JP7621151B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an amusement machine.

In gaming machines, as shown in Patent Document 1, for example, a main control board and a sub-control board are provided, and the main control board controls the progress of the game, while the sub-control board generally controls the presentation based on commands sent from the main control board. In the presentation control, an image control unit generates and displays images based on commands (messages) received from a higher-level control unit.

JP 2016-135283 A

In gaming machines, a large number of commands are sent and received between control units, and as the number of commands increases, the design work becomes more complicated.

The present invention aims to provide an amusement machine that can simplify design work by reducing the number of commands.

To solve the above problem, the gaming machine of the present invention comprises a host control unit that transmits control information based on the performance that has been determined to be executed, and a display control unit that receives the control information transmitted from the host control unit, generates an image based on the received control information, and displays it on an image display unit. The display control unit functions as a capture execution unit that captures image data in a capture area based on the reception of predetermined control information, a timing unit that times the execution time of the capture, an image generation unit that generates the image using the image data captured in the capture area, and a clear unit that clears the capture area when the execution time has elapsed.

The timing unit may also time the execution time based on the received predetermined control information.

The present invention simplifies design work by reducing the number of commands.

1 is an oblique view of a gaming machine showing a state in which a door of one reference example is open. FIG. 2 is a front view of a gaming machine according to a reference example. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a gaming machine according to a reference example. 1 is an address map of a memory area used by a main CPU according to a first reference example. This is a diagram explaining a random number judgment table for determining a jackpot at low probability, which is a reference example. This is a diagram explaining a random number judgment table for determining a jackpot at a high probability, which is a reference example. A diagram explaining a winning pattern random number determination table for one reference example. A diagram explaining a reach group determination random number judgment table according to a reference example. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a reach mode determination random number judgment table according to a reference example. A figure explaining a fluctuation pattern random number determination table for one reference example. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a variable time determination table according to a reference example. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a special electric feature operation ram set table according to a reference example. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a game status setting table for setting the game status after the end of a special role game in one reference example. A diagram explaining a winning determination random number judgment table for one reference example. 1A is a diagram for explaining a normal pattern fluctuation time data table according to a first type of reference example, and FIG. 1B is a diagram for explaining an opening/closing control pattern table according to a first type of reference example. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a gaming machine status flag according to a reference example. 11 is a first flowchart illustrating a CPU initialization process in a main control board according to a first reference example. 13 is a second flowchart illustrating a CPU initialization process in a main control board according to a first reference example. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a sub-command group setting process in a main control board according to a reference example. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a power-off evacuation process in a main control board according to a first reference example. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a timer interrupt process in a main control board according to a first reference example. 11 is a flowchart illustrating setting-related processing in a main control board according to a reference example. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a switch management process in a main control board according to a first reference example. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a gate passing process in a main control board according to a reference example. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the first starting port passing process in a main control board according to a reference example. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the second starting port passing process in the main control board according to a reference example. 13 is a flowchart explaining the special pattern random number acquisition process in a main control board according to a reference example. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the acquisition time performance determination process in a main control board according to a reference example. A diagram explaining a special game management phase according to one reference example. 13 is a flowchart illustrating special game management processing in a main control board according to a reference example. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the special pattern change waiting process in the main control board according to one reference example. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the special symbol winning determination process in a main control board according to a reference example. 13 is a flowchart explaining the special pattern variable number determination process in a main control board according to a reference example. 13 is a flowchart explaining the processing during special pattern fluctuation in the main control board according to one reference example. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a special pattern stop pattern display process in a main control board according to a reference example. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a variable state update process in a main control board according to a first reference example. A flowchart explaining the processing before opening the large prize opening in the main control board for one reference example. A flowchart explaining the large prize opening/closing switching process in the main control board for one reference example. A flowchart explaining the large prize opening control process in the main control board for one reference example. A flowchart explaining the large prize opening closure activation process in the main control board for one reference example. A flowchart explaining the large prize opening end wait processing in the main control board for one reference example. A diagram explaining the normal game management phase in one reference example. 13 is a flowchart illustrating normal game management processing in a main control board according to a reference example. 13 is a flowchart explaining the normal pattern change waiting process in the main control board according to one reference example. 13 is a flowchart explaining the processing during normal pattern fluctuation in the main control board according to a reference example. 13 is a flowchart explaining the normal pattern stop pattern display processing in a main control board according to a first reference example. This is a flowchart explaining the processing before opening the winning opening of a normal electric device in the main control board of one reference example. This is a flowchart explaining the normal electric gimmick prize opening/closing switching process in the main control board for one reference example. This is a flowchart explaining the control process for opening the winning opening of a normal electric device in the main control board of one reference example. This is a flowchart explaining the normal electric device winning hole closure validity processing in the main control board in one reference example. This is a flowchart explaining the waiting process for the end of the normal electric device winning slot in the main control board of one reference example. This is a diagram illustrating an example of a variable presentation of a no-reach variable pattern related to a reference presentation example. This is a diagram illustrating an example of a normal reach fluctuation pattern fluctuation presentation related to a presentation reference example. This is a diagram illustrating an example of a change in the development reach change pattern when a miss occurs in accordance with a reference example of the performance. This is a diagram illustrating an example of a change presentation of a development reach change pattern at the time of a jackpot, which is related to a reference presentation example. This is a diagram illustrating an example of a variable presentation when the reach development presentation relating to the presentation reference example is executed twice. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a pseudo-continuous reach fluctuation pattern fluctuation presentation relating to a presentation reference example. FIG. A figure explaining a variable performance decision table related to a performance reference example. A figure explaining an example of a hold display presentation related to a reference presentation example. 1A is a diagram explaining a final hold display pattern determination table relating to a reference example of presentation, and FIG. 1B is a diagram explaining a previous hold display pattern determination table relating to a reference example of presentation. 13 is a flowchart explaining the sub-CPU initialization process in the sub-control board for the reference example performance. 13 is a flowchart explaining sub-timer interrupt processing in a sub-control board for a reference example of a performance. 13 is a flowchart explaining the pre-reading designation command reception processing in the sub-control board for the reference example performance. 13 is a flowchart explaining the variable command receiving processing in the sub-control board for the reference example performance. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a production stage according to an embodiment of the present invention. 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating an example of a stage change effect according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a frame configuration of an image according to an embodiment. 1 is a block diagram of a gaming machine according to an embodiment. FIG. 11 is a first diagram illustrating a method for generating a frame image for a stage change effect in the embodiment. 13 is a second diagram illustrating a method for generating a frame image for a stage change effect according to the embodiment. FIG. 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating messages for stage change production in the embodiment. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a sub-timer interrupt process in a sub-control board in the embodiment. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an act part main process in an act part according to an embodiment. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a display control main process in a display control unit according to an embodiment. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a capture timer setting process according to the embodiment. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a capture timer monitoring process according to an embodiment.

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

To facilitate understanding of the embodiment of the present invention, first, as a reference example, the mechanical and electrical configurations of a so-called one-type gaming machine, and the specific processing on each board will be explained. Next, as a reference example of presentation, specific presentations that can be executed on the one-type gaming machine and specific processing related to the presentations will be explained. After that, as an embodiment of the present invention, configurations that differ from the reference example will be specifically explained.

<Example>

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

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

Figure 2 is a front view of a gaming machine 100 according to a reference example. As shown in this figure, an operating handle 112 that protrudes from the front side of the gaming machine 100 is provided at the bottom of the front frame 106. This operating handle 112 is provided so that it can be rotated by the player, and when the player rotates the operating handle 112 to perform a firing operation, a gaming ball is fired by a firing mechanism (not shown) with a strength according to the rotation angle of the operating handle 112. The gaming ball fired in this way rises between rails 114a, 114b provided on the gaming board 108 and is guided to the playing area 116.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Specifically, the second starting opening 122 is provided with a movable piece 122b that can be opened and closed, and when this movable piece 122b is in a closed state, it is impossible or difficult for game balls to enter the second starting opening 122. The specific configuration of the second starting opening 122 is not particularly limited, but here, the movable piece 122b is recessed into the back side of the game board 108 in the closed state, and protrudes into the front side of the game board 108 in the open state. In the closed state with the movable piece 122b recessed, the second starting opening 122 is closed, and game balls flow down the front side of the second starting opening 122.

In response to this, when a game ball passes through the gate 124 provided in the first game area 116a and the second game area 116b, or when a game ball enters the normal symbol operation port 125 provided in the second game area 116b, it is determined whether or not to execute an auxiliary game in which the second start port 122 is opened, and when it is determined that an auxiliary game is executed, the auxiliary game in which the second start port 122 is controlled to open and close is executed. More specifically, on the condition that a game ball has passed through the gate 124 or entered the normal symbol operation port 125, a lottery for a normal symbol, which will be described later, is held, and when a winning symbol is selected in this lottery, the movable piece 122b is controlled to be in an open state for a predetermined time.

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

Furthermore, a first large prize opening 126 and a second large prize opening 128 are provided at the bottom of the game area 116. The first large prize opening 126 and the second large prize opening 128 are arranged at positions where at least game balls flowing down the second game area 116b can enter. The first large prize opening 126 is provided with an openable/closable door 126b, and normally the openable/closable door 126b closes the first large prize opening 126, making it impossible for game balls to enter the first large prize opening 126. In contrast, when the above-mentioned small prize game is executed, the openable/closable door 126b is opened and functions as a receptacle, making it possible for game balls to enter the first large prize opening 126. Then, when a game ball enters the first large prize opening 126, a predetermined prize ball is paid out to the player.

The second large prize opening 128 is also provided with an opening/closing door 128b that can be opened and closed. Normally, the opening/closing door 128b closes the second large prize opening 128, making it impossible for game balls to enter the second large prize opening 128. In contrast, when the aforementioned big prize game is played, the opening/closing door 128b opens and functions as a tray, allowing game balls to enter the second large prize opening 128. When a game ball enters the second large prize opening 128, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the player. The first large prize opening 126 and the second large prize opening 128 are collectively referred to simply as the large prize openings.

In addition, at the bottom of the game area 116, there is a discharge port 130 that discharges game balls that do not enter any of the general winning hole 118, the first starting hole 120, the second starting hole 122, the first large winning hole 126, and the second large winning hole 128 from the game area 116 to the back side of the game board 108.

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

The effect display device 200 is equipped with a main effect display section 200a and a sub-effect display section 201a, which are composed of an image display section that displays images. The main effect display section 200a is arranged in the approximate center of the game board 108 so that it can be seen from the front side of the gaming machine 100. As shown in the figure, the main effect display section 200a displays effect patterns 210a, 210b, and 210c in a variable manner, and a variable effect is executed in which the big role lottery result is notified to the player depending on the stopped display mode of each of these effect patterns 210a, 210b, and 210c. The sub-effect display section 201a is provided above the main effect display section 200a, and displays auxiliary effect images during the variable effect.

The special effects device 202 is located in front of the main effect display section 200a and is usually retracted to the rear side of the game board 108, but when the above-mentioned effect patterns 210a, 210b, and 210c are being displayed in a changing manner, it moves to the front of the main effect display section 200a, giving the player a sense of anticipation of a big win.

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

The audio output device 206 is provided at the top of the front frame 106 or at the bottom of the outer frame 102, and outputs various sounds toward the front of the gaming machine 100 in accordance with the images displayed on the main performance display section 200a.

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

The cross key 209 is made up of four buttons that can be pressed by the player: an up button, a down button, a left button, and a right button, and is located near the effect button 208. The effect button 208 and the cross key 209 may also be used when configuring various settings.

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

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

(Internal configuration of control means)
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a control means for controlling the progress of a game according to one embodiment of the present invention.

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

The gaming machine 100 of the reference example is broadly divided into a special game that is started by a game ball entering the first start port 120 or the second start port 122, and a normal game that is started by a game ball passing through the gate 124 (entering the normal operation port 125). The main ROM 300b of the main control board 300 stores various programs for progressing the special game and normal game, as well as data and tables required for various games.

The main control board 300 is connected to a general winning hole detection switch 118s that detects when a game ball enters the general winning hole 118, a first starting hole detection switch 120s that detects when a game ball enters the first starting hole 120, a second starting hole detection switch 122s that detects when a game ball enters the second starting hole 122, a gate detection switch 124s that detects when a game ball passes through the gate 124, a general operation hole detection switch 125s that detects when a game ball enters the general operation hole 125, a first large winning hole detection switch 126s that detects when a game ball enters the first large winning hole 126, a second large winning hole detection switch 128s that detects when a game ball enters the second large winning hole 128, and an out ball detection switch 130s that detects when a game ball is discharged from the game area 116. Detection signals are input from each of these detection switches to the main control board 300.

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

The main control board 300 is also connected to a normal electric device solenoid 122c that operates the movable piece 122b of the second starting hole 122, a first large prize opening solenoid 126c that operates the opening/closing door 126b that opens and closes the first large prize opening 126, and a second large prize opening solenoid 128c that operates the opening/closing door 128b that opens and closes the second large prize opening 128. The main control board 300 controls the opening and closing of the second starting hole 122, the first large prize opening 126, and the second large prize opening 128.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The payout control board 310 is also connected to a payout motor 314 for paying out the game balls stored in the storage section to the player as prize balls. The payout control board 310 controls the payout motor 314 based on a payout number designation command sent from the main control board 300 to control it so that a specified number of prize balls are paid out to the player. At this time, the number of paid out game balls is detected by a payout ball counting switch 316s, and it is possible to know whether the prize balls to be paid out have been paid out to the player.

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

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

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

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

Specifically, the sub-control board 330 performs image display control to display images on the main performance display unit 200a and the sub performance display unit 201a. The sub-ROM 330b stores a large number of different image data to be displayed on the main performance display unit 200a and the sub performance display unit 201a, and the sub-CPU 330a reads the image data from the sub-ROM 330b to a VRAM (not shown) and controls the image display on the main performance display unit 200a and the sub performance display unit 201a.

The sub-control board 330 also controls the movement of the props device 202 and the lighting of the lighting device 204, as well as controlling the audio output of the audio output device 206. Furthermore, it performs a predetermined process when an operation detection signal is input from the effect button detection switch 208s, which detects that the effect button 208 has been pressed, and the cross key detection switch 209s, which detects that the cross key 209 has been pressed.

A power supply board (not shown) is connected to each board, and power is supplied to each board from a commercial power source via the power supply board. The power supply board is also provided with a backup power supply consisting of a capacitor. The RTC 330d provided on the sub-control board 330 receives power from this backup power supply and keeps track of the current time.

Figure 4 is an address map of the memory area used by the main CPU 300a according to one reference example. In Figure 4, the addresses are shown in hexadecimal, with "H" indicating a hexadecimal number. As shown in Figure 4, the memory area used by the main CPU 300a includes a memory area (0000H to 2FFFH) allocated to the main ROM 300b and a memory area (F000H to F3FFH) allocated to the main RAM 300c.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As mentioned above, the gaming machine 100 of the reference example is one in which two types of games, a special game and a normal game, proceed in parallel, and the game state in which these two games proceed is one of a combination of a low probability game state or a high probability game state and a non-time-saving game state or a time-saving game state.

Details of each game state will be described later, but the low probability game state is a game state in which the probability of acquiring the right to play a big prize game in which the first big prize opening 126 and the second big prize opening 128 are opened is set low, and the high probability game state is a game state in which the probability of acquiring the right to play a big prize game is set high.

The non-time-saving game state is a game state in which the movable piece 122b is less likely to open and the game ball is less likely to enter the second starting hole 122, and the time-saving game state is a game state in which the movable piece 122b is more likely to open than in the non-time-saving game state and the game ball is more likely to enter the second starting hole 122. The initial state of the gaming machine 100 is set to the low probability game state and the non-time-saving game state, and this game state is referred to as the normal game state as a reference example.

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

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

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

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

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

Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating a low probability jackpot determination random number judgment table according to a reference example. When a game ball enters the first start hole 120 or the second start hole 122, one jackpot determination random number is obtained from the range of 0 to 65535. Then, when the big win lottery starts, that is, according to the game state when the jackpot determination is made, a jackpot determination random number judgment table is selected, and the big win lottery is performed using the selected jackpot determination random number judgment table and the obtained jackpot determination random number.

When starting the lottery for the special 1 reserve and special 2 reserve in a low probability game state, the low probability jackpot determination random number judgment table is referenced. Here, in one reference example, six setting values with different degrees of advantage are provided, and a low probability jackpot determination random number judgment table is provided for each setting value. During play, the setting value is set to one of the six levels, and the lottery for the big prize is performed by referring to the low probability jackpot determination random number judgment table corresponding to the currently set setting value (registered setting value stored in the setting value buffer).

When the game is in a low probability game state and the setting value is set to 1 (registered setting value = 1), the big prize lottery is performed by referring to the low probability jackpot determination random number judgment table a shown in Figure 5 (a). According to this low probability jackpot determination random number judgment table a, if the jackpot determination random number is between 10001 and 10218, it is judged to be a jackpot, if the jackpot determination random number is between 20001 and 21310, it is judged to be a small jackpot, and if it is any other jackpot determination random number, it is judged to be a miss. Therefore, in this case, the probability of a jackpot is approximately 1/300.6, and the probability of a small jackpot is approximately 1/50.

When the game is in a low probability game state and the setting value is set to 2 (registered setting value = 2), the big prize lottery is performed by referring to the low probability jackpot determination random number judgment table b shown in Figure 5 (b). According to this low probability jackpot determination random number judgment table b, if the jackpot determination random number is between 10001 and 10225, it is judged to be a jackpot, if the jackpot determination random number is between 20001 and 21310, it is judged to be a small jackpot, and if it is any other jackpot determination random number, it is judged to be a miss. Therefore, in this case, the probability of a jackpot is approximately 1/291.2, and the probability of a small jackpot is approximately 1/50.

When the game is in a low probability game state and the setting value is set to 3 (registered setting value = 3), the big prize lottery is performed by referring to the low probability jackpot determination random number judgment table c shown in Figure 5 (c). According to this low probability jackpot determination random number judgment table c, if the jackpot determination random number is between 10001 and 10232, it is judged to be a jackpot, if the jackpot determination random number is between 20001 and 21310, it is judged to be a small jackpot, and if it is any other jackpot determination random number, it is judged to be a miss. Therefore, in this case, the probability of a jackpot is approximately 1/282.4, and the probability of a small jackpot is approximately 1/50.

When the game is in a low probability game state and the setting value is set to 4 (registered setting value = 4), the big prize lottery is performed by referring to the low probability jackpot determination random number judgment table d shown in Figure 5 (d). According to this low probability jackpot determination random number judgment table d, if the jackpot determination random number is between 10001 and 10239, it is judged to be a jackpot, if the jackpot determination random number is between 20001 and 21310, it is judged to be a small jackpot, and if it is any other jackpot determination random number, it is judged to be a miss. Therefore, in this case, the probability of a jackpot is approximately 1/274.2, and the probability of a small jackpot is approximately 1/50.

When the game is in a low probability game state and the setting value is set to 5 (registered setting value = 5), the big prize lottery is performed by referring to the low probability jackpot determination random number judgment table e shown in Figure 5 (e). According to this low probability jackpot determination random number judgment table e, if the jackpot determination random number is between 10001 and 10246, it is judged to be a jackpot, if the jackpot determination random number is between 20001 and 21310, it is judged to be a small jackpot, and if it is any other jackpot determination random number, it is judged to be a miss. Therefore, in this case, the probability of a jackpot is approximately 1/266.4, and the probability of a small jackpot is approximately 1/50.

When the game is in a low probability game state and the setting value is set to 6 (registered setting value = 6), the big prize lottery is performed by referring to the low probability jackpot determination random number judgment table f shown in Figure 5 (f). According to this low probability jackpot determination random number judgment table f, if the jackpot determination random number is between 10001 and 10253, it is judged to be a jackpot, if the jackpot determination random number is between 20001 and 21310, it is judged to be a small jackpot, and if it is any other jackpot determination random number, it is judged to be a miss. Therefore, in this case, the probability of a jackpot is approximately 1/259.0, and the probability of a small jackpot is approximately 1/50.

Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a random number judgment table for determining a high probability jackpot according to a reference example. When starting a lottery for a special 1 reserve and a special 2 reserve in a high probability game state, the random number judgment table for determining a high probability jackpot is referenced. The random number judgment table for determining a high probability jackpot is also set for each setting value, just like the random number judgment table for determining a low probability jackpot.

When the game is in a high probability game state and the setting value is set to 1 (registered setting value = 1), the big prize lottery is performed by referring to the high probability jackpot determination random number judgment table a shown in FIG. 6 (a). According to this high probability jackpot determination random number judgment table a, if the jackpot determination random number is between 10001 and 10620, it is judged to be a jackpot, if the jackpot determination random number is between 20001 and 21310, it is judged to be a small jackpot, and if it is any other jackpot determination random number, it is judged to be a miss. Therefore, in this case, the probability of a jackpot is approximately 1/105.7, and the probability of a small jackpot is approximately 1/50.

Similarly, when the game is in a high probability game state and the setting value is set to 2 to 6 (registered setting value = 2 to 6), the big prize lottery is performed by referring to high probability jackpot determination random number judgment tables b to f shown in Figures 6 (b) to (f). According to these high probability jackpot determination random number judgment tables b to f, a jackpot is judged to have occurred when the jackpot determination random number is the value shown. Therefore, when the setting value is 2 to 6, the jackpot probability is approximately 1/102.4 to 1/91.0, respectively, and the small jackpot probability is approximately 1/50.

As described above, the big prize lottery is held according to the registered setting value. At this time, the probability of winning a big prize differs according to the registered setting value, and it is easier to win a big prize when the registered setting value is large than when it is small. Note that here, even if the registered setting value differs, the probability of winning a small prize does not change, but the probability of winning a small prize may be different for each registered setting value. Also, a small prize is not required, and only either a big prize or a miss may be determined in the big prize lottery.

In addition, here, the probability of winning a jackpot in both the low-probability game state and the high-probability game state is set to differ depending on the registered setting value, but it is also possible to set it so that only the probability of winning a jackpot in either the low-probability game state or the high-probability game state differs depending on the registered setting value.

Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating a winning symbol random number determination table according to a reference example. When a game ball enters the first starting hole 120 or the second starting hole 122, one winning symbol random number is obtained from the range of 0 to 99. When the result of the determination of "big win" or "small win" is derived by the above-mentioned big role lottery, the type of special symbol is determined by the obtained winning symbol random number and the winning symbol random number determination table. At this time, if a "big win" is won by the special 1 reservation, the special 1 winning symbol random number determination table a is selected as shown in Figure 7 (a), and if a "small win" is won by the special 1 reservation, the special 1 winning symbol random number determination table b is selected as shown in Figure 7 (b). In addition, if a "big win" is won by the special 2 reservation, the special 2 winning pattern random number determination table a is selected as shown in FIG. 7(c), and if a "small win" is won by the special 2 reservation, the special 2 winning pattern random number determination table b is selected as shown in FIG. 7(d). In the following, the special pattern determined by the winning pattern random number, that is, the special pattern determined when a big win is determined, is called the big win pattern, the special pattern determined when a small win is determined, is called the small win pattern, and the special pattern determined when a loss is determined, is called the loss pattern.

According to the special 1 winning symbol random number determination table a shown in FIG. 7(a) and the special 2 winning symbol random number determination table a shown in FIG. 7(c), the type of special symbol (big winning symbol) is determined according to the value of the acquired winning symbol random number, as shown in the figure. Also, according to the special 1 winning symbol random number determination table b shown in FIG. 7(b) and the special 2 winning symbol random number determination table b shown in FIG. 7(d), the type of special symbol (small winning symbol) is determined to be special symbol a, as shown in the figure, regardless of the value of the acquired winning symbol random number.

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

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

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

Figure 8 is a diagram explaining a reach group determination random number judgment table according to a reference example. A plurality of reach group determination random number judgment tables are provided, and a preset table is selected according to the reserved type, reserved number, game state, and the variable state associated with the game state. When a game ball enters the first start hole 120 or the second start hole 122, one reach group determination random number is obtained from the range of 0 to 10006. As described above, when the big role lottery result is derived, a process is performed to determine a variable presentation pattern that notifies the big role lottery result. In a reference example, when the big role lottery result is "miss", in determining the variable presentation pattern, first, the group type is determined by the reach group determination random number and the reach group determination random number judgment table. Note that the variable state is a concept that specifies which table is to be referenced to determine the variable presentation pattern, and is set separately from the game state.

For example, when the game state is set to the non-time-saving game state, if the result of the big role lottery is derived as a "miss" based on the special 1 reservation, and the number of reserved special 1 reservations (hereinafter simply referred to as the "reserved number") at the time of the big role lottery is 0, the reach group determination random number judgment table 1 is selected as shown in FIG. 8(a). Similarly, when the game state is set to the normal game state, if the result of the big role lottery is derived as a "miss" based on the special 1 reservation, and the number of reserved special roles at the time of the big role lottery is 1 to 2, the reach group determination random number judgment table 2 is selected as shown in FIG. 8(b), and if the number of reserved special roles is 3, the reach group determination random number judgment table 3 is selected as shown in FIG. 8(c). In FIG. 8, the group x written in the group type column indicates an arbitrary group number. Therefore, various group numbers are determined as the group type depending on the acquired reach group determination random number and the type of the reach group determination random number judgment table to be referenced.

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

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

Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating a reach mode determination random number judgment table according to a reference example. This reach mode determination random number judgment table is broadly divided into a miss reach mode determination random number judgment table that is selected when the big role lottery result is a "miss", a big win reach mode determination random number judgment table that is selected when the big role lottery result is a "big win", and a small win reach mode determination random number judgment table that is selected when the big role lottery result is a "small win". The miss reach mode determination random number judgment table is provided for each group type determined as described above, and the big win reach mode determination random number judgment table and the small win reach mode determination random number judgment table are provided for each reserved type.

In addition, each reach mode determination random number judgment table is also provided for each game state and type of pattern. Here, an example of a reach mode determination random number judgment table for group x when it is a miss, which is referenced in a specific game state and type of pattern, is shown in FIG. 9(a), an example of a reach mode determination random number judgment table for a special 1 big win is shown in FIG. 9(b), an example of a reach mode determination random number judgment table for a special 2 big win is shown in FIG. 9(c), an example of a reach mode determination random number judgment table for a special 1 small win is shown in FIG. 9(d), and an example of a reach mode determination random number judgment table for a special 2 small win is shown in FIG. 9(e).

When a game ball enters the first start hole 120 or the second start hole 122, one reach mode determination random number is obtained from the range of 0 to 250. If the result of the big role lottery is a "miss," as shown in FIG. 9(a), a reach mode determination random number judgment table for a miss corresponding to the group type determined by the group type lottery is selected, and a variable mode number is determined based on the selected reach mode determination random number judgment table for a miss and the reach mode determination random number. If the result of the big role lottery is a "jackpot," as shown in FIG. 9(b) and (c), a reach mode determination random number judgment table for a jackpot corresponding to the reserved type that was read out is selected, and a variable mode number is determined based on the selected reach mode determination random number judgment table for a jackpot and the reach mode determination random number.

Furthermore, if the result of the big prize lottery is a "small prize," as shown in Figures 9(d) and (e), a random number judgment table for determining the reach mode at the time of a small prize corresponding to the read-out hold type is selected, and a variable mode number is determined based on the selected random number judgment table for determining the reach mode at the time of a small prize and the reach mode determination random number.

In addition, in each reach mode determination random number judgment table, the reach mode determination random number is associated with a fluctuation pattern random number judgment table described later along with a fluctuation mode number, and the fluctuation pattern random number judgment table is determined at the same time that the fluctuation mode number is determined. In FIG. 9, the table x written in the fluctuation pattern random number judgment table column indicates an arbitrary table number. Therefore, the fluctuation mode number and the table number of the fluctuation pattern random number judgment table are determined according to the acquired reach group determination random number and the type of reach mode determination random number judgment table to be referenced. In addition, in one reference example, the fluctuation mode number and the fluctuation pattern number described later are set in hexadecimal. In the following, "H" is added to indicate hexadecimal numbers, but ○○H written in FIG. 9 to FIG. 11 indicates an arbitrary value expressed in hexadecimal numbers.

As described above, if the result of the big role lottery is a "miss," the group type is first determined by the reach group determination random number judgment table and reach group determination random number shown in Figure 8. Then, depending on the determined group type and game status, the fluctuation mode number and fluctuation pattern random number judgment table are determined by the reach mode determination random number judgment table at the time of a miss and the reach mode determination random number shown in Figure 9 (a).

On the other hand, if the result of the big prize lottery is a "big win" or a "small win," the system will refer to the big win reach mode determination random number judgment table shown in Figure 9, which corresponds to the determined big win or small win pattern (type of special pattern), the game state when the big win or small win is won, and use the reach mode determination random number to determine the fluctuation mode number and fluctuation pattern random number judgment table.

Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating a variation pattern random number determination table according to a reference example. Here, a variation pattern random number determination table x for a specific table number x is shown, but many other variation pattern random number determination tables are provided for each table number.

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

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

Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating a variation time determination table according to a reference example. As described above, when the variation mode number is determined, variation time 1 is determined according to the variation time 1 determination table shown in Figure 11 (a). According to this variation time 1 determination table, variation time 1 is associated with each variation mode number, and the corresponding variation time 1 is determined according to the determined variation mode number.

Once the fluctuation pattern number is determined as described above, the fluctuation time 2 is determined according to the fluctuation time 2 determination table shown in FIG. 11(b). According to this fluctuation time 2 determination table, a fluctuation time 2 is associated with each fluctuation pattern number, and the corresponding fluctuation time 2 is determined according to the determined fluctuation pattern number. The total time of the fluctuation times 1 and 2 determined in this way is the time of the fluctuation performance that notifies the result of the big role lottery, i.e., the fluctuation time.

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

Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating a special electric role activation ram set table according to a reference example. This special electric role activation ram set table stores various data for controlling the big role game or the small win game, and during the big role game and the small win game, the first big win port solenoid 126c and the second big win port solenoid 128c are controlled to be energized by referring to this special electric role activation ram set table. Note that in reality, multiple special electric role activation ram set tables are provided for each type of special symbol (big win symbol and small win symbol), and the corresponding table is set at the start of the big role game or the small win game according to the type of special symbol determined, but here, for the sake of explanation, the control data for all special symbols is shown in one table.

When the special symbols A, B, and C, which are the big win symbols, or the special symbol a, which is the small win symbol, are determined, as shown in FIG. 12, an opening and closing process is executed to control the opening and closing of the first large winning opening 126 and the second large winning opening 128 in a predetermined opening and closing pattern by referring to the special electric role activation ram set table. The big win game is composed of multiple rounds of play in which the second large winning opening 128 is opened and closed a predetermined number of times, and the small win game is executed by only one round of play in which the first large winning opening 126 is opened and closed a predetermined number of times.

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

In one example, when the special winning patterns A and B are selected, a big win game consisting of five rounds of play is played, and when the special winning pattern C is selected, a big win game consisting of 15 rounds of play is played. Each round of play ends when a specified number (eight) of game balls enter the second big win opening 128 or when a specified time (here, 29.0 seconds) has elapsed since the second big win opening 128 was opened.

In addition, when the special symbol a, which is the small prize symbol, is determined, a small prize game consisting of one round of play is executed. In the small prize game executed when the special symbol a is determined, the first large prize opening 126 is opened twice for 0.9 seconds with a predetermined pause between them in the first round of play.

Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating a game state setting table for setting the game state after the end of a big win game according to a reference example. In a reference example, when a big win game is executed, the game state after the end of the big win game is set according to the type of special symbol determined at the time of winning the big win.

According to this game state setting table, if the jackpot symbol is the special symbol A, the game state is set to a low probability game state after the big prize game ends. On the other hand, if the jackpot symbol is the special symbol B or C, the game state is set to a high probability game state after the big prize game ends, and the number of times the high probability game state continues (hereinafter referred to as the "high probability number") is set to 10,000 times. This means that the high probability game state continues until the big prize lottery result is confirmed 10,000 times. However, the above-mentioned high probability number indicates the maximum number of times that the high probability game state of 1 continues, and if a jackpot is won before the above-mentioned number of times of continuation is reached, the high probability number is set again. Therefore, when the high probability game state is set after the big prize game ends, if the lottery result of a jackpot is not derived in the high probability game state and a lottery result of a miss is derived 10,000 times, the game state is changed to a low probability game state.

After the big win game ends, the game is set to a time-saving game state, and the number of times the time-saving game state will continue (hereinafter referred to as the "time-saving number of times") is set. At this time, if the big win symbol is special symbol A, the number of times the time-saving game state will continue is set to 100, and if it is special symbol B or C, the number of times the time-saving game state will continue is set to 10,000. This means that the time-saving game state will continue until the big win lottery result is confirmed as 100 or 10,000 times. However, the above-mentioned number of times the time-saving game state is set to the maximum number of times the time-saving game state can continue, and if a big win is won before the above-mentioned number of times the time-saving game state continues is reached, the number of times the time-saving game state will be set again.

Figure 14 is a diagram explaining a winning decision random number judgment table according to a reference example. When a game ball flowing down the game area 116 passes through the gate 124 (the game ball enters the normal symbol operating port 125), a normal symbol judgment process (hereinafter referred to as "normal symbol lottery") is performed, which corresponds to whether or not to control the flow of electricity to the movable piece 122b of the second starting port 122.

As will be described in more detail later, when the game ball passes through gate 124 (enters normal map operation port 125), one winning determination random number is obtained from the range of 0 to 99, and this random number value is stored in the normal map reserve memory area of main RAM 300c, up to a maximum of four. In other words, the normal map reserve memory area has four memory sections for saving winning determination random numbers. Therefore, if a winning determination random number is stored in all four memory sections of the normal map reserve memory area and the game ball passes through gate 124 (enters normal map operation port 125), no winning determination random number is stored based on the passage of the game ball. In the following, the winning determination random number stored in the normal map reserve memory area after the game ball passes through gate 124 (enters normal map operation port 125) is referred to as a normal map reserve.

When starting the normal symbol lottery in the non-time-saving play state, the winning symbol determination random number judgment table for the non-time-saving play state is referenced, as shown in FIG. 14(a). According to this winning symbol determination random number judgment table for the non-time-saving play state, if the winning symbol determination random number is 0, a winning symbol is determined as the type of normal symbol, and if the winning symbol determination random number is 1 to 99, a losing symbol is determined as the type of normal symbol. Therefore, the probability of a winning symbol being determined in the non-time-saving play state, i.e., the probability of winning, is 1/100. As will be described in more detail later, when a winning symbol is determined in this normal symbol lottery, the second starting hole 122 is controlled to be in the open state, and when a losing symbol is determined, the second starting hole 122 is maintained in the closed state.

In addition, when starting the regular symbol lottery in the time-saving play state, the time-saving play state win determination random number judgment table is referenced, as shown in FIG. 14(b). According to this time-saving play state win determination random number judgment table, if the win determination random number is 0-98, a winning symbol is determined as the type of regular symbol, and if the win determination random number is 99, a losing symbol is determined as the type of regular symbol. Therefore, the probability of a winning symbol being determined in the time-saving play state, i.e., the probability of winning, is 99/100.

Figure 15(a) is a diagram explaining a normal pattern change time data table according to a first reference example, and Figure 15(b) is a diagram explaining an opening/closing control pattern table according to a first reference example. As described above, when a normal pattern lottery is performed, the change time of the normal pattern is determined. The normal pattern change time data table is referenced when determining the change time of the normal pattern when a winning pattern or a losing pattern is determined by the normal pattern lottery. According to this normal pattern change time data table, when the game state is set to a non-time-saving game state, the change time is determined to be 10 seconds, and when the game state is set to a time-saving game state, the change time is determined to be 1 second. When the change time is determined in this way, the normal pattern display 168 is displayed in a changing manner (blinking display) for the determined time. Then, when a winning pattern is determined, the normal pattern display 168 is turned on, and when a losing pattern is determined, the normal pattern display 168 is turned off.

When the winning symbol is determined by the normal symbol lottery and the normal symbol display 168 is lit, the movable piece 122b of the second starting hole 122 is controlled to energize by referring to the opening/closing control pattern table, as shown in FIG. 15(b). Note that in reality, an opening/closing control pattern table is provided for each game state, and depending on the game state when the normal symbol is determined, the corresponding table is set when the normal electric role solenoid 122c starts to energize, but here, for the sake of explanation, the control data corresponding to each game state is shown in one table.

Once the winning pattern is determined, the second starting hole 122 is controlled to open and close by referring to the opening and closing control pattern table, as shown in Figure 15 (b). According to this opening/closing control pattern table, the time before normal power opening (waiting time until the second start port 122 starts to open), the maximum number of normal electric role opening/closing switching times (number of times the second start port 122 is opened), the solenoid energization time (the energization time of the normal electric role solenoid 122c for each number of times the second start port 122 is opened, i.e., the opening time of one second start port 122), the specified number (the maximum number of winnings that can be won into the second start port 122 while the second start port 122 is fully open), the normal power closing effective time (the closing time between each opening of the second start port 122, i.e., the pause time), the normal power effective state time (waiting time from the end of the last opening of the second start port 122), and the normal power end wait time (waiting time until the variable display of the normal pattern described later is resumed after the normal power effective state time has elapsed) are stored in advance for each game state as control data for the second start port 122, as shown in the figure.

In this way, the non-time-saving game state and the time-saving game state are each associated with an opening/closing control condition for opening and closing the second start port 122 as a game progress condition, and in the time-saving game state, it is easier for the game ball to enter the second start port 122 than in the non-time-saving game state. In other words, in the time-saving game state, as long as the game ball passes through the gate 124 (the game ball enters the normal game operation port 125), normal game lotteries are held one after another, and the second start port 122 is frequently in an open state, allowing the player to participate in the big role lottery while reducing the consumption of game balls.

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

In one reference example, a normal ball operation port 125 is provided in the second play area 116b, and almost all of the game balls that flow down to the bottom of the second play area 116b enter the normal ball operation port 125. When a game ball enters the normal ball operation port 125, one prize ball is paid out. Therefore, even if a game ball is launched into the second play area 116b in a non-time-saving play state, the number of game balls is hardly reduced. However, the normal ball operation port 125 is not a required component, and the board configuration is merely an example. Therefore, a configuration in which the number of game balls is reduced when a game ball is launched into the second play area 116b in a non-time-saving play state may also be used.

Next, we will explain the main processing of the main control board 300 that accompanies the progress of play on the gaming machine 100 according to one reference example.

Figure 16 is a diagram explaining the gaming machine status flag according to one reference example. In the main control board 300, the gaming machine status flag manages whether or not the game can proceed. The gaming machine status flag is set to one of six flag values from 00H to 05H. A gaming machine status flag value of 00H indicates a playable state, and when the gaming machine status flag is 00H, the game is controlled to proceed, and when the gaming machine status flag is other than 00H, the game is stopped.

The flag value of the gaming machine status flag = 01H indicates a setting change state, and when the gaming machine status flag is 01H, it is possible to change the registered setting value. The flag value of the gaming machine status flag = 02H indicates a setting confirmation state, and when the gaming machine status flag is 02H, it is possible to confirm the registered setting value by displaying it on the performance display monitor 184, for example. The flag value of the gaming machine status flag = 03H indicates an abnormal setting state, and when the gaming machine status flag is 03H, the registered setting value is considered abnormal and play is stopped. The flag value of the gaming machine status flag = 04H indicates an RWM (read write memory) abnormal state, and when the gaming machine status flag is 04H, play is stopped. The flag value of the gaming machine status flag = 05H indicates a checksum abnormal state, and when the gaming machine status flag is 05H, play is stopped. When the power is turned on, the gaming machine status flag is set to one of the flag values, and processing is performed according to the gaming machine status flag.

(CPU Initialization Processing of Main Control Board 300)
FIG. 17 is a first flowchart illustrating the CPU initialization processing in the main control board 300 according to a reference example, and FIG. 18 is a second flowchart illustrating the CPU initialization processing in the main control board 300 according to a reference example.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Step S100-55)
The main CPU 300a performs a sub-command set process for sending a predetermined command to the sub-control board 330. Here, a command corresponding to the gaming machine status flag is set. For example, if the gaming machine status flag is 01H, a setting change status designation command is set, and if the gaming machine status flag is 02H, a setting confirmation status designation command is set. In this way, a command corresponding to the gaming machine status flag is sent to the sub-control board 330, so that the internal status of the main control board 300 can be grasped on the sub-control board 330.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Figure 19 is a flowchart explaining the sub-command group set process (S110) in the main control board 300 according to a reference example.

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

(Step S110-3)
The main CPU 300a performs a sub-command set process for transmitting a predetermined command to the sub-control board 330. Here, for example, if the initialization process is executed in the above step S100-47, a RAM clear designation command is set.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Next, we will explain the interrupt processing in the main control board 300 according to a reference example. Here, we will explain the power-off save processing (XINT interrupt processing) and timer interrupt processing.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Step S300-23)
The main CPU 300a decrements the value of the loop counter set in step S300-17 by one.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Step S500)
The main CPU 300a executes a switch management process to determine whether or not a signal has been input from the first start hole detection switch 120s, the second start hole detection switch 122s, the gate detection switch 124s, the normal operation hole detection switch 125s, the first large prize hole detection switch 126s, and the second large prize hole detection switch 128s. Details of this switch management process will be described later.

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

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

(Step S400-21)
The main CPU 300a executes an error management process for determining various errors and making settings according to the error determination results. When it is determined that an error has occurred, the main CPU 300a sets an error designation command corresponding to the type of error.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Step S400-37)
The main CPU 300a executes a process for calculating a base ratio to be displayed on the performance display monitor 184 using the unused area of the main RAM 300c, and executes a performance display monitor control process for setting common data for displaying the calculated base ratio on the performance display monitor 184 in the common output buffer. In the performance display monitor control process, the base ratio is calculated for each predetermined period. Here, the performance display monitor 184 may switch between the base ratio of the current period and the base ratio of the previous period at each predetermined time. Also, the base ratio displayed on the performance display monitor 184 may be switched in response to a predetermined operation. Furthermore, here, when the gaming machine state flag is 01H or 02H, the main CPU 300a displays the registered setting value set in the setting value buffer on the performance display monitor 184.

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

Figure 22 is a flowchart explaining the above-mentioned setting-related process (S450) according to a reference example.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Step S110)
The main CPU 300a executes the sub-command group set process of Fig. 19. That is, when the setting-related process is executed, at the end of the process, the model command, the setting value designation command, the special chart 1 reservation designation command, the special chart 2 reservation designation command, the number of times command, the variation pattern selection state designation command, the special chart phase designation command, and the customer waiting designation command are transmitted to the sub-control board 330.

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

As described above, according to one reference example, when the power is turned on normally with the middle frame 104 open, the setting change switch 180s on, and the RAM clear button pressed, the gaming machine status flag is set to 01H (setting change state) in the CPU initialization process (FIG. 17). After that, the timer interrupt process is executed, but because the gaming machine status flag is set to 01H (setting change state), all processes related to the progress of the game (steps S400-15 to S400-25 in FIG. 21) are stopped, and setting-related processes are executed.

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

When the setting change switch 180s is switched off while the gaming machine status flag is set to 01H (setting change state), the setting change process ends and the gaming machine status flag is set to 00H (playable state). This allows processing related to the progress of the game to be executed starting from the next timer interrupt process.

Here, in the setting-related processing of one reference example, after the operation of pressing the RAM clear button, i.e., the acceptance of the operation of changing the setting of the registered setting value, is finished, a setting value designation command corresponding to the registered setting value is sent to the sub-control board 330 in the sub-command group set processing. On the other hand, while the setting change operation is being accepted, the setting value designation command is not sent to the sub-control board 330. In this way, while the setting change operation is being accepted, the setting value designation command is not sent, and when the acceptance of the setting change operation is finished and the state transitions to one in which game progress is possible, the risk of the registered setting value being obtained illegally can be reduced by sending the setting value designation command.

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

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

Figure 23 is a flowchart explaining the switch management process (step S500) in the main control board 300 according to a reference example.

(Step S500-1)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the gate detection switch is ON or the normal operation port detection switch is ON, i.e., whether the game ball has passed through the gate 124 and the detection signal from the gate detection switch 124s has been turned ON, or whether the game ball has entered the normal operation port 125 and the detection signal from the normal operation port detection switch 125s has been turned ON. If it is determined that the gate detection switch is ON or the normal operation port detection switch is ON, the process proceeds to step S510, and if it is determined that the gate detection switch is not ON or the normal operation port detection switch is not ON, the process proceeds to step S500-3.

(Step S510)
The main CPU 300a executes a gate passing process based on the passage of the game ball through the gate 124 (the entry of the game ball into the normal operation port 125). The details of this gate passing process will be described later.

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Step S500-11)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the general winning opening detection switch is ON, that is, whether a game ball has entered the general winning opening 118 and a detection signal has been input from the general winning opening detection switch 118s. If it is judged as a result that the general winning opening detection switch is ON, the process proceeds to step S500-13, and if it is judged as not ON, the process proceeds to step S500-15.

(Step S500-13)
The main CPU 300a sets a general prize slot winning designation command in the transmission buffer.

(Step S500-15)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the out ball detection switch is on, i.e., whether a detection signal has been input from the out ball detection switch 130s. If it is determined that the out ball detection switch is on, the process proceeds to step S500-17, and if it is determined that the out ball detection switch is not on, the switch management process is terminated.

(Step S500-17)
The main CPU 300a sets the out ball detection designation command in the transmission buffer and terminates the switch management process.

Figure 24 is a flowchart explaining the gate passage process (step S510) in the main control board 300 according to a reference example.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Figure 25 is a flowchart explaining the first start port passing process (step S520) in the main control board 300 according to a reference example.

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

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

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

Figure 26 is a flowchart explaining the second start port passing process (step S530) in the main control board 300 according to a reference example.

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

(Step S530-3)
The main CPU 300a sets the address of the special pattern 2 reserved ball count counter.

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

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

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

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

Figure 27 is a flow chart explaining the special symbol random number acquisition process (step S535) in the main control board 300 according to a reference example. This special symbol random number acquisition process is executed using a common module in the first start port passing process (step S520) and the second start port passing process (step S530) described above.

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

(Step S535-3)
The main CPU 300a loads the number of reserved balls for the target special symbol. Here, if the special symbol identification value loaded in the above step S535-1 is "00H", the counter value of the reserved ball counter for the special symbol 1, i.e., the reserved number for special 1, is loaded. Also, if the special symbol identification value loaded in the above step S535-1 is "01H", the counter value of the reserved ball counter for the special symbol 2, i.e., the reserved number for special 2, is loaded.

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

(Step S535-7)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the number of reserved balls of the target special symbol loaded in step S535-3 is equal to or greater than the upper limit. If it is judged to be equal to or greater than the upper limit, the process proceeds to step S535-21. If it is judged not to be equal to or greater than the upper limit, the process proceeds to step S535-9.

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

(Step S535-11)
The main CPU 300a determines which of the eight memory sections in the special chart reservation memory area is to be the target memory section in which to save the acquired jackpot determination random number.

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

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

(Step S536)
The main CPU 300a executes the acquisition time performance determination process to perform the provisional lottery for the big role, the provisional determination of the winning symbol, and the provisional determination of the variable information based on the various random numbers stored in the target memory unit in the above step S535-13. In this acquisition time performance determination process, a pre-reading designation command indicating the variable information to be determined when the newly stored reserved is read out is transmitted to the sub-control board 330. This acquisition time performance determination process will be described later.

(Step S535-17)
The main CPU 300a loads the counter values of the special pattern 1 reserved ball count counter and the special pattern 2 reserved ball count counter.

(Step S535-19)
The main CPU 300a sets the special reserved command in the transmission buffer based on the counter value loaded in step S535-17. Here, the special reserved command is set based on the counter value (special reserved number of special 1) of the special reserved ball number counter, and the special reserved command is set based on the counter value (special reserved number of special 2) of the special reserved ball number counter. As a result, every time the special reserved number of special 1 or special reserved number of special 2 is stored, the special reserved number of special 1 and the special reserved number of special 2 are transmitted to the sub-control board 330.

(Step S535-21)
The main CPU 300a loads the normal game management phase.

(Step S535-23)
The main CPU 300a checks the normal game management phase loaded in step S535-21 and judges whether it is below the normal electric device winning opening control state described later. If it is judged to be below the normal electric device winning opening control state, the process proceeds to step S535-25, and if it is judged not to be below the normal electric device winning opening control state, the special symbol random number acquisition process is terminated.

(Step S535-25)
The main CPU 300a determines whether or not an abnormal winning has occurred, and if it determines that an abnormal winning has occurred, executes a start port abnormal winning error processing to perform a predetermined processing, and terminates the special pattern random number acquisition processing (step S535).

Figure 28 is a flowchart explaining the performance determination process (step S536) at the time of acquisition in the main control board 300 according to one reference example.

(Step S536-1)
The main CPU 300a selects a corresponding jackpot determination random number judgment table based on the currently set value. Specifically, the main CPU 300a selects a corresponding jackpot determination random number judgment table based on the current game state and the currently set value. Then, the main CPU 300a performs a provisional special symbol win judgment process to provisionally judge whether the jackpot is a jackpot, a small win, or a miss, based on the selected table and the jackpot determination random number stored in the target memory unit in step S535-13.

(Step S536-3)
The main CPU 300a executes a special symbol provisional determination process for provisionally determining a special symbol. Here, if the result of the provisional big role lottery in the above step S536-1 (the result derived by the special symbol provisional win determination process) is a big win or a small win, the winning symbol random number, the winning type (whether it is a big win or a small win), and the reserved type stored in the target memory unit in the above step S535-13 are loaded, the corresponding winning symbol random number determination table is selected to extract special symbol determination data, and the extracted special symbol determination data (type of big win symbol or small win symbol) is saved. Also, if the result of the provisional big role lottery in the above step S536-1 is a loss, a predetermined special symbol determination data for a loss (type of loss symbol) is saved.

(Step S536-5)
The main CPU 300a sets in the transmission buffer a look-ahead symbol type designation command (look-ahead designation command) corresponding to the special symbol determination data saved in step S536-3.

(Step S536-7)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the result derived by the special symbol winning provisional judgment process in the above step S536-1 is a big win or a small win. If it is judged to be a big win or a small win, the process proceeds to step S536-9, and if it is judged not to be a big win or a small win (miss), the process proceeds to step S536-11.

(Step S536-9)
The main CPU 300a sets the random number judgment table for determining the reach mode at the big win (see Figures 9(b) and 9(c)) or the random number judgment table for determining the reach mode at the small win (see Figures 9(d) and 9(e)), and transfers the process to step S536-19.

(Step S536-11)
The main CPU 300a loads the reach group determination random number stored in the target memory section in step S535-13.

(Step S536-13)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the reach group determination random number loaded in step S536-11 is a fixed value (8500 or more). Here, the group type is determined by referring to the reach group determination random number judgment table, and this reach group determination random number judgment table is selected according to the number of reserved items stored. At this time, the reach group determination random number is acquired from a range of 0 to 10006, and if the value of the reach group determination random number is 8500 or more, the same reach group determination random number judgment table is selected regardless of the number of reserved items, and if the value of the reach group determination random number is less than 8500, a different reach group determination random number judgment table is selected depending on the number of reserved items. Hereinafter, the values of the reach group determination random number in the range of 0 to 8499, where different reach group determination random number judgment tables are selected depending on the number of reserved items, are referred to as indefinite values, and the values in the range of 8500 to 10006, where the same reach group determination random number judgment table is selected regardless of the number of reserved items, are referred to as fixed values. If it is determined that the reach group determination random number loaded in step S536-11 above is a fixed value (8,500 or more), processing proceeds to step S536-15, and if it is determined that the reach group determination random number loaded in step S536-11 above is not a fixed value (8,500 or more), processing proceeds to step S536-27.

(Step S536-15)
The main CPU 300a sets a reach group determination random number judgment table (see FIG. 8). Note that, although there are multiple types of reach group determination random number judgment tables provided according to the reserved number, here, a table to be used when the reserved number is 0 is selected. Then, a reach group (group type) is provisionally determined based on the set reach group determination random number judgment table and the reach group determination random number stored in the target memory unit in step S535-13.

(Step S536-17)
The main CPU 300a sets the miss-time reach mode determination random number judgment table (see FIG. 9A) corresponding to the group type provisionally determined in step S536-15, and moves the process to step S536-19.

(Step S536-19)
The main CPU 300a provisionally determines a variation mode number based on the reach mode determination random number judgment table set in the above step S536-9 or step S536-17 and the reach mode determination random number stored in the target memory unit in the above step S535-13. Here, a variation pattern random number judgment table is provisionally determined together with the variation mode number.

(Step S536-21)
The main CPU 300a sets in the transmission buffer a read-ahead designation fluctuation mode command (read-ahead designation command) corresponding to the fluctuation mode number tentatively determined in step S536-19.

(Step S536-23)
The main CPU 300a provisionally determines a fluctuation pattern number based on the fluctuation pattern random number determination table provisionally determined in the above step S536-19 and the fluctuation pattern random number stored in the target memory unit in the above step S535-13.

(Step S536-25)
The main CPU 300a sets in the transmission buffer a look-ahead specified variable pattern command (look-ahead specification command) corresponding to the variable pattern number provisionally determined in step S536-23 above, and terminates the performance determination process at the time of acquisition.

(Step S536-27)
The main CPU 300a sets in the transmission buffer an indefinite value command (pre-read specified variable mode command and pre-read specified variable pattern command = 7FH) indicating that the group type, i.e., the variable presentation pattern, will change depending on the number of holds when the holds are read out for the holds newly stored in the target memory unit, and terminates the presentation determination process at the time of acquisition.

Figure 29 is a diagram explaining the special game management phase according to a reference example. As already explained, in the reference example, a special game triggered by the entry of a game ball into the first start port 120 or the second start port 122 and a normal game triggered by the passage of a game ball through the gate 124 (entry of a game ball into the normal operation port 125) proceed simultaneously in parallel. The processing related to the special game is executed step by step and repeatedly, and the main control board 300 manages each processing related to such special games by the special game management phase.

As shown in FIG. 29, the main ROM 300b stores a plurality of special game control modules for controlling the execution of special games, and each of these special game control modules is associated with a special game management phase. Specifically, if the special game management phase is "00H", a module for executing "special symbol change waiting process" is called, if the special game management phase is "01H", a module for executing "special symbol change process" is called, if the special game management phase is "02H", a module for executing "special symbol stop pattern display process" is called, if the special game management phase is "03H" or "07H", a module for executing "large prize opening pre-processing" is called, if the special game management phase is "04H" or "08H", a module for executing "large prize opening control process" is called, if the special game management phase is "05H" or "09H", a module for executing "large prize opening closing valid process" is called, if the special game management phase is "06H" or "0AH", a module for executing "large prize opening end wait process" is called.

Figure 30 is a flowchart explaining the special game management process (step S600) on the main control board 300.

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

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

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

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

Figure 31 is a flowchart explaining the special symbol change waiting process in the main control board 300. This special symbol change waiting process is executed when the special game management phase is "00H".

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

(Step S610-3)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the counter value of the special symbol 1 reserved ball counter, that is, the special 1 reserved number (X1) is 1 or more. If it is judged that the special 1 reserved number (X1) is 1 or more, the process proceeds to step S610-7, and if it is judged that the special 1 reserved number (X1) is not 1 or more, the process proceeds to step S610-5.

(Step S610-5)
The main CPU 300a sets a customer waiting command in the transmission buffer, executes a customer waiting setting process to set the machine in a customer waiting state, and ends the special pattern change waiting process.

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

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

(Step S610-11)
The main CPU 300a executes a special symbol pattern determination process for determining a special symbol. Here, if the determination information (lottery result of the big role lottery) stored in the above step S611 is a big win or a small win, the winning type (whether it is a big win or a small win) and the reserved type are loaded, and the corresponding winning symbol random number determination table is set. Then, the set winning symbol random number determination table is referenced, and the special symbol determination data is extracted using the winning symbol random number transferred to the 0th storage unit, and the extracted special symbol determination data (type of big win symbol or small win symbol) is saved. On the other hand, if the lottery result of the big role lottery stored in the above step S611 is a loss, if the reserved type is special 1 reserved, the special symbol X is saved as a loss symbol, and if the reserved type is special 2 reserved, the special symbol Y is saved as a loss symbol. Here, a symbol type designation command corresponding to the saved special symbol determination data is set in the transmission buffer.

(Step S610-13)
The main CPU 300a saves the special symbol stop symbol number corresponding to the special symbol determination data extracted in the above step S610-11. The first special symbol display 160 and the second special symbol display 162 are each composed of 7 segments, and each segment constituting the 7 segments is associated with a number (counter value). The special symbol stop symbol number determined here indicates the number (counter value) of the segment that will finally be lit up.

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

(Step S610-15)
The main CPU 300a loads the fluctuation mode number and the fluctuation pattern number determined in step S612, and refers to the fluctuation time determination table to determine the fluctuation time 1 and the fluctuation time 2. Then, the total time of the determined fluctuation times 1 and 2 is set in the special symbol fluctuation timer.

(Step S610-17)
The main CPU 300a performs a reserve area setting process for storing the game state when the big role lottery is executed in a game state buffer, etc. In addition, in this reserve area setting process, when the result of the big role lottery is a big win, game state information to be set after the big role game, the type of big win symbol (special symbol determination data), etc. are stored in the reserve area of the main RAM 300c.

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

(Step S610-21)
The main CPU 300a loads the counter values of the special pattern 1 reserved ball counter and the special pattern 2 reserved ball counter, and sets the special pattern reserved designation command in the transmission buffer. Here, the special pattern 1 reserved designation command is set based on the counter value of the special pattern 1 reserved ball counter (special 1 reserved number), and the special pattern 2 reserved designation command is set based on the counter value of the special pattern 2 reserved ball counter (special 2 reserved number). In addition, here, the special pattern winning order command corresponding to the winning order of the special 1 reserved and special 2 reserved stored in the above step S610-7 is set in the transmission buffer. As a result, every time the special 1 reserved or special 2 reserved is consumed, the special 1 reserved number and the special 2 reserved number, as well as the winning order of each of these reserved numbers, are transmitted to the sub-control board 330.

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

Figure 32 is a flowchart explaining the above-mentioned special symbol winning determination process (S611) according to one reference example.

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

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

(Step S611-5)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the registered setting value loaded in step S611-3 is within the normal range. If it is judged to be within the normal range, the process proceeds to step S611-11. If it is judged to be not within the normal range, the process proceeds to step S611-7.

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

(Step S611-9)
The main CPU 300a sets the setting abnormal state command (sub-command) in the transmission buffer and ends the special symbol winning determination process. When this setting abnormal state command is transmitted to the sub-control board 330, a notification that a setting abnormality has occurred is issued.

(Step S611-11)
The main CPU 300a refers to the big win determination random number judgment table corresponding to the information loaded in the above steps S611-1 and S611-3, and sets the lower and upper limits for determining whether a big win or a small win has occurred.

(Step S611-13)
The main CPU 300a compares the jackpot determination random number transferred to the 0th memory unit with the above-mentioned lower limit value and upper limit value, and performs a determination process (big prize lottery) to determine whether a jackpot or small jackpot has been won.

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

Figure 33 is a flowchart explaining the special pattern variable number determination process in the main control board 300 according to one reference example.

(Step S612-1)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the fluctuation pattern selection state flag is 01H or more. If it is judged that the fluctuation pattern selection state flag is 01H or more, the process proceeds to step S612-3, and if it is judged that the fluctuation pattern selection state flag is not 01H or more, the process proceeds to step S612-5.

There are five types of fluctuation pattern selection state flags: 00H, 01H, 02H, 03H, and 04H. Each fluctuation pattern selection state flag indicates a fluctuation state, with 00H corresponding to the normal fluctuation state, 01H to the first fluctuation state, 02H to the second fluctuation state, 03H to the third fluctuation state, and 04H to the fourth fluctuation state. The fluctuation state specifies which table (reach group determination random number judgment table, reach mode determination random number judgment table, or fluctuation pattern random number judgment table) is selected.

In the first to fourth variation states, it is specified which table is selected for each number of times the pattern is displayed in a variation state (number of variations). Therefore, when the variation pattern selection state flag is 01H or higher, the main CPU 300a selects a preset table based on both the variation pattern selection state flag and the number of variations, and determines the variation information by referring to the selected table. On the other hand, in the normal variation state, regardless of the number of variations, the variation information is determined by referring to a table corresponding to the currently set game state, etc.

(Step S612-3)
The main CPU 300a increments the change counter, which is a counter that counts the number of changes in the current change state.

(Step S612-5)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the result of the big prize lottery in the step S611 is a big win or a small win. If it is judged to be a big win or a small win, the process proceeds to step S612-7, and if it is judged to be neither a big win nor a small win (a miss), the process proceeds to step S612-11.

(Step S612-7)
The main CPU 300a loads the variation pattern selection state flag.

(Step S612-9)
When the variation pattern selection state flag loaded in the above step S612-7 is 01H or more, the main CPU 300a sets the reach mode determination random number judgment table based on the variation pattern selection state flag and the counter value of the variation count counter. Also, when the variation pattern selection state flag loaded in the above step S612-7 is 00H, the main CPU 300a sets the reach mode determination random number judgment table corresponding to the current game state and the reserved type.

(Step S612-11)
When the hold type of the read-out hold is special 2 hold, the main CPU 300a checks the counter value of the special pattern 2 hold ball count counter, and when the hold type of the read-out hold is special 1 hold, the main CPU 300a checks the counter value of the special pattern 1 hold ball count counter.

(Step S612-13)
The main CPU 300a loads the variation pattern selection state flag.

(Step S612-15)
When the variation pattern selection status flag loaded in the above step S612-13 is 01H or more, the main CPU 300a sets a reach group determination random number judgment table based on the variation pattern selection status flag, the counter value of the variation counter, the reserved type, and the reserved number confirmed in the above step S612-11. On the other hand, when the variation pattern selection status flag loaded in the above step S612-13 is 00H, the main CPU 300a sets a corresponding reach group determination random number judgment table based on the current game state, the reserved number and reserved type confirmed in the above step S612-11. Then, the reach group (group type) is determined based on the set reach group determination random number judgment table and the reach group determination random number transferred to the 0th memory unit in the above step S610-7.

(Step S612-17)
The main CPU 300a sets a random number judgment table for determining a losing reach mode corresponding to the group type determined in step S612-15.

(Step S612-19)
The main CPU 300a determines a variation mode number based on the reach mode determination random number judgment table set in the above step S612-9 or step S612-17 and the reach mode determination random number transferred to the 0th memory unit in the above step S610-7. Here, a variation pattern random number judgment table is also determined together with the variation mode number.

(Step S612-21)
The main CPU 300a sets in the transmission buffer the fluctuation mode command corresponding to the fluctuation mode number determined in step S612-19 above.

(Step S612-23)
The main CPU 300a determines a fluctuation pattern number based on the fluctuation pattern random number determination table determined in the above step S612-19 and the fluctuation pattern random number transferred to the 0th memory unit in the above step S610-7.

(Step S612-25)
The main CPU 300a sets the variation pattern command corresponding to the variation pattern number determined in the above step S612-23 in the transmission buffer, and ends the special pattern variation number determination process.

Figure 34 is a flowchart explaining the processing during special symbol fluctuation in the main control board 300 according to one reference example. This processing during special symbol fluctuation is executed when the special game management phase is "01H".

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

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

(Step S620-5)
The main CPU 300a performs a special symbol fluctuation timer update process to subtract a predetermined value from the timer value of the special symbol fluctuation timer set in the above step S610-15.

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

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

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

(Step S620-13)
The main CPU 300a updates the counter value of the special symbol display symbol counter to be updated, and ends the special symbol variation process. As a result, each segment constituting the 7-segment display is sequentially lit at predetermined time intervals.

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

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

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

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

Figure 35 is a flowchart explaining the special symbol stop symbol display process in the main control board 300 according to a reference example. This special symbol stop symbol display process is executed when the special game management phase is "02H".

(Step S630-1)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the timer value of the special game timer set in the above step S620-21 is "0". If it is judged that the timer value of the special game timer is not "0", the main CPU 300a ends the special symbol stop symbol display process, and if it is judged that the timer value of the special game timer is "0", the process proceeds to step S630-3.

(Step S630-3)
The main CPU 300a checks the result of the big role lottery.

(Step S630-5)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the result of the big prize lottery is a big win or not. If it is judged as a big win, the process proceeds to step S630-19, and if it is judged as not a big win, the process proceeds to step S630-7.

(Step S630-7)
The main CPU 300a executes a count cut management process. Here, the special symbol probability state flag is loaded to check whether the current game state is a low probability game state or a high probability game state. If the game state is a high probability game state, the counter value of the high probability count cut counter is updated to a value obtained by subtracting "1" from the current counter value. If the counter value becomes "0" as a result of updating the high probability count cut counter, the special symbol probability state flag corresponding to the low probability game state is set. As a result, when the special symbol is confirmed a predetermined number of times without winning a jackpot in the high probability game state, the game state transitions to the low probability game state.

Here, a time-saving state flag is loaded to identify whether the game state is a non-time-saving game state or a time-saving game state, and it is confirmed whether the current game state is a non-time-saving game state or a time-saving game state. If the game state is a time-saving game state, the counter value of the time-saving number-of-plays counter is updated to a value obtained by subtracting "1" from the current counter value. If the counter value becomes "0" as a result of updating the time-saving number-of-plays counter, the time-saving state flag corresponding to the non-time-saving game state is set. As a result, in the time-saving game state, when the special pattern has been confirmed a predetermined number of times without winning a jackpot, the game state transitions to a non-time-saving game state.

(Step S631)
The main CPU 300a performs a variable state update process to update the variable state, which will be described later with reference to FIG.

(Step S630-11)
The main CPU 300a sets in the transmission buffer a game state confirmation command at the time of special symbol determination, which indicates the game state when the special symbol is determined.

(Step S630-13)
The main CPU 300a sets in the transmission buffer a number command for transmitting the high probability number and the time-saving number updated in step S630-7 to the sub-control board 330.

(Step S630-15)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the result of the big role lottery is a small win or not. If it is judged to be a small win, the process proceeds to step S630-21, and if it is judged not to be a small win, the process proceeds to step S630-17.

(Step S630-17)
The main CPU 300a updates the special game management phase to "00H" and ends the special symbol stop symbol display process. This ends the special game management process based on the reservation of 1, and if special reservation 1 or special reservation 2 is stored, a process for starting the variable display of the special symbol based on the next reservation is performed.

(Step S630-19)
The main CPU 300a resets (sets) the gaming state to the initial state, that is, the low-probability gaming state and the non-time-saving gaming state.

(Step S630-21)
The main CPU 300a sets data in a special electric role activation RAM set table according to the type of the determined special symbol.

(Step S630-23)
The main CPU 300a performs a process for setting the maximum number of times that the special electric device operates. Specifically, the data set in step S630-21 is referenced, and a predetermined number (counter value corresponding to the type of special symbol=number of rounds) is set as a counter value in the maximum number of times that the special electric device operates. The maximum number of times that the special electric device operates indicates the number of rounds that can be executed in the big role game that is about to start. Meanwhile, the main RAM 300c is provided with a counter for the number of consecutive times that the special electric device operates, and the current number of rounds is managed by adding "1" to the counter value of the counter for the number of consecutive times that the special electric device operates at the start of each round game. Here, a process for resetting (updating to "0") the counter value of the counter for the number of consecutive times that the special electric device operates is also executed with the start of the big role game.

(Step S630-25)
The main CPU 300a refers to the data set in the above step S630-21, and saves a predetermined opening time as a timer value in the special game timer.

(Step S630-27)
The main CPU 300a sets in the transmission buffer an opening designation command for transmitting the start of a big win game or a small win game to the sub-control board 330. Note that this opening designation command is provided for each opening time, and here, the opening designation command corresponding to the opening time saved in the above step S630-25 is set in the transmission buffer.

(Step S630-29)
If the result of the big win lottery confirmed in step S630-3 is a big win, the main CPU 300a updates the special game management phase to "03H", and if it is a small win, updates the special game management phase to "07H" and ends the special symbol stop symbol display process. This starts the big win game or the small win game.

Figure 36 is a flowchart explaining the variable state update process in the main control board 300 according to one reference example.

(Step S631-1)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the fluctuation pattern selection state flag is 01H or more. As a result, if it is judged that the fluctuation pattern selection state flag is 01H or more, the process proceeds to step S631-3, and if it is judged that the fluctuation pattern selection state flag is not 01H or more, the process proceeds to step S631-9.

(Step S631-3)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the number of fluctuations has reached a prescribed number of times. If it is judged that the number of fluctuations has reached the prescribed number of times, the process proceeds to step S631-5, and if it is judged that the number of fluctuations has not reached the prescribed number of times, the process proceeds to step S631-9.

(Step S631-5)
The main CPU 300a resets (to 0) the counter value (number of fluctuations) of the fluctuation counter.

(Step S631-7)
The main CPU 300a updates the variation pattern selection status flag to 00H.

(Step S631-9)
The main CPU 300a loads the fluctuation pattern selection state flag, sets a fluctuation state designation command corresponding to the loaded fluctuation pattern selection state flag, and terminates the fluctuation state update process.

Figure 37 is a flow chart explaining the processing before the opening of the large prize opening in the main control board 300 according to one reference example. This processing before the opening of the large prize opening is executed when the special game management phase is "03H" or "07H".

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

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

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

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

(Step S640-7)
The main CPU 300a updates the special game management phase to a value obtained by adding 01H to the current value ("04H" or "08H"), and ends the pre-opening process for the large prize opening.

Figure 38 is a flowchart explaining the process of switching the opening and closing of the large prize opening in the main control board 300 according to one reference example.

(Step S641-1)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the counter value of the special electric device opening/closing switching counter is the upper limit value of the special electric device opening/closing switching count (the number of times the first large prize opening 126 and the second large prize opening 128 are opened and closed during one round of play). If it is judged that the counter value is the upper limit value, the main CPU 300a ends the large prize opening opening/closing switching process, and if it is judged that the counter value is not the upper limit value, the process proceeds to step S641-3.

(Step S641-3)
The main CPU 300a refers to the data in the special electric device operation RAM set table and extracts solenoid control data for controlling the energization of the first large prize opening solenoid 126c or the second large prize opening solenoid 128c based on the counter value of the special electric device opening/closing switching count counter, as well as timer data which is the energization time or de-energization time of the first large prize opening solenoid 126c or the second large prize opening solenoid 128c.

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

(Step S641-7)
The main CPU 300a saves the timer value based on the timer data extracted in step S641-3 in the special game timer. The timer value saved in the special game timer here is the maximum opening time of the first large prize opening 126 and the second large prize opening 128 in one time.

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

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

Figure 39 is a flowchart explaining the special prize opening control process in the main control board 300 according to a reference example. This special prize opening control process is executed when the special game management phase is "04H" or "08H".

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Figure 40 is a flow chart explaining the special prize opening closure validity process in the main control board 300 according to a reference example. This special prize opening closure validity process is executed when the special game management phase is "05H" or "09H".

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

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

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

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

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

(Step S660-11)
The main CPU 300a updates the special game management phase to a value obtained by adding 01H to the current value ("06H" or "0AH").

(Step S660-13)
The main CPU 300a sets an ending designation command indicating the start of the ending in the transmission buffer, and ends the large prize opening closure activation process.

Figure 41 is a flowchart explaining the special prize opening end wait process in the main control board 300 according to a reference example. This special prize opening end wait process is executed when the special game management phase is "06H" or "0AH".

(Step S670-1)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the timer value of the special game timer saved in the above step S660-9 is not "0". If it is judged that the timer value of the special game timer is not "0", the main CPU 300a ends the waiting process for the end of the special winning port, and if it is judged that the timer value of the special game timer is "0", the process proceeds to step S670-3.

(Step S670-3)
The main CPU 300a executes a state setting process for setting the game state after the big role game ends. Here, the game state after the big role game ends is set based on the big role game triggered by the big role game. Specifically, if the big role game triggered by the big role game triggered by the special pattern B or C, the game state is set to a high probability game state and a time-saving game state, and the high probability number of times and the time-saving number of times are set to 10,000. In addition, if the big role game triggered by the special pattern A, the game state is set to a low probability game state and a time-saving game state, and the time-saving number of times is set to 100.

In addition, here, the process also involves setting the variation pattern selection state flag and the number of variations to set the variation state after the end of the big win game or the small win game, based on the big win pattern that triggered the execution of the big win game or the small win pattern that triggered the execution of the small win game.

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

(Step S670-7)
The main CPU 300a sets in the transmission buffer a number designation command corresponding to the high probability number and the time reduction number saved in step S670-3 above.

(Step S670-9)
The main CPU 300a sets in the transmission buffer a variable state designation command for transmitting the variable state to be set after the end of the big win game or the small win game.

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

Figure 42 is a diagram explaining the normal game management phase according to the first reference example. As already explained, in the first reference example, the processing related to the normal game triggered by the passage of the game ball through the gate 124 (entry of the game ball into the normal game opening 125) is executed stepwise and repeatedly, and the main control board 300 manages each processing related to such normal games by the normal game management phase.

As shown in FIG. 42, the main ROM 300b stores a plurality of normal game control modules for controlling the execution of normal games, and each of these normal game control modules is associated with a normal game management phase. Specifically, when the normal game management phase is "00H", a module for executing "normal symbol change waiting process" is called, when the normal game management phase is "01H", a module for executing "normal symbol change process" is called, when the normal game management phase is "02H", a module for executing "normal symbol stop symbol display process" is called, when the normal game management phase is "03H", a module for executing "normal electric role winning opening pre-processing" is called, when the normal game management phase is "04H", a module for executing "normal electric role winning opening opening control process" is called, when the normal game management phase is "05H", a module for executing "normal electric role winning opening closing valid process" is called, when the normal game management phase is "06H", a module for executing "normal electric role winning opening end wait process" is called.

Figure 43 is a flowchart explaining the normal game management process (step S700) in the main control board 300 according to a reference example.

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

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

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

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

Figure 44 is a flowchart explaining the normal symbol change waiting process in the main control board 300 according to one reference example. This normal symbol change waiting process is executed when the normal game management phase is "00H".

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Figure 45 is a flowchart explaining the normal pattern change processing in the main control board 300 according to one reference example. This normal pattern change processing is executed when the normal game management phase is "01H".

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Figure 46 is a flowchart explaining the normal symbol stop symbol display process in the main control board 300 according to a reference example. This normal symbol stop symbol display process is executed when the normal game management phase is "02H".

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

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

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

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

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

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

Figure 47 is a flow chart explaining the processing before the opening of the winning opening of the normal electric device in the main control board 300 according to one reference example. This processing before the opening of the winning opening of the normal electric device is executed when the normal game management phase is "03H".

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

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

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

Figure 48 is a flowchart explaining the normal electric device prize opening/closing switching process in the main control board 300 according to one reference example.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Figure 49 is a flowchart explaining the normal electric device winning hole opening control process in the main control board 300 according to one reference example. This normal electric device winning hole opening control process is executed when the normal game management phase is "04H".

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Figure 50 is a flow chart explaining the normal electric device prize opening closure enable process in the main control board 300 according to one reference example. This normal electric device prize opening closure enable process is executed when the normal game management phase is "05H".

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

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

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

Figure 51 is a flowchart explaining the normal electric role winning slot end wait process in the main control board 300 according to one reference example. This normal electric role winning slot end wait process is executed when the normal game management phase is "06H".

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

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

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

<Example of performance>
FIG. 52 is a diagram for explaining an example of the variation performance of the no-reach variation pattern according to the reference performance example. As described above, when the big role lottery is performed in the main control board 300, during the variation display of the special pattern, that is, during the variation time of the special pattern, a variation performance is executed to notify the result of the big role lottery. In this variation performance, various background images are displayed in the main performance display section 200a, and the performance patterns 210a, 210b, and 210c are displayed superimposed on the background images. During the variation performance, sound is output from the audio output device 206 in accordance with the image displayed in the main performance display section 200a, and the performance lighting device 204 is controlled to light up, and the performance role device 202 is controlled to move, but detailed explanations are omitted here.

The variable performances in the reference performance examples are broadly divided into a no-reach variable pattern and a reach variable pattern. In the variable performance of the no-reach variable pattern, a background image (not shown) is displayed on the main performance display unit 200a, and the performance patterns 210a, 210b, and 210c are displayed in a variable manner superimposed on this background image. For example, as shown in FIG. 52(a), the performance patterns 210a, 210b, and 210c are displayed stationary in a combination that indicates that the big role lottery result was a miss. In this state, when a new special pattern is displayed, as the display of the special pattern starts, the three performance patterns 210a, 210b, and 210c start to display (scroll) as shown in FIG. 52(b). Note that the downward white arrow in the figure indicates that the performance patterns 210a, 210b, and 210c are displayed by scrolling in the vertical direction.

Then, as shown in FIG. 52(c), first, the effect pattern 210a is displayed as a stopped pattern, and then, as shown in FIG. 52(d), the effect pattern 210c, which is different from the effect pattern 210a, is displayed as a stopped pattern. Then, at approximately the same timing as the special pattern stops being displayed as a stopped pattern on the first special pattern display device 160 or the second special pattern display device 162 after the variable display of the special pattern, the effect pattern 210b is displayed as a stopped pattern, as shown in FIG. 52(e), and the result of the big prize lottery is notified to the player based on the final stopped display state of the three effect patterns 210a, 210b, and 210c at this time.

Figure 53 is a diagram for explaining an example of a normal reach fluctuation pattern fluctuation performance according to a performance reference example. In the performance reference example, the reach fluctuation pattern is broadly divided into a normal reach fluctuation pattern, an advanced reach fluctuation pattern, and a pseudo-continuous reach fluctuation pattern. In the normal reach fluctuation pattern fluctuation performance, similar to the non-reach fluctuation pattern fluctuation performance, the fluctuation display of the performance patterns 210a, 210b, and 210c begins with the start of the fluctuation display of the special pattern, and as shown in Figure 53 (a), the performance pattern 210a is first displayed frozen. After that, as shown in Figure 53 (b), the performance pattern 210c, which is the same as the performance pattern 210a, is displayed frozen.

In this way, when the same performance symbols 210a, 210c are displayed in a reach state in the main performance display section 200a, as shown in FIG. 53(c), "reach" is displayed superimposed on the performance symbols 210a, 210c in the main performance display section 200a. Note that there are multiple types of reach states, and the same performance symbols 210a, 210c with any of the numbers "1" to "9" written on them are displayed in a stopped state. After that, as shown in FIG. 53(d), the shape of the performance symbols 210a, 210c is changed from that before the reach state and the variable display continues. Then, as shown in FIG. 53(e), finally, a performance symbol 210b different from the performance symbols 210a, 210c is displayed in a stopped state, and the player is notified that the result of the big role lottery was a miss.

Figure 54 is a diagram for explaining an example of the variation presentation of the development reach variation pattern at the time of a miss according to the performance reference example, and Figure 55 is a diagram for explaining an example of the variation presentation of the development reach variation pattern at the time of a big win according to the performance reference example. As shown in Figures 54 (a) to (d) and 55 (a) to (d), the variation presentation of the development reach variation pattern is similar to the variation presentation of the normal reach variation pattern, in which the performance patterns 210a and 210c are displayed in a reach state in the main performance display section 200a, and then a reach development presentation in which a predetermined development image (video) is played and displayed is executed. In this reach development presentation, for example, as shown in Figures 54 (e) and 55 (e), a mission is displayed on the main performance display section 200a, and as shown in Figures 54 (f), (g) and 55 (f), (g), an image toward the achievement of the mission is displayed.

Here, the development images for reach development effects are broadly divided into miss patterns and big win patterns, and in the development image for the miss pattern, as shown in FIG. 54(h), an image indicating failure of the mission is finally displayed, and then, as shown in FIG. 54(i), the performance patterns 210a, 210b, and 210c are displayed in a stopped combination to indicate a miss. On the other hand, in the development image for the big win pattern, as shown in FIG. 55(h), an image indicating success of the mission is finally displayed, and then, as shown in FIG. 55(i), the performance patterns 210a, 210b, and 210c are displayed in a stopped combination to indicate a big win.

The reach development effects include, for example, mission effects in which development images of mission challenges are displayed, and battle effects in which development images of friendly characters and enemy characters battling each other are displayed, as described above. The mission effects have a number of execution patterns that differ in the mission content, and the battle effects have a number of execution patterns that differ in the characters that appear and the methods of fighting. As described above, the execution patterns of the mission effects are broadly divided into big win patterns in which the mission is accomplished and failure patterns in which the mission is failed, and the execution patterns of the battle effects are similarly broadly divided into big win patterns in which the friendly character triumphs over the enemy character and failure patterns in which the friendly character is defeated by the enemy character.

The big win pattern and the losing pattern are composed of the same content until the end of the performance, and differ in whether the friendly character ultimately wins or loses, or whether the mission is accomplished or not. Therefore, during the reach development performance, the player cannot discern the result of the big role lottery until the end of the variable performance, which gives the player a sense of expectation of a big win.

The big win pattern is selected only if the big win lottery result is a big win, and the miss pattern is selected only if the big win lottery result is a miss. However, the reach development effect may be executed twice in one variable performance, in which case the first reach development effect is executed as a miss pattern, and the second reach development effect is executed as a miss pattern or a big win pattern. The flow of the performance when the reach development effect is executed twice in one variable performance is explained below.

Figure 56 is a diagram illustrating an example of a variable performance when the reach development performance relating to the reference performance example is executed twice. For example, after performance patterns 210a, 210c are displayed in a reach state, a mission performance is executed as shown in Figures 56(a) and (b). Up to this point, there is no difference from the case where the reach development performance is executed only once in one variable performance, but immediately after it is notified that the mission has not been completed, "REACH UP" is displayed on the main performance display section 200a as shown in Figure 56(c).

Then, as shown in FIG. 56(d), the main performance display section 200a displays a battle performance development image, and the second reach development performance starts. This battle performance development image shows a battle between an ally character and an enemy character, and when a jackpot is won, as shown in FIG. 56(e), the ally character finally wins against the enemy character, and as shown in FIG. 56(f), the performance symbols 210a, 210b, and 210c are displayed in a stopped combination to indicate a jackpot. On the other hand, when a jackpot is lost, as shown in FIG. 56(g), the ally character finally loses to the enemy character, and as shown in FIG. 56(h), the performance symbols 210a, 210b, and 210c are displayed in a stopped combination to indicate a loss.

Figure 57 is a diagram for explaining an example of the pseudo-successive reach fluctuation pattern fluctuation performance according to the performance reference example. As shown in Figure 57 (a), when the display of the fluctuation of the performance patterns 210a, 210b, and 210c starts, the performance patterns 210a, 210b, and 210c are temporarily stopped and displayed in one of multiple types of pseudo patterns that have been set up in advance, as shown in Figure 57 (b). In this pseudo pattern, for example, the same performance patterns 210a and 210b and the performance pattern 210c with a number "2" larger than these performance patterns 210a and 210b are temporarily stopped and displayed.

When the performance symbols 210a, 210b, and 210c are temporarily stopped in a pseudo mode, the display of the changing performance symbols 210a, 210b, and 210c is resumed, as shown in FIG. 57(c). In other words, the pseudo mode can be said to indicate a re-changing display of the performance symbols 210a, 210b, and 210c. After that, the performance symbols 210a, 210b, and 210c are temporarily stopped again in a pseudo mode, as shown in FIG. 57(d).

Then, as shown in FIG. 57(e), when the display of the varying effect symbols 210a, 210b, and 210c resumes, as shown in FIG. 57(f), the effect symbols 210a and 210c are displayed in a reach state, and thereafter, as shown in FIG. 57(g)-(i), the reach development effect is executed in the same manner as the developed reach variation pattern, and the result of the big prize lottery is notified to the player.

In this way, the pseudo-continuous reach fluctuation pattern's fluctuation performance differs from the advanced reach fluctuation pattern's fluctuation performance in the content until the performance patterns 210a, 210c reach the state, and after the state is reached, the fluctuation performance progresses in the same way as the advanced reach fluctuation pattern.

In addition, in the pseudo-continuous reach fluctuation pattern, multiple fluctuation display patterns of the performance symbols 210a, 210b, and 210c until the reach state is reached are provided, and the number of tentative stop displays of the performance symbols 210a, 210b, and 210c, in other words, the number of times that the performance symbols 210a, 210b, and 210c are displayed, differs for each fluctuation display pattern. This fluctuation display pattern is determined by the fluctuation mode command, and the selection ratio of the fluctuation mode command when the jackpot is won and when it is lost is set so that the more the number of tentative stop displays (fluctuation displays) of the performance symbols 210a, 210b, and 210c, the higher the possibility (hereinafter referred to as "reliability") that a jackpot will ultimately be announced.

Specifically, if the result of the big role lottery is a big win, the selection ratio of the variable mode command with a large number of variable display counts is set higher than the selection ratio of the variable mode command with a small number of variable display counts, and if the result of the big role lottery is a loss, the selection ratio of the variable mode command with a small number of variable display counts is set higher than the selection ratio of the variable mode command with a large number of variable display counts.

In addition, the main control board 300 is set so that the reliability of the pseudo-successive reach fluctuation pattern is higher than the reliability of the extended reach fluctuation pattern. Therefore, the reliability is indicated by the number of tentative stop displays (fluctuating displays) of the performance symbols 210a, 210b, and 210c, and the player will watch the progress of the performance, hoping for more tentative stop displays (fluctuating displays) of the performance symbols 210a, 210b, and 210c.

The execution pattern of the above-mentioned variable performance is determined and controlled by the sub-control board 330 based on the variable command determined by the main control board 300. In other words, it can be said that the execution pattern of the variable performance is determined in cooperation between the main control board 300 and the sub-control board 330.

Figure 58 is a diagram explaining the variable performance determination table related to the performance reference example, where Figure 58 (a) shows the first half variable performance determination table, and Figure 58 (b) shows the second half variable performance determination table. As described above, when the main control board 300 performs a big role lottery, a variable command is determined based on the result of the big role lottery, and each determined command is sent to the sub-control board 330. When the sub-control board 330 receives a variable mode command, it obtains a performance random number of 1 from the range of 0 to 249, and refers to the first half variable performance determination table to determine the execution pattern of the first half variable performance based on the obtained performance random number and the received variable mode command. Also, when a variable pattern command is received, it obtains a performance random number of 1 from the range of 0 to 249, and refers to the second half variable performance determination table to determine the execution pattern of the second half variable performance based on the obtained performance random number and the received variable pattern command. Note that Figure 58 shows only a part of the first half variable performance determination table and the second half variable performance determination table.

As shown in FIG. 58, according to the first half variable performance decision table, a selection ratio for the execution pattern of the first half variable performance is set for each variable mode number (variation mode command), and according to the second half variable performance decision table, a selection ratio for the execution pattern of the second half variable performance is set for each variable pattern number (variation pattern command). Then, one variable performance is executed by combining and executing the execution patterns of the first and second half variable performances that have been determined.

The no-reach fluctuation pattern fluctuation performance is executed when "none" is determined as the execution pattern of the first half, indicating that the first half fluctuation performance is not executed, and "normal miss 1", "normal miss 2", "special miss 1", or "special miss 2" corresponding to the no-reach fluctuation pattern is determined as the execution pattern of the second half. For example, when a fluctuation mode command corresponding to the fluctuation mode number "01H", indicating that the first half fluctuation performance is not executed, is received, the sub-control board 330 always determines "none" as the execution pattern of the first half. In addition, at this time, the selection ratio is set in the second half fluctuation performance determination table so that only one of "normal miss 1", "normal miss 2", "special miss 1", or "special miss 2" is determined as the fluctuation pattern command that can be received at the same time. Therefore, by determining "none" as the execution pattern of the first half and determining "normal miss 1", "normal miss 2", "special miss 1", or "special miss 2" as the execution pattern of the second half, the execution pattern of the fluctuation performance is determined to be the no-reach fluctuation pattern.

On the other hand, the reach fluctuation pattern fluctuation performance is executed when a pattern other than "none" is determined as the execution pattern for the first half, and one of the reach development performances (shown as developments 1 to 5 in the figure) is determined as the execution pattern for the second half. In other words, when the reach fluctuation pattern fluctuation performance is executed in the main performance display unit 200a, a fluctuation mode command corresponding to a fluctuation mode number other than the fluctuation mode number = 01H is always received, and a fluctuation pattern command corresponding to a fluctuation pattern number that determines one of developments 1 to 5 is received.

Here, in FIG. 58(a), "Normal Reach 1" and "Normal Reach 2" in the execution pattern of the first half respectively indicate the background image and the variable display pattern of the performance symbols 210a, 210b, 210c displayed on the main performance display section 200a until the performance symbols 210a, 210b, 210c reach the reach state, or more specifically, until the reach development performance starts, among the variable performances of the normal reach variable pattern. These image patterns are designed in advance to match the variable display time of the special symbol associated with the variable mode number, and for example, when "Normal Reach 1" is determined, the images shown in FIG. 53(a) to (d) will be displayed on the main performance display section 200a.

In addition, in FIG. 58(a), "pseudo 2a" and the like in the execution pattern in the first half indicate the display pattern of the main change performance image displayed on the main performance display unit 200a until the reach development performance starts, among the change performances of the pseudo continuous reach change pattern, that is, the execution pattern of the pattern display performance in which the performance patterns 210a, 210b, and 210c are displayed changeably. For example, "pseudo 2a" indicates that the pseudo continuous reach change pattern of "pseudo 2" in which the change display number of the performance patterns 210a, 210b, and 210c is two, and the main change performance image is display pattern a. Also, "pseudo 3b" indicates that the pseudo continuous reach change pattern of "pseudo 3" in which the change display number of the performance patterns 210a, 210b, and 210c is three, and the main change performance image is display pattern b.

In the first half variation presentation decision table and second half variation presentation decision table shown in FIG. 58, the selection ratio is set so that the variation presentation of the no-reach variation pattern and the normal reach variation pattern is executed only when the result of the big role lottery is a miss. Also, the developed reach variation pattern and the pseudo-continuous reach variation pattern are determined both when there is a miss and when there is a jackpot, but the selection ratio of the developed reach variation pattern is set higher when there is a miss and lower when there is a jackpot than the pseudo-continuous reach variation pattern. In this way, by setting the selection ratio when there is a miss and when there is a jackpot, the pseudo-continuous reach variation pattern is set to have a higher reliability than the developed reach variation pattern.

Furthermore, within the pseudo-sequential reach fluctuation pattern, the more the number of pseudos, the higher the selection rate for a big win and the lower the selection rate for a miss, so that the more the number of pseudos, the higher the reliability.

As described above, the general flow of the variable performance is determined by the variable performance determination table, but at the start of the variable performance, the possibility of executing various element performances that make up the variable performance and the execution pattern are further determined based on the variable mode command or the variable pattern command. Here, element performance refers to all performances that make up the variable performance, such as the variable display of performance patterns 210a, 210b, and 210c on the main performance display unit 200a, the development image displayed on the main performance display unit 200a in the reach development performance, and even the performance that moves the performance role device 202, as described above. In the embodiment, preview performances (suggested performances) are executed at various times during the variable performance as element performances that make up the variable performance.

This preview performance is a performance in which a predetermined image is displayed on the main performance display section 200a and the performance role device 202 is moved at a predetermined timing when the fluctuation performance starts, when the fluctuation patterns 210a, 210b, 210c are displayed again in the fluctuation performance of the pseudo continuous reach fluctuation pattern, and even during the reach development performance, and the possibility of execution and the execution pattern are determined for each preview performance. Each preview performance has multiple types of execution patterns, and for each of the multiple types of execution patterns, a selection ratio is set for each fluctuation pattern command or fluctuation mode command, in other words, for each possibility of winning the jackpot, and an expected value is set for each execution pattern based on this selection ratio.

As explained above, when the sub-control board 330 receives a variation command, it determines the execution pattern of the variation performance, whether each element performance is executed, and the execution pattern, and the variation performance is executed while the special pattern is being displayed. In this way, the variation performance is executed once for each special pattern variable display, but in the embodiment, a performance spanning multiple special pattern variable displays is also executed.

Figure 59 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reserved display effect related to a reference example of the effect. A reserved display area 211 is provided at the bottom of the main effect display section 200a. Although not shown in Figures 52 to 57, the reserved display area 211 is always displayed on the main effect display section 200a even during variable performance or while waiting to play. During variable performance, a reserved display effect is performed in this reserved display area 211. In the reserved display effect, the reserved display 212a indicating the reserved item read out to the processing area (0th memory section) during the big role lottery, the first reserved display 212b, the second reserved display 212c, the third reserved display 212d, and the fourth reserved display 212e indicating the reserved items stored in the first memory section to the fourth memory section of the first special chart reserved memory area, respectively, are displayed in the reserved display area 211. In the following, the hold display 212a and the first hold display 212b to fourth hold display 212e will be collectively referred to as hold display 212.

For example, when the special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner and four special 1 reserved symbols are stored in the main RAM 300c, the reserved symbol 212a, the first reserved symbol 212b to the fourth reserved symbol 212e, a total of five reserved symbols 212 are displayed in the reserved display area 211 as shown in FIG. 59(a). Then, when the display of the special symbol is terminated from this state, the special 1 reserved symbol stored in the first memory unit is read into the processing area (the 0th memory unit) and a large role lottery is performed, and the reserved shift processing of the main RAM 300c is executed, the reserved symbol 212a is erased and the first reserved symbol 212b to the fourth reserved symbol 212e are moved one position to the left as shown in FIG. 59(b). Furthermore, when the next special 1 reserved symbol is read from this state, each reserved symbol 212 is further moved as shown in FIG. 59(c). In this way, the hold display effect is an effect that notifies the player of the number of special 1 holds stored in the main RAM 300c.

In addition, multiple display patterns of the reserved display 212 are provided, and the display color is different for each display pattern. In the main control board 300, when a reserved is stored, the acquisition time performance determination process (step S536) is executed, and a look-ahead designation command indicating the variable information to be determined when the newly stored reserved is read out to the 0th storage unit is sent to the sub-control board 330. When the look-ahead designation command is received, the sub-control board 330 determines the display pattern of the reserved display corresponding to the newly stored reserved based on the received command. At this time, the selection ratio of each display pattern is set for each look-ahead designation command, that is, for each variable information to be determined when the newly stored reserved is read out in the big role lottery. In other words, since the selection ratio of each display pattern is set according to the possibility of winning a jackpot and the execution pattern of the variable performance, the display pattern of the reserved display 212 suggests the reliability (expected value) of the jackpot.

Figure 60 (a) is a diagram explaining the final pending display pattern determination table, and Figure 60 (b) is a diagram explaining the previous pending display pattern determination table. As described above, in the acquisition time performance determination process in the main control board 300, a look-ahead designation command indicating the variation mode number and variation pattern number to be determined when the newly stored pending is read out is sent to the sub-control board 330. In other words, the look-ahead designation command is a command that transmits the variation mode number and variation pattern number to be determined when the pending is read out to the sub-control board 330. According to the final pending display pattern determination table, the selection ratio of the display pattern of the pending display 212 is set for each look-ahead designation command (variation pattern number), and when a look-ahead designation command is received, the final display pattern of the pending display 212, i.e., the final display pattern of the pending display 212a, is determined.

According to the final hold display pattern determination table shown in FIG. 60(a), one of eight display patterns is determined: "default (white)", "flashing", "blue", "yellow", "green", "black", "red", and "premium (rainbow)". Then, once the final display pattern of the hold display 212a is determined, the display pattern of the hold display 212 displayed before that is determined by referring to the previous hold display pattern determination table shown in FIG. 60(b). According to this previous hold display pattern determination table, a selection ratio of the display pattern of the hold display 212 to be displayed before the moving display is set for each display pattern of the hold display 212.

For example, when a hold is stored in the second memory section of the first special chart hold memory area in the main control board 300, the final display pattern of the hold display 212a is determined by referring to the final hold display pattern determination table. In this case, the display pattern of the first hold display 212b is then determined by referring to the previous hold display pattern determination table. At this time, the display pattern of the first hold display 212b is determined based on the previously determined final display pattern of the hold display 212a. For example, if the final display pattern of the hold display 212a is "blue," then according to the previous hold display pattern determination table, the display pattern of the first hold display 212b is determined to be "blinking" with a probability of 200/250, and "blue" with a probability of 50/250.

Once the display pattern of the first hold display 212b is determined in this manner, the display pattern of the second hold display 212c is then determined based on the previously determined display pattern of the first hold display 212b, again by referring to the previous hold display pattern determination table.

As described above, when a hold is stored, first the final display pattern of the hold display 212a is determined, and then the display pattern of the first hold display 212b is determined based on the determined final display pattern of the hold display 212a, and so on, in a manner that works backwards in the display order. Note that, according to the previous hold display pattern determination table, the selection ratio is set so that only a display pattern that is the same as the previously determined hold display 212 display pattern or one with a low reliability is determined.

As described above, in the hold display presentation, multiple display patterns are provided for the hold display 212, each of which has a different expected value for the award of a predetermined gaming profit. From the time the hold display 212 is first displayed on the main presentation display section 200a until it is finally erased, the hold display 212 may be displayed in one display pattern, or the display pattern may change during the display period.

In the reference example, the timing when the display pattern of the hold display 212 changes can be broadly divided into when the newly stored special hold 1 (hereinafter also referred to as the target hold) is moved to the first hold display 212b to the third hold display 212d, and when the target change display related to the target hold is in progress.

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

(Sub-CPU Initialization Processing of the Sub-Control Board 330)
FIG. 61 is a flowchart explaining the sub-CPU initialization process (S1000) of the sub-control board 330 relating to the reference example of performance.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Figure 63 is a flowchart explaining the pre-reading designation command reception process for the reference performance example that is executed when a pre-reading designation command is received, part of the command analysis process described above. As described above, the pre-reading designation command is set in the main control board 300 in Figure 28, and then transmitted to the sub-control board 330 by the sub-command transmission process of step S100-65 (see Figure 18).

(Step S1210-1)
The sub-CPU 330a first analyzes the received read-ahead designation command.

(Step S1210-3)
The sub-CPU 330a stores the advance judgment information based on the analysis result of the above step S1210-1. The sub-RAM 330c of the sub-control board 330 is provided with a first advance judgment information storage section corresponding to the first special chart reserved storage area of the main control board 300, and a second advance judgment information storage section corresponding to the second special chart reserved storage area. The first advance judgment information storage section has four storage sections, the first storage section to the fourth storage section. The first storage section to the fourth storage section of the first advance judgment information storage section correspond to the first storage section to the fourth storage section of the first special chart reserved storage area, respectively. Similarly, the second advance judgment information storage section has four storage sections, the first storage section to the fourth storage section, and the first storage section to the fourth storage section of the second advance judgment information storage section correspond to the first storage section to the fourth storage section of the second special chart reserved storage area, respectively. Here, the pre-determination information is stored in the memory section among the first to fourth memory sections of the first special chart reservation memory area or the second special chart reservation memory area of the main control board 300, which corresponds to the memory section in which the newly reserved data is stored.

(Step S1210-5)
The sub-CPU 330a performs a final hold display pattern determination process to determine the final display pattern of the hold display 212. Here, based on the received look-ahead designation command, the final hold display pattern determination table (FIG. 60(a)) is referenced, and the final display pattern of the hold display 212a is determined and stored.

(Step S1210-7)
The sub-CPU 330a derives the number of times to determine the display pattern of the reserved display 212, i.e., the change timing of the reserved display 212, based on the storage unit in which the reserved is stored, and determines the display pattern of the reserved display 212 by referring to the previous reserved display pattern determination table (FIG. 60(b)) for the derived number of times. Then, the display pattern information of the reserved display 212 thus determined is stored in a predetermined storage unit, and the process proceeds to step S1210-9.

(Step S1210-9)
Based on the determinations in steps S1210-5 and S1210-7, the sub-CPU 330a performs a hold display start process to start displaying the hold display 212, and ends the read-ahead designation command reception process. As a result, when the hold is stored, the display of the corresponding hold display 212 is started.

Figure 64 is a flowchart explaining the change command receiving process executed when a change command is received, which is part of the command analysis process for the reference performance example. As described above, the change command is set in the main control board 300 in steps S612-21 and S612-25 of Figure 33, and then transmitted to the sub-control board 330 by the sub-command transmission process of step S100-65 (see Figure 18).

(Step S1220-1)
When a variation command is received, the sub-CPU 330a first analyzes and stores the received variation pattern command.

(Step S1220-3)
The sub-CPU 330a acquires the performance random number (0 to 249) updated in the above step S1000-3, and determines and stores the execution pattern of the variable performance in the latter half based on the acquired performance random number and the analysis result in the above step S1220-1.

(Step S1220-5)
The sub-CPU 330a analyzes and stores the received variation mode command.

(Step S1220-7)
The sub-CPU 330a acquires the performance random number (0 to 249) updated in the above step S1000-3, and determines and stores the execution pattern of the variable performance for the first half based on the acquired performance random number and the analysis result in the above step S1220-5.

(Step S1220-9)
The sub-CPU 330a obtains the performance random number (0 to 249) updated in step S1000-3 for each preview performance, and based on the obtained performance random number and the analysis results in steps S1220-1 and S1220-5, refers to each preview performance decision table to determine whether or not to execute each preview performance and the execution pattern, and stores the same.

(Step S1220-11)
The sub-CPU 330a executes a shift process to shift the pre-determination information stored in the pre-determination information storage unit. Here, when starting a variable performance based on the special 1 reservation, the pre-determination information stored in the fourth storage unit to the second storage unit of the first pre-determination information storage unit is shifted to the third storage unit to the first storage unit of the first pre-determination information storage unit, respectively, and when starting a variable performance based on the special 2 reservation, the pre-determination information stored in the fourth storage unit to the second storage unit of the second pre-determination information storage unit is shifted to the third storage unit to the first storage unit of the second pre-determination information storage unit, respectively.

(Step S1220-13)
The sub-CPU 330a performs a reserved display shift process to move and display the reserved display 212. In addition, when the display pattern of the reserved display 212 is to be changed, execution data for changing the display pattern at a predetermined timing is set.

(Step S1220-15)
The sub-CPU 330a sets the time data of the time table based on the determination of each step above, and ends the variable command receiving process. Based on the time table set here, in the above step S1100-7, the process of displaying the image for the variable performance on the main performance display unit 200a, the sound output process, the lighting control process of the performance lighting device 204, and other performance execution control are performed.

<Example>
Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following, changes from the above-mentioned reference example will be described. In the embodiment described below, unless otherwise specified, it is the same as the above-mentioned reference example, and the same configurations and processes as the above-mentioned reference example are given the same reference symbols as the reference example, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. Therefore, the embodiment includes all of the configurations described in the above-mentioned reference example, except for the changes described below.

Figure 65 is a diagram illustrating a presentation stage according to an embodiment. In the gaming machine 100 according to the embodiment, a variable presentation is executed to suggest and notify the result of the big role lottery, similar to the presentation reference example described above. In the variable presentation, a background image and presentation patterns 210a, 210b, 210c, etc. are displayed on the main presentation display section 200a. The background image displayed on the main presentation display section 200a is provided for each game state. Specifically, in the embodiment, a plurality of presentation modes are provided corresponding to the game state, and the presentation mode corresponding to the game state set on the main control board 300 is set on the sub-control board 330.

For each presentation mode, a background image and background music are set and displayed on the main presentation display unit 200a. During play, the background image and background music corresponding to the presentation mode that has been set are output. In other words, the player can understand the current presentation mode, i.e., the game status, from the background image and background music.

For example, the presentation mode corresponding to the normal game state (low probability game state and non-time-saving game state) has four presentation stages. These four presentation stages have different background images and BGM, and the presentation stage is switched when a predetermined stage change condition is met during the normal game state. Note that the stage change condition may be, for example, that a variable presentation has been executed a predetermined number of times, that a lottery that determines whether or not the presentation stage will be changed has been won, or that a variable presentation involving a change in the presentation stage has been executed.

Here, the four presentation stages set during normal gameplay are referred to as the first presentation stage, second presentation stage, third presentation stage, and fourth presentation stage. Also, FIG. 65 shows background images corresponding to these four presentation stages, with the first background image shown in FIG. 65(a) being displayed during the first presentation stage, the second background image shown in FIG. 65(b) being displayed during the second presentation stage, the third background image shown in FIG. 65(c) being displayed during the third presentation stage, and the fourth background image shown in FIG. 65(d) being displayed during the fourth presentation stage.

In this way, by setting different presentation stages during normal gameplay, boredom is suppressed. Then, when the stage change conditions are met and the presentation stage is changed, a stage change presentation is executed. The stage change presentation is a presentation in which the background image displayed before the presentation stage change gradually changes to a background image corresponding to the presentation stage after the change.

Figure 66 is a diagram illustrating an example of a stage change performance according to an embodiment. For example, assume that a stage change performance in which the first performance stage is switched to the fourth performance stage is executed immediately after the start of the variable performance. In this case, as shown in Figure 66(a), when the stage change performance starts, a first background image for the first performance stage is displayed. Then, as shown by the black arrow in Figure 66(b), the first background image gradually slides to the right of the main performance display section 200a and frames out. At the same time, an effect image (switching suggestion image) shown by cross-hatching in the figure frames in from the left side of the main performance display section 200a and gradually slides to the right, expanding the display area.

After that, as shown in FIG. 66(c), the entire main performance display unit 200a is covered with the effect image. The effect image is the same size as the main performance display unit 200a, and continues to slide to the right at the same speed even when the entire main performance display unit 200a is covered. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 66(d), immediately after the effect image is displayed on the entire main performance display unit 200a, it gradually frames out from the right side of the main performance display unit 200a. At the same time, a fourth background image for the fourth performance stage frames in from the left side of the main performance display unit 200a and gradually slides to the right, expanding the display area.

Although not shown in the figure, when the fourth background image is displayed across the entire main performance display section 200a, the stage name given to the fourth performance stage is displayed on the main performance display section 200a for a predetermined period of time, and when the stage name is erased, the stage change performance ends.

In this way, in a stage change performance, the background image and effect image gradually change their display positions. Here, 30 frames of images are displayed on the main performance display unit 200a per second, but the display positions of the background image and effect image change every frame. The display of such background images is realized by image processing that captures the background image displayed on the main performance display unit 200a one frame before, and processes the captured background image by shifting it to the right by a specified coordinate amount to generate a new background image.

Note that, although the effect image is set to be the same size as the main performance display section 200a here, the effect image may be larger than the main performance display section 200a. Also, the display time of the effect image may be varied depending on the type of stage change performance to suggest the degree of expectation as to which stage will be changed. Image processing related to the stage change performance is explained below.

Figure 67 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an image frame configuration according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 67 (a), one frame is formed by overlapping multiple images. The maximum number of images that can be overlapped in one frame is, for example, eight, but here, a case where three images are overlapped is described. In this example, as shown in Figure 67 (a), one frame is formed by overlapping images 222-1, 222-2, and 222-3.

Image 222-1 is a background image, image 222-2 is an image showing effect patterns 210a, 210b, 210c, and image 222-3 is an image showing the hold display 212. In this way, each image is classified into one of multiple image types, such as background image, effect pattern image (effect patterns 210a, 210b, 210c), and hold image (hold display 212), and a priority is set in advance for each image type. Here, the priority of the background image is the lowest, the priority of the effect pattern image is higher than the priority of the background image, and the priority of the hold image is higher than the priority of the effect pattern image.

In the following, the priority of each image or each image type is indicated as a priority value Pr(N) (N is an integer between 1 and 8). Here, the larger the priority value Pr, N, the higher the priority, i.e., the display priority of the image. In one frame, images with higher priority are placed at the top, i.e., toward the front.

Therefore, in this example, image 222-2 is overlaid on image 222-1, and image 222-3 is overlaid on image 222-2. Also, in one frame, images with lower priority are placed first, and images with higher priority are overlaid later on top.

In the following, the area in frame buffer 354 where an image is placed is referred to as a layer. Here, eight layers are provided, from the first layer to the eighth layer, and images are stacked by placing images on each layer. The value of n in the nth layer (n is an integer from 1 to 8) corresponds to the priority value Pr(N), and for example, an image with a priority value of Pr=3 is placed on the third layer. Therefore, for each image type, it is preset as to which layer of frame buffer 354 the image will be placed on.

Figure 67 (b) shows a composite image in which images 222-1, 222-2, and 222-3 are superimposed. Image 222-3, which is placed in the topmost (front) layer of the composite image, can be seen in its entirety when displayed on the main performance display unit 200a. On the other hand, the further down (back) an image is placed, the more partially or entirely it cannot be seen due to the image superimposed above (front). However, depending on the transparency set for the image superimposed on top, it may be possible to see the image placed below.

Figure 68 is a block diagram of a gaming machine 100 according to an embodiment. Note that in Figure 68, only the sub-control board 330 and the display control unit 350 described later are shown, but in the gaming machine 100 according to the embodiment, the main control board 300 and devices for presentation are connected to the sub-control board 330, similar to the above reference example.

The sub-control board 330 according to the embodiment includes a sub-CPU 330a, a sub-ROM 330b, a sub-RAM 330c, an acting section 340, and a display control section 350, and is connected to the main control board 300 so that it can communicate in one direction from the main control board 300 to the sub-control board 330. The sub-CPU 330a reads out a program stored in the sub-ROM 330b and performs calculation processing based on commands sent from the main control board 300 and input signals from a timer, and also controls the execution of the performance. At this time, the sub-RAM 330c functions as a work area for data during the calculation processing of the sub-CPU 330a. The sub-CPU 330a also determines the performance to be executed and sends a command indicating the determined performance to the acting section 340.

The acting unit 340 manages the time of the performances to be executed by the performance display device 200, the performance prop device 202, the performance lighting device 204, and the audio output device 206 based on commands sent from the sub-CPU 330a. For example, the acting unit 340 sends a message indicating the start of performance execution to the display control unit 350. The acting unit 340 manages the timing of sending each message, thereby managing the time of the performances to be displayed on the main performance display unit 200a.

The display control unit 350 controls the display of an image on the main performance display unit 200a based on a message sent from the acting unit 340. That is, the acting unit 340 sends a message based on the performance that has been decided to be executed, and the display control unit 350 receives the message sent from the acting unit 340, generates an image based on the received message, and displays it on the main performance display unit 200a.

The display control unit 350 includes a display control CPU 350a, an image ROM 350b, an image RAM 350c, a VDP (Video Display Processor) 350d, and a VRAM (Video RAM) 352. The VRAM 352 includes a frame buffer 354 and a capture area 356 as storage areas.

The display control CPU 350a performs display control to display an image for a performance corresponding to the received message on the main performance display unit 200a. The image RAM 350c functions as a work area for data during processing by the display control CPU 350a. The image ROM 350b stores a large amount of image data for images to be displayed on the main performance display unit 200a.

The display control CPU 350a outputs detailed control signals to the VDP 350d according to the content of the performance. Based on the control signals received from the display control CPU 350a, the VDP 350d reads the image data required for drawing from the image ROM 350b and stores it in the VRAM 352.

The VDP 350d loads image data on the VRAM 352 into the frame buffer 354 for each frame. A priority is set for the image data, and in the frame buffer 354, multiple image data are arranged in each layer according to the priority. In the frame buffer 354, the image of the image data with a lower priority is arranged at the bottom (rear) side in the stacking direction, and as the priority increases, the image is superimposed so that it is arranged at the top (front) side in the stacking direction. In other words, the frame buffer 354 functions as a work area for generating image data (composite image data) that shows an image of one frame. Note that, hereinafter, the image data generated in the frame buffer 354 is also referred to as a frame image.

The VDP 350d drives the performance display device 200 based on the image data (composite image data) expanded in the frame buffer 354. As a result, an image of the image data (composite image data) expanded in the frame buffer 354 is displayed on the main performance display unit 200a for each frame.

The capture area 356 has four areas: a first capture area 356a, a second capture area 356b, a third capture area 356c, and a fourth capture area 356d. Each of the capture areas 356 is an area for temporarily storing image data (intermediate image data) of an intermediate image (an image before it is completed as a frame image) in the process of creating a frame image.

Specifically, image data that is expanded in one of the layers of the frame buffer 354 is captured, i.e., stored, in the capture area 356. The priority of the image data captured in the capture area 356 differs depending on the content of the performance, and the capture area 356 into which the image data is captured is set in advance for each content of the performance.

Figure 69 is a first diagram explaining a method for generating a frame image of a stage change performance according to an embodiment, and Figure 70 is a second diagram explaining a method for generating a frame image of a stage change performance according to an embodiment. As described above, the stage change performance is executed during the variable performance, so the performance patterns 210a, 210b, 210c and the hold display 212 are displayed even during the stage change performance.

Therefore, for example, the frame image immediately before the start of the stage change performance, that is, the frame image one frame before the start of the stage change performance, is a superimposition of images 222-1, 222-3, and 222-4, as shown in the upper part of Figure 69. As described above, in the stage change performance, the background image and the effect image are displayed in a sliding manner. The priority value of the background image is Pr1, and the priority value of the effect image is Pr2. Before the start of the stage change performance, the effect image is not displayed, so no image data is arranged on the second layer.

When the stage change performance starts, as shown in the lower part of Figure 69, the background image slides to the right and frames out of the main performance display section 200a, while the effect image frames in the main performance display section 200a. At this time, for images 222-1 and 222-2, intermediate images processed in the capture area 356 are used, rather than image data previously stored in the image ROM 350b.

For example, when a stage change performance starts, the VDP 350d executes a capture process in which it captures, i.e., transfers, the first background image stored in the image ROM 350b to a specified capture area 356 (first capture area 356a in this example) and generates an intermediate image by shifting the coordinate position of the first background image. The VDP 350d then loads the generated intermediate image onto the first layer of the frame buffer 354.

Although not shown in the figure, VDP 350d executes a capture process in which it captures the effect image in a specified capture area 356 (second capture area 356b in this case) and generates an intermediate image by shifting the coordinate position of the effect image. VDP 350d then deploys the generated intermediate image in the second layer of frame buffer 354. As a result, the first background image and the effect image are displayed in the frame image in which images 222-1 to 222-4 are superimposed, as shown in the lower part of Figure 69.

Also, as shown in FIG. 70, the VDP 350d repeats the capture process of processing the intermediate image generated one frame earlier in the first capture area 356a for each frame until the first background image completely frames out. Similarly, the VDP 350d repeats the capture process of processing the intermediate image generated one frame earlier in the second capture area 356b for each frame until the effect image completely frames out.

When the first background image completely frames out, the capture process of the first background image in the first capture area 356a ends, but in the stage change performance, the fourth background image must then be framed in and gradually slid in. Therefore, from the frame following the frame in which the effect image is displayed over the entire range of the main performance display section 200a onwards, the same capture process as described above is performed for the fourth background image. At this time, the capture area 356 in which the capture process of the fourth background image is performed may be the same as or different from the capture area 356 in which the capture process of the first background image was performed.

As described above, the capture process executed by VDP 350d is performed based on messages received from acting section 340. Here, as described above, the management of the performance is the responsibility of acting section 340, but if acting section 340 were to manage the above capture process, a large number of messages would have to be prepared, which could complicate the design work.

Figure 71 is a diagram explaining a message for stage change performance in the embodiment. Figure 71 (a) shows an example of a message for stage change performance in the comparative example. In the comparative example, the act section 340 manages the capture process. Here, an 8-byte message is provided as a start command message for the stage change performance.

In addition, as the start command messages for stage change performance, as shown in the performance content column in the figure, there are a message commanding a change from the first performance stage to the second performance stage, a message commanding a change from the second performance stage to the third performance stage, a message commanding a change from the third performance stage to the fourth performance stage, a message commanding a change from the fourth performance stage to the first performance stage, and a message commanding a change from the first performance stage to the fourth performance stage.

When the stage change performance begins, the acting section 340 sends one of the start command messages to the display control section 350. When the display control section 350 receives the start command message, the VDP 350d generates and plays a video corresponding to the received start command message, and enables the capture area 356 to perform the capture process.

When it is time to end the capture process, the act section 340 sends a capture end command message to the display control section 350. When the display control section 350 receives the capture end command message, the VDP 350d clears (initializes) the capture area 356 that corresponds to the received capture end command message, and releases the capture area 356 that was being used.

As such, in the comparative example, for a performance that requires capture processing, both a capture start command and an end command are required, which increases the number of commands and complicates the design work. Therefore, in the embodiment, the management of the capture processing is handled by the display control unit 350, not the act unit 340.

Figure 71 (b) shows an example of a message for stage change production in the embodiment. In the embodiment, a start command message similar to that in the comparative example described above is provided, but a capture end command message is not provided. In the embodiment, when the display control unit 350 receives the start command message, the VDP 350d plays a video corresponding to the received start command message. Also, a capture timer is set in the display control unit 350, and the execution time of the capture process is measured. Then, the VDP 350d starts the capture process based on the timer value of the capture timer, and when the execution time has elapsed, it clears the capture area 356, i.e., opens and disables the capture area 356.

Figure 71 (c) shows the command information specified in the start command message. In each start command message, the target capture area, capture priority, capture start time, and capture execution time are specified as command information. The target capture area is information indicating which capture area 356 is to be used, that is, the target capture area 356 for executing the capture process.

The capture priority is information indicating the priority, or in other words, the layer, when the intermediate image processed and generated in the capture process is loaded into the frame buffer 354. The capture start time is information indicating how many seconds after the message is received that the capture will start. The capture execution time is information indicating the time to execute the capture process, or in other words, the time from the start to the end of the capture process.

For example, when the message shown in FIG. 71(c) is received, capture processing is started in the first capture area 356a upon receipt of the message, and the generated intermediate image is displayed on the first layer of the frame buffer 354. This capture processing continues for two seconds thereafter.

As described above, messages for stage change effects include capture enable messages that specify commands to enable capture. Note that while capture enable messages have been described here, messages for each effect also include messages that do not use capture area 356. The following describes the control process related to capture enable messages in act section 340 and display control section 350.

Figure 72 is a flowchart explaining the sub timer interrupt processing in the sub control board 330 according to the embodiment. The sub timer interrupt processing according to the embodiment is executed in place of the sub timer interrupt processing according to the above-mentioned reference example.

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

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

(Step S1100-5)
The sub-CPU 330 a performs update processing of various timer counters used in the sub-control board 330 .

(Step S1100-7)
The sub-CPU 330a analyzes the command stored in the receive buffer of the sub-RAM 330c, and performs various processes according to the received command. When a command is transmitted from the main control board 300, the sub-control board 330 performs a command reception interrupt process, and the command transmitted from the main control board 300 is stored in the receive buffer. Here, the command stored in the receive buffer is analyzed by the command reception interrupt process.

(Step S1100-9)
The sub-CPU 330a performs a performance determination process that determines the performance to be executed based on the analysis result of step S1100-7, and transmits a command related to the determined performance to the acting section 340.

(Step S1100-11)
The sub-CPU 330a restores the registers and ends the sub-timer interrupt process.

Figure 73 is a flowchart explaining the act section main processing in the act section 340 in the embodiment.

(Step S1300-1)
The acting section 340 performs a process of analyzing the received command.

(Step S1300-3)
The act section 340 counts the elapsed time of the variable performance based on the analysis result of the command, and performs a time schedule management process of executing the process corresponding to the corresponding time stored in the time table by referring to the time table set for each variable performance, and then ends the main process of the act section. Here, the execution of each performance including the variable performance is controlled by turning on and off various flags and sending messages to the display control section 350 and each performance device based on the time data set in the time table.

Figure 74 is a flowchart explaining the display control main process in the display control unit 350 according to the embodiment. Note that this display control main process is repeatedly executed at frame update intervals.

(Step S1400-1)
The display control CPU 350a judges whether or not a message has been received from the acting section 340. As a result, if it is judged that a message has been received, the process proceeds to step S1400-3, and if it is judged that a message has not been received, the process proceeds to step S1420.

(Step S1400-3)
The display control CPU 350a analyzes the received message.

(Step S1400-5)
The display control CPU 350a judges whether the received message is a capture enable message in which a command to enable capture is specified. If it is judged that the received message is a capture enable message, the process proceeds to step S1410, and if it is judged that the received message is not a capture enable message, the process proceeds to step S1420.

(Step S1410)
The display control CPU 350a executes a capture timer setting process.

Figure 75 is a flowchart explaining the capture timer setting process (S1410) according to the embodiment.

(Step S1410-1)
The display control CPU 350a stores the capture priority (priority value Pr(N)) corresponding to the received message in a predetermined storage area. There are four storage areas, a first storage area to a fourth storage area, in which the capture priorities are stored. The first storage area to the fourth storage area correspond to the first capture area 356a, the second capture area 356b, the third capture area 356c, and the fourth capture area 356d, respectively. Here, the capture priority is stored in the storage area with the same number as the target capture area specified in the received message.

(Step S1410-3)
The display control CPU 350a adds "1" to the timer value corresponding to the total time obtained by adding up the capture start time and capture execution time corresponding to the received message, and sets the result to an end timer provided as a capture timer. Note that "1" added to the timer value is a correction value, but this correction value is not essential.

(Step S1410-5)
The display control CPU 350a sets a timer value corresponding to the capture start time corresponding to the received message in a start timer provided as a capture timer, and ends the capture timer setting process.

Note that a capture timer (start timer and end timer) is provided for each memory area in which the capture priority is stored in step S1410-1 above. Then, in steps S1410-3 and S1410-5 above, a timer value is set in the capture timer corresponding to the memory area in which the capture priority is stored in step S1410-1 above.

(Step S1420)
Returning to FIG. 74, the display control CPU 350a executes a capture timer monitoring process.

Figure 76 is a flowchart explaining the capture timer monitoring process (S1420) according to the embodiment. Note that the processes of steps S1420-1 to S1420-15 shown in Figure 76 are executed for each capture area 356. More specifically, the processes of steps S1420-1 to S1420-15 are executed in the order of the first capture area 356a, the second capture area 356b, the third capture area 356c, and the fourth capture area 356d. In the capture timer monitoring process, the capture area 356 and the capture timer to be processed are specified before the start of the process of step S1420-1.

(Step S1420-1)
The display control CPU 350a judges whether the timer value of the start timer to be processed is greater than 0. As a result, if it is judged that the timer value is greater than 0, the process proceeds to step S1420-3, and if it is judged that the timer value is not greater than 0, the process proceeds to step S1420-9.

(Step S1420-3)
The display control CPU 350a decrements the start timer.

(Step S1420-5)
The display control CPU 350a judges whether the timer value updated in step S1420-3 is 0. If it is judged that the timer value is 0, the process proceeds to step S1420-7, and if it is judged that the timer value is not 0, the process proceeds to step S1420-9.

(Step S1420-7)
The VDP 350d executes capture processing in the capture area 356 to be processed.

(Step S1420-9)
The display control CPU 350a judges whether the timer value of the end timer to be processed is greater than 0. As a result, if it is judged that the timer value is greater than 0, the process proceeds to step S1420-11, and if it is judged that the timer value is not greater than 0, the process proceeds to step S1420-17.

(Step S1420-11)
The display control CPU 350a decrements the end timer.

(Step S1420-13)
The display control CPU 350a judges whether the timer value updated in the above step S1420-11 is 0. As a result, if it is judged that the timer value is 0, the process proceeds to step S1420-15, and if it is judged that the timer value is not 0, the process proceeds to step S1420-17.

(Step S1420-15)
The VDP 350d clears the capture area 356 to be processed.

(Step S1420-17)
The display control CPU 350a judges whether the processing has been completed for all the capture areas 356. If it is judged that the processing has been completed for all the capture areas 356, the display control CPU 350a ends the capture timer monitoring processing, and if it is judged that the processing has not been completed for all the capture areas 356, the display control CPU 350a updates the processing target and returns the processing to step S1420-1.

Returning to FIG. 74, the VDP 350d expands image data relating to the intermediate image generated in the capture area 356, or image data read from the image ROM 350b, into the frame buffer 354, and executes an image generation process that displays an image on the main performance display unit 200a based on the image data in the frame buffer 354, and then ends the display control main process.

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

In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which the display control unit 350 executes the display control main process based on a message received from the acting unit 340. However, the control unit from which the display control unit 350 receives the message is not limited to this. In any case, a higher-level control unit is provided that transmits a message based on the performance that has been decided to be executed, and the display control unit 350 receives the message transmitted from the higher-level control unit, generates an image based on the received message, and displays it on the image display unit. Therefore, the higher-level control unit may be, for example, the main control board 300.

The capture process according to the above embodiment is merely an example. In the above embodiment, a case where four capture areas 356 are provided is described, but the number of capture areas 356 may be one or more, and is not particularly limited.

The above embodiment also describes a case where information indicating the start time and execution time of the capture is added to the message received by the display control unit 350. That is, in the embodiment, the timer value of the capture timer is set and the execution time is measured based on the received message. However, if either or both of the start time and execution time of the capture are uniform regardless of the content of the performance, the information indicating the start time or execution time of the capture in the message is not required.

In the above embodiment, the effect image is captured in the second capture area 356b, and an intermediate image is generated by shifting and processing the coordinate position of the effect image. In other words, in the embodiment, in the stage change performance, the background image before the transition, the background image after the transition, and the effect image are displayed by the intermediate image generated by capture. However, for example, video data in which the effect image slides over time may be prepared in advance, and this video data may be played during the stage change performance.

In the embodiment, the above capture-related processing has been described as being applied to a stage change presentation. However, the presentation to which the above capture-related processing is applied is not limited to this. For example, it may be applied to a reach development presentation in which presentation patterns 210a, 210b, 210c or other images are displayed in a flickering manner, or to a so-called freeze presentation in which various images such as reserved images are temporarily suspended.

In the above embodiment, the present invention is described as being applied to a pinball game machine (pachinko machine), but the present invention can also be applied to a reel game machine (slot machine).

The acting unit 340 in the embodiment corresponds to the upper control unit of the present invention, and the capture valid message in the embodiment corresponds to the control information of the present invention.
Moreover, the VDP 350d that executes the process of step S1420-7 in the embodiment corresponds to the capture execution unit of the present invention.
Moreover, the display control CPU 350a that executes the processes of steps S1410-3, S1410-5, S1420-3, and S1420-11 in the embodiment corresponds to the clock unit of the present invention.
Moreover, the VDP 350d that executes the process of step S1407 in the embodiment corresponds to the image generating unit of the present invention.
Moreover, the VDP 350d that executes the process of step S1420-15 in the embodiment corresponds to the clearing unit of the present invention.

100 Gaming machine 200a Main performance display unit (image display unit)
340 Act section (host control section)
350 Display control unit 356 Capture area

Claims (2)

A host control unit that transmits control information based on the performance that has been determined to be executed;
a display control unit that receives the control information transmitted from the upper level control unit, generates an image based on the received control information, and displays the image on an image display unit;
The display control unit is
a capture execution unit that captures image data in a capture area based on reception of predetermined control information;
A timing unit that times an execution time of the capture;
an image generating unit that generates the image using the image data captured in the capture area;
a clearing unit that clears the capture area when the execution time has elapsed;
A gaming machine characterized by functioning as follows. The timekeeping unit measures the execution time based on the received predetermined control information.
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1.

Images