JP7664449B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines such as pachinko machines, arrange ball machines, mahjong ball gaming machines, and slot machines, and more specifically to gaming machines that can increase the interest of players by determining a fluctuation pattern using an appropriate fluctuation pattern selection table for each game state.

As a conventional gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, for example, a gaming machine as described in Patent Document 1 is known. The gameplay of this gaming machine is whether or not it transitions from a normal gaming state (low probability non-time-saving state) to a RUSH state (the best gaming state among gaming states such as a time-saving probability state or a small win rush state) by generating a jackpot.

JP 2020-92799 A

However, the problem with the gaming machines described above is that they do not use an appropriate variation pattern selection table to determine the variation pattern for each game state. As a result, conventional gaming machines have the problem that they may reduce the interest of players.

In view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide a gaming machine that can increase the player's interest by determining a variation pattern using an appropriate variation pattern selection table for each game state.

The above object of the present invention is achieved by the following means. Note that the parentheses indicate reference symbols of the embodiments described below, but the present invention is not limited to these.

According to the gaming machine of the invention of claim 1, the gaming states include a normal gaming state (e.g., the normal gaming state (low-probability non-time-shortening gaming state) YG30 shown in FIG. 6), an advantageous state which is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state (e.g., the challenge time gaming state (low-probability time-shortening gaming state) YG36 shown in FIG. 6), and a special gaming state which is more advantageous to the player than the advantageous state (e.g., the RUSH gaming state (low-probability time-shortening gaming state) YG32 shown in FIG. 6),
A first starting hole into which a game ball can enter (for example, the special symbol 1 starting hole 44 shown in FIG. 2 );
A second starting hole into which the game ball can enter (for example, the special symbol 2 starting hole 45 shown in FIG. 2 );
A lottery process execution means (for example, a main control CPU 600a shown in FIG. 3) that executes a lottery process resulting from the entry of a game ball into the first start hole or the second start hole;
A bonus game execution means (for example, a main control CPU 600a shown in FIG. 3) that executes a bonus game advantageous to a player according to a lottery result when the lottery process execution means is executed;
Identification information that starts a variable display in response to a lottery result when the lottery process is executed;
A plurality of fluctuation pattern selection tables (such as an individual fluctuation pattern selection table NOR_TBL1a shown in FIG. 11(b) and a common fluctuation pattern selection table NOR_TBL1b shown in FIG. 11(b)) used when selecting a fluctuation time of the fluctuation pattern of the fluctuation display of the identification information;
A sub-control means (for example, a sub-control CPU 800a shown in FIG. 3) that controls various performance operations;
A RAM (for example, the main control RAM 600c shown in FIG. 3) for storing predetermined information;
A RAM clearing means (e.g., a RAM clearing switch 620 shown in FIG. 3) capable of clearing the RAM (e.g., a main control RAM 600c shown in FIG. 3) when the power is turned on;
A performance change pattern selection means (for example, the sub-control CPU 800a shown in FIG. 3, the first performance change pattern selection table ENOR_TBL1 shown in FIG. 12, and the second performance change pattern selection table ENOR_TBL2 shown in FIG. 13) for selecting a performance change pattern according to the change time ;
A transition from the normal gaming state to the advantageous state or the special gaming state via the bonus gaming state is possible ;
The special game state is easier to transition to when the lottery result of the lottery process in the advantageous state indicates that a bonus game will be executed than when the lottery result of the lottery process in the normal game state indicates that a bonus game will be executed (for example, from the jackpot game state Y34 shown in FIG. 6 to the RUSH game state (low-probability time-saving game state) YG32 with seven time-savings, it is 1%, and from the challenge time game state (low-probability time-saving game state) YG36 shown in FIG. 6 to the RUSH game state (low-probability time-saving game state) YG32, it is 1% when a jackpot or small jackpot is won (see the special pattern jackpot pattern determination value table SDHZ_TBLB shown in FIG. 27(d)).
The advantageous state and the special game state are game states in which it is easier to win a normal electric device having the second starting hole (for example, the opening and closing member 45b shown in FIG. 2 and the normal electric device solenoid 45c shown in FIG. 3) than in the normal game state.
The fluctuation pattern selection table is referenced by a fluctuation pattern selection table designation code (see , for example, table TBLA shown in FIG. 11(a)) set corresponding to each game state, and the fluctuation time of the fluctuation pattern is determined using the fluctuation pattern selection table.
The sub-control means
In the first normal gaming state after the RAM (e.g., the main control RAM 600c shown in FIG. 3) is cleared by the RAM clearing means (e.g., the RAM clear switch 620 shown in FIG. 3), a presentation change pattern corresponding to the first normal gaming state is selected by the presentation change pattern selection means (e.g., the sub-control CPU 800a shown in FIG. 3, the first presentation change pattern selection table ENOR_TBL1 shown in FIG. 12) according to the change time of the determined change pattern,
In the second normal game state to which the game is transitioned after the advantageous state ends, the presentation change pattern selection means (e.g., the sub-control CPU 800a shown in FIG. 3, the second presentation change pattern selection table ENOR_TBL2 shown in FIG. 13) selects a presentation change pattern corresponding to the second normal game state in accordance with the change time of the determined change pattern .

According to the present invention, the player's interest can be increased by determining the fluctuation pattern using an appropriate fluctuation pattern selection table for each game state.

1 is an oblique view showing the appearance of an amusement machine according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board according to the embodiment. 2 is a block diagram showing a control device of the gaming machine according to the embodiment. FIG. (a) is an explanatory diagram explaining the transition of game states when transitioning to a RUSH game state in a type 1/type 2 gaming machine, and (b) is an explanatory diagram explaining the transition of game states when transitioning to a RUSH game state in a V-ST type gaming machine. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a transition of the gaming state different from that in FIG. 4(b) when moving to a RUSH gaming state in a V-ST type gaming machine. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a transition of a gaming state, different from that in FIG. 4( a ), when a game moves to a RUSH gaming state in a type 1/type 2 gaming machine. (a) shows a table in which a variation pattern selection table to be referenced depending on the game status is stored, and (b) shows the first variation pattern selection table selected in the normal game status (when the RAM is cleared) in a V-ST type gaming machine. (a) shows a second variation pattern selection table selected in a normal game state (after the end of time-saving game play) in a V-ST type gaming machine, and (b) shows a third variation pattern selection table selected at the time of final variation of time-saving game play or RUSH game state in a V-ST type gaming machine. This figure shows the first variation pattern selection table selected in the normal gaming state (when the RAM is cleared) in a type 1/type 2 gaming machine. FIG. 1A shows a second variation pattern selection table selected in a normal game state (after the end of time-saving game play) in a type 1/2 gaming machine, and FIG. 1B shows a third variation pattern selection table selected at the final variation of a time-saving game state or a RUSH game state in a type 1/2 gaming machine. (a) shows a table different from Figure 7 (a) in which a variation pattern selection table to be referenced depending on the game status is stored, and (b) shows the first variation pattern selection table selected in the table shown in (a). A figure showing the first presentation change pattern selection table selected in the normal game state (when the RAM is cleared). A figure showing a second presentation change pattern selection table selected in the normal game state (after the time-saving game ends). FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a main process of a main control according to the embodiment. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the continuation of the main process of the main control shown in FIG. 14 . FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the setting switching process shown in FIG. 14 . FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a power supply abnormality check process. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a timer interrupt process of main control according to the embodiment. A flowchart explaining the normal pattern processing shown in Figure 18. FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating the special symbol processing shown in FIG. 18. 21 is a flowchart illustrating the start port check process 1 (2) shown in FIG. 20. A flowchart explaining the special pattern change start processing shown in Figure 20. FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating the hit determination process shown in FIG. 22. A flowchart explaining the special electric support determination process shown in Figure 22. A flowchart explaining the processing during the special pattern change shown in Figure 20. FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating the processing during the special pattern confirmation time shown in FIG. 20. In the case of a type 1/2 gaming machine, (a) shows a normal pattern win determination value table used when executing a lottery for determining whether a normal pattern is a winner, (b) shows a special pattern jackpot determination value table used when executing a lottery for determining whether a special pattern is a winner, (c) shows a special pattern jackpot pattern determination value table used when special pattern 1 is a winner, (d) shows a special pattern jackpot pattern determination value table used when special pattern 2 is a winner, (e) shows a special pattern small win determination value table used when executing a lottery for determining whether a special pattern is a winner, (f) shows a special pattern small win pattern determination value table used when special pattern 2 is a winner, (g) shows a special electric support pattern win determination value table used when executing a lottery for determining whether a special pattern is a winner, and (h) shows a special electric support pattern win determination value table used when a special electric support pattern is a winner. In the case of a V-ST type gaming machine, (a) shows a normal pattern hit determination value table used when executing a lottery for determining whether a normal pattern is a hit or a loss, (b) shows a special pattern jackpot determination value table used when executing a lottery for determining whether a special pattern is a hit or a loss, (c) shows a special pattern jackpot pattern determination value table used when special pattern 1 is a hit, (d) shows a special pattern jackpot pattern determination value table used when special pattern 2 is a hit, (e) shows a special electric support pattern hit determination value table used when executing a lottery for determining whether a special pattern is a hit or a loss, and (f) shows a special electric support pattern hit determination value table used when a special electric support pattern is a hit. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating processing during special pattern fluctuation according to another embodiment.

