is the generation period of the reset clock pulse generator in the performance control unit 120m.

In FIG. 54, the sub-CPU 120a saves the information in the register of the sub-CPU 120a to the stack area (S1400).

Next, the sub-CPU 120a performs a timer update process (S1500). In the timer update process, the sub-CPU 120a updates various timer counters by decrementing them by 1 based on the time signal input from the RTC 120d.

Next, the sub-CPU 120a performs a command analysis process (S1600). In the command analysis process, the sub-CPU 120a analyzes the command in the reception buffer, and based on the analysis results, determines the content of the performance to be performed by the image display device 31, the audio output device 32, the performance drive devices 330a, 330b, 330c, 330d, and the performance lighting devices 340a, 340b, 340c, 340d, and sets a command indicating the determined content of the performance in the transmission buffer of the sub-RAM 120c.

Next, the sub-CPU 120a performs a performance input control process (S1700). In the performance input control process, the sub-CPU 120a performs processing according to the input signals of the detection switches 35a, 39a, 39b, 39c, 39d, and 39e of the performance button 35, the cross key 39, and the center key 39E.

Next, the sub-CPU 120a performs a data output process (S1800). In the data output process, the sub-CPU 120a transmits the commands stored in the transmission buffer of the sub-RAM 120c in the command analysis process of step S1600 and the performance input control process of step S1700 to the overall control unit 141 and the lamp/drive control unit 150.

Next, the sub-CPU 120a restores the information saved in the stack area in step S1400 to the register of the sub-CPU 120a (S1900).

Figures 55, 56, 57, and 58 are flowcharts showing details of the command analysis process. In Figure 55, the sub-CPU 120a checks whether or not there is a command received from the main control board 10 in the receive buffer (S1601). If there is a command in the receive buffer (S1601: Yes), the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1610, and if there is no command in the receive buffer (S1601: No), the sub-CPU 120a ends this command analysis process.

In step S1610, the sub-CPU 120a determines whether the command in the receive buffer is a power restoration command. If the command in the receive buffer is a power restoration command (S1610: Yes), the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1611. If the command in the receive buffer is not a power restoration command (S1610: No), the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1620.

In step S1611, the sub-CPU 120a determines whether the power restoration designation command in the reception buffer corresponds to the low base time-saving state. If the power restoration designation command corresponds to the low base time-saving state (S1611: Yes), the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step 1612, and if the power restoration designation command does not correspond to the low base time-saving state (S1611: No), the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step 1620.

In step S1612, the sub-CPU 120a sets a special background image setting flag in the special background image setting flag storage area of the sub-RAM 120c. The special background image setting flag is a flag that indicates that a special background different from the original background image is to be displayed immediately after power is turned on.

In step S1613, the sub-CPU 120a sets the special background variation number (P) counter in the sub-RAM 120c to an initial value of 30, and ends the current command analysis process. The count value (P) of the special game variation number (P) counter is counted down in step S1673 (described later) each time the decorative pattern 36 stops in a normal losing combination while the special background immediately after power-on is displayed.

In step S1620, the sub-CPU 120a determines whether the command in the reception buffer is a game state designation command. If the command in the reception buffer is a game state designation command (S1620: Yes), the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1621. If the command in the reception buffer is not a game state designation command (S1620: No), the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1630.

In step S1621, the sub-CPU 120a performs a game status setting process. In the game status setting process, the sub-CPU 120a analyzes the game status designation command in the reception buffer to obtain the current game status, and stores game status information indicating the obtained game status in the game status information storage area of the sub-RAM 120c.

In step S1622, the sub-CPU 120a performs background image display control processing and ends this command analysis processing. In the background image display control processing, the sub-CPU 120a determines whether or not a background image needs to be displayed, and if a background image needs to be displayed, determines which background image to display from evening mode, day mode, or night mode, generates a presentation pattern designation command for the determined background image, and sets the generated presentation pattern designation command in the transmission buffer. Details of the background image display control processing will be described later.

In step S1630, the sub-CPU 120a determines whether the command in the reception buffer is a command to specify the number of reserved special symbols. If the command in the reception buffer is a command to specify the number of reserved special symbols (S1630: Yes), the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1631. If the command in the reception buffer is not a command to specify the number of reserved special symbols (S1630: No), the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1640.

In step S1631, the sub-CPU 120a performs a special symbol reservation number update process and ends this command analysis process. In the special symbol reservation number update process, the sub-CPU 120a analyzes the special symbol reservation number designation command, determines the number of reserved display images to be displayed on the image display device 31, and sets the special symbol display number designation command corresponding to this number of reserved display images in the transmission buffer.

The command set in the transmission buffer in the special symbol reservation number update process is sent to the general control unit 141 and the lamp/drive control unit 150 in the data output process of step S1800. When the general control unit 141 and the lamp/drive control unit 150 receive this command, they cause the image display device 31, the audio output device 32, and the performance lighting devices 340a, 340b, 340c, and 340d to execute a performance related to the appearance or disappearance of the reservation display image in the image display device 31.

In step S1640, the sub-CPU 120a determines whether the command in the receive buffer is a start winning designation command. If the command in the receive buffer is a start winning designation command (S1640: Yes), the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1641, and if the command in the receive buffer is not a start winning designation command (S1640: No), the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1650.

In step S1641, the sub-CPU 120a performs a start winning designation command storage process. In the start winning designation command storage process, the sub-CPU 120a stores the start winning designation command in the reception buffer in the storage section that is the data storage destination, which is the storage section with the smallest number and in which no data is stored among the first to fourth storage sections in the performance information storage area of the sub-RAM 120c.

Figure 24 (c) is a diagram showing the performance information storage area. As shown in Figure 24 (c), the performance information storage area has a 0th memory section corresponding to the change, a first performance information storage area corresponding to the reservation of the first special symbol, and a second performance information storage area corresponding to the reservation of the second special symbol. The first performance information storage area has a first memory section corresponding to the first reservation, a second memory section corresponding to the second reservation, a third memory section corresponding to the third reservation, and a fourth memory section corresponding to the fourth reservation. The second performance information storage area has only the first memory section. As shown in Figure 24 (d), each memory section in the performance information storage area is configured to store a start winning designation command and pre-reading reservation display change performance scenario data.

In FIG. 55, after executing step S1641, the sub-CPU 120a performs a look-ahead pending display change performance selection process (S1642). In the look-ahead pending display change performance selection process, the sub-CPU 120a determines whether or not to execute a look-ahead pending display change performance in which the final change is the change in the pattern corresponding to the start winning designation command stored in the performance information storage area in step S1641, and when executing the look-ahead pending display change performance, determines a scenario for the reserve display change performance up to the final change, and stores look-ahead pending display change performance scenario data indicating this scenario in the corresponding storage section in the performance information storage area. After executing the look-ahead pending display change performance selection process, the current command analysis process is terminated.

In step S1650, the sub-CPU 120a determines whether the command in the receive buffer is a pattern designation command. If the command in the receive buffer is a pattern designation command (S1650: Yes), the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1651. If the command in the receive buffer is not a pattern designation command (S1650: No), the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1660.

In step S1651, the sub-CPU 120a performs a pattern determination process and ends this command analysis process. In the pattern determination process, the sub-CPU 120a analyzes the pattern designation command to determine the stop pattern numbers of the left pattern 36L, the middle pattern 36C, the right pattern 36R, and the fourth pattern 36Z, stores the determined stop pattern numbers in the performance pattern memory area in the sub-RAM 120c, generates a stop pattern designation command to notify the overall control unit 141 and the lamp/drive control unit 150 of the stop pattern numbers, and sets the generated stop pattern designation command in the transmission buffer.

The command set in the transmission buffer during the pattern determination process is sent to the general control unit 141 and the lamp/drive control unit 150 during the data output process of step S1800. When the general control unit 141 and the lamp/drive control unit 150 receive this command, they determine the pattern combination at the time when the fluctuation stops in that fluctuation.

In step S1660, the sub-CPU 120a determines whether the command in the receive buffer is a fluctuation start command. If the command in the receive buffer is a fluctuation start command (S1660: Yes), the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1661, and if the command in the receive buffer is not a fluctuation start command (S1660: No), the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1670.

In the next step S1661, the sub-CPU 120a performs a memory area shift process. In the memory area shift process, if data is stored in one or more of the first through fourth memory sections of the performance information memory area, the sub-CPU 120a shifts the data in the second through fourth memory sections of the performance information memory area to the previous memory section, and writes the data in the first memory section of the performance information memory area to the 0th memory section. By writing the data to this 0th memory section, the data that was previously stored in the 0th memory section is erased.

Next, the sub-CPU 120a determines whether or not pre-reading pending display change performance scenario data is stored in the performance information storage area (S1662). If pre-reading pending display change performance scenario data is stored (S1662: Yes), the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1663. If pre-reading pending display change performance scenario data is not stored (S1662: No), the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1664.

In step S1663, the sub-CPU 120a performs a look-ahead performance control process. In the look-ahead performance control process, the sub-CPU 120a refers to the look-ahead pending display change performance scenario data in the performance information storage area, determines whether or not the display mode of the pending display image changes in the corresponding change, and if the display mode of the pending display image changes in the corresponding change, generates a performance pattern designation command that instructs the change in the display mode of the pending display image, and sets the generated performance pattern designation command in the transmission buffer.

The command set in the transmission buffer in the look-ahead performance control process is sent to the general control unit 141 and the lamp/drive control unit 150 in the data output process of step S1800. When the general control unit 141 and the lamp/drive control unit 150 receive a performance pattern designation command that instructs a change in the display mode of the pending display image, they cause the image display device 31, the audio output device 32, and the performance lighting devices 340a, 340b, 340c, and 340d to execute a performance that changes the display mode of the pending display image.

In step S1664, the sub-CPU 120a performs a variable presentation pattern determination process. The variable presentation pattern determination process is a process for determining a pattern variable presentation pattern, which is the flow of presentation in the relevant variation. In the variable presentation pattern determination process, the sub-CPU 120a acquires the random number value for presentation updated in step S1100, and refers to the variable presentation pattern determination table in the sub-ROM 120b to determine a pattern variable presentation pattern based on a combination of the variable start command and the random number value for presentation in the reception buffer, and stores information on the determined pattern variable presentation pattern in the pattern variable presentation pattern storage area in the sub-RAM 120c. The sub-CPU 120a also generates a presentation pattern designation command for the start of variation of the determined pattern variable presentation pattern, and sets the generated presentation pattern designation command in the transmission buffer.

The command set in the transmission buffer in the variable performance pattern determination process is sent to the general control unit 141 and the lamp/drive control unit 150 in the data output process of step S1800. When the general control unit 141 and the lamp/drive control unit 150 receive this command, they cause the image display device 31, the audio output device 32, the performance drive devices 330a, 330b, 330c, 330d, and the performance lighting devices 340a, 340b, 340c, 340d to execute a performance that matches the pattern change according to the pattern change performance pattern indicated by the command.

In the next step S1665, the sub-CPU 120a refers to the game state information storage area of the sub-RAM 120c and determines whether or not the current game state is in a high base time-saving state. If the current game state is in a high base time-saving state (S1665: Yes), the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1666, and if the current game state is not in a high base time-saving state (S1665: No), the sub-CPU 120a ends this command analysis process.

In step S1666, the sub-CPU 120a determines whether the change is a change of the first special symbol. If the change is a change of the first special symbol (S1666: Yes), the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1667, and if the change is not a change of the first special symbol (S1666: No), the sub-CPU 120a ends this command analysis process.

In step S1667, the sub-CPU 120a judges whether the fluctuation stops at a jackpot pattern that will result in a low-base time-saving state after the special game. As shown in the special game end setting table in FIG. 46, among the three types of jackpots of the first special pattern, the one that will result in a low-base time-saving state after the special game is the first type 2R B. Therefore, if the fluctuation stops at the first type 2R B pattern, the judgment result of this step is "Yes", and if the fluctuation stops at the first type 10R A, first type 2R C, or a miss pattern, the judgment result of this step is "No". If the fluctuation stops at a jackpot pattern that will result in a low-base time-saving state after the special game (S1667: Yes), the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1668. If the fluctuation stops on a symbol that is not a jackpot symbol that would result in the game state after the special game being in a low-base time-saving state (S1667: No), the current command analysis process ends.

In step S1668, the sub-CPU 120a sets a special background image standby setting flag in the special background image standby setting flag storage area of the sub-RAM 120c, and ends the current command analysis process. The special background image standby setting flag is a flag that indicates that a special background different from the original background will be displayed after the special game ends.

In step S1670, the sub-CPU 120a determines whether the command in the receive buffer is a pattern determination command. If the command in the receive buffer is a pattern determination command (S1670: Yes), the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1671. If the command in the receive buffer is not a pattern determination command (S1670: No), the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1680.

In step S1671, the sub-CPU 120a performs a pattern determination process. In the pattern determination process, the sub-CPU 120a generates a pattern determination command and sets the generated pattern determination command in the transmission buffer.

The pattern determination command set in the transmission buffer during the pattern determination process is transmitted to the general control unit 141 and the lamp/drive control unit 150 during the data output process of step S1800. When the general control unit 141 and the lamp/drive control unit 150 receive this command, they cause the image display device 31, the audio output device 32, and the performance lighting devices 340a, 340b, 340c, and 340d to execute a performance related to the determination (complete stop) of the decorative pattern 36 in accordance with the command.

In step S1672, the sub-CPU 120a determines whether or not a special background image setting flag is set in the special background image setting flag storage area of the sub-RAM 120c. If the special background image setting flag is set (S1672: Yes), the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1673, and if the special background image setting flag is not set (S1672: No), the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1680.

In step S1673, the sub-CPU 120a updates the count value (P) of the special background fluctuation number (P) counter in the sub-RAM 120c by decrementing it by 1.

In step S1674, the sub-CPU 120a determines whether the count value (P) of the special background change number (P) counter is 1 or greater. If the special background change number (P) is 0 (S1674: No), the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1675, and if the special background change number (P) is 1 or greater (S1674: Yes), the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1680.

In step S1675, the sub-CPU 120a clears the special background image standby setting flag memory area of the sub-RAM 120c and ends this command analysis process.

In step S1680, the sub-CPU 120a determines whether the command in the receive buffer is an opening designation command. If the command in the receive buffer is an opening designation command (S1680: Yes), the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1681, and if the command in the receive buffer is not an opening designation command (S1680: No), the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1685.

In step S1681, the sub-CPU 120a performs a special game effect selection process. In the special game effect selection process, the sub-CPU 120a determines an opening effect pattern based on the opening designation command in the reception buffer, stores information about the determined opening effect pattern in the effect pattern storage area of the sub-RAM 120c, generates an opening effect pattern designation command, and sets the generated effect pattern designation command in the transmission buffer.

The command set in the transmission buffer in the special game effect selection process is sent to the general control unit 141 and the lamp/drive control unit 150 in the data output process of step S1800. When the general control unit 141 and the lamp/drive control unit 150 receive this command, they cause the image display device 31, the audio output device 32, and the effect lighting devices 340a, 340b, 340c, and 340d to execute the opening effect of the special game in accordance with the command.

In step S1682, the sub-CPU 120a determines whether or not a special background image setting flag is set in the special background image setting flag storage area of the sub-RAM 120c. If the special background image setting flag is set (S1685: Yes), the process proceeds to step S1683. If the special background image setting flag is not set (S1685: No), the process proceeds to step S1685.

In step S1683, the sub-CPU 120a clears the special background image setting flag memory area of the sub-RAM 120c. In the next step S1684, the sub-CPU 120a resets the special background change count (P) counter of the sub-RAM 120c and ends this command analysis process.

In step S1685, the sub-CPU 120a determines whether the command in the receive buffer is a round start command. If the command in the receive buffer is a round start command (S1685: Yes), the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1686, and if the command in the receive buffer is not a round start command (S1685: No), the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1690.

In step S1686, the sub-CPU 120a performs round performance control processing and ends the current command analysis processing. In the round performance control processing, the sub-CPU 120a determines the performance pattern for the current round, stores information about the determined performance pattern in the performance pattern memory area of the sub-RAM 120c, generates a performance pattern designation command for the current round, and sets the generated performance pattern designation command in the transmission buffer.

The command set in the transmission buffer during the round performance control process is sent to the general control unit 141 and the lamp/drive control unit 150 during the data output process of step S1800. When the general control unit 141 and the lamp/drive control unit 150 receive this command, they cause the image display device 31, the sound output device 32, and the performance lighting devices 340a, 340b, 340c, and 340d to execute the round performance of the special game in accordance with the command.

In step S1690, the sub-CPU 120a determines whether the command in the receive buffer is an ending specification command. If the command in the receive buffer is an ending specification command (S1690: Yes), the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1691. If the command in the receive buffer is not an ending specification command (S1690: No), the sub-CPU 120a ends this command analysis process.

In step S1691, the sub-CPU 120a performs special game end presentation control processing. In the special game end presentation control processing, the sub-CPU 120a determines an ending presentation pattern, stores information about the determined presentation pattern in the presentation pattern storage area of the sub-RAM 120c, generates a presentation pattern designation command for the ending presentation, and sets the generated presentation pattern designation command in the transmission buffer.

The command set in the transmission buffer in the special game ending performance control process is sent to the general control unit 141 and the lamp/drive control unit 150 in the data output process of step S1800. When the general control unit 141 and the lamp/drive control unit 150 receive this command, they cause the image display device 31, the audio output device 32, and the performance lighting devices 340a, 340b, 340c, and 340d to execute the ending performance of the special game in accordance with the command.

In step S1692, the sub-CPU 120a determines whether or not a special background image standby flag is set in the special background image standby setting flag storage area of the sub-RAM 120c. If the special background image standby flag is set (S1692: Yes), the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step 1693, and if the special background image standby flag is not set (S1692: No), the sub-CPU 120a ends this command analysis process.

In step S1693, the sub-CPU 120a sets a special background image setting flag in the special background image setting flag storage area of the sub-RAM 120c. In the next step S1694, the sub-CPU 120a sets the special background change count (P) counter of the sub-RAM 120c to an initial value of 30. In the next step S1965, the sub-CPU 120a clears the special background image standby setting flag storage area of the sub-RAM 120c and ends this command analysis process.

Figure 59 is a flowchart showing the details of the background image display control process. In Figure 59, the sub-CPU 120a determines whether or not a special game is being played. If the special game is not being played (S1622-1: No), the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1622-2, and if a special game is being played (S1622-1: Yes), the sub-CPU 120a ends the current background image display control process.

In step S1622-2, the sub-CPU 120a determines whether or not a special background image setting flag is set in the special background image setting flag storage area of the sub-RAM 120c. If the special background image setting flag is not set (S1622-2: No), the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1622-3, and if the special background image setting flag is set (S1622-2: Yes), the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1622-4.

In step S1622-3, the sub-CPU 120a refers to the normal background setting table in the sub-ROM 120b, and determines the type of background to be displayed as the normal background based on the game status information in the game status information storage area of the sub-RAM 120c, generates a background presentation pattern designation command, and sets the generated presentation pattern designation command in the transmission buffer. Then, the background image display control process is terminated.

Figure 60 (a) is a diagram showing the normal background setting table. The normal background setting table stores a set of data indicating the game state and data indicating the type of background image. Specifically, in the normal background setting table, the normal state is associated with an evening background, the low base time-saving state with a daytime background, and the high base time-saving state with a nighttime background.

In step S1622-4, the sub-CPU 120a refers to the special background setting table in the sub-ROM 120b, and determines the type of background to be displayed as the special background based on the game status information in the game status information storage area of the sub-RAM 120c, generates a presentation pattern designation command for the determined background, and sets the generated presentation pattern designation command in the transmission buffer. Then, the background image display control process for this time is terminated.

Figure 60 (b) shows a special background setting table. The special background setting table stores a set of data indicating the game state and data indicating the background image. Specifically, in the special background setting table, the normal state and low base time-saving state are associated with an evening background, and the high base time-saving state is associated with a night background.

The command set in the transmission buffer in step S1622-3 or step S1622-4 is sent to the general control unit 141 and the lamp/drive control unit 150 in the data output process of step S1800. When the general control unit 141 and the lamp/drive control unit 150 receive this command, they cause the image display device 31, the audio output device 32, and the performance lighting devices 340a, 340b, 340c, and 340d to execute a performance related to the display of a background image.

Here, in the store where the gaming machine 1 is installed, the power supply to the gaming machine 1 is turned off before closing time, and the power supply to the gaming machine 1 is turned on before opening the next day, and this is a daily operation. When the power supply to the gaming machine 1 is turned off, the main control board 10 backs up the information indicating the game state in the main RAM 110c by the power supply cut monitoring process of FIG. 20 (step S20-9 of FIG. 20), and when the power supply to the gaming machine 1 is turned on again, the main control board 10 restores the game state at the time of the power cut on the previous day by the initialization process of FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 (step S10-15 of FIG. 19), and transmits a power restoration designation command and a game state designation command indicating the game state in which the power supply was restored to the performance control board 120 (steps S10-16 to S10-25 of FIG. 19).

If the game state was in normal state when the power was turned off before closing on the previous day, the power will be restored in normal state immediately after the power is turned on the next day, and if the game state was in low base time-saving state when the power was turned off before closing on the previous day, the power will be restored in low base time-saving state immediately after the power is turned on the next day.

In the initialization process of the main control board 10, if the power is restored in the normal state, a power restoration designation command and a game state designation command corresponding to the normal state are sent to the presentation control board 120 (steps S10-17 and S10-25 in FIG. 19), and if the power is restored in the low base time-saving state, a game state designation command corresponding to the low base time-saving state is sent to the presentation control board 120 (steps S10-19 and S10-25 in FIG. 19).

In the command analysis process of the performance control board 120 (Figs. 55, 56, 57, and 58), the process when power is restored in the normal state is as follows. When a power restoration designation command corresponding to the normal state is received from the main control board 10, the process proceeds from step S1610: Yes to step S1611: No, and when a game state designation command corresponding to the normal state is received, the process proceeds from step S1620: Yes to step S1621 to step S1622, and background image display control processing is performed. At this point, since no flag is set in the special background image setting flag memory area of the sub-RAM 120c, in the background image display control processing (Fig. 59), the process proceeds from step S1622-1: No to step S1622-2: No to step S1622-3. As shown in FIG. 60(a), the normal state is associated with an evening background in the normal background setting table, so in step S1622-3, the evening background, which is the original background for the normal state, is selected and the background image of the evening background is displayed.

In contrast, when the power is restored in the low base time-saving state, the process is as follows. When a power restoration designation command corresponding to the low base time-saving state is received from the main control board 10, the process proceeds to step S1610: Yes → step S1611: Yes → step S1612 in FIG. 55, where a special background image setting flag is set in the special background image setting flag storage area of the sub-RAM 120c, and in step S1613, the special background fluctuation number (P) counter of the sub-RAM 120c is set to an initial value of 30. Thereafter, when a game state designation command corresponding to the low base time-saving state is received from the main control board 10, the process proceeds to step S1620: Yes → step S1621 → step S1622, where background image display control processing is performed. At this point, because a flag is set in the special background image setting flag storage area of the sub-RAM 120c, the background image display control process (FIG. 59) proceeds as follows: step S1622-1: No → step S1622-2: Yes → step S1622-3. As shown in FIG. 60(b), since the evening background is associated with the low base time-saving state in the special background setting table, in step S1622-3, the daytime background, which is the original background for the low base time-saving state, is not selected, and the evening background is selected as the special background, and the background image of the evening background is displayed.

After this, until the number of fluctuations reaches 30, each time a fluctuation start command is received from the main control board 10, the process proceeds in the order of step S1670: Yes → step S1671 → step S1672: Yes → step S1673 → step S1674: No, and in step S1673 the special background fluctuation number (P) counter is counted down. Then, when the number of fluctuations reaches 30 and the special background fluctuation number (P) counter becomes 0, the process proceeds in the order of step S1674: No → step S1675, and the special background image setting flag memory area is cleared.

From this point on, when a game state designation command is received from the main control board 10, the background image display control process (Figure 59) proceeds as follows: Step S1622-1: No → Step S1622-2: No → Step S1622-3, and when the game state is in the low base time-saving state, the daytime background, which is the original background for the low base time-saving state, is selected.

In this way, immediately after the gaming machine 1 is powered on, the performance control board 120 causes the image display device 31 to display the background image of the evening background, which is the background for the normal state, as a performance image common to the normal state and the low base time-saving state, regardless of whether the gaming machine 1 is powered on in the normal state or in the low base time-saving state.

To explain in more detail, as shown in the example of FIG. 61(a), when the gaming state immediately after the gaming machine 1 is powered on is normal, the presentation control board 120 selects the evening background, which is the original background of the normal state, and causes the background image of the evening background to be displayed on the image display device 31. After this, the presentation control board 120 maintains the display of the background image of the evening background until it receives a gaming state designation command for the low base time-saving state, and when it receives the gaming state designation command for the low base time-saving state, it changes the background to a daytime background in accordance with the gaming state designation command.

As shown in the example of FIG. 61(b), when the game state immediately after the power supply of the gaming machine 1 is turned on is the low base time-saving state, the performance control board 120 selects an evening background, which is the same background as the normal state, and displays the background image of the evening background on the image display device 31. After this, the performance control board 120 sets 30 fluctuations of the special pattern as a predetermined condition for returning to the original background, and when a game state designation command for the low base time-saving state is received while the same background image as the normal state is being displayed until the 30 fluctuations of the special pattern are completed, the performance control board 120 ignores the game state designation command for the display of the background image and maintains the display of the background image of the evening background. When the 30 fluctuations of the special pattern are completed and the predetermined condition is met, the background is returned to the original one, and when a game state designation command for the normal state is received, a background image of the evening background, which is the background corresponding to the normal state, is displayed, and when a game state designation command for the low base time-saving state is received, a background image of the day background, which is the background corresponding to the low base time-saving state, is displayed.

As shown in the special game end setting table in FIG. 46, the gaming machine 1 assumes the rare case where a jackpot occurs during a high base time-saving state in a variation corresponding to the reservation of the first special symbol, and stores data indicating the game state to which the game will transition when the game state information in the game state buffer is 02H (high base time-saving state) for the stopping symbol data "01" corresponding to A for a first type 10R, "02" corresponding to B for a first type 2R, and "03" corresponding to C for a first type 2R.

According to the setting table at the end of special play in Figure 46, if you win A for 10R of the first type or C for 2R of the first type in a high base time-saving state, the state will change to a low base time-saving state after the end of special play, and if you win B for 2R of the first type in a high base time-saving state, the state will change to the normal state after the end of special play.

In the special symbol special power control process of the main control board 10, when the special symbol starts to change, a change start command and a game state designation command are sent (steps S313 and S314 in FIG. 28), when the special symbol changes, a pattern determination command and a game state designation command are sent (step S320-3 in FIG. 35 and step S330-23 in FIG. 36), when a jackpot is reached, an opening designation command is sent at the start of the special game (step S330-8 in FIG. 36), when a round of the special game starts, a round start command is sent (step S340-5 in FIG. 41), when the special game ends, an ending designation command is sent (step S340-16 in FIG. 41), and when the special game ends, a game state designation command is sent (step S360-4 in FIG. 45).

In the command analysis process of the performance control board 120 (Fig. 55, Fig. 56, Fig. 57, Fig. 58), when a variation occurs in which the B symbol stops for the first type 2R during high base time-saving state, the processing from the start of the variation through the special play to the start of the next variation is as follows.

When the change starts, if the change start command of step S313 in FIG. 28 is received from the main control board 10, the process proceeds as follows: Step S1660: Yes → Step S1661 ... Step S1665: Yes → Step S1666: Yes → Step S1667: No. If the game state designation command of step S314 in FIG. 28 is received, the process proceeds as follows: Step S1620: Yes → Step S1621 → Step S1622, and background image display control processing is performed. At this point, since the flag is not set in the special background image setting flag storage area of the sub-RAM 120c, the background image display control processing (FIG. 59) proceeds as follows: Step S1622-1: No → Step S1622-2: No → Step S1622-3. As shown in FIG. 60(a), the night background is associated with the high base time-saving state in the normal background setting table, so in step S1622-3, the night background, which is the original background for the high base time-saving state, is selected and the background image of the night background is displayed.

When the first special symbol stops at the B symbol for the first type 2R win and a symbol determination command of step S320-3 in FIG. 35 is received from the main control board 10, processing proceeds as follows: step S1670: Yes → step S1671 → step S1672: No. When an opening designation command of step S330-8 in FIG. 36 is received, processing proceeds as follows: step S1680: Yes → step S1681 → step S1682: No. When a round start command of step S340-5 in FIG. 41 is received, processing proceeds as follows: step S1685: Yes → step S1686. When an ending designation command of step S340-16 in FIG. 41 is received, processing proceeds as follows: step S1690: Yes → step S1691 → step S1692: No.

When the game state designation command of step S360-5 in FIG. 45 is received from the main control board 10 at the end of the special game, step S1620: Yes → step S1621 is performed, and in step S1621, the game state information storage area of the sub-RAM 120c is rewritten from the game state information of the high base time reduction state to the game state information of the normal state, and in the next step S1622, the background image display control process is performed. Even at this point, the flag is not set in the special background image setting flag storage area of the sub-RAM 120c, so in the background image display control process (FIG. 59), the process proceeds from step S1622-1: No → step S1622-2: No → step S1622-3. As shown in FIG. 60(a), since the evening background is associated with the normal state in the normal background setting table, in step S1622-3, the evening background, which is the original background of the normal background, is selected, and the background image of the evening background is displayed.

In contrast, when a variation occurs in which the reel stops on an A symbol for every 10R of the first type or a C symbol for every 2R of the first type during high base time-saving mode, the processing from the start of the variation through the special play to the start of the next variation is as follows.

When the fluctuation start command of step S313 in FIG. 28 is received from the main control board 10 at the start of the fluctuation, the process proceeds as follows: step S1660: Yes → step S1661 ... step S1665: Yes → step S1666: Yes → step S1667: Yes → step S1666: Yes → step S1667: Yes → step S1668, and the special background image standby setting flag is set in the special background image standby setting flag memory area of the sub-RAM 120c. When the game state designation command of step S314 in FIG. 28 is received, the process proceeds as follows: step S1620: Yes → step S1621 → step S1622, and the background image display control process is performed. At this point, since the flag is not set in the special background image setting flag storage area of the sub-RAM 120c, the background image display control process (FIG. 59) proceeds as follows: Step S1622-1: No → Step S1622-2: No → Step S1622-3. As shown in FIG. 60(a), the night background is associated with the high base time-saving state in the normal background setting table, so in step S1622-3, the night background, which is the original background for the high base time-saving state, is selected, and the background image of the night background is displayed.

When the first special symbol stops at A for 1st type 10R or C for 1st type 2R, and a symbol confirmation command of step S320-3 in FIG. 35 is received from the main control board 10, processing proceeds to step S1670: Yes → step S1671 → step S1672: No. When an opening designation command of step S330-8 in FIG. 36 is received, processing proceeds to step S1680: Yes → step S1681 → step S1682: No. When a round start command of step S340-5 in FIG. 41 is received, processing proceeds to step S1685: Yes → step S1686.

When the ending of a special game is reached, if an ending designation command in step S340-16 in FIG. 41 is received from the main control board 10, the process proceeds as follows: step S1690: Yes → step S1691 → step S1692: Yes → step S1693, and in step S1693, a special background image setting flag is set in the special background image setting flag storage area of the sub-RAM 120c.

When the game state designation command of step S360-5 in FIG. 45 is received from the main control board 10 at the end of the special game, step S1620: Yes → step S1621 is performed, and in step S1621, the game state information storage area of the sub-RAM 120c is rewritten from the game state information of the high base time-saving state to the game state information of the normal state, and in the next step S1622, background image display control processing is performed. At this point, since a flag is set in the special background image setting flag storage area of the sub-RAM 120c, in the background image display control processing (FIG. 59), processing proceeds from step S1622-1: No → step S1622-2: Yes → step S1622-4. As shown in FIG. 60(b), since the evening background is associated with the low base time-saving state in the special background setting table, in step S1622-4, the daytime background, which is the original background for the low base time-saving state, is not selected, and the evening background is selected as the special background, and the background image of the evening background is displayed.

After this, if the special symbol stops again on the jackpot symbol after one or more fluctuations, the special game is executed. When the opening command of step S330-8 in FIG. 36 is received from the main control board 10 at the opening of this special game, the process proceeds as follows: step S1680: Yes → step S1681 → step S1682: Yes → step S1683, and in step S1683, the special background image setting flag storage area of the sub-RAM 120c is cleared.

From this point on, when a game state designation command is received from the main control board 10, the background image display control process (Figure 59) proceeds as follows: Step S1622-1: No → Step S1622-2: No → Step S1622-3, and when the game state is in the low base time-saving state, the daytime background, which is the original background for the low base time-saving state, is selected.

In this way, after the end of the special game of the first type 2R per B, which is the first jackpot, and after the end of the special games of the first type 10R per A and the first type 2R per C, which are the second jackpots, the effect control board 120 causes the image display device 31 to display the background image of the evening background, which is the background of the normal state, as an effect image common to the normal state and the low base time-saving state.

To explain in more detail, as shown in the example of FIG. 62(a), in the case where a first type 2R win B is won in the high base time-saving state and the game state after the special game becomes the normal state, the performance control board 120 selects the evening background, which is the original background of the normal state, when it receives a game state designation command for the normal state following the end of the special game, and causes the background image of the evening background to be displayed on the image display device 31. After this, the performance control board 120 maintains the display of the background image of the evening background until it receives a game state designation command for the low base time-saving state, and when it receives a game state designation command for the low base time-saving state, it changes the background to a daytime background in accordance with the game state designation command.

As shown in the example of FIG. 62(b), in the high base time-saving state, when A for 10R of the first kind or C for 2R of the first kind is won and the game state after the special game becomes a low base time-saving state, the performance control board 120 selects the evening background, which is the same background as the normal state, when it receives a game state designation command for the low base time-saving state with the end of the special game, and displays the background image of the evening background on the image display device 31. After this, the performance control board 120 sets the next big win as a predetermined condition for returning to the original background, and during the period until the special symbol stops again on the big win symbol, if it receives a game state designation command for the low base time-saving state while displaying the same background image as the normal state, it ignores the game state designation command and maintains the display of the background image of the evening background. When the special symbol stops at the jackpot symbol, a special game is played, and a predetermined condition is met, the background is returned to the original one, and when a command to designate a normal game state is received, a background image of an evening background, which corresponds to the normal state, is displayed, and when a command to designate a game state of a low base time-saving state is received, a background image of a daytime background, which corresponds to the low base time-saving state, is displayed.

The above is the details of the first embodiment. According to the first embodiment, it is possible to increase the interest of the gaming machine 1, which has a normal state and a gaming state in which the degree of advantage related to the auxiliary game is higher than that of the normal state.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The gaming machine 1 of this embodiment is also a type called a one-type two-type mixed machine, and has three gaming states: a normal state, a low base time-saving state, and a high base time-saving state. The types of big wins and special misses of the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

In this embodiment, part of the command analysis process of the performance control board 120 differs from the first embodiment. As shown in Figures 63 and 64, in the command analysis process of the performance control board 120 of this embodiment, steps S1611 and S1667 of the command analysis process of the performance control board 120 of the first embodiment are replaced with steps S1611A and S1667A.

In step S1611A of FIG. 63, the sub-CPU 120a determines whether the power restoration command in the receive buffer corresponds to the normal state. If the power restoration command corresponds to the normal state (S1611A: Yes), the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step 1612, and if the power restoration command does not correspond to the normal state (S1611A: No), the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step 1620.

In step S1667A in FIG. 64, the sub-CPU 120a judges whether the change stops at a jackpot pattern that will cause the game state after the special game to become normal. As shown in the special game end setting table in FIG. 46, of the three types of jackpots of the first special pattern, the one that will cause the game state after the special game to become normal is the first type 2R win B. Therefore, if the change stops at the first type 2R win B pattern, the judgment result of this step will be "Yes", and if the change stops at the first type 10R win A, first type 2R win C, or a miss pattern, the judgment result of this step will be "No". If the change stops at a jackpot pattern that will cause the game state after the special game to become normal (S1667A: Yes), the sub-CPU 120a proceeds to step S1668. If the fluctuation stops on a symbol that is not a jackpot symbol that would cause the game state after the special game to return to normal (S1667A: No), proceed to step S1670.

In addition, in this embodiment, the contents of the special background setting table referenced in step S1622-4 of the background image display control process (Figure 59) differ from those in the first embodiment.

Figure 65 (b) is a diagram showing the special background setting table of this embodiment. In this special background setting table, the normal state and the low base time-saving state are associated with a daytime background, and the high base time-saving state is associated with an evening background.

In this embodiment, if the power restoration designation command corresponds to the normal state, the process proceeds to step S1611A: Yes → step 1612 in FIG. 63, and a special background image setting flag is set in the special background image setting flag memory area of the sub-RAM 120c. Therefore, immediately after the gaming machine 1 is powered on, the performance control board 120 causes the image display device 31 to display the background image of the daytime background, which is the background of the low base time-saving state, as a performance image common to the normal state and the low base time-saving state, regardless of whether the gaming machine 1 has been powered on in the normal state or in the low base time-saving state.

In more detail, in this embodiment, as shown in the example of FIG. 66(a), when the game state immediately after the power supply of the gaming machine 1 is turned on is the normal state, the performance control board 120 selects a daytime background, which is the same background as the low base time-saving state, and displays the background image of the daytime background on the image display device 31. After this, the performance control board 120 sets 30 fluctuations of the special pattern as a predetermined condition for returning to the original background, and when a game state designation command for the normal state is received while the background image identical to the low base time-saving state is being displayed until the 30 fluctuations of the special pattern are completed, the performance control board 120 ignores the game state designation command for the display of the background image and maintains the display of the background image of the daytime background. When the 30 fluctuations of the special pattern are completed and the predetermined condition is satisfied, the background is returned to the original one, and when a game state designation command for the low base time-saving state is received, a background image of the daytime background, which is the background corresponding to the low base time-saving state, is displayed, and when a game state designation command for the normal state is received, a background image of the evening background, which is the background corresponding to the normal state, is displayed.

As shown in the example of FIG. 66(b), when the gaming state immediately after the gaming machine 1 is powered on is a low base time-saving state, the presentation control board 120 selects a daytime background, which is the original background of the low base time-saving state, and causes the background image of the daytime background to be displayed on the image display device 31. After this, the presentation control board 120 maintains the display of the background image of the daytime background until it receives a gaming state designation command for the normal state, and when it receives a gaming state designation command for the normal state, it changes the background to an evening background in accordance with the gaming state designation command.

In addition, in this embodiment, if the fluctuation stops at the B symbol for the first type 2R, the process proceeds to step S1667A: Yes → step S1668 in FIG. 64, and the special background image standby setting flag is set in the special background image standby setting flag memory area of the sub-RAM 120c, so that the performance control board 120 causes the image display device 31 to display the background image of the daytime background, which is the background of the low base time-saving state, as a performance image common to the normal state and the low base time-saving state after the end of the special game of the first type 2R B, which is the first jackpot, and after the end of the special game of the first type 10R A and the first type 2R C, which are the second jackpots.

To explain in more detail, as shown in the example of FIG. 67(a), in the case where the first type 2R win B is won in the high base time-saving state and the game state after the special game becomes the normal state, when the game state designation command for the normal state is received with the end of the special game, the performance control board 120 selects the daytime background, which is the same background as the low base time-saving state, and displays the background image of the daytime background on the image display device 31. After this, the performance control board 120 sets the next big win as a predetermined condition for returning to the original background, and during the period until the special pattern stops again on the big win pattern, if a game state designation command for the normal state is received while the same background image as the low base time-saving state is being displayed, the game state designation command is ignored for the display of the background image, and the display of the background image of the daytime background is maintained. When the special symbol stops at the jackpot symbol, a special game is played, and a predetermined condition is satisfied, the background is returned to the original one, and when a game state designation command for a low base time-saving state is received, a background image of a daytime background, which corresponds to a low base time-saving state, is displayed, and when a game state designation command for a normal state is received, a background image of an evening background, which corresponds to a normal state, is displayed.

As shown in the example of FIG. 67(b), in the case where A for 10R of the first type or C for 2R of the first type is won in the high base time-saving state and the game state after the special game becomes a low base time-saving state, when the game state designation command for the low base time-saving state is received following the end of the special game, the performance control board 120 selects the daytime background, which is the original background of the low base time-saving state, and displays the background image of the daytime background on the image display device 31. After this, the performance control board 120 maintains the display of the background image of the daytime background until it receives a game state designation command for the normal state, and when it receives a game state designation command for the normal state, it changes the background to an evening background in accordance with the game state designation command.

The above is the details of the second embodiment. The second embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the first embodiment.

Third Embodiment
Next, the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 68 is a diagram showing the game flow of the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment. FIG. 69 is a diagram showing each presentation mode, game state, and background image of the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment. The gaming machine 1 of this embodiment is also a type called a one-type two-type mixed machine, like the first and second embodiments, and has three game states: a normal state, a low base time-saving state, and a high base time-saving state. However, as shown in FIG. 69, in this embodiment, the game states corresponding to the evening mode and the day mode are reversed from those of the first and second embodiments, and when in the low base time-saving state, the evening mode is selected and an evening background image is displayed, and when in the normal state, the day mode is selected and a day background image is displayed.

In this embodiment of the gaming machine 1, there are five types of first-type jackpots and four types of second-type jackpots, for a total of nine types of jackpots. The nine types of jackpots are as follows:

A3. 1st class 10R per A
This jackpot is one of the jackpots that can be selected in a jackpot lottery triggered by the establishment of the start condition for the first special symbol. In this jackpot special game, round games from the first round to the tenth round are played. In each round game, the first large prize winning opening 16 is opened until the number of winning balls in the first large prize winning opening 16 reaches a specified number or a specified time has elapsed, and then the first large prize winning opening 16 is closed for two seconds.

As shown in the game flow in Figure 68, if A is reached per 10R of the first type in the normal state, the game state after the special play will return to the normal state. If A is reached per 10R of the first type in the low base time-saving state, the game state after the special play will return to the low base time-saving state. The number of time-saving times (B) when the game enters the low base time-saving state after a special play of A per 10R of the first type is 100 times.

B3. Type 1 2R B
This jackpot is one of the jackpots that can be selected in a jackpot lottery triggered by the establishment of the start condition for the first special symbol. In this jackpot special game, a first round and a second round are played. In each round, the first large prize opening 16 is opened until the number of winning balls in the first large prize opening 16 reaches a specified number or a specified time has elapsed, and then the first large prize opening 16 is closed for two seconds.

As shown in the game flow in Figure 68, if the first type 2R per B is reached in the normal state, the game state after the special play will return to the normal state. If the first type 2R per B is reached in the low base time-saving state, the game state after the special play will return to the low base time-saving state. The number of time-saving times (B) when the game returns to the low base time-saving state after the special play of the first type 2R per B is 100 times.

C3. 1st Class 2R C
This jackpot is one of the jackpots that can be selected in a jackpot lottery triggered by the establishment of the start condition for the first special symbol. In this jackpot special game, a first round and a second round are played. In each round, the first large prize opening 16 is opened until the number of winning balls in the first large prize opening 16 reaches a specified number or a specified time has elapsed, and then the first large prize opening 16 is closed for two seconds.

As shown in the game flow in Figure 68, if the game reaches C for 2R of the first type in the normal state, the game state after the special play will be in the low base time-saving state. The number of time-saving times (B) when the game reaches the low base time-saving state after the special play of C for 2R of the first type is 100 times. If the game reaches C for 2R of the first type in the low base time-saving state, the game state after the special play will be in the high base time-saving state. The number of time-saving times (J) when the game reaches the high base time-saving state after the special play of C for 2R of the first type is 100 times.

F3. 1st class 10R per F
This jackpot is one of the jackpots that can be selected in a jackpot lottery triggered by the establishment of the start condition for the second special symbol. In this jackpot special game, round games from the first round to the tenth round are played. In each round game, the first large prize winning opening 16 is opened until the number of winning balls in the first large prize winning opening 16 reaches a specified number or a specified time has elapsed, and then the first large prize winning opening 16 is closed for two seconds.

As shown in the game flow in Figure 68, if the first type 10R per F is reached in the high base time-saving state, the game state after the special play will return to the high base time-saving state. The number of time-saving times (J) when the high base time-saving state is reached after the first type 10R per F special play is 100 times.

G3. 1st Class 2R G
This jackpot is one of the jackpots that can be selected in a jackpot lottery triggered by the establishment of the start condition for the second special symbol. In this jackpot special game, round games from the first round to the second round are played. In each round game, the first large prize winning opening 16 is opened until the number of winning balls in the first large prize winning opening 16 reaches a specified number or a specified time has elapsed, and then the first large prize winning opening 16 is closed for two seconds.

As shown in the game flow in Figure 68, if the first type 10R per G occurs in the high base time-saving state, the game state after the special play will return to the high base time-saving state. The number of time-saving times (J) when the high base time-saving state is reached after the first type 10R per G special play is 100 times.

H3. Type 2 actual 9R H
This jackpot is one of the jackpots that can be selected in a jackpot lottery triggered by the establishment of the starting condition for the second special symbol. In this special jackpot game, after the small jackpot game, which is essentially the first round, and winning in the specific area 19B, round games from the second round to the tenth round are played. In each round game, the first large prize winning opening 16 is opened until the number of winning balls in the first large prize winning opening 16 reaches a specified number or a specified time has elapsed, and then the first large prize winning opening 16 is closed for two seconds.

As shown in the game flow in Figure 68, if the second type of actual 9R per H occurs in the high base time-saving state, the game state after the special game will return to the high base time-saving state. The number of time-saving times (J) when the high base time-saving state is reached after the special game of the second type of actual 9R per H is 100 times.

I3. Type 2 actual 2R I
This jackpot is one of the jackpots that can be selected in a jackpot lottery triggered by the establishment of the starting condition for the second special symbol. In this special jackpot game, after the small jackpot game, which is essentially the first round, and winning in the specific area 19B, round games from the second round to the third round are played. In each round game, the first large prize winning opening 16 is opened until the number of winning balls in the first large prize winning opening 16 reaches a specified number or a specified time has elapsed, and then the first large prize winning opening 16 is closed for two seconds.

As shown in the game flow in Figure 68, if the high base time-saving state becomes Type 2 actual 2R I, the game state after the special game will return to the high base time-saving state. The number of time-saving times (J) when the high base time-saving state is reached after the special game of Type 2 actual 2R I is 100 times.

J3. Type 2 actual 2R J
This jackpot is one of the jackpots that can be selected in a jackpot lottery triggered by the establishment of the starting condition for the second special symbol. In this special jackpot game, after the small jackpot game, which is essentially the first round, and winning in the specific area 19B, round games from the second round to the third round are played. In each round game, the first large prize winning opening 16 is opened until the number of winning balls in the first large prize winning opening 16 reaches a specified number or a specified time has elapsed, and then the first large prize winning opening 16 is closed for two seconds.

As shown in the game flow in Figure 68, if the second type effectively 2R per J occurs in a high base time-saving state, the game state after the special play returns to the normal state.

K3. Type 2 actual K per 2R
This jackpot is one of the jackpots that can be selected in a jackpot lottery triggered by the establishment of the starting condition for the second special symbol. In this special jackpot game, after the small jackpot game, which is essentially the first round, and winning in the specific area 19B, round games from the second round to the third round are played. In each round game, the first large prize winning opening 16 is opened until the number of winning balls in the first large prize winning opening 16 reaches a specified number or a specified time has elapsed, and then the first large prize winning opening 16 is closed for two seconds.

As shown in the game flow in Figure 68, if the second type of actual 2R per K is reached in the high base time-saving state, the game state after the special game will be in the low base time-saving state. The number of time-saving times (B) when the low base time-saving state is reached after the second type of actual 2R per K special game is 20 times.

In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, during the high base time-saving state, if the first type is F per 10R, the first type is G per 2R, the second type is H per 9R in real terms, or the second type is I per 2R in real terms, the most advantageous high base time-saving state continues, but if the second type is J per 2R in real terms, or the second type is K per 2R in real terms, the state falls back to the normal state or the low base time-saving state.

The gaming machine 1 of this embodiment has five types of special misses. The five types of special misses are as follows:

a3. Time-saving special miss a
As shown in the game flow of FIG. 68, when the special miss a occurs in the normal state, the game enters a low base time-saving state. The number of time-saving times (B) when the game enters the low base time-saving state after passing through the special miss a is 20 times. When the special miss a occurs in the low base time-saving state, the game enters a high base time-saving state. The number of time-saving times (J) when the game enters the high base time-saving state after passing through the special miss a is 100 times.

b3. Time-saving special miss b
As shown in the game flow of FIG. 68, when the special miss b occurs in the normal state, the state becomes a low base time-saving state. The number of time-saving times (B) when the state becomes a low base time-saving state after passing through the special miss b is 40 times. When the special miss b occurs in the low base time-saving state, the state becomes a high base time-saving state. The number of time-saving times (J) when the state becomes a high base time-saving state after passing through the special miss b is 100 times.

c3. Time-saving special miss c
As shown in the game flow of FIG. 68, when the special miss c occurs in the normal state, the state becomes a low base time-saving state. The number of time-saving times (B) when the state becomes a low base time-saving state after the special miss c is 60 times. When the special miss c occurs in the low base time-saving state, the state becomes a high base time-saving state. The number of time-saving times (J) when the state becomes a high base time-saving state after the special miss c is 100 times.

d3. Time-saving special miss d
As shown in the game flow of FIG. 68, when the special miss d occurs in the normal state, the game enters a low base time-saving state. The number of time-saving times (B) when the game enters a low base time-saving state after the special miss d is 80 times. When the special miss d occurs in a low base time-saving state, the game enters a high base time-saving state. The number of time-saving times (J) when the game enters a high base time-saving state after the special miss d is 100 times.

e3. Time-saving special miss e
As shown in the game flow of FIG. 68, when the special miss e occurs in the normal state, the state becomes a low base time-saving state. The number of time-saving times (B) when the state becomes a low base time-saving state after the special miss e is 100 times. When the special miss e occurs in the low base time-saving state, the state becomes a high base time-saving state. The number of time-saving times (J) when the state becomes a high base time-saving state after the special miss e is 100 times.

As described above, the low base time-saving state has a higher advantage in terms of auxiliary play than the normal state. Furthermore, as shown in the game flow of FIG. 68, in the normal state, no matter what the special symbol stops on, the high base time-saving state does not occur, whereas in the low base time-saving state, when the special symbol stops on the symbol C for the first type 2R, the high base time-saving state occurs after the special play ends, and when the special symbol stops on the symbols a, b, c, d, and e for the time-saving activation special miss, the high base time-saving state immediately occurs. Therefore, in terms of the ease of entering the high base time-saving state, the low base time-saving state is more advantageous than the normal state. Therefore, in this embodiment, the player hopes to stay in the low base time-saving state during the low base time-saving state and get many opportunities to advance to the high base time-saving state by winning the symbols C for the first type 2R or the symbols a, b, c, d, and e for the time-saving activation special miss. Additionally, during normal play, players will want to progress to a low base time-saving state as quickly as possible by hitting the first type 2R win C or the time-saving activation special miss a, b, c, d, or e symbols.

The processing of the main control board 10a in this embodiment is the same as in the first and second embodiments, but the pre-judgment table, the symbol determination table, the variation pattern determination table, the special game control table, the setting table when the special losing symbol stops, and the setting table when the special game ends in the main ROM 110b of the main control board 10 are replaced with those corresponding to the jackpots A3. to K3. and the special losses a3. to e3. of this embodiment described above.

Figure 70 is a diagram showing the pre-determination table referenced in step S240-8 of Figure 23. This pre-determination table stores a set of jackpot random number values, special symbol random number values, game state (normal state, low base time-saving state, or high base time-saving state), reach determination random number values, special symbol variation random number values, winning information, and start winning designation commands.

Figure 71 (a) is a diagram showing the jackpot symbol determination table referenced in step S311-2 of Figure 29. This jackpot symbol determination table stores sets of special symbol random number values, special symbol types (jackpot types), stop symbol data, and symbol designation commands for the five types of first-class jackpots in this embodiment.

Figure 71 (b) is a diagram showing a small win symbol determination table referenced in step S311-6 of Figure 29. This small win symbol determination table stores sets of special symbol random number values, special symbol types (types of big wins determined by winning in specific area 19B), stopping symbol data, and symbol designation commands for the small wins that trigger the four types of second-class big wins in this embodiment.

Figure 72 (a) is a diagram showing the special miss symbol determination table referenced in step S311-9 of Figure 29. This special miss symbol determination table stores sets of special symbol random number values, special symbol types (special miss types), stopping symbol data, and symbol designation commands for the five types of special misses in this embodiment.

Figure 72 (b) is a diagram showing the normal miss symbol determination table referenced in step S311-11 of Figure 29. This normal miss symbol determination table stores a set of special symbol random number values, special symbol types (normal miss types), stopping symbol data, and symbol designation commands for normal misses.

Figure 73 is a diagram showing a first special symbol fluctuation pattern determination table referenced in step S312 of Figure 28. This first special symbol fluctuation pattern determination table stores a set of special symbol type (jackpot type), game status, number of reserved symbols, random number value for reach determination, random number value for special symbol fluctuation, type of special symbol fluctuation pattern, fluctuation time, and fluctuation start command.

Figure 74 is a diagram showing a variation pattern determination table for the second special symbol referenced in step S312 of Figure 28. This variation pattern determination table for the second special symbol stores a set of the type of special symbol (type of jackpot), game status, number of reserved symbols, random number value for reach determination, random number value for special symbol variation, type of variation pattern of the special symbol, variation time, and variation start command.

Figure 75 (a) is a diagram showing the special game control table for the first type jackpot that is referenced in step S330-7 of Figure 36. This special game control table for the first type jackpot stores a set of stop symbol data, opening time, opening designation command, table number of the large prize opening control table for the first type jackpot, ending time, and symbol designation command for the five types of first type jackpots in this embodiment.

Figure 75 (b) is a diagram showing the special game control table for the second type jackpot that is referenced in step S351-11 of Figure 44. This special game control table for the second type jackpot stores a set of stop symbol data, opening time, opening designation command, table number of the large prize opening control table for the second type jackpot, ending time, and symbol designation command for the four types of second type jackpots in this embodiment.

Figure 76 is a diagram showing a setting table when a special losing symbol stops, which is referenced in steps S330-19 and S330-20 in Figure 36. This setting table when a special losing symbol stops stores, for the five types of special losing symbols in this embodiment, sets of stopping symbol data, data indicating the game state before the special losing symbol stops, data indicating the game state when the special losing symbol stops, data indicating the low base time-saving number of times (B), and data indicating the high base time-saving number of times (J).

Figure 77 is a diagram showing a special game end setting table referenced in steps S360-2 and S360-3 in Figure 45. This special game end setting table stores, for the nine types of jackpots in this embodiment, sets of stopped symbol data, game status information set in the game status buffer, data indicating the game status at the end of the special game, data indicating the low base number of time-saving times (B), and data indicating the high base number of time-saving times (J).

As shown in the game flow of FIG. 68, during the high base time-saving state, the game is played by hitting the right hand, so in the high base time-saving state, it is almost impossible for the first start hole 14 to start winning, the first special symbol display device 20 to change, and the lottery for the first special symbol to become a jackpot. However, in rare cases, during the low base time-saving state, one or more reserved first special symbols are left, and the first type 2R win C or special miss a, b, c, d, or e occurs, and after the high base time-saving state is reached, a jackpot occurs in the change corresponding to the reservation of the first special symbol. For this reason, in the special game end setting table, data indicating the game state to which the game state to which the game state information of the game state buffer is to be transferred is stored for the stop symbol data "01", "02", and "03" corresponding to the first special symbol display device 20.

In addition, during normal or low base time-saving states, the game is played by hitting from the left, so in normal or low base time-saving states, it is almost impossible for the second start hole 15 to start winning, the second special symbol display device 21 to change, and the lottery for the second special symbol to become a jackpot. However, during normal or low base time-saving states, the opening time of the movable piece 15b is extremely short, so it is possible for the second start hole 15 to start winning, and it is possible for the change in the second special symbol to become a jackpot in normal or low base time-saving states. For this reason, in the special game end setting table, data indicating the game state to which the game state information in the game state buffer is 00H (normal state) and 01H (low base time-saving state) is stored for the stop symbol data "04", "05", "06", "07", "08", and "09" corresponding to the second special symbol display device 21.

The processing of the performance control board 120 in this embodiment is the same as in the first embodiment. A normal background setting table and a special background setting table are stored in the sub-ROM 120b of the performance control board 120.

In this embodiment, when the gaming machine 1 is powered off, the main control board 10 backs up information indicating the game status in the main RAM 110c through the power off monitoring process of FIG. 20 (step S20-9 of FIG. 20), and when the power to the gaming machine 1 is turned back on, the main control board 10 restores the game status at the time of the power off on the previous day through the initialization process of FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 (step S10-15 of FIG. 19), and transmits a power restoration designation command and a game status designation command indicating the game status in which the power was restored to the presentation control board 120 (steps S10-16 to S10-25 of FIG. 19).

In contrast, the command analysis process of the performance control board 120 in this embodiment is the same as the command analysis process of the second embodiment (Figs. 63, 64, 57, and 58). Therefore, in both cases where power is restored in a normal state and where power is restored in a low base time-saving state, the content of the processing when the performance control board 120 receives a power restoration designation command or a game state designation command from the main control board 10 is also the same as in the second embodiment.

In this embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the low base time-saving state is more advantageous than the normal state in terms of the ease of transitioning to the high base time-saving state. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 60(c), in the normal background setting table, the normal state corresponds to a daytime background and the low base time-saving state corresponds to an evening background, which is the opposite of the first embodiment. The contents of the special background setting table are the same as those in FIG. 60(b) of the first embodiment. Immediately after the power supply of the gaming machine 1 is turned on, the performance control board 120 causes the image display device 31 to display the background image of the evening background, which is the background of the low base time-saving state, as a performance image common to the normal state and the low base time-saving state, regardless of whether the power supply of the gaming machine 1 is restored in the normal state or in the low base time-saving state.

As shown in the special game end setting table in FIG. 77, the gaming machine 1 assumes the rare case where a jackpot occurs during a high base time-saving state in a variation corresponding to the reservation of the first special symbol, and stores data indicating the game state to which the game will transition when the game state information in the game state buffer is 02H (high base time-saving state) for the stopping symbol data "01" corresponding to A for a first type 10R, "02" corresponding to B for a first type 2R, and "03" corresponding to C for a first type 2R.

According to the setting table at the end of special play in Figure 77, if you win A for 10R of the first type in a high base time-saving state, the state will change to a low base time-saving state after the end of special play, and if you win B for 2R of the first type in a high base time-saving state, the state will change to the normal state after the end of special play.

In the special symbol special power control process of the main control board 10, when the special symbol starts to change, a change start command and a game state designation command are sent (steps S313 and S314 in FIG. 28), when the special symbol changes, a pattern determination command and a game state designation command are sent (step S320-3 in FIG. 35 and step S330-23 in FIG. 36), when a jackpot is reached, an opening designation command is sent at the start of the special game (step S330-8 in FIG. 36), when a round of the special game starts, a round start command is sent (step S340-5 in FIG. 41), when the special game ends, an ending designation command is sent (step S340-16 in FIG. 41), and when the special game ends, a game state designation command is sent (step S360-4 in FIG. 45).

In contrast, the command analysis process of the presentation control board 120 in this embodiment is the same as the command analysis process of the second embodiment (Figs. 63, 64, 57, and 58). Therefore, in each case where A is won for 10R of the first kind and B is won for 2R of the first kind, the content of the process when the presentation control board 120 receives the variation start command, game state designation command, pattern determination command, opening designation command, and ending designation command from the main control board 10 is also the same as in the second embodiment.

Therefore, in this embodiment, after the end of the special game of the first type 2R per B, which is the first jackpot, and after the end of the special game of the first type 10R per A, which is the second jackpot, the effect control board 120 causes the image display device 31 to display the background image of the evening background, which is the background of the low base time-saving state, as an effect image common to the normal state and the low base time-saving state.

Fourth Embodiment
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The gaming machine 1 of this embodiment is also a type called a one-type two-type mixed machine, and has three gaming states: a normal state, a low base time-saving state, and a high base time-saving state. The types of big wins and special misses of the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment are the same as those of the third embodiment.

The processing of the main control board 10 in this embodiment is the same as that of the first to third embodiments, which are one-type two-type mixed machines. The processing of the performance control board 120 in this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. The sub-ROM 120b of the performance control board 120 stores a normal background setting table and a special background setting table.

In this embodiment, unlike the second embodiment, the low base time-saving state is more advantageous than the normal state in terms of the ease of transitioning to the high base time-saving state. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 65(c), in the normal background setting table, the normal state corresponds to a daytime background and the low base time-saving state corresponds to an evening background, which is the opposite of the second embodiment. The contents of the special background setting table are the same as those in FIG. 65(b) of the second embodiment. Immediately after the power supply of the gaming machine 1 is turned on, the performance control board 120 causes the image display device 31 to display the background image of the daytime background, which is the background of the normal state, as a performance image common to the normal state and the low base time-saving state, regardless of whether the power supply of the gaming machine 1 is restored in the normal state or in the low base time-saving state.

The command analysis process of the performance control board 120 in this embodiment is the same as the command analysis process of the first embodiment (Figs. 55, 56, 57, and 58). Therefore, in each case where A is won for 10R of the first kind and B is won for 2R of the first kind, the content of the process when the performance control board 120 receives a variation start command, a game state designation command, a pattern determination command, an opening designation command, and an ending designation command from the main control board 10 is also the same as in the first embodiment.

Therefore, in this embodiment, after the end of the special game of the first type 2R per B, which is the first jackpot, and after the end of the special game of the first type 10R per A, which is the second jackpot, the effect control board 120 causes the image display device 31 to display the background image of the daytime background, which is the background of the normal state, as an effect image common to the normal state and the low base time-saving state.

Fifth Embodiment
Next, the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The gaming machine 1 of this embodiment is a type called a type of probability variable machine. Figure 78 is a diagram showing the game flow of the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment. The gaming machine 1 of this embodiment has five game states: a normal state where the game is played by hitting from the left, a low base time-saving state, and a state without high probability time-saving, a high base time-saving state where the game is played by hitting from the right, and a state with high probability time-saving.

In the high probability time-saving state, the probability of winning the jackpot is 1/30, which is higher than in the normal state, the normal pattern change time is 5 seconds, the same as in the high base time-saving state, and the opening time of the movable piece 15b per normal pattern lottery win is 6 seconds, the same as in the high base time-saving state.

In the high probability no time shortening state, the probability of winning the jackpot is 1/30, which is higher than in the normal state, the normal pattern change time is 60 seconds, the same as in the normal state, and the opening time of the movable piece 15b per normal pattern lottery win is 0.1 seconds, the same as in the normal state.

As shown in FIG. 79, the gaming machine 1 has an evening mode, a day mode, a night mode, a labyrinth mode, and a morning mode. The labyrinth mode is a mode when there is a high probability of time-saving. During the labyrinth mode, a background image showing the scene of wandering around a labyrinth is displayed during normal fluctuations. The morning mode is a mode when there is no high probability of time-saving. During the morning mode, a background image showing the scene in the morning is displayed during normal fluctuations.

Figure 80 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment. Since the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment is a type 1 probability variable machine, it is not provided with a specific area opening/closing solenoid 18d for opening and closing the specific area 19B (V winning port) or a specific area detection switch 18a for detecting the winning, but is provided with a second large winning port detection switch 17a for detecting the entry of a game ball into the second large winning port 17. In addition, since the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment has a second special symbol reserved, a second special symbol reserved indicator 24 is provided. In addition, as shown in Figures 81 (a) and 81 (c), the second special symbol storage area of the main RAM 110c of the gaming machine 1 and the second performance information storage area of the sub-RAM 120c have a first storage section corresponding to the first reservation of the second special symbol, a second storage section corresponding to the second reservation of the second special symbol, a third storage section corresponding to the third reservation of the second special symbol, and a fourth storage section corresponding to the fourth reservation of the second special symbol.

The gaming machine 1 of this embodiment has 10 types of jackpots. The 10 types of jackpots are as follows:

A5. First special chart 10R win A
This jackpot is one of the jackpots that can be selected in a jackpot lottery triggered by the establishment of the start condition for the first special symbol. In this jackpot special game, round games from the first round to the tenth round are played. In each round game, the first large prize winning opening 16 is opened until the number of winning balls in the first large prize winning opening 16 reaches a specified number or a specified time has elapsed, and then the first large prize winning opening 16 is closed for two seconds.

As shown in the game flow in Figure 78, if the first special chart hits A in 10R in normal state, the game state after the special play will be in a state with high probability of time reduction. The number of time reductions (J) when the high probability of time reduction state is reached after the special play of the first special chart hits A in 10R is 800 times. If the first special chart hits A in low base time reduction state, the game state after the special play will be in a state without high probability of time reduction. If the first special chart hits A in a state without high probability of time reduction, the game state after the special play will again be in a state without high probability of time reduction.

B5. First special chart 2R B
This jackpot is one of the jackpots that can be selected in a jackpot lottery triggered by the establishment of the start condition for the first special symbol. In this jackpot special game, a first round and a second round are played. In each round, the first large prize opening 16 is opened until the number of winning balls in the first large prize opening 16 reaches a specified number or a specified time has elapsed, and then the first large prize opening 16 is closed for two seconds.

As shown in the game flow in Figure 78, if the first special chart 2R hit is B in the normal state, the game state after the special play will be in a state with high probability of time reduction. The number of time reductions (J) when the high probability of time reduction state is reached after the special play of the first special chart 2R hit B is 800 times. If the first special chart 2R hit is B in the low base time reduction state, the game state after the special play will be in a state without high probability of time reduction. If the first special chart 2R hit is B in the high probability of no time reduction state, the game state after the special play will again be in a state without high probability of time reduction.

C5. First special chart 10R win C
This jackpot is one of the jackpots that can be selected in a jackpot lottery triggered by the establishment of the start condition for the first special symbol. In this jackpot special game, round games from the first round to the tenth round are played. In each round game, the first large prize winning opening 16 is opened until the number of winning balls in the first large prize winning opening 16 reaches a specified number or a specified time has elapsed, and then the first large prize winning opening 16 is closed for two seconds.

As shown in the game flow in Figure 78, if the first special chart 10R results in a C in the normal state, the game state after the special play will be in a state with high probability of time reduction. If the first special chart 10R results in a C in the low base time reduction state, the game state after the special play will also be in a state with high probability of time reduction. If the first special chart 10R results in a C in the state without high probability of time reduction, the game state after the special play will also be in a state with high probability of time reduction. The number of time reductions (J) when the high probability of time reduction state is reached after the special play of C per 10R of the first special chart is 800 times.

D5. First special chart 2R D
This jackpot is one of the jackpots that can be selected in a jackpot lottery triggered by the establishment of the start condition for the first special symbol. In this jackpot special game, a first round and a second round are played. In each round, the first large prize opening 16 is opened until the number of winning balls in the first large prize opening 16 reaches a specified number or a specified time has elapsed, and then the first large prize opening 16 is closed for two seconds.

As shown in the game flow in Figure 78, if the first special chart 2R hits D in normal state, the game state after the special play will be in a high base time-saving state. The number of time-saving times (J) when the high base time-saving state is reached after the special play of the first special chart 2R D is 800 times. If the first special chart 2R hits D in a low base time-saving state, the game state after the special play will again be in a low base time-saving state. If the first special chart 2R hits D in a high probability no time-saving state, the game state after the special play will be in a low base time-saving state. The number of time-saving times (B) when the low base time-saving state is reached after the special play of the first special chart 2R D is 700 times.

E5. First special chart 2R win E
This jackpot is one of the jackpots that can be selected in a jackpot lottery triggered by the establishment of the start condition for the first special symbol. In this jackpot special game, a first round and a second round are played. In each round, the first large prize opening 16 is opened until the number of winning balls in the first large prize opening 16 reaches a specified number or a specified time has elapsed, and then the first large prize opening 16 is closed for two seconds.

As shown in the game flow in Figure 78, if the first special chart 2R hits E in normal state, the game state after the special play will be in a high base time-saving state. The number of time-saving times (J) when the high base time-saving state is reached after the special play of the first special chart 2R E is 800 times. If the first special chart 2R hits E in a low base time-saving state, the game state after the special play will again be in a low base time-saving state. If the first special chart 2R hits E in a high probability no time-saving state, the game state after the special play will be in a low base time-saving state. The number of time-saving times (B) when the low base time-saving state is reached after the special play of the first special chart 2R E is 500 times.

F5. 2nd special chart 10R F
This jackpot is one of the jackpots that can be selected in a jackpot lottery triggered by the establishment of the start condition for the second special symbol. In this jackpot special game, round games from the first round to the tenth round are played. In each round game, the second large prize winning opening 17 is opened until the number of winning balls in the second large prize winning opening 17 reaches a specified number or a specified time has elapsed, and then the second large prize winning opening 17 is closed for two seconds.

As shown in the game flow in Figure 78, if the second special chart hits 10R and F is reached in a high base time-saving state, the game state after the special play will be in a state with high probability of time-saving. If the second special chart hits 10R and F is reached in a high probability time-saving state, the game state after the special play will again be in a state with high probability of time-saving. The number of time-saving times (J) when the high probability time-saving state is reached after the special play of the second special chart hits 10R and F is reached will be 800 times.

G5. 2nd special chart 2R winning G
This jackpot is one of the jackpots that can be selected in a jackpot lottery triggered by the establishment of the start condition for the second special symbol. In this jackpot special game, round games from the first round to the second round are played. In each round game, the second large prize winning opening 17 is opened until the number of winning balls in the second large prize winning opening 17 reaches a specified number or a specified time has elapsed, and then the second large prize winning opening 17 is closed for two seconds.

As shown in the game flow in Figure 78, if the second special chart 2R hit G occurs in a high base time-saving state, the game state after the special play will be in a state with high probability of time-saving. If the second special chart 2R hit G occurs in a high probability time-saving state, the game state after the special play will again be in a state with high probability of time-saving. The number of time-saving times (J) when the high probability time-saving state is reached after the special play of the second special chart 2R hit G is 800 times.

H5. 2nd Special 10R Winning H
This jackpot is one of the jackpots that can be selected in a jackpot lottery triggered by the establishment of the start condition for the second special symbol. In this jackpot special game, round games from the first round to the tenth round are played. In each round game, the second large prize winning opening 17 is opened until the number of winning balls in the second large prize winning opening 17 reaches a specified number or a specified time has elapsed, and then the second large prize winning opening 17 is closed for two seconds.

As shown in the game flow in Figure 78, if an H occurs on 10R of the second special chart in a high base time-saving state, the game state after the special play will be in a state with high probability of time-saving. If an H occurs on 10R of the second special chart in a high probability time-saving state, the game state after the special play will again be in a state with high probability of time-saving. The number of time-saving times (J) when the high probability time-saving state is reached after the special play of an H on 10R of the second special chart is 800 times.

I1. 2nd Special 10R Win I
This jackpot is one of the jackpots that can be selected in a jackpot lottery triggered by the establishment of the start condition for the second special symbol. In this jackpot special game, round games from the first round to the tenth round are played. In each round game, the second large prize winning opening 17 is opened until the number of winning balls in the second large prize winning opening 17 reaches a specified number or a specified time has elapsed, and then the second large prize winning opening 17 is closed for two seconds.

As shown in the game flow in Figure 78, if the second special chart becomes I per 10R in the high base time-saving state, the game state after the special play will return to the high base time-saving state. The number of time-saving times (J) when the high base time-saving state is reached after the special play of the second special chart becomes I per 10R is 800 times. If the second special chart becomes I per 10R in the high probability time-saving state, the game state after the special play will return to the normal state.

J5. 2nd Special Chart 10R Winning J
This jackpot is one of the jackpots that can be selected in a jackpot lottery triggered by the establishment of the start condition for the second special symbol. In this jackpot special game, round games from the first round to the tenth round are played. In each round game, the second large prize winning opening 17 is opened until the number of winning balls in the second large prize winning opening 17 reaches a specified number or a specified time has elapsed, and then the second large prize winning opening 17 is closed for two seconds.

As shown in the game flow in Figure 78, if the second special chart gets a J per 10R in the high base time-saving state, the game state after the special play will return to the high base time-saving state. The number of time-saving times (J) when the high base time-saving state is reached after the special play of the second special chart gets a J per 10R is 800 times. If the second special chart gets a J per 10R in the high probability time-saving state, the game state after the special play will return to the low base time-saving state. The number of time-saving times (B) when the low base time-saving state is reached after the special play of the second special chart gets a J per 10R is 500 times.

In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, if F on the second special chart 10R, G on the second special chart 2R, or H on the second special chart 10R occurs during the high probability time-saving state, the most advantageous high probability time-saving state continues, but if I on the second special chart 10R or J on the second special chart 10R occurs, the state falls back to the normal state or low base time-saving state.

The gaming machine 1 of this embodiment has four types of special misses. The four types of special misses are as follows:

a5. High base time-saving special miss a
As shown in the game flow of Figure 78, when the special miss a occurs in the normal state, the high base time-saving state is entered. The number of time-saving times (J) when the high base time-saving state is entered after the special miss a is 800 times.

b5. Low base time-saving special miss b
As shown in the game flow of Figure 78, when the special miss b occurs in the normal state, the low base time-saving state is entered. The number of time-saving times (B) when the low base time-saving state is entered after the special miss b is 700 times.

c5. Low base time-saving special miss c
As shown in the game flow of Figure 78, when the special miss C occurs in the normal state, the game enters a low base time-saving state. The number of time-saving times (B) when the game enters the low base time-saving state after the special miss C is 500 times.

d5. Low base time-saving special miss d
As shown in the game flow of Figure 78, when the special miss d occurs in the normal state, the game enters a low base time-saving state. The number of time-saving times (B) when the game enters the low base time-saving state after the special miss d is 300 times.

As mentioned above, the low base time-saving state has a higher advantage in terms of auxiliary play than the normal state. However, as shown in the game flow of FIG. 78, in the low base time-saving state, unless the special symbol stops on the symbol C for the first special symbol 10R, the state will not be in a high probability time-saving state, and no matter what symbol it stops on, it will not be in a high base time-saving state. In contrast, in the normal state, if the special symbol stops on the symbol A for the first special symbol 10R, the symbol B for the first special symbol 2R, or the symbol C for the first special symbol 10R, the state will be in a high probability time-saving state after the special play ends, and if the special symbol stops on the symbol D for the first special symbol 2R or the symbol E for the first special symbol 2R, the state will be in a high base time-saving state after the special play ends, and if it stops on the symbol a for the high base time-saving activation special miss, the state will immediately be in a high base time-saving state. For this reason, in terms of the ease of transitioning to a high probability time-saving state or a high base time-saving state, the normal state is more advantageous than the low base time-saving state. Therefore, in this embodiment, the player wishes to remain in the normal state during the normal state and get many opportunities to progress to a high probability time-saving state or a high base time-saving state by winning the first special chart 2R hit A, the first special chart 2R hit B, the first special chart 10R hit C, the first special chart 2R hit D, the first special chart 2R hit E, or a high base time-saving activation special miss a. Also, during the low base time-saving state, the player wishes to consume the fluctuation in the low base time-saving count (B) as quickly as possible and progress to the normal state.

In this embodiment, the main CPU 110a of the main control board 10 performs initialization processing, input control processing, special symbol special power control processing, special symbol memory determination processing, special symbol stop processing, jackpot game processing, and jackpot determination processing, and the procedures are different from those in the first embodiment.

Figure 82 is a flow chart showing a part of the initialization process of this embodiment. Compared with the initialization process of the first embodiment (Figure 19), in Figure 82, steps S10-20 to S10-23 are executed after step S10-18: No. In step S10-20, the main CPU 110a judges whether the game state flag of the high probability time-saving state is set in the game state flag storage area of the main RAM 110c. If the game state flag of the high probability time-saving state is set (step S10-20: Yes), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S10-21, and if the game state flag of the high probability time-saving state is not set (step S10-20: No), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S10-22. In step S10-21, the main CPU 110a transmits a power restoration designation command corresponding to the high probability time-saving state to the performance control board 120, and proceeds to step S10-25.

In step S10-22, the main CPU 110a determines whether the game state flag for the high probability no time-saving state is set in the game state flag storage area of the main RAM 110c. If the game state flag for the high probability no time-saving state is set (step S10-22: Yes), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S10-23, and if the game state flag for the high probability no time-saving state is not set (step S10-22: No), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S10-24. In step S10-23, the main CPU 110a sends a power restoration designation command corresponding to the high probability no time-saving state to the performance control board 120, and proceeds to step S10-25.

Figure 83 is a flowchart showing the input control process of this embodiment. Compared with the input control process of the first embodiment (Figure 22), in Figure 83, after the first large prize opening detection switch input process of step S220, proceed to step S230 to perform the second large prize opening detection switch input process. In the second large prize opening detection switch input process, the main CPU 110a determines whether or not a detection signal has been input from the second large prize opening detection switch 17a. If there is no detection signal input from the second large prize opening detection switch 17a, the main CPU 110a proceeds directly to step S240. If there is a detection signal input from the second large prize opening detection switch 17a, the main CPU 110a adds a predetermined number (for example, 15) to the large prize opening prize ball counter in the main RAM 110c to update it, and updates the count value (C) of the large prize opening ball number (C) counter in the main RAM 110c by +1. Also, in FIG. 83, after the second start hole detection switch input process in step S250, the specific area detection switch input process is not executed and the process proceeds to step S270.

Figure 84 is a flowchart showing the special symbol special electricity control process of this embodiment. Compared to the special symbol special electricity control process of the first embodiment (Figure 27), in Figure 84, the small win game process is not executed, and the process moves to the big win game end process (step S360) when the special symbol special electricity processing data = 4.

Figure 85 is a flowchart showing the special symbol memory determination process of this embodiment. Compared with the special symbol memory determination process of the first embodiment (Figure 28), in Figure 85, in step S310-2, the main CPU 110a refers to the count value (U2) of the second special symbol reserved number (U2) counter in the main RAM 110c, and determines whether the second special symbol reserved number (U2) is 1 or more. If the second special symbol reserved number (U2) is 0 (S310-2: No), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S310-4.

If the second special symbol reserved number (U2) is 1 or more (S310-4: Yes), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S310-3. In step S310-3, the main CPU 110a updates the count value (U2) of the second special symbol reserved number (U2) counter by -1, and proceeds to step S310-6.

Also, in FIG. 85, after step S310-11: No, steps S310-14 to S310-16 are executed. In step S310-14, the main CPU 110a refers to the count value (X) of the high probability count (X) counter in the main RAM 110c and determines whether the high probability count (X) is 1 or more. If the high probability count (X) is 0 (S310-14: No), proceed to step S311. If the high probability count (X) is 1 or more (S310-14: Yes), the count value (X) of the high probability count (X) counter is updated by -1 (S310-15), and it is determined whether the updated count value (X) has become 0 (S310-16). If the high probability count (X) has become 0 (S310-16: Yes), the main CPU 110a proceeds to step S310-17. If the high probability count (X) is not 0 (S310-16: No), proceed to step S311.

Figure 86 is a flowchart showing the big win determination process of this embodiment. Compared to the big win determination process of the first embodiment (Figure 29), in Figure 86, steps S311-5 to S311-7, which are processes related to small wins, are not executed, and the process proceeds from step S311-1: No to step S311-8.

Figure 87 is a flow chart showing the special symbol stop processing of this embodiment. Compared to the special symbol stop processing of the first embodiment (Figure 36), in Figure 87, steps S330-11 to S330-15, which are processing related to small wins, are not executed, and the process proceeds from step S330-3: No to step S330-16. In addition, in step S330-5, the low base time-saving count (B) counter, high base time-saving count (J) counter, and high probability count (X) counter of the main RAM 110c are reset.

Figure 88 is a flow chart showing the jackpot game processing of this embodiment. Compared to the jackpot game processing of the first embodiment (Figure 41), in Figure 88, in step S340-19, the special chart special electric processing data is set to 4, and the jackpot game processing ends.

If the special chart special electricity processing data is set to 4, the subsequent special chart special electricity control process moves to the jackpot game end process in step S302, and the jackpot game end process is performed.

In this embodiment, the pre-judgment table, jackpot lottery judgment table, normal symbol lottery judgment table, symbol determination table, variation pattern determination table, special game control table, jackpot opening/closing control table, special losing symbol stop setting table, and special game end setting table in the main ROM 110b of the main control board 10 are replaced with those corresponding to the 10 types of jackpots A5. to J5. and the 4 types of special losings a5. to d5. of this embodiment mentioned above.

Figure 89 is a diagram showing a pre-determination table referenced in step S240-8 of Figure 23. This pre-determination table stores a set of jackpot random number values, special symbol random number values, game state (normal state, low base time-saving state, high base time-saving state, state with high probability of time-saving, or state without high probability of time-saving), reach determination random number values, special symbol variation random number values, winning information, and start winning designation command.

Figure 90(a) is a diagram showing a jackpot selection determination table for the first special symbol referenced in step S311-1 of Figure 86. Figure 90(b) is a diagram showing a jackpot selection determination table for the second special symbol referenced in step S311-1 of Figure 86. In this jackpot selection determination table, pairs of jackpot random number values and jackpot selection results (jackpot, special miss, or normal miss) are stored, separated into those referenced in the normal state, low base time-saving state, or high base time-saving state, and those referenced in the high probability time-saving state or no high probability time-saving state.

Figure 90 (c) is a diagram showing the normal symbol lottery judgment table referenced in step S410-5 of Figure 48. In this normal symbol lottery judgment table, pairs of normal symbol random number values and lottery results (win or miss) of the normal symbol lottery are stored separately for reference in the normal state, in the low base time-saving state, in the high base time-saving state, in the high probability time-saving state, and in the high probability no time-saving state.

Figure 91 (a) is a diagram showing the jackpot symbol determination table referenced in step S311-2 of Figure 86. In this jackpot symbol determination table, a set of special symbol random number values, special symbol types (types of jackpots), stop symbol data, and symbol designation commands is stored separately for reference when the start condition for the first special symbol in the first special symbol display device 20 is met, and for reference when the start condition for the second special symbol in the second special symbol display device 21 is met.

Figure 91 (b) is a diagram showing the special miss symbol determination table referenced in step S311-9 of Figure 86. This special miss symbol determination table stores sets of special symbol random number values, special symbol types (special miss types), stopping symbol data, and symbol designation commands for the four types of special misses in this embodiment.

Figure 91 (c) is a diagram showing the normal miss symbol determination table referenced in step S311-11 of Figure 86. This normal miss symbol determination table stores a set of special symbol random number values, special symbol types (normal miss types), stopping symbol data, and symbol designation commands.

Figure 92 is a diagram showing a variation pattern determination table for the first special symbol referenced in step S312 of Figure 28. Figure 93 is a diagram showing a variation pattern determination table for the second special symbol referenced in step S312 of Figure 28. The special symbol variation pattern determination table stores a set of special symbol type (jackpot type), game status, number of reserved symbols, random number value for reach determination, random number value for special symbol variation, type of special symbol variation pattern, variation time, and variation start command.

Figure 94 is a diagram showing the special game control table for big wins referenced in step S330-7 of Figure 87. Figure 95 is a diagram showing the big win opening/closing control table for big wins corresponding to each table number of the special game control table for big wins. The special game control table for big wins stores a set of stopping pattern data, opening time, opening designation command, table number of the big win opening opening control table for big wins, ending time, and pattern designation command for the 10 types of big wins in this embodiment. The big win opening opening control table for each table number stores data indicating the opening and closing times for each round, and the type of big win opening to be opened.

Figure 96 is a diagram showing a setting table when a special losing symbol stops, which is referenced in steps S330-19 and S330-20 in Figure 36. This setting table when a special losing symbol stops stores, for the four types of special losing symbols in this embodiment, sets of stopped symbol data, data indicating the game state before the special losing symbol stops, data indicating the game state when the special losing symbol stops, data indicating the low base time-saving number of times (B), data indicating the high base time-saving number of times (J), and data indicating the high probability number of times (X).

Figure 97 is a diagram showing a special game end setting table referenced in steps S360-2 and S360-3 in Figure 45. This special game end setting table stores, for the 10 types of jackpots in this embodiment, sets of stopped symbol data, game status information set in the game status buffer, data indicating the game status at the end of the special game, data indicating the low base time-saving number of times (B), data indicating the high base time-saving number of times (J), and data indicating the high probability number of times (X).

Here, as shown in the game flow of FIG. 78, in this embodiment, during the high probability time-saving state or the high base time-saving state, the game is played by hitting the right hand, so in the high probability time-saving state or the high base time-saving state, it is almost impossible for the first start hole 14 to start winning, the first special pattern display device 20 to change, and the lottery for the first special pattern to become a jackpot. However, although it is a rare case, during the normal state, one or more reserved first special patterns are left, and the first special pattern becomes A for the first special pattern 10R, B for the first special pattern 2R, C for the first special pattern 10R, D for the first special pattern 2R, E for the first special pattern 2R, or a special miss a, and after the high probability time-saving state or the high base time-saving state is entered, a jackpot may be obtained in the corresponding change to the reserved first special pattern. For this reason, in the special game end setting table, data is stored indicating the game state to which the player transitions when the game state information in the game state buffer is 02H (high base time-saving state) or 03H (high probability time-saving state) for the stopping pattern data "01", "02", "03", "04", and "05" corresponding to the first special pattern display device 20.

In addition, during the normal state, low base time-saving state, and high probability no time-saving state, the game is played by hitting the left hand, so in the normal state, low base time-saving state, and high probability no time-saving state, it is almost impossible for the second start hole 15 to start and win, the second special pattern display device 21 to change, and a jackpot will be drawn for the second special pattern. However, during the normal state, low base time-saving state, and high probability no time-saving state, the opening time of the movable piece 15b is extremely short, so it is possible for the second start hole 15 to start and win, and it is possible for a jackpot to be drawn by the change in the second special pattern in the normal state, low base time-saving state, and high probability no time-saving state. For this reason, in the special game end setting table, data is stored indicating the game state to which the game will transition when the game state information in the game state buffer is 00H (normal state), 01H (low base time-saving state), or 04H (high probability no time-saving state) for the stopping pattern data "06", "07", "08", "09", and "10" corresponding to the second special pattern display device 21.

The processing of the performance control board 120 in this embodiment is the same as in the first embodiment. A normal background setting table and a special background setting table are stored in the sub-ROM 120b of the performance control board 120. The contents of the normal background setting table and the special background setting table are the same as in the first embodiment.

In this embodiment, when the gaming machine 1 is powered off, the main control board 10 backs up information indicating the game status in the main RAM 110c through the power off monitoring process of FIG. 20 (step S20-9 of FIG. 20), and when the power to the gaming machine 1 is turned back on, the main control board 10 restores the game status at the time of the power off on the previous day through the initialization process of FIG. 18 and FIG. 82 (step S10-15 of FIG. 82), and transmits a power restoration designation command and a game status designation command indicating the game status in which the power was restored to the presentation control board 120 (steps S10-16 to S10-25 of FIG. 82).

In contrast, the command analysis process of the performance control board 120 in this embodiment is the same as the command analysis process of the first embodiment (Figs. 55, 56, 57, and 58). Therefore, in both cases where power is restored in a normal state and where power is restored in a low base time-saving state, the content of the processing when the performance control board 120 receives a power restoration designation command or a game state designation command from the main control board 10 is also the same as in the first embodiment.

Therefore, in this embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, immediately after the gaming machine 1 is powered on, the performance control board 120 causes the image display device 31 to display the background image of the evening background, which is the background of the normal state, as a performance image common to the normal state and the low base time-saving state, regardless of whether the gaming machine 1 is powered on in the normal state or in the low base time-saving state.

As shown in the special game end setting table in FIG. 97, the gaming machine 1 assumes the rare case where a jackpot occurs during a high probability time-saving state or a high base time-saving state in a change corresponding to the reservation of the first special symbol, and stores data indicating the game state to which the game will transition when the game state information in the game state buffer is 02H (high base time-saving state) or 03H (high probability time-saving state) for the stopping symbol data "01" corresponding to A for the first special symbol 10R, "02" corresponding to B for the first special symbol 2R, "03" corresponding to C for the first special symbol 10R, "04" corresponding to D for the first special symbol 2R, and "05" corresponding to E for the first special symbol 2R.

According to the setting table at the end of special play in Figure 97, if you win D for 2R of the first special chart in a high probability time-saving state or a high base time-saving state, the state will change to a low base time-saving state after the special play, if you win E for 2R of the first special chart in a high base time-saving state, the state will change to a low base time-saving state after the special play, and if you win E for 2R of the first special chart in a high probability time-saving state, the state will change to the normal state after the special play.

In the special symbol special power control process of the main control board 10, when the special symbol starts to change, a change start command and a game state designation command are sent (steps S313 and S314 in FIG. 85), when the special symbol changes, a pattern determination command and a game state designation command are sent (step S320-3 in FIG. 35 and step S330-23 in FIG. 87), when a jackpot is reached, an opening designation command is sent at the start of the special game (step S330-8 in FIG. 87), when the round of the special game starts, a round start command is sent (step S340-5 in FIG. 88), when the special game ends, an ending designation command is sent (step S340-16 in FIG. 88), and when the special game ends, a game state designation command is sent (step S360-4 in FIG. 45).

In contrast, the command analysis process of the performance control board 120 in this embodiment is the same as the command analysis process of the first embodiment (Figs. 55, 56, 57, and 58). Therefore, in each case where D is won on the first special chart 2R and where E is won on the first special chart 2R, the content of the processing when the performance control board 120 receives a variation start command, a game state designation command, a pattern determination command, an opening designation command, and an ending designation command from the main control board 10 is also the same as in the first embodiment.

Therefore, in this embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, after the end of the special game of the first special chart 2R hit E, which is the first jackpot, and after the end of the special game of the first special chart 2R hit D, which is the second jackpot, the effect control board 120 causes the image display device 31 to display the background image of the evening background, which is the background of the normal state, as an effect image common to the normal state and the low base time-saving state.

Sixth Embodiment
Next, the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The gaming machine 1 of this embodiment is also a type called a type of probability variable machine, and has five gaming states: normal state, low base time-saving state, high probability no time-saving state, high base time-saving state, and high probability time-saving state. The types of big wins and special misses of the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment are the same as those of the fifth embodiment.

The processing of the main control board 10 in this embodiment is the same as that of the fifth embodiment, which is a type of variable probability machine. The processing of the performance control board 120 in this embodiment is the same as that of the second embodiment. A normal background setting table and a special background setting table are stored in the sub-ROM 120b of the performance control board 120. The contents of the normal background setting table and the special background setting table are the same as those of the second embodiment.

Therefore, in this embodiment, similar to the second embodiment, immediately after the power of the gaming machine 1 is turned on, the performance control board 120 causes the image display device 31 to display a background image of a daytime background, which is the background of the low base time-saving state, as a performance image common to the normal state and the low base time-saving state, regardless of whether the power of the gaming machine 1 is restored in the normal state or in the low base time-saving state.

In addition, in this embodiment, similar to the second embodiment, after the end of the special game of the first special chart 2R hit E, which is the first jackpot, and after the end of the special game of the first special chart 2R hit D, which is the second jackpot, the effect control board 120 causes the image display device 31 to display a background image of a daytime background, which is the background of the low base time-saving state, as an effect image common to the normal state and the low base time-saving state.

Seventh Embodiment
Next, the seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 98 is a diagram showing the game flow of the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment. FIG. 99 is a diagram showing each presentation mode, game state, and background image of the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment. The gaming machine 1 of this embodiment is also a type called a type of probability variable machine, like the fifth and sixth embodiments, and has five game states: a normal state where the game is played by hitting left, a low base time-saving state, and a state without high probability time-saving, a high base time-saving state where the game is played by hitting right, and a state with high probability time-saving. However, as shown in FIG. 99, in this embodiment, the game states corresponding to the evening mode and the day mode are reversed from those of the fifth and sixth embodiments, and when in the low base time-saving state, the game becomes the evening mode and an evening background image is displayed, and when in the normal state, the game becomes the day mode and a day background image is displayed.

The gaming machine 1 of this embodiment has 10 types of jackpots. The 10 types of jackpots are as follows:

A7. First special chart 10R win A
This jackpot is one of the jackpots that can be selected in a jackpot lottery triggered by the establishment of the start condition for the first special symbol. In this jackpot special game, round games from the first round to the tenth round are played. In each round game, the first large prize winning opening 16 is opened until the number of winning balls in the first large prize winning opening 16 reaches a specified number or a specified time has elapsed, and then the first large prize winning opening 16 is closed for two seconds.

As shown in the game flow in Figure 98, if the first special chart 10R hit is an A in the normal state, the game state after the special play will be a high probability no time-saving state. If the first special chart 10R hit is an A in the high probability no time-saving state, the game state after the special play will again be a high probability no time-saving state. If the first special chart 10R hit is an A in the low base time-saving state, the game state after the special play will be a high probability time-saving state. The number of time-saving times (J) when the high probability time-saving state is reached after the special play of the first special chart 10R A is 800 times.

B7. First special chart 2R B
This jackpot is one of the jackpots that can be selected in a jackpot lottery triggered by the establishment of the start condition for the first special symbol. In this jackpot special game, a first round and a second round are played. In each round, the first large prize opening 16 is opened until the number of winning balls in the first large prize opening 16 reaches a specified number or a specified time has elapsed, and then the first large prize opening 16 is closed for two seconds.

As shown in the game flow in Figure 98, if the first special chart 2R hit is B in the normal state, the game state after the special play will be in a state without high probability of time reduction. If the first special chart 2R hit is B in a state without high probability of time reduction, the game state after the special play will again be in a state without high probability of time reduction. If the first special chart 2R hit is B in a low base time reduction state, the game state after the special play will be in a state with high probability of time reduction. The number of time reductions (J) when the state with high probability of time reduction is reached after the special play of the first special chart 2R hit B is 800 times.

C7. First special chart 10R win C
This jackpot is one of the jackpots that can be selected in a jackpot lottery triggered by the establishment of the start condition for the first special symbol. In this jackpot special game, round games from the first round to the tenth round are played. In each round game, the first large prize winning opening 16 is opened until the number of winning balls in the first large prize winning opening 16 reaches a specified number or a specified time has elapsed, and then the first large prize winning opening 16 is closed for two seconds.

As shown in the game flow in Figure 98, if the first special chart 10R results in a C in the normal state, the game state after the special play will be in a state with high probability of time reduction. Even if the first special chart 10R results in a C in a state without high probability of time reduction, the game state after the special play will be in a state with high probability of time reduction. Even if the first special chart 10R results in a C in a low base time reduction state, the game state after the special play will be in a state with high probability of time reduction. The number of time reductions (J) when the high probability of time reduction state is reached after the special play of the first special chart 10R C is 800 times.

D7. First special chart 2R D
This jackpot is one of the jackpots that can be selected in a jackpot lottery triggered by the establishment of the start condition for the first special symbol. In this jackpot special game, a first round and a second round are played. In each round, the first large prize opening 16 is opened until the number of winning balls in the first large prize opening 16 reaches a specified number or a specified time has elapsed, and then the first large prize opening 16 is closed for two seconds.

As shown in the game flow in Figure 98, if the first special chart 2R hit is D in the normal state, the game state after the special play will return to the normal state. If the first special chart 2R hit is D in a state without high probability time reduction, the game state after the special play will return to the normal state. If the first special chart 2R hit is D in a low base time reduction state, the game state after the special play will become a high base time reduction state. The number of time reductions (J) when the high base time reduction state is reached after the special play of the first special chart 2R D is 800 times.

E7. First special chart 2R win E
This jackpot is one of the jackpots that can be selected in a jackpot lottery triggered by the establishment of the start condition for the first special symbol. In this jackpot special game, a first round and a second round are played. In each round, the first large prize opening 16 is opened until the number of winning balls in the first large prize opening 16 reaches a specified number or a specified time has elapsed, and then the first large prize opening 16 is closed for two seconds.

As shown in the game flow in Figure 98, if the first special chart 2R hits E in the normal state, the game state after the special play will be in the low base time-saving state. If the first special chart 2R hits E in a state without high probability of time-saving, the game state after the special play will also be in the low base time-saving state. If the first special chart 2R hits E in a low base time-saving state, the game state after the special play will be in the high base time-saving state. The number of time-saving times (J) when the state with high probability of time-saving is reached after the special play of the first special chart 2R hit E is 800 times.

F7. 2nd special chart 10R F
This jackpot is one of the jackpots that can be selected in a jackpot lottery triggered by the establishment of the start condition for the second special symbol. In this jackpot special game, round games from the first round to the tenth round are played. In each round game, the second large prize winning opening 17 is opened until the number of winning balls in the second large prize winning opening 17 reaches a specified number or a specified time has elapsed, and then the second large prize winning opening 17 is closed for two seconds.

As shown in the game flow in Figure 98, if the second special chart hits 10R and F is reached in a high base time-saving state, the game state after the special play will be in a state with high probability of time-saving. If the second special chart hits 10R and F is reached in a high probability of time-saving, the game state after the special play will again be in a state with high probability of time-saving. The number of time-saving times (J) when the high probability of time-saving is reached after the special play of the second special chart hits 10R and F is reached is 800 times.

G7. 2nd Special Chart 2R Winning G
This jackpot is one of the jackpots that can be selected in a jackpot lottery triggered by the establishment of the start condition for the second special symbol. In this jackpot special game, round games from the first round to the second round are played. In each round game, the second large prize winning opening 17 is opened until the number of winning balls in the second large prize winning opening 17 reaches a specified number or a specified time has elapsed, and then the second large prize winning opening 17 is closed for two seconds.

As shown in the game flow in Figure 98, if the second special chart 2R hit G occurs in a high base time-saving state, the game state after the special play will be in a state with high probability of time-saving. If the second special chart 2R hit G occurs in a high probability time-saving state, the game state after the special play will again be in a state with high probability of time-saving. The number of time-saving times (J) when the high probability time-saving state is reached after the special play of the second special chart 2R hit G is 800 times.

H7. 2nd Special Chart 10R Winning H
This jackpot is one of the jackpots that can be selected in a jackpot lottery triggered by the establishment of the start condition for the second special symbol. In this jackpot special game, round games from the first round to the tenth round are played. In each round game, the second large prize winning opening 17 is opened until the number of winning balls in the second large prize winning opening 17 reaches a specified number or a specified time has elapsed, and then the second large prize winning opening 17 is closed for two seconds.

As shown in the game flow in Figure 98, if an H occurs on 10R of the second special chart in a high base time-saving state, the game state after the special play will be in a state with high probability of time-saving. If an H occurs on 10R of the second special chart in a high probability time-saving state, the game state after the special play will again be in a state with high probability of time-saving. The number of time-saving times (J) when the high probability time-saving state is reached after the special play of an H on 10R of the second special chart is 800 times.

I7. 2nd Special 10R Win I
This jackpot is one of the jackpots that can be selected in a jackpot lottery triggered by the establishment of the start condition for the second special symbol. In this jackpot special game, round games from the first round to the tenth round are played. In each round game, the second large prize winning opening 17 is opened until the number of winning balls in the second large prize winning opening 17 reaches a specified number or a specified time has elapsed, and then the second large prize winning opening 17 is closed for two seconds.

As shown in the game flow in Figure 98, if the second special chart 10R per I is reached in the high base time-saving state, the game state after the special play will return to the high base time-saving state. The number of time-saving times (J) when the high base time-saving state is reached after the special play of the second special chart 10R per I is 800 times. If the second special chart 10R per I is reached in the high probability time-saving state, the game state after the special play will return to the normal state.

J7. 2nd Special Chart 10R Winning J
This jackpot is one of the jackpots that can be selected in a jackpot lottery triggered by the establishment of the start condition for the second special symbol. In this jackpot special game, round games from the first round to the tenth round are played. In each round game, the second large prize winning opening 17 is opened until the number of winning balls in the second large prize winning opening 17 reaches a specified number or a specified time has elapsed, and then the second large prize winning opening 17 is closed for two seconds.

As shown in the game flow in Figure 98, if the second special chart gets a J per 10R in the high base time-saving state, the game state after the special play will return to the high base time-saving state. The number of time-saving times (J) when the high base time-saving state is reached after the special play of the second special chart gets a J per 10R is 800 times. If the second special chart gets a J per 10R in the high probability time-saving state, the game state after the special play will return to the low base time-saving state. The number of time-saving times (B) when the low base time-saving state is reached after the special play of the second special chart gets a J per 10R is 100 times.

In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, during the high probability time-saving state, if F per 2nd special chart 10R, G per 2nd special chart 2R, or H per 2nd special chart 10R occurs, the most advantageous high probability time-saving state continues, but if I per 2nd special chart 10R or J per 2nd special chart 10R occurs, the state falls back to the less advantageous low base time-saving state or normal state.

The gaming machine 1 of this embodiment has five types of special misses. The five types of special misses are as follows:

a7. Time-saving special miss a
As shown in the game flow of FIG. 98, when the special miss a occurs in the normal state, the game enters a low base time-saving state. The number of time-saving times (B) when the game enters the low base time-saving state after passing through the special miss a is 20 times. When the special miss a occurs in the low base time-saving state, the game enters a high base time-saving state. The number of time-saving times (J) when the game enters the high base time-saving state after passing through the special miss a is 800 times.

b7. Time-saving special miss b
As shown in the game flow of FIG. 98, when the special miss b occurs in the normal state, the state becomes a low base time-saving state. The number of time-saving times (B) when the state becomes a low base time-saving state after passing through the special miss b is 40 times. When the special miss b occurs in the low base time-saving state, the state becomes a high base time-saving state. The number of time-saving times (J) when the state becomes a high base time-saving state after passing through the special miss b is 800 times.

c7. Time-saving special miss c
As shown in the game flow of FIG. 98, when the special miss c occurs in the normal state, the state becomes a low base time-saving state. The number of time-saving times (B) when the state becomes a low base time-saving state after the special miss c is 60 times. When the special miss c occurs in the low base time-saving state, the state becomes a high base time-saving state. The number of time-saving times (J) when the state becomes a high base time-saving state after the special miss c is 800 times.

d7. Time-saving special miss d
As shown in the game flow of FIG. 98, when the special miss d occurs in the normal state, the game enters a low base time-saving state. The number of time-saving times (B) when the game enters a low base time-saving state after the special miss d is 80 times. When the special miss d occurs in a low base time-saving state, the game enters a high base time-saving state. The number of time-saving times (J) when the game enters a high base time-saving state after the special miss d is 800 times.

e7. Time-saving special miss e
As shown in the game flow of FIG. 98, when the special miss e occurs in the normal state, the state becomes a low base time-saving state. The number of time-saving times (B) when the state becomes a low base time-saving state after the special miss e is 100 times. When the special miss e occurs in the low base time-saving state, the state becomes a high base time-saving state. The number of time-saving times (J) when the state becomes a high base time-saving state after the special miss e is 800 times.

As mentioned above, the low base time-saving state has a higher advantage in the auxiliary game than the normal state. Furthermore, as shown in the game flow of FIG. 98, in the normal state, unless the special symbol stops on the symbol C for the first special symbol 10R, the high probability time-saving state does not occur, and no matter what symbol the special symbol stops on, the high base time-saving state does not occur. In contrast, in the low base time-saving state, if the special symbol stops on the symbol A for the first special symbol 10R, the symbol B for the first special symbol 2R, or the symbol C for the first special symbol 10R, the high probability time-saving state occurs after the special game ends, if the special symbol stops on the symbol D for the first special symbol 2R or the symbol E for the first special symbol 10R, the high base time-saving state occurs after the special game ends, and if the special symbol stops on the symbol a, b, c, d, or e for the time-saving activation special miss, the high base time-saving state immediately occurs. For this reason, in terms of the ease of transitioning to a high probability time-saving state or a high base time-saving state, the low base time-saving state is more advantageous than the normal state. Therefore, in this embodiment, the player wishes to remain in the low base time-saving state during the low base time-saving state and get many opportunities to advance to the high base time-saving state or the high probability time-saving state by winning the first special chart 2R hit A, the first special chart 2R hit B, the first special chart 10R hit C, the first special chart 2R hit D, the first special chart 10R hit E, or the time-saving activation special miss a, b, c, d, e. Also, the player wishes to advance to the low base time-saving state as soon as possible during the normal state by winning the first special chart 10R hit E or the time-saving activation special miss a, b, c, d, e.

The processing of the main control board 10a in this embodiment is the same as in the fifth embodiment, but the pre-judgment table, the special miss symbol determination table, the first special symbol variation pattern determination table, the special miss symbol stop setting table, and the special game end setting table in the main ROM 110b of the main control board 10 are replaced with those corresponding to the 10 types of jackpots a7. to J7. and the 5 types of special misses a7. to e7. of this embodiment mentioned above.

Figure 100 is a diagram showing the pre-determination table referenced in step S240-8 of Figure 23. The pre-determination table stores a set of jackpot random number values, special symbol random number values, game state (normal state, low base time-saving state, high base time-saving state, high probability time-saving state, high probability no time-saving state), reach determination random number values, special symbol variation random number values, winning information, and start winning designation command.

Figure 101 (b) is a diagram showing the special miss symbol determination table referenced in step S311-9 of Figure 86. The special miss symbol determination table stores sets of special symbol random number values, special symbol types (special miss types), stop symbol data, and symbol designation commands for the five types of special misses in this embodiment. The jackpot symbol determination table in Figure 101 (a) and the normal miss symbol determination table in Figure 101 (c) are the same as those in the fifth embodiment.

Figure 102 is a diagram showing a variation pattern determination table for the first special symbol referenced in step S312 of Figure 28. The variation pattern determination table for the first special symbol stores a set of the type of special symbol (type of jackpot), game status, number of reserved symbols, random number value for reach determination, random number value for special symbol variation, type of variation pattern of the special symbol, variation time, and variation start command. The variation pattern determination table for the second special symbol is the same as that of the fifth embodiment.

Figure 103 is a diagram showing a setting table when a special losing symbol stops, which is referenced in steps S330-19 and S330-20 in Figure 87. The setting table when a special losing symbol stops stores, for the five types of special losing symbols in this embodiment, sets of stopped symbol data, data indicating the game state before the special losing symbol stops, data indicating the game state when the special losing symbol stops, data indicating the low base time-saving number of times (B), data indicating the high base time-saving number of times (J), and data indicating the high probability number of times (X).

Figure 104 is a diagram showing a setting table at the end of special play referenced in steps S360-2 and S360-3 in Figure 45. The setting table at the end of special play stores, for the 10 types of jackpots in this embodiment, sets of stopped symbol data, game status information set in the game status buffer, data indicating the game status at the end of special play, data indicating the low base time-saving count (B), data indicating the high base time-saving count (J), and data indicating the high probability count (X).

Here, as shown in the game flow of FIG. 98, in this embodiment, like the fifth and sixth embodiments, during the high probability time-saving state or the high base time-saving state, the game is played by hitting the right hand, so in the high base time-saving state or the high probability time-saving state, it is almost impossible for the first start hole 14 to start winning, the first special pattern display device 20 to change, and the lottery for the first special pattern to become a jackpot. However, although it is a rare case, during the low base time-saving state, one or more reserved first special patterns are left, and the first special pattern becomes A for the first special pattern 10R, B for the first special pattern 2R, C for the first special pattern 10R, D for the first special pattern 2R, E for the first special pattern 2R, or special miss a, b, c, d, e, and after the high probability time-saving state or the high base time-saving state is entered, a jackpot may be obtained in the corresponding change to the reserved first special pattern. For this reason, in the special game end setting table, data is stored indicating the game state to which the player transitions when the game state information in the game state buffer is 02H (high base time-saving state) or 03H (high probability time-saving state) for the stopping pattern data "01", "02", "03", "04", and "05" corresponding to the first special pattern display device 20.

In addition, during the normal state, low base time-saving state, and high probability no time-saving state, the game is played by hitting the left hand, so in the normal state, low base time-saving state, and high probability no time-saving state, it is almost impossible for the second start hole 15 to start and win, the second special pattern display device 21 to change, and a jackpot will be drawn for the second special pattern. However, during the normal state, low base time-saving state, and high probability no time-saving state, the opening time of the movable piece 15b is extremely short, so it is possible for the second start hole 15 to start and win, and it is possible for a jackpot to be drawn by the change in the second special pattern in the normal state, low base time-saving state, and high probability no time-saving state. For this reason, in the special game end setting table, data is stored indicating the game state to which the game will transition when the game state information in the game state buffer is 00H (normal state) and 01H (low base time-saving state) for the stopping pattern data "06", "07", "08", "09", and "10" corresponding to the second special pattern display device 21.

The processing of the performance control board 120 in this embodiment is the same as in the third embodiment. A normal background setting table and a special background setting table are stored in the sub-ROM 120b of the performance control board 120. The contents of the normal background setting table and the special background setting table are the same as in the third embodiment.

In this embodiment, when the gaming machine 1 is powered off, the main control board 10 backs up information indicating the game status in the main RAM 110c through the power off monitoring process of FIG. 20 (step S20-9 of FIG. 20), and when the power to the gaming machine 1 is turned back on, the main control board 10 restores the game status at the time of the power off on the previous day through the initialization process of FIG. 18 and FIG. 82 (step S10-15 of FIG. 82), and transmits a power restoration designation command and a game status designation command indicating the game status in which the power was restored to the presentation control board 120 (steps S10-16 to S10-25 of FIG. 82).

In contrast, the command analysis process of the performance control board 120 in this embodiment is the same as the command analysis process of the third embodiment (Figs. 63, 64, 57, and 58). Therefore, in both cases where power is restored in a normal state and where power is restored in a low base time-saving state, the content of the processing when the performance control board 120 receives a power restoration designation command or a game state designation command from the main control board 10 is also the same as in the third embodiment.

Therefore, in this embodiment, similar to the third embodiment, immediately after the power of the gaming machine 1 is turned on, the performance control board 120 causes the image display device 31 to display the background image of the evening background, which is the background of the low base time-saving state, as a performance image common to the normal state and the low base time-saving state, regardless of whether the power of the gaming machine 1 is restored in the normal state or in the low base time-saving state.

As shown in the special game end setting table in FIG. 104, the gaming machine 1 assumes the rare case where a jackpot occurs during a high probability time-saving state or a high base time-saving state in a change corresponding to the reservation of the first special symbol, and stores data indicating the game state to which the game will transition when the game state information in the game state buffer is 02H (high base time-saving state) or 03H (high probability time-saving state) for the stopping symbol data "01" corresponding to A for the first special symbol 10R, "02" corresponding to B for the first special symbol 2R, "03" corresponding to C for the first special symbol 10R, "04" corresponding to D for the first special symbol 2R, and "05" corresponding to E for the first special symbol 2R.

According to the setting table at the end of special play in Figure 104, if you win D for the first special chart 2R in a state with high probability of time-saving, the game state after the special play will be normal, and if you win E for the first special chart 2R in a state with high probability of time-saving, the game state after the special play will be low base time-saving.

In the special symbol special power control process of the main control board 10, when the special symbol starts to change, a change start command and a game state designation command are sent (steps S313 and S314 in FIG. 85), when the special symbol changes, a pattern determination command and a game state designation command are sent (step S320-3 in FIG. 35 and step S330-23 in FIG. 87), when a jackpot is reached, an opening designation command is sent at the start of the special game (step S330-8 in FIG. 87), when the round of the special game starts, a round start command is sent (step S340-5 in FIG. 88), when the special game ends, an ending designation command is sent (step S340-16 in FIG. 88), and when the special game ends, a game state designation command is sent (step S360-4 in FIG. 45).

In contrast, the command analysis process of the performance control board 120 in this embodiment is the same as the command analysis process of the third embodiment (Figs. 55, 56, 57, and 58). Therefore, in each case where D is won on the first special chart 2R and where E is won on the first special chart 2R, the content of the process when the performance control board 120 receives a variation start command, a game state designation command, a pattern determination command, an opening designation command, and an ending designation command from the main control board 10 is also the same as in the third embodiment.

Therefore, in this embodiment, similar to the third embodiment, after the end of the special game of the first special chart 2R hit D, which is the first jackpot, and after the end of the special game of the first special chart 2R hit E, which is the second jackpot, the effect control board 120 causes the image display device 31 to display the background image of the evening background, which is the background of the low base time-saving state, as an effect image common to the normal state and the low base time-saving state.

Eighth Embodiment
Next, the eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The gaming machine 1 of this embodiment is also a type called a type of probability variable machine, and has five gaming states: normal state, low base time-saving state, high probability no time-saving state, high base time-saving state, and high probability time-saving state. The types of big wins and special misses of the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment are the same as those of the seventh embodiment.

The processing of the main control board 10 in this embodiment is the same as that of the fifth to seventh embodiments, which are a type of variable probability machine. The processing of the performance control board 120 in this embodiment is the same as that of the fourth embodiment. A normal background setting table and a special background setting table are stored in the sub-ROM 120b of the performance control board 120. The contents of the normal background setting table and the special background setting table are the same as those of the fourth embodiment.

Therefore, in this embodiment, similar to the fourth embodiment, immediately after the power supply of the gaming machine 1 is turned on, the performance control board 120 causes the image display device 31 to display the background image of the daytime background, which is the background of the normal state, as a performance image common to the normal state and the low base time-saving state, regardless of whether the power supply of the gaming machine 1 is restored in the normal state or in the low base time-saving state.

In addition, in this embodiment, similar to the fourth embodiment, after the end of the special game of the first special chart 2R hit D, which is the first jackpot, and after the end of the special game of the first special chart 2R hit E, which is the second jackpot, the effect control board 120 causes the image display device 31 to display the background image of the daytime background, which is the background of the normal state, as an effect image common to the normal state and the low base time-saving state.

The above describes the first to eighth embodiments of the present invention, but the following modifications may be made to these embodiments.

(1) In the first to eighth embodiments, as shown in Figs. 105(a) and 105(b), immediately after the gaming machine 1 is powered on, the effect control board 120 may display on the image display device 31 an image of a background (in the examples of Figs. 105(a) and 105(b), a star background) different from either the evening background, which is the original background of the normal state, or the daytime background, which is the original background of the low base time-saving state, as an effect image common to the normal state and the low base time-saving state.

(2) In the above first to eighth embodiments, as shown in Fig. 106(a) and Fig. 106(b), the effect control board 120 may display on the image display device 31 an image of a background (in the examples of Fig. 106(a) and Fig. 106(b) a space background) different from either the evening background which is the original background of the normal state or the daytime background which is the original background of the low base time-saving state, as an effect image common to the normal state and the low base time-saving state, after the end of a special game of a jackpot in which the normal state is reached after the special game, and after the end of a special game of a jackpot in which the low base time-saving state is reached after the special game.

(3) In the first to eighth embodiments, the decorative pattern 36 may be displayed in a first display mode, a second display mode, and a third display mode, with the first display mode being the display mode for the normal state, the second display mode being the display mode for the low base time-saving state, and the third display mode being the display mode for the high base time-saving state, and the decorative pattern 36 in a display mode common to the normal state and the low base time-saving state may be displayed on the image display device 31 immediately after the power supply of the gaming machine 1 is turned on. For example, when the power supply is restored in the normal state, the decorative pattern 36 in the first display mode, which is the original mode for the normal state, may be displayed, and when the power supply is restored in the low base time-saving state, the decorative pattern 36 in the first display mode, which is the same as the normal state, may be displayed instead of the second display mode, which is the original mode for the low base time-saving state.

(4) In the first to eighth embodiments, after a jackpot special game, the image display device 31 may display the decorative pattern 36 in a display mode common to the normal state and the low base time-saving state. For example, after a jackpot special game that results in the normal state after the special game is played, the decorative pattern 36 may be displayed in the first display mode, which is the original mode of the normal state after the special game, and after a jackpot special game that results in the low base time-saving state after the special game is played, the decorative pattern 36 may be displayed in the first display mode, which is the same as the normal state, instead of the second display mode, which is the original mode of the low base time-saving state.

(5) In the first to eighth embodiments, the first, second, and third sound effects may be output as the sound effects during fluctuation, the first sound effect being a sound effect for the normal state, the second sound effect being a sound effect for the low base time-saving state, and the third sound effect being a sound effect for the high base time-saving state, and a sound effect common to the normal state and the low base time-saving state may be output immediately after the power of the gaming machine 1 is turned on. For example, when the power is restored in the normal state, the first sound effect, which is the original sound effect for the normal state, may be output, and when the power is restored in the low base time-saving state, the first sound effect, which is the same as the normal state, may be output instead of the second sound effect, which is the original sound effect for the low base time-saving state.

(6) In the first to eighth embodiments, after a special jackpot game, a sound effect common to the normal state and the low base time-saving state may be output. For example, after a special jackpot game is played that results in a normal state after a special game, a first sound effect, which is the original sound effect for the normal state after the special game, may be output, and after a special jackpot game is played that results in a low base time-saving state after the special game, the first sound effect, which is the same as the normal state, may be output instead of the second sound effect, which is the original sound effect for the low base time-saving state.

1...gaming machine 1, 2...gaming board, 14...first start port, 14a...first start port detection switch, 15...second start port, 15a...second start port detection switch, 16...first large prize port, 16a...first large prize port detection switch, 17...second large prize port, 17a...second large prize port detection switch, 20...first special symbol display device, 21...second special symbol display device, 31...image display device, 110...main control board, 110a...main CPU, 110b...main ROM, 110c...main RAM, 141a...overall control unit, 120a...sub CPU, 120b...sub ROM, 120c...sub RAM

Claims (1)

A special game execution means;
An auxiliary game execution means;
A presentation means including an image display means;
main control means for causing the special game execution means to execute any one of a plurality of types of jackpots, including a first jackpot which brings about a first normal state after a special game, a second jackpot which brings about a second normal state which has a higher advantage in relation to an auxiliary game than the first normal state after a special game, and a third jackpot which brings about a time-saving state which has a higher advantage in relation to an auxiliary game than the second normal state after a special game, determining whether or not an auxiliary game needs to be executed, causing the auxiliary game execution means to execute an auxiliary game based on the result of this determination, and generating a plurality of types of commands including commands according to the progress of a game;
a performance control means for receiving the command generated by the main control means and performing a performance by the performance means based on the received command,
The main control means
In the first normal state, when the special game of the third jackpot is executed, a game state after the execution of the special game of the third jackpot is set to the time-saving state;
In the second normal state, when the special game of the third jackpot is executed, a game state after the execution of the special game of the third jackpot is set to a game state other than the time-saving state;
The performance control means includes:
a game machine that, when a game state designation command for the second normal state is received following the end of the special game of the second jackpot, causes the presentation means to display a background image corresponding to the second normal state, and, when a game state designation command for the first normal state is received following the end of the special game of the first jackpot, causes the presentation means to display a background image identical to the background image corresponding to the second normal state.