Below, one embodiment of the gaming machine according to the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings, using a pachinko gaming machine as an example. Note that in the following description, when directions such as up, down, left and right are indicated, they refer to up, down, left and right when viewed from the front of the illustration.

<Explanation of the external appearance of the pachinko machine>
First, the external configuration of the pachinko gaming machine according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

<Explanation of the external appearance of the front of the pachinko machine>

As shown in Figure 1, the pachinko machine 1 is configured with a rectangular front frame 3 attached to the front of a wooden outer frame 2 so that it can be opened and closed, and a game board 4 mounted inside a game board storage frame (not shown) attached to the underside of the front frame 3. The game board 4 is mounted with the game area 40 shown in Figure 2 facing the front, and a glass door frame 5 supporting transparent glass is provided in front of this game area 40 as shown in Figure 1. The game area 40 is an area surrounded by a ball guide rail 6 (see Figure 2) arranged on the surface of the game board 4.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko game machine 1 has a front operation panel 7 disposed below the glass door frame 5, an upper tray unit 8 disposed on the front operation panel 7, and an upper tray 9 for storing ejected game balls formed integrally with the upper tray unit 8. The front operation panel 7 also has a ball loan button 11 and a prepaid card ejection button 12 (card return button 12). The upper tray surface of the upper tray 9 is provided with a push-button type performance button device 13 that can be pressed by the player to change the performance effect when a built-in lamp (not shown) is lit. The upper tray 9 also has a ball ejection button 14 for ejecting the game balls stored in the upper tray 9 downward, and a setting button 15 consisting of an approximately cross key. The setting buttons 15 can be operated by the player and are made up of a circular decision key 15a located in the center, a triangular up key 15b located above the decision key 15a in the figure, a triangular left key 15c located to the left of the decision key 15a in the figure, a triangular right key 15d located to the right of the decision key 15a in the figure, and a triangular down key 15e located below the decision key 15a in the figure.

As shown in FIG. 1, a launch handle 16 for operating the launch unit is provided on the right end of the front operation panel 7, and speakers 17 for emitting background music or sound effects are provided on both upper side surfaces of the front frame 3 and near the launch handle 16. In addition, decorative lamps such as LED lamps that create a dramatic effect through light decoration are arranged around the perimeter of the front frame 3.

<Explanation of the appearance of the game board>
On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 2, a liquid crystal display device 41 consisting of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like is arranged in the approximate center of the play area 40 of the game board 4. The liquid crystal display device 41 divides the display area into three areas, left, center, and right, and can independently display numbers, characters, letters (character conversations, lyrics subtitles, etc.) or special patterns. Around the liquid crystal display device 41, decorative top decoration 42a, left decoration 42b, and right decoration 42c are provided, and movable role device 43 is arranged on the back side of the top decoration 42a, left decoration 42b, and right decoration 42c.

As shown in FIG. 2, the movable part device 43 is composed of an upper movable part 43a, a left movable part 43b, a right movable part 43c, and an upper left movable part 43d, which perform predetermined performance operations as the game progresses, and a motor (not shown) such as a two-phase stepping motor that drives each of the upper, left, right, and upper left movable parts 43a to 43d. In addition, decorative lamps such as LED lamps that create performance effects through light decoration are arranged on these upper, left, right, and upper left movable parts 43a to 43d.

Directly below the liquid crystal display device 41, the special symbol 1 start hole 44 is located, and inside it is a special symbol 1 start hole switch 44a (see FIG. 3) that detects winning balls. The number of valid winning balls detected by this special symbol 1 start hole switch 44a (see FIG. 3), that is, the number of first start reserved balls, is displayed as a predetermined number (for example, 4) on the liquid crystal display device 41. When a game ball enters the special symbol 1 start hole 44 and is detected by the special symbol 1 start hole switch 44a (see FIG. 3), this number of first start reserved balls is incremented by 1 (+1), and when the display of special symbols such as numbers, characters, or patterns (decorative patterns) begins to change, it is decremented by 1 (-1).

On the other hand, the special symbol 2 start hole 45 is located on the lower right side of the liquid crystal display device 41, and inside it is a special symbol 2 start hole switch 45a (see FIG. 3) that detects winning balls. The number of valid winning balls detected by this special symbol 2 start hole switch 45a (see FIG. 3), that is, the number of second start reserved balls, is displayed as a predetermined number (for example, 4) on the liquid crystal display device 41. When a game ball enters the special symbol 2 start hole 45 and is detected by the special symbol 2 start hole switch 45a (see FIG. 3), this number of second start reserved balls is incremented by 1 (+1), and when the display of special symbols such as numbers, characters, or patterns (decorative patterns) begins to change, it is decremented by 1 (-1).

On the other hand, as shown in Figure 2, this special symbol 2 starting hole 45 is equipped with an opening/closing member 45b, and when this opening/closing member 45b is opened, it becomes a state where the game ball is likely to win. This opening/closing member 45b opens a predetermined number of times and for a predetermined time when a normal symbol lottery, which will be described later, is won, and its opening/closing operation is controlled by a normal electric role solenoid 45c (see Figure 3). Note that, below, such a device combining the opening/closing member 45b and the normal electric role solenoid 45c may be referred to as a normal electric role.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, a winning device 46 is arranged on the right side of the special symbol 1 starting hole 44. When the winning device 46 wins the lottery for the special symbol described below, that is, during a winning game state, the opening and closing door 46a is driven and controlled by a special electric device solenoid 46b (see FIG. 3) so that the large winning hole (not shown) closed by the opening and closing door 46a opens, allowing the game ball to enter the large winning hole (not shown). The game ball that enters the large winning hole (not shown) is detected as a winning ball by a large winning hole switch 46c (see FIG. 3) provided inside the large winning hole (not shown).

On the other hand, when the special symbol is not selected in the lottery, i.e., when the game is not in a winning state, the opening and closing door 46a is driven and controlled by the special electric device solenoid 46b (see FIG. 3), and the large prize opening (not shown) is closed. This prevents the game ball from entering the large prize opening (not shown). In the following, the device combining the opening and closing door 46a and the special electric device solenoid 46b may be referred to as the special electric device.

The prize-winning device 46 is provided with a distribution device 47, which is a conventionally known structure. As shown in FIG. 2, the distribution device 47 has a V-area 47a and an outlet 47b. When a game ball enters the large prize opening (not shown), the game ball is distributed to either the V-area 47a or the outlet 47b. The distribution device 47 does not distribute a game ball that has entered the large prize opening (not shown) to the V-area 47a, but to the outlet 47b, unless a specified game state is reached.

The sorting device 47 is provided in type 1/type 2 gaming machines and V-guaranteed gaming machines. This type 1/type 2 gaming machine is a machine that combines type 1 models that enter a jackpot gaming state when a special symbol is selected by lottery, and type 2 models that enter a jackpot gaming state when a large prize opening (not shown) opens in a small prize gaming state and a gaming ball that enters the large prize opening (not shown) passes through the V area 47a.

When the small win game state is reached, the large prize opening (not shown) is designed to be open for a maximum of only 1.8 seconds. Therefore, in order to make it easier for the game ball to enter the large prize opening (not shown), when the small win game state is reached, the opening and closing door 46a repeatedly opens and closes the large prize opening (not shown). At this time, when a game ball enters the large prize opening (not shown), the distribution device 47 distributes the game ball to the V area 47a.

On the other hand, in the case of a V-guaranteed type gaming machine, when a jackpot that can transition to probability variation is won (hereinafter referred to as a "guaranteed jackpot"), in a specific round during the jackpot round play, when a gaming ball enters a large prize entry port (not shown), the distribution device 47 distributes the gaming ball to the V area 47a. When the gaming ball passes through the V area 47a, the machine enters a probability variation gaming state after the jackpot ends. Thus, since the probability variation gaming state is entered when the gaming ball passes through the V area 47a in this way, the machine is called a V-guaranteed machine. If the probability variation gaming state after the jackpot ends after a specified number of times, the machine is also called a V-ST machine. Note that ST means that the probability variation gaming state continues only for a specified number of times, and when the specified number of times is exceeded, the machine enters a gaming state without low probability time reduction.

On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 2, a normal symbol start port 48 consisting of a gate is arranged in the upper right part of the liquid crystal display device 41, and a normal symbol start port switch 48a (see Fig. 3) that detects the passage of the game ball is provided inside the normal symbol start port. In addition, a general prize port 49 is arranged on the right side of the winning device 46 and on the left side of the special symbol 1 start port 44. This general prize port 49 is composed of an upper right general prize port 49a arranged on the right side of the winning device 46, an upper left general prize port 49b arranged on the left side of the special symbol 1 start port 44, a middle left general prize port 49c, and a lower left general prize port 49d. Inside the upper right general winning opening 49a is an upper right general winning opening switch 49a1 (see FIG. 3) that detects the passage of the game ball, inside the upper left general winning opening 49b is an upper left general winning opening switch 49b1 (see FIG. 3) that detects the passage of the game ball, inside the middle left general winning opening 49c is a middle left general winning opening switch 49c1 (see FIG. 3) that detects the passage of the game ball, and inside the lower left general winning opening 49d is a lower left general winning opening switch 49d1 (see FIG. 3) that detects the passage of the game ball.

Directly below the special symbol 1 starting hole 44 is an outlet 50 into which game balls (out balls) that flow down to the lowest part of the game area 40 without winning are placed. Game balls that enter this outlet 50 are detected as non-winning balls by an outlet switch 50a (see FIG. 3) provided inside, and the winning balls mentioned above also flow down to the lowest part of the game area 4 through the back side of the game board 4, and are therefore detected by the outlet switch 50a (see FIG. 3). Therefore, the outlet switch 50a (see FIG. 3) detects the total number of outs that have been discharged, that is, the same number of game balls as the game balls that have been launched into the game area 40 by the launch handle 16.

On the other hand, three seven-segment displays are arranged in the lower right periphery of the play area 40 of the game board 4, two of which are special symbol display devices 51, and the remaining seven-segment display device 53a displays special symbol 1, special symbol 2, the number of balls reserved for the start of normal symbols, and the game status (e.g., the game status where it is easy to win, etc.). As shown in FIG. 2, this special symbol display device 51 is composed of a special symbol 1 display device 51a and a special symbol 2 display device 51b, and to the left of the special symbol 1 display device 51a, a normal symbol display device 52 consisting of one LED is provided, and further, a round lamp 53b that notifies the number of rounds of the jackpot game and a right hit notification lamp 53c that notifies the right hit are provided.

In addition, an identification lamp device 51A that displays identification information corresponding to special pattern 1 and special pattern 2 is provided on the upper end side of the left ornament 43b.

This identification lamp device 51A has first and second identification lamps 51Aa and 51Ab for informing the player that special symbol 1 or special symbol 2 is changing, or that special symbol 1 or special symbol 2 has won or lost. This first identification lamp 51Aa corresponds to special symbol 1, and the second identification lamp 51Ab corresponds to special symbol 2. When special symbol 1 is changing, the first identification lamp 51Aa flashes, when special symbol 1 is a win, the first identification lamp 51Aa is lit, and when special symbol 1 is a loss, the first identification lamp 51Aa is turned off. Furthermore, when special symbol 2 is changing, the second identification lamp 51Ab flashes, when special symbol 2 is a win, the second identification lamp 51Ab is lit, and when special symbol 2 is a loss, the second identification lamp 51Ab is turned off.

In addition, although not shown, multiple game pegs are arranged in the play area 40 of the game board 4, and a windmill 54 is arranged as a member for changing the falling direction of the game ball.

<Description of the control device>
Next, the control device that performs electronic control according to the progress of the game and is provided in the pachinko game machine 1 having the above-mentioned external configuration will be explained using Fig. 3. As shown in Fig. 3, this control device is mainly composed of a main control board 60 that controls the overall game operation, a payout/launch control board 70 that pays out game balls based on control commands from the main control board 60, and a sub-control board 80 that controls images, lights, and sounds.

<Description of the main control board>
The main control board 60 is mainly equipped with a one-chip microcomputer 600 consisting of a main control CPU 600a, a main control ROM 600b which stores a game program describing a series of game control procedures, and a main control RAM 600c which functions as a working area, buffer memory, etc., a measurement/setting display device 610 consisting of 7 segments which displays (performance display) information related to the ratio of the number of winning balls when the probability of winning is low (when the probability of winning is in a normal low probability state), and also displays the setting contents of the probability of generating a game state advantageous to the player, a RAM clear switch 620, and a setting key switch 630.

The main control board 60 configured in this manner is connected to a payout/launch control board 70 which controls the payout motor M to pay out game balls. In addition, there are connected a special pattern 1 start port switch 44a which detects winning at the special pattern 1 start port 44, a special pattern 2 start port switch 45a which detects winning at the special pattern 2 start port 45, a normal pattern start port switch 48a which detects passage through the normal pattern start port 48, an upper right general prize port switch 49a1, an upper left general prize port switch 49b1, a middle left general prize port switch 49c1, and a lower left general prize port switch 49d1 which detect winning at the general prize ports 49 (upper right general prize port 49a, upper left general prize port 49b, middle left general prize port 49c, and lower left general prize port 49d), a large prize port switch 46c which detects winning at a large prize port (not shown) which is opened or closed by the opening and closing door 46a, and an outlet switch 50a which can detect the same number of game balls as the game balls launched into the game area 40 by the launch handle 16. In addition, a normal electric role solenoid 45c that controls the operation of the opening and closing member 45b, a special electric role solenoid 46b that controls the operation of the opening and closing door 46a, a distribution device 47, a special symbol 1 display device 51a, a special symbol 2 display device 51b, a normal symbol display device 52, a 7-segment display device 53a, a round lamp 53b, and a right-hit notification lamp 53c are connected.

When the main control board 60 thus configured receives a signal from the special symbol 1 start port switch 44a, the special symbol 2 start port switch 45a, or the normal symbol start port switch 47a at the main control CPU 600a, it performs a lottery to determine whether to generate a game state advantageous to the player or not to generate a game state advantageous to the player, and determines the variation pattern of the special symbol and the display content of the stop symbol or normal symbol according to the winning/losing information that is the lottery result, and transmits the determined information to the special symbol 1 display device 51a, the special symbol 2 display device 51b, or the normal symbol display device 52. As a result, the lottery result is displayed on the special symbol 1 display device 51a, the special symbol 2 display device 51b, or the normal symbol display device 52. Furthermore, the main control board 60, i.e., the main control CPU 600a, generates a performance control command DI_CMD including the determined information and transmits it to the sub-control board 80. In addition, when the main control board 60, i.e., the main control CPU 600a, receives signals from the special symbol 1 start port switch 44a, the special symbol 2 start port switch 45a, the upper right general prize port switch 49a1, the upper left general prize port switch 49b1, the middle left general prize port switch 49c1, the lower left general prize port switch 49d1, and the large prize port switch 46c, it determines how many game balls to pay out to the player, and sends a payout control command PAY_CMD containing this determined information to the payout/launch control board 70, which then pays out the game balls to the player.

In addition, if the result of the lottery is that a normal symbol is selected, the normal electric role solenoid 45c is controlled to open the opening/closing member 45b a predetermined number of times for a predetermined time, and if the result of the lottery is that a special symbol is selected, the special electric role solenoid 46b is controlled to open the big prize opening (not shown).

In a type 1/type 2 gaming machine, when a small win game state is reached, the opening and closing door 46a is controlled to repeatedly open and close the large prize opening (not shown), and when a game ball enters the large prize opening (not shown), the distribution device 47 is controlled so that the game ball is distributed to the V area 47a.

On the other hand, in a V-type gaming machine, if a jackpot that can transition to a probability-changing jackpot is won (hereinafter referred to as a "variable jackpot"), when a gaming ball enters a jackpot opening (not shown) in a specific round during jackpot play, the distribution device 47 is controlled so that the gaming ball is distributed to the V area 47a.

On the other hand, the main control board 60, i.e., the main control CPU 600a, measures the number of winning balls each time it receives a signal from the special symbol 1 start port switch 44a, the special symbol 2 start port switch 45a, the upper right general winning port switch 49a1, the upper left general winning port switch 49b1, the middle left general winning port switch 49c1, the lower left general winning port switch 49d1, and the large winning port switch 46c, and measures the total number of game balls discharged each time it receives a signal from the outlet switch 50a. Then, the main control board 60, i.e., the main control CPU 600a, outputs to the measurement/setting display device 610 the content (performance display) regarding the ratio of how many winning balls were generated during low probability, etc., based on the measured number of winning balls and the total number of game balls discharged. As a result, the content (performance display) regarding the ratio of how many winning balls were generated during low probability, etc., is displayed on the measurement/setting display device 610.

Furthermore, the measurement and setting display device 610 can display the setting contents of the probability of generating a game state advantageous to the player in six steps, for example, from "1" to "6". When changing such setting contents, a dedicated key is inserted into the setting key switch 630 and turned ON, and the setting contents of the probability of generating a game state advantageous to the player can be changed in six steps, for example, from "1" to "6" by the RAM clear switch 620 (for example, the setting "6" has the highest probability of generating a game state advantageous to the player, and the setting "1" has the lowest probability of generating a game state advantageous to the player). The setting change contents are then displayed on the measurement and setting display device 610, and when the setting change contents are confirmed, the dot on the lower right side of the 7-segment lights up to indicate that the setting contents have been confirmed.

On the other hand, when the RAM clear switch 620 is pressed except when a dedicated key is inserted into the setting key switch 630 and turned ON, the entire memory area of the main control RAM 600c is not cleared, but only a portion of the memory area is cleared.

<Explanation about the payout/launch control board>
The payout/launch control board 70 receives a payout control command PAY_CMD from the main control board 60 (main control CPU 600a) and generates a payout motor signal based on the received payout control command PAY_CMD. The payout motor signal thus generated controls the payout motor M to pay out game balls to the player. Furthermore, the payout/launch control board 70 performs processing to start or stop the operation of firing game balls in response to the player's operation based on a prize ball count signal indicating the payout operation of game balls and a status signal related to an abnormality in the payout operation.

Meanwhile, a touch sensor is provided on the periphery of the launch handle 16 shown in FIG. 1, and when the player's hand touches the touch sensor of the launch handle 16, the touch sensor outputs a detection signal to the payout/launch control board 70, as shown in FIG. 3. In response to this, the payout/launch control board 70 transmits the detection signal to the main control board 60 (main control CPU 600a). The main control board 60 (main control CPU 600a) then transmits the detection signal to the sub-control board 80 as a presentation control command DI_CMD. This makes it possible to transmit information as to whether or not the player has touched the handle 16 to play to the sub-control board 80.

<Explanation about the sub-control board>
The sub-control board 80 is equipped with a sub-one-chip microcomputer 800 which is made up of a sub-control CPU 800a which receives performance control commands DI_CMD from the main control board 60 (main control CPU 600a) and controls the execution and image displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41, a sub-control ROM 800b which stores control programs describing performance control procedures, and a sub-control RAM 800c which functions as a working area, buffer memory, etc.

Furthermore, the sub-control board 80 is equipped with a sound LSI 801 that generates desired background music and sound effects, a sound RAM 802 that functions as a working area or buffer memory, a VDP 803 that generates image data to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 based on instructions from the sub one-chip microcomputer 800, a DDR2 SDRAM 804 that is composed of a working area for expanding compressed video data and a frame buffer area for temporarily storing image data to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41, and a game ROM 805 that stores in advance CG data of compressed still image data and compressed video data, and sound data such as background music and sound effects. Note that a still image is a so-called sprite image, which represents a single image such as text data such as characters, a background image, or a special pattern. Also, a moving image means a collection of multiple still images (multiple frames) that change continuously, and smooth operation is reproduced by drawing multiple still images continuously on the liquid crystal display device 41.

The sub-control board 80 thus configured is connected to a decorative lamp board 90 equipped with decorative lamps such as LED lamps that produce lamp effects, and is further connected to a push button type effect button device 13 that can be pressed by the player to change the effect when the built-in lamp (not shown) is lit, and a speaker 17 that emits background music and sound effects. The sub-control board 80 is further connected to a movable role device 43 that performs a predetermined performance operation as the game progresses, an identification lamp device 51A that notifies the player when the special symbol 1 or special symbol 2 is changing, or when the special symbol 1 or special symbol 2 has won or lost, a setting button 15 that allows various settings, and a liquid crystal display device 41. Needless to say, the decorative lamp board 90 is also equipped with decorative lamps arranged on the top, left, right, and top left movable roles 43a to 43d.

The sub-control board 80 thus configured receives a presentation control command DI_CMD sent from the main control board 60 (main control CPU 600a) at the sub-control CPU 800a, which includes basic information required for the special symbol variation pattern based on the lottery result, the current game state, the number of balls on hold for starting, the decorative symbols to be stopped based on the lottery result, etc. Then, the sub-control CPU 800a determines by lottery the presentation pattern corresponding to the received presentation control command DI_CMD from among a large number of presentation patterns previously stored in the sub-control ROM 800b, and temporarily stores a control signal instructing the execution of the determined presentation pattern in the sub-control RAM 800c.

The sub-control CPU 800a transmits to the sound LSI 801 a control signal related to sound, among the control signals that instruct the execution of the presentation pattern stored in the sub-control RAM 800c. In response to this, the sound LSI 801 reads out sound data corresponding to the control signal from the game ROM 805 or sound RAM 802, and outputs it to the speaker 17. This causes the speaker 17 to produce background music and sound effects corresponding to the presentation pattern determined above.

The sub-control CPU 800a also transmits to the decorative lamp board 90 a light-related control signal among the control signals that instruct the execution of the performance pattern stored in the sub-control RAM 800c. This causes the decorative lamp board 90 to control the turning on and off of decorative lamps such as LED lamps that produce the lamp performance effect, thereby executing a lamp performance corresponding to the performance pattern determined above.

Then, the sub-control CPU 800a transmits to the VDP 803 a command list relating to images among the control signals for instructing the execution of the performance pattern stored in the sub-control RAM 800c. As a result, the VDP 803 generates image data to display an image based on the command list, and transmits the generated image data to the liquid crystal display device 41, so that an image corresponding to the determined performance pattern is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41. Note that the image data displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 is updated every frame, but the VSYNC (vertical synchronization signal) shown in FIG. 3 is transmitted from the VDP 803 to the sub-control CPU 800a as an interrupt signal so that the sub one-chip microcomputer 800 (sub-control CPU 800a) can know that the display operation of this one frame has ended. This allows the sub-control CPU 800a to know that one frame's worth of image data has been displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41. Note that this VSYNC interrupt signal is generated, for example, every 33 ms.

Furthermore, the sub-control CPU 800a transmits to the movable role device 43 a control signal related to a movable role among the control signals that instruct the execution of the performance pattern stored in the sub-control RAM 800c. As a result, the movable role device 43 moves in accordance with the determined performance pattern.

<Power supply board explanation>
Incidentally, power is supplied to each of the boards described above from a power supply board 130 shown in Fig. 3. This power supply board 130 is configured to include a voltage generation unit 1300, a voltage monitoring unit 1310, and a system reset generation unit 1320. This voltage generation unit 1300 receives an AC voltage of 24V, which is an external power source supplied from a transformer (not shown) installed in the game arcade, and generates multiple types of DC voltages, and the generated DC voltages are supplied to each board (not shown).

The voltage monitoring unit 1310 monitors the AC 24V voltage, and outputs a voltage abnormality signal ALARM to the main control board 60 if a voltage abnormality is detected due to a cutoff of this voltage or the occurrence of a power outage. The voltage abnormality signal ALARM outputs an "L" level signal when a voltage abnormality occurs, and outputs an "H" level signal when the voltage is normal.

On the other hand, the system reset generation unit 1320 generates a system reset signal RST when the power is turned on, and the generated system reset signal RST is output to each board.

<Explanation regarding transition to RUSH gaming state in type 1/2 gaming machines and V-ST gaming machines>
Next, the transition to the RUSH gaming state in a type 1/type 2 gaming machine and a V-ST gaming machine will be specifically described with reference to FIG.

<Explanation of conventional games>
First, the type 1/2 type gaming machine described in this embodiment is set as shown in Fig. 4(a). That is, if the probability of winning the jackpot by drawing the special symbol 1 is 1/199, there is no small jackpot, and if a jackpot is won, 1% of the players are given 7 time-saving games, and 99% of the players are given 1 time-saving game. And if the probability of winning the jackpot by drawing the special symbol 2 is 1/199, the probability of winning the small jackpot is 1/7, and if a jackpot or a small jackpot is won, 99% of the players are given 7 time-saving games, and 1% of the players are given 255 time-saving games.

Thus, in such a type 1/type 2 gaming machine, as shown in FIG. 4(a), the game state is the normal game state (low probability non-time-saving game state) YG1, the main control CPU 600a executes a lottery for special symbol 1, and the liquid crystal display device 41 displays the variation of special symbol 1. Then, if a jackpot is won in the lottery for special symbol 1, the game state YG1 transitions to the jackpot game state YG2 (see RO1). At this time, 99% of the time, one time-saving game is awarded, and 1% of the time, seven time-saving games are awarded. If a jackpot that awards seven time-saving games is won, the game state YG2 transitions to the RUSH game state (low probability time-saving game state) YG3 (see RO2). The RUSH game state indicates the best game state among the game states.

On the other hand, if a jackpot with one time-saving play is won, the game state YG2 transitions to a challenge time game state (low-probability time-saving game state) YG4 (see RO3). At this time, the main control CPU 600a executes a lottery for special symbol 2, and the variation of special symbol 2 is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41. Then, in addition to one time-saving play, if a jackpot or a small jackpot is won among the four second start reserved balls, the game state YG4 transitions to a RUSH game state (low-probability time-saving game state) YG3 (see RO4). Note that the "special symbol 2 variation (one time) + four remaining reserved balls" of the game state YG4 shown in FIG. 4(a) means that after the jackpot play, the time-saving game state is entered for only one variation of special symbol 2. At this time, the opening and closing member 45b shown in FIG. 2 is opened until one variation time ends, and the game ball is easily able to enter the special pattern 2 start hole 45. This allows the maximum number of second start reserved balls (4 balls) to be reserved. Then, when one variation time ends, it becomes difficult for game balls to enter the special pattern 2 start hole 45, and no game balls will enter the special pattern 2 start hole 45. As a result, in addition to one time of time-saving play, if a big win or small win is won out of the four second start reserved balls, the game state YG4 will transition to the RUSH game state (low-probability time-saving game state) YG3 (see RO4).

However, in conventional type 1/type 2 gaming machines, there is a hurdle to overcome in order to transition to the RUSH gaming state; unless a jackpot is won in the drawing for special symbol 1, or, after winning a jackpot, a jackpot or small jackpot is won in the drawing for special symbol 2, then the machine cannot transition to the RUSH gaming state.

Next, the V-ST type gaming machine described in this embodiment is set as shown in Figure 4 (b). That is, the probability of winning a jackpot by drawing special symbol 1 when the gaming state is a low probability gaming state is 1/319, the probability of winning a jackpot by drawing special symbol 1 when the gaming state is a high probability gaming state is 1/70, 50% of the jackpot wins are probability-varying jackpots, and the remaining 50% are non-probability-varying jackpots. And, the probability of winning a jackpot by drawing special symbol 2 when the gaming state is a low probability gaming state is 1/319, the probability of winning a jackpot by drawing special symbol 2 when the gaming state is a high probability gaming state is 1/70, and 100% of the jackpot wins are probability-varying jackpots. In this case, the probability-varying jackpot is a jackpot in which the distribution device 47 (see FIG. 2) operates so that a game ball that enters a large prize opening in a specific round tends to pass through the V area 47a (see FIG. 2), and the non-probability-varying jackpot is a jackpot in which the distribution device 47 operates so that a game ball that enters a large prize opening in a specific round tends not to pass through the V area 47a.

Thus, in such a V-ST type gaming machine, as shown in FIG. 4(b), the game state YG10 is the normal game state (low probability non-time-saving game state), the main control CPU 600a executes a lottery for special symbol 1, and the variation of special symbol 1 is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41. Then, if a jackpot is won in the lottery for special symbol 1, the game state YG10 transitions to a jackpot game state YG11 (see RO10). At this time, if a 50% probability variable jackpot is won, the game state YG11 transitions to a RUSH game state (high probability time-saving game state) YG12 (see RO11).

On the other hand, if a 50% non-probability variable jackpot is won, the game state YG11 transitions to a chance time game state (low probability time-saving game state) YG13 (see RO12). At this time, the main control CPU 600a executes a lottery for the special pattern 2, and the variation of the special pattern 2 is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41. Then, if a jackpot is won within a predetermined number of times (e.g., 100 times) of the variation of the special pattern 2, the game state YG13 transitions to a RUSH game state (high probability time-saving game state) YG12 (see RO13).

However, in conventional V-ST type gaming machines, there is a hurdle to overcome in order to transition to the RUSH gaming state; unless a jackpot is won in the drawing for special symbol 1, or, after winning a jackpot, a jackpot is won in the drawing for special symbol 2, then the machine cannot transition to the RUSH gaming state.

<Description of the Game of the Present Embodiment>
Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the player does not win the jackpot in the lottery for special pattern 1, which is the hurdle for transitioning to the RUSH state, the player is allowed to transition to the RUSH game state via a rescue time-saving game in which special pattern 2 changes.

That is, in a type 1/2 gaming machine, as shown in FIG. 4(a), when the game state is the normal game state (low probability non-time-saving game state) YG1, the main control CPU 600a executes a lottery for special symbol 1, and if a predetermined number of misses (e.g., 500 times) are executed, the game state YG1 transitions to a rescue game time-saving game state (low probability time-saving game state) YG5 as a rescue for the player (see RO5). At this time, the main control CPU 600a executes a lottery for special symbol 2, and the variation of special symbol 2 is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41. Then, if a small win, which has a winning probability of 1/7, is won within a predetermined number of times (e.g., 255 times) of the variation of special symbol 2, the game state YG5 transitions to a RUSH game state (low probability time-saving game state) YG3 (see RO6). Therefore, when the game transitions to a rescue game time-saving game state (low-probability time-saving game state), a jackpot is almost guaranteed.

On the other hand, in a V-ST type gaming machine, as shown in FIG. 4(b), when the game state is the normal game state (low probability non-time-saving game state) YG10, the main control CPU 600a executes a lottery for special symbol 1, and if a predetermined number of times (e.g., 950 times) of misses are executed, the game state YG10 transitions to a rescue game time-saving game state (low probability time-saving game state) YG15 as a rescue for the player (see RO15). At this time, the main control CPU 600a executes a lottery for special symbol 2, and the variation of special symbol 2 is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41. Then, if a jackpot, which has a winning probability of 1/319, is won within a predetermined number of times (e.g., 1000 times) of the variation of special symbol 2, the game state YG15 transitions to a RUSH game state (high probability time-saving game state) YG12 (see RO16). Therefore, when the game transitions to a rescue game time-saving game state (low-probability time-saving game state), a jackpot is almost guaranteed.

By doing this, even if the player does not win the jackpot in the lottery for special symbol 1, which is the hurdle for whether or not to transition to the RUSH game state, the game will transition to the RUSH game state via the rescue time-saving game in which special symbol 2 changes, thereby increasing the player's interest.

Furthermore, since the conventional game goes through a jackpot, the payout/launch control board 70 pays out game balls to the player. Therefore, even if the game does not enter the RUSH game state and returns to the normal game state (low probability non-time-saving game state), the player can enjoy the game again. On the other hand, in the game of this embodiment, when the game transitions to the rescue game time-saving game state (low probability time-saving game state), the payout/launch control board 70 does not pay out game balls to the player, but when the game transitions to the RUSH game state, the payout/launch control board 70 pays out game balls to the player. Therefore, in both the conventional game and the game of this embodiment, the player's investment amount can be reduced, and the player can enjoy the game for a long time with a reduced investment amount. This can increase the player's interest.

<Explanation regarding another implementation of transition to RUSH gaming state in type 1/type 2 gaming machines and V-ST type gaming machines>
Next, another implementation of the transition to the RUSH gaming state in a type 1/type 2 gaming machine and a V-ST gaming machine will be specifically described with reference to FIGS.

First, a V-ST type gaming machine with the same settings as described above will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, when the gaming state is the normal gaming state (low probability non-time-saving gaming state) YG20, the main control CPU 600a executes a lottery for the special symbol 1, and the variation of the special symbol 1 is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41. At this time, the variation pattern is determined using the first variation pattern selection table NOR_TBL1 shown in FIG. 7(b) according to the lottery result. To be more specific, the first variation pattern selection table NOR_TBL1 shown in FIG. 7(b) is selected using the table TBL shown in FIG. 7(a). This table TBL is stored in the main control ROM 600b, and a variation pattern selection table designation code corresponding to each gaming state and a variation pattern selection table to be referenced are stored. The variation pattern selection table designation code is data for referencing the variation pattern selection table managed in the program.

To be more specific, in the normal game mode when the main control RAM 600c is cleared upon power-on, table TBL shown in FIG. 7(a) selects "00H" as the variation pattern selection table designation command, and the first variation pattern selection table NOR_TBL1 is used as the variation pattern selection table to be referenced. Then, in the 1st to 20th spins in the normal game mode at the end of time-saving game mode, "01H" is selected as the variation pattern selection table designation command, and the second variation pattern selection table NOR_TBL2 is used as the variation pattern selection table to be referenced. After the 20th spin, the first variation pattern selection table NOR_TBL1 is used as the variation pattern selection table to be referenced.

On the other hand, in the table TBL shown in FIG. 7(a), in the final fluctuation of the time-saving game or RUSH game state, "02H" is selected as the fluctuation pattern selection table designation command, and the third fluctuation pattern selection table LAST_TBL is used as the fluctuation pattern selection table to be referenced. Furthermore, in the time-saving game state (1st spin to -1st spin to the final), "03H" is selected as the fluctuation pattern selection table designation command, and JT_TBL is used as the fluctuation pattern selection table to be referenced. Furthermore, in the RUSH game state (1st spin to -1st spin to the final), "04H" is selected as the fluctuation pattern selection table designation command, and HI_TBL is used as the fluctuation pattern selection table to be referenced. Note that JT_TBL and HI_TBL are not shown in the figure, and their explanation will be omitted.

Thus, when the first variation pattern selection table NOR_TBL1 is selected by the main control CPU 600a using the above-mentioned table TBL, the variation pattern is determined. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7(b), in the case of a miss in the lottery for special pattern 1 and the number of first start reserved balls is "0", normal variation 12 seconds is selected with the probability shown, normal reach miss (20 seconds) is selected with the probability shown, and SP reach miss (50 seconds) is selected with the probability shown. And, in the case of "1" first start reserved ball, normal variation 8 seconds is selected with the probability shown, normal reach miss (20 seconds) is selected with the probability shown, and SP reach miss (50 seconds) is selected with the probability shown. Furthermore, if there are two first start reserved balls, then with the probability shown, a normal variation of 5 seconds will be selected, with the probability shown, a normal reach miss (20 seconds) will be selected, and with the probability shown, an SP reach miss (50 seconds) will be selected. Furthermore, if there are three first start reserved balls, then with the probability shown, a normal variation of 3 seconds will be selected, with the probability shown, a normal reach miss (20 seconds) will be selected, and with the probability shown, an SP reach miss (50 seconds) will be selected.

In this way, in normal deviation fluctuations that do not result in a reach, the fluctuation time is shortened according to the number of first start reserved balls.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, when the game state is the normal game state (low probability non-time-saving game state) YG20, if an irregular ball enters the special symbol 2 starting hole 45, the main control CPU 600a will select the first variation pattern selection table NOR_TBL1 using the table TBL shown in FIG. 7(a). In this case, as shown in FIG. 7(b), even if the special symbol 2 is not selected as a winning combination and the second start reserved ball is any of "0" to "3", normal variation of 8 seconds will be selected with the probability shown, and normal reach will be selected with the probability shown as a losing combination (20 seconds).

In this way, the fluctuation time is not shortened according to the number of second start reserved balls, but is determined from a common fluctuation pattern selection table regardless of the number of second start reserved balls.

Thus, the first variation pattern selection table NOR_TBL1 shown in FIG. 7(b) has the same allocation value regardless of the number of reserved second start reserved balls. The types of selected variation patterns are fewer for special pattern 2 than for special pattern 1, and the probability of reaching is lower for special pattern 2 than for special pattern 1. By setting it in this way, in the case of a normal game state (low probability non-time-saving game state), the reach probability is increased when the number of reserved first start reserved balls is small in special pattern 1, or a ball with a long variation time is selected, so that the next reserved ball is accumulated. On the other hand, in the case of a normal game state (low probability non-time-saving game state), the reservation of the second start reserved ball occurs due to an irregular winning, so the number of first start reserved balls almost never accumulates to four, as in the case of special pattern 1. Therefore, in order to end the change of special symbol 2 early and allow special symbol 1 to change, the allocation value is set to be the same regardless of the number of reserved balls for the second start reservation.

When the game state shown in Fig. 5 is the normal game state (low probability non-time-saving game state) YG20, the main control CPU 600a executes a lottery for either special pattern 1 or 2, and if either of them wins the jackpot, the main control CPU 600a selects the first variation pattern selection table NOR_TBL1 using the table TBL shown in Fig. 7(a). At this time, as shown in Fig. 7(b), if the lottery for either special pattern 1 or 2 wins the jackpot 1, a normal reach win (30 seconds) is selected with the probability shown, an SP reach win (60 seconds) is selected with the probability shown, and a full rotation variation win (100 seconds) is selected with the probability shown. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7(b), if the lottery for either special pattern 1 or 2 results in big win 2, a normal reach win (30 seconds) is selected with the probability shown, and an SP reach win (60 seconds) is selected with the probability shown.

On the other hand, when the game state shown in FIG. 5 is the normal game state (low probability non-time-saving game state) YG20, if the special electric support symbol is won with a probability of 1/300, the game state YG20 transitions to the time-saving game state (low probability time-saving game) YG21 when the special electric support symbol is won (see RO20). When the special electric support symbol is won, the main control CPU 600a selects the first variation pattern selection table NOR_TBL1 using the table TBL shown in FIG. 7 (a). At this time, as shown in FIG. 7 (b), the normal reach miss + time-saving entry performance (25 seconds) is selected with the illustrated probability, and the SP reach miss + time-saving entry performance (55 seconds) is selected with the illustrated probability. In other words, when the special electric support symbol is won, a series of variation patterns is selected in which a miss performance is performed during the variation and then a time-saving entry performance is performed. There are two special electric support symbols, special electric support symbol 1 and special electric support symbol 2, but the allocation value is the same for both.

The above-mentioned lottery for winning or losing is carried out using a table different from the table TBL shown in FIG. 7(a).

Thus, as shown in FIG. 5, when the game transitions to the time-saving game (low-probability time-saving game) state YG21 due to the special electric support symbol winning, if a jackpot is won within a predetermined number of times (e.g., 50 times) of the special symbol 2 fluctuations, the game state YG21 transitions to the RUSH game state (high-probability time-saving game state) YG22 (see RO21). On the other hand, if a jackpot is not won, the game state returns to the normal game state (low-probability non-time-saving game state) YG20 (see RO22) as shown in FIG. 5. Note that when returning to the normal game state (low-probability non-time-saving game state), the first fluctuation pattern selection table NOR_TBL1 shown in FIG. 7(b) is selected to determine the fluctuation pattern in the remaining number of second start-up reserved balls in the special symbol 2.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, when the game state is the normal game state (low probability non-time-saving game state) YG20, the main control CPU 600a executes a lottery for special pattern 1, and when a jackpot is won, the game state YG20 transitions to the jackpot game state YG23 (see RO23). At this time, if a 50% probability variable jackpot is won, the game state transitions to the RUSH game state (high probability time-saving game state) YG22 (see RO24). At this time, the main control CPU 600a selects HI_TBL using the table TBL shown in FIG. 7(a). Then, at the final variable number (150th in the figure), a performance that displays the result during the time-saving game, called a result performance, is executed. Specifically, the third variable pattern selection table LAST_TBL shown in FIG. 8(b) is selected using the table TBL shown in FIG. 7(a). In this case, as shown in FIG. 8(b), if the special pattern 1 or 2 is not selected and the first start reserved ball or the second start reserved ball is "0" to "3", a result effect (loss) of 30 seconds is selected with the probability shown. Then, if the special pattern 1 or 2 is selected and the big win 1 or 2 is selected, the result effect ⇒ winning effect of 100 seconds is selected. Furthermore, if the special pattern 1 or 2 is selected and the small win 1 or 2 is selected, the result effect ⇒ winning effect of 100 seconds is selected. Furthermore, if the special electric support pattern is selected, a result effect (loss) of 30 seconds is selected. Note that even if the special electric support pattern is selected, the number of time-saving times is not reset, so the losing variation pattern is selected.

Thus, the third variation pattern selection table LAST_TBL shown in Figure 8 (b) has the same allocation value regardless of the number of reserved second start reserved balls.

In the RUSH game state (high probability time-saving game state) YG22, when a miss is executed a predetermined number of times (150 times in the figure), the game state returns to the normal game state (low probability non-time-saving game state) YG20 (see RO25). At this time, since the remaining number of reserved second start balls in the special pattern 2 is often at its maximum (4 balls), if the fluctuation time is shortened, all the second start reserved balls will be consumed before the first start reserved balls are accumulated, and the game state may become a customer waiting state. Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to prevent such a thing from happening, the fluctuation pattern of each of the remaining reserved second start reserved balls is selected using a fluctuation pattern selection table that is likely to select a normal fluctuation (fluctuation that does not result in a reach) of a time that is not too long or too short. Specifically, in the RUSH game state (high probability time-saving game state) YG22, a miss is executed a predetermined number of times (150 times in the figure), and when the game state returns to the normal game state (low probability non-time-saving game state) YG20, the main control CPU 600a selects the second variation pattern selection table NOR_TBL2 shown in FIG. 8(a) using the table TBL shown in FIG. 7(a). At this time, as shown in FIG. 8(a), in the case of a miss without winning the lottery for special pattern 2, and in any case where the second start reserved ball is "0" to "3", the normal variation of 8 seconds is selected with the probability shown, the special mode miss variation (15 seconds) is selected with the probability shown, and the normal reach miss (20 seconds) is selected with the probability shown.

On the other hand, if the special pattern 2 lottery is won and jackpot 1 is reached, the special mode variation (30 seconds) is selected with the probability shown, the normal reach variation (30 seconds) is selected with the probability shown, and the full rotation variation (100 seconds) is selected with the probability shown. Also, if the special pattern 2 lottery is won and jackpot 2 is reached, the special mode variation (30 seconds) is selected with the probability shown, and the normal reach variation (30 seconds) is selected with the probability shown.

In this way, when a miss occurs a predetermined number of times (150 times in the figure) in the RUSH gaming state (high probability time-saving gaming state) YG22 and the gaming state returns to the normal gaming state (low probability non-time-saving gaming state) YG20, the first variation pattern selection table NOR_TBL1 shown in FIG. 7(b) is not selected, but the second variation pattern selection table NOR_TBL2 shown in FIG. 8(a) is selected. This reduces the situation in which all the second start reserved balls are consumed and the gaming state becomes a customer waiting state. Also, the second variation pattern selection table NOR_TBL2 has an allocation value that executes a special mode presentation, so it is possible to prevent a situation in which the player ends the game immediately after the time-saving game ends.

Incidentally, when the game state is the normal game state (low probability non-time-saving game state) YG20, in the second variation pattern selection table NOR_TBL2 shown in FIG. 8(a), if the lottery for special pattern 1 is not won and there is a miss, and there are "0" first start reserved balls, then with the probability shown, normal variation of 12 seconds is selected, with the probability shown, special mode miss variation (15 seconds) is selected, and with the probability shown, normal reach miss (20 seconds) is selected. And, when there is "1" first start reserved ball, then with the probability shown, normal variation of 8 seconds is selected, with the probability shown, special mode miss variation (15 seconds) is selected, and with the probability shown, normal reach miss (20 seconds) is selected. Furthermore, if there are two first start reserved balls, then with the probability shown, a normal variation of 5 seconds will be selected, with the probability shown, a special mode miss variation (15 seconds) will be selected, and with the probability shown, a normal reach miss (20 seconds) will be selected. Furthermore, if there are three first start reserved balls, then with the probability shown, a normal variation of 3 seconds will be selected, with the probability shown, a special mode miss variation (15 seconds) will be selected, and with the probability shown, a normal reach miss (20 seconds) will be selected.

On the other hand, if the special symbol 1 lottery is won and jackpot 1 is reached, the special mode win variation (30 seconds) is selected with the probability shown, the normal reach win (30 seconds) is selected with the probability shown, and the full rotation win variation (100 seconds) is selected with the probability shown. Also, if the special symbol 1 lottery is won and jackpot 2 is reached, the special mode win variation (30 seconds) is selected with the probability shown, and the normal reach win (30 seconds) is selected with the probability shown.

On the other hand, when the special electric support symbol is won, as shown in FIG. 8(a), a normal reach miss + time-saving entry effect (25 seconds) is selected with the probability shown, and an SP reach miss + time-saving entry effect (55 seconds) is selected with the probability shown. In other words, when the special electric support symbol is won, a series of fluctuation patterns is selected in which a miss effect is performed during the fluctuation, followed by a time-saving entry effect. Note that there are two special electric support symbols, special electric support symbol 1 and special electric support symbol 2, but the allocation value is the same for both.

On the other hand, when the game state YG23 shown in FIG. 5 is entered, if a 50% non-probability variable jackpot is won, the game state YG23 enters a chance time game state (low probability time-saving game state) YG24 (see RO26). At this time, the main control CPU 600a executes a lottery for the special symbol 2, and the liquid crystal display device 41 displays the variation of the special symbol 2. Then, if a jackpot is won within a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) of the variation of the special symbol 2, the game state YG24 enters a RUSH game state (high probability time-saving game state) YG22 (see RO27). At this time, the main control CPU 600a selects JT_TBL using the table TBL shown in FIG. 7(a). Then, at the final variation (the 100th time in the figure), a performance that displays the result during the time-saving game, called a result performance, is executed. Specifically, the third variation pattern selection table LAST_TBL shown in FIG. 8(b) is selected using the table TBL shown in FIG. 7(a).

In the meantime, when a miss occurs a predetermined number of times (100 times in the figure) in the chance time game state (low probability time-saving game state) YG24, the game state returns to the normal game state (low probability non-time-saving game state) YG20 (see RO28). At this time, the number of remaining reserved second start reserved balls in the special pattern 2 is often at its maximum (4 balls), so if the fluctuation time is shortened, all the second start reserved balls may be consumed before the first start reserved balls are accumulated, and the game state may become a customer waiting state. Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to prevent such a thing from happening, the second fluctuation pattern selection table NOR_TBL2 shown in FIG. 8 (a) is selected, in which a normal fluctuation (a fluctuation that does not result in a reach) of a time that is not too long or too short is likely to be selected for each of the remaining reserved second start reserved balls.

In this way, by determining the variation pattern using an appropriate variation pattern selection table for each game state, even in the same game state, it is possible to determine the optimal variation pattern. This makes it possible to reduce situations that reduce the interest of the player, thereby increasing the interest of the player.

Next, a description will be given of a type 1/2 gaming machine with the same settings as those described above. As shown in FIG. 6, when the gaming state is the normal gaming state (low probability non-time-saving gaming state) YG30, the main control CPU 600a executes a lottery for special pattern 1, and the variation of special pattern 1 is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41. At this time, the variation pattern is determined using the first variation pattern selection table NOR_TBL1 shown in FIG. 9 according to the lottery result. Specifically, when the main control CPU 600a selects the first variation pattern selection table NOR_TBL1 using the table TBL shown in FIG. 7(a), the variation pattern is determined. To explain in detail, in the first variation pattern selection table NOR_TBL1 shown in FIG. 9, when the special pattern 1 is not selected and the first start reserved ball is a miss, the normal variation of 12 seconds is selected with the probability shown in the figure, the normal reach miss (20 seconds) is selected with the probability shown in the figure, and the SP reach miss (50 seconds) is selected with the probability shown in the figure. And, when the first start reserved ball is "1", the normal variation of 8 seconds is selected with the probability shown in the figure, the normal reach miss (20 seconds) is selected with the probability shown in the figure, and the SP reach miss (50 seconds) is selected with the probability shown in the figure. And, further, when the first start reserved ball is "2", the normal variation of 5 seconds is selected with the probability shown in the figure, the normal reach miss (20 seconds) is selected with the probability shown in the figure, and the SP reach miss (50 seconds) is selected with the probability shown in the figure. Furthermore, if there are three first start reserved balls, then with the probability shown, a normal variation of three seconds will be selected, with the probability shown, a missed normal reach (20 seconds) will be selected, and with the probability shown, a missed SP reach (50 seconds) will be selected.

In this way, in normal deviation fluctuations that do not result in a reach, the fluctuation time is shortened according to the number of first start reserved balls.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, when the game state is the normal game state (low probability non-time-saving game state) YG30, if an irregular ball enters the special symbol 2 starting hole 45, the main control CPU 600a selects the first variation pattern selection table NOR_TBL1 shown in FIG. 9 using the table TBL shown in FIG. 7(a). At this time, as shown in FIG. 7(b), even if the special symbol 2 is not selected as a winning combination and the second start reserved ball is any of "0" to "3", normal variation of 8 seconds is selected with the probability shown, and normal reach miss (20 seconds) is selected with the probability shown.

In this way, the fluctuation time is not shortened according to the number of second start reserved balls, but is determined from a common fluctuation pattern selection table regardless of the number of second start reserved balls.

Thus, the first variation pattern selection table NOR_TBL1 shown in FIG. 9 has the same allocation value regardless of the number of reserved second start reserved balls. The types of variation patterns selected are fewer for special pattern 2 than for special pattern 1, and the probability of reaching is lower for special pattern 2 than for special pattern 1. By setting it in this way, in the case of a normal game state (low probability non-time-saving game state), the reach probability is increased when the number of reserved first start reserved balls is small in special pattern 1, or a ball with a long variation time is selected, so that the next reservation is accumulated. On the other hand, in the case of a normal game state (low probability non-time-saving game state), the reservation of the second start reserved ball occurs due to an irregular winning, so the number of first start reserved balls almost never accumulates to four like special pattern 1. Therefore, in order to end the variation of special pattern 2 early and to make the state in which special pattern 1 varies, the same allocation value is set regardless of the number of reserved second start reserved balls.

When the game state shown in Fig. 6 is the normal game state (low probability non-time-saving game state) YG30, the main control CPU 600a executes a lottery for either special pattern 1 or 2, and if either of them wins the jackpot, the main control CPU 600a selects the first variation pattern selection table NOR_TBL1 shown in Fig. 9 using the table TBL shown in Fig. 7(a). At this time, as shown in Fig. 9, if the lottery for either special pattern 1 or 2 wins the jackpot 1, a normal reach win (30 seconds) is selected with the probability shown, an SP reach win (60 seconds) is selected with the probability shown, and a full rotation variation win (100 seconds) is selected with the probability shown. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, if the lottery for either special pattern 1 or 2 results in jackpot 2, a normal reach win (30 seconds) is selected with the probability shown, and an SP reach win (60 seconds) is selected with the probability shown.

On the other hand, when the game state shown in FIG. 6 is the normal game state (low probability non-time-saving game state) YG30, the main control CPU 600a executes a lottery for special pattern 2, and if a small win is won, the main control CPU 600a selects the first variation pattern selection table NOR_TBL1 shown in FIG. 9 using the table TBL shown in FIG. 7(a). At this time, as shown in FIG. 9, a lottery for special pattern 2 is executed, and if either small win 1 or 2 is won, the small win variation (50 seconds) is selected with the probability shown.

On the other hand, when the game state shown in FIG. 6 is the normal game state (low probability non-time-saving game state) YG30, if the special electric support symbol is won with a probability of 1/300, the game state YG30 transitions to the challenge time game state (low probability time-saving game state) YG31 (see RO30). When the special electric support symbol is won, the main control CPU 600a selects the first variation pattern selection table NOR_TBL1 shown in FIG. 9 using the table TBL shown in FIG. 7 (a). At this time, as shown in FIG. 9, the normal reach miss + time-saving entry performance (25 seconds) is selected with the illustrated probability, and the SP reach miss + time-saving entry performance (55 seconds) is selected with the illustrated probability. In other words, when the special electric support symbol is won, a series of variation patterns is selected in which a miss performance is performed during the variation and then a time-saving entry performance is performed. There are two special electric support symbols, special electric support symbol 1 and special electric support symbol 2, but the allocation value is the same for both.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 6, when the game state YG31 transitions to the challenge time game state (low probability time-saving game state), if a big win or a small win is won within one fluctuation of the special symbol 2, the game state YG31 transitions to the RUSH game state (high probability time-saving game state) YG32 (see RO31). In this challenge time game state (low probability time-saving game state) YG31, a transition performance is executed. Specifically, the main control CPU 600a selects the third variation pattern selection table LAST_TBL shown in FIG. 10(b) using the table TBL shown in FIG. 7(a). At this time, as shown in FIG. 10(b), in the case where the lottery for the special symbols 1 and 2 is not won and there are "0" to "3" first start reserved balls or second start reserved balls, the transition performance (miss) 60 seconds is selected with the probability shown in the figure in any case. Then, if the lottery for special pattern 1 or 2 is won, and if it is either big win 1 or 2, the transition effect ⇒ winning effect 100 seconds is selected. Furthermore, if the lottery for special pattern 2 is won, and if it is either small win 1 or 2, the transition effect ⇒ winning effect 100 seconds is selected. Furthermore, if the special electric support pattern is won, a transition effect (miss) of 60 seconds is selected. Note that even if the special electric support pattern is won, the number of time-saving times is not reset, so the missing variation pattern is selected.

Thus, the third variation pattern selection table LAST_TBL shown in FIG. 10(b) has the same allocation value regardless of the number of reserved second start reserved balls. By selecting such a third variation pattern selection table LAST_TBL, it is possible to lengthen the presentation time in response to the final variation.

On the other hand, if a big win or a small win is not won, as shown in FIG. 6, the game state YG31 transitions to a challenge time game state (low probability time-saving game state) YG33 (see RO32). Here, the main control CPU 600a executes a lottery for the four second start reserved balls that have been reserved within one fluctuation time of the game state YG31. At this time, the main control CPU 600a selects the second fluctuation pattern selection table NOR_TBL2 shown in FIG. 10(a) using the table TBL shown in FIG. 7(a) to display on the liquid crystal display device 41 a performance indicating whether or not a big win or a small win will be won among the four second start reserved balls, and to allow the player to visually confirm this. As shown in FIG. 10(a), if neither special pattern 1 nor 2 is selected as a winning combination and the result is a loss, and the first or second start reserved ball is a number between "0" and "3," a 60-second winning/losing indicator (loss) will be selected with the probability shown.

On the other hand, if either special pattern 1 or 2 wins the lottery and either big win 1 or 2 results in a 80-second hit/miss increment (win) effect, with the probability shown, and a 100-second hit/miss increment increment → revival hit effect is selected with the probability shown. And if special pattern 2 wins the lottery and either small win 1 or 2 results in a 80-second hit/miss increment increment (win) effect, with the probability shown, and a 100-second hit/miss increment increment → revival hit effect is selected with the probability shown. Furthermore, if the special electric support pattern wins, a hit/miss increment increment + time-saving effect (80 seconds) is selected, which is a variation pattern that goes from a miss effect to a time-saving effect.

Thus, using the second variation pattern selection table NOR_TBL2 shown in FIG. 10(a), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays the effect of whether or not a big win or a small win will be won. If a big win or a small win is not won, the game returns to the normal game state (low probability non-time-saving game state) YG30 as shown in FIG. 6 (see RO33). Note that if a big win or a small win is won, the game state YG33 shown in FIG. 6 will transition to the RUSH game state (high probability time-saving game state) YG32.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, when the game state is the normal game state (low probability non-time-saving game state) YG30, the main control CPU 600a executes a lottery for special pattern 1, and when a jackpot is won, the game state YG30 transitions to the jackpot game state YG34 (see RO34). At this time, 99% of the time-saving games are awarded once, and 1% of the time-saving games are awarded seven times. When a jackpot is won with seven time-saving games awarded, the game state YG34 transitions to the RUSH game state (low probability time-saving game state) YG32 (see RO35). Then, the main control CPU 600a selects HI_TBL using the table TBL shown in FIG. 7(a). On the other hand, in the final variation (the seventh in the figure), the third variation pattern selection table LAST_TBL shown in FIG. 10(b) is selected, and the transition performance is executed.

In the RUSH game state (high probability time-saving game state) YG32 shown in Figure 6, when a predetermined number of misses (seven in the figure) are performed, the game state YG32 transitions to the last challenge game state (low probability non-time-saving game state) YG35 (see RO36). Here, the main control CPU 600a performs a lottery for the four second start reserved balls that have been reserved within the seven fluctuation times of the game state YG32. At this time, the main control CPU 600a selects the second fluctuation pattern selection table NOR_TBL2 shown in Figure 10 (a) using the table TBL shown in Figure 7 (a) to display on the liquid crystal display device 41 the performance of whether or not the four second start reserved balls will win a jackpot and allow the player to visually confirm it. Thus, using the second variation pattern selection table NOR_TBL2 shown in FIG. 10(a), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays a presentation indicating whether or not a jackpot will be won. If a jackpot is not won, the game will return to the normal game state (low probability non-time-saving game state) YG30, as shown in FIG. 6 (see RO37).

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, when a jackpot that grants one time of time-saving play is won, the game state YG34 transitions to a challenge time game state (low-probability time-saving game state) YG36 (see RO38). In this challenge time game state (low-probability time-saving game state) YG36, a transition performance is executed. Specifically, the main control CPU 600a selects the third variation pattern selection table LAST_TBL shown in FIG. 10(b) using the table TBL shown in FIG. 7(a).

Thus, if a big win or a small win is won in this challenge time game state (low probability time-saving game state) YG36, the game state YG36 shown in FIG. 6 will transition to the RUSH game state (high probability time-saving game state) YG32 (see RO39). On the other hand, if a big win or a small win is not won, the game state YG36 will transition to the challenge time game state (low probability time-saving game state) YG37 (see RO40) as shown in FIG. 6. Here, the main control CPU 600a executes a lottery for the four second start reserved balls that were reserved within one change time of the game state YG36. At this time, the main control CPU 600a selects the second variation pattern selection table NOR_TBL2 shown in FIG. 10(a) using the table TBL shown in FIG. 7(a) to display on the liquid crystal display device 41 the effect of whether or not the player will win a big win or a small win among the four second start reserved balls, and to allow the player to visually confirm this.

Thus, using the second variation pattern selection table NOR_TBL2 shown in FIG. 10(a), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays the effect of whether or not a big win or a small win will be won. If a big win or a small win is not won, the game returns to the normal game state (low probability non-time-saving game state) YG30 as shown in FIG. 6 (see RO41). Note that if a big win or a small win is won, the game state YG37 shown in FIG. 6 will transition to the RUSH game state (high probability time-saving game state) YG32 (see RO42).

In this way, by determining the variation pattern using an appropriate variation pattern selection table for each game state, the optimal variation pattern can be determined. This makes it possible to reduce situations that reduce the interest of the player, thereby increasing the interest of the player.

In this embodiment, an example has been shown in which the main control 600a determines the variation pattern for performing a variation presentation on the liquid crystal display device 41 (see FIG. 2), but the invention is not limited to this, and the sub-control CPU 800a may determine the variation pattern. Specifically, the table TBLA shown in FIG. 11(a) is stored in the main control ROM 600b. This table TBLA stores a variation pattern selection table designation code corresponding to each game state and the variation pattern selection table to be referenced. The variation pattern selection table designation code is data for referencing the variation pattern selection table managed by the program.

To be more specific, in the normal game state when the main control RAM 600c is cleared upon power-on, table TBLA shown in FIG. 11(a) selects "00H" as the fluctuation pattern selection table designation command, and the first fluctuation pattern selection table NOR_TBL1 is used as the fluctuation pattern selection table to be referenced. Then, in the normal game state at the end of time-saving gameplay, "00H" is selected as the fluctuation pattern selection table designation command, and the first fluctuation pattern selection table NOR_TBL1 is used as the fluctuation pattern selection table to be referenced. Furthermore, in the final fluctuation of time-saving gameplay or RUSH game state, "02H" is selected as the fluctuation pattern selection table designation command, and the third fluctuation pattern selection table LAST_TBL is used as the fluctuation pattern selection table to be referenced. Furthermore, in the time-saving game state (1st spin to -1st spin of the final game), "03H" is selected as the variable pattern selection table designation command, and JT_TBL is used as the variable pattern selection table to be referenced. Furthermore, in the RUSH game state (1st spin to -1st spin of the final game), "04H" is selected as the variable pattern selection table designation command, and HI_TBL is used as the variable pattern selection table to be referenced.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11(b), in the first variation pattern selection table NOR_TBL1, if the lottery for special pattern 1 is a miss and there are "0" first start reserved balls, then with the probability shown, normal variation of 12 seconds will be selected, with the probability shown, normal reach will be a miss (20 seconds) will be selected, and with the probability shown, SP reach will be a miss (50 seconds). And, if the lottery for special pattern 1 is a miss and there are "1" first start reserved balls, then normal variation of 8 seconds will be selected, with the probability shown, normal reach will be a miss (20 seconds) will be selected, and with the probability shown, SP reach will be a miss (50 seconds). Furthermore, if the special pattern 1 is a miss and there are "2" first start reserved balls, then with the probability shown, normal variation of 5 seconds will be selected, with the probability shown, normal reach will be a miss (20 seconds) will be selected, and with the probability shown, SP reach will be a miss (50 seconds). And further, if the special pattern 1 is a miss and there are "3" first start reserved balls, then with the probability shown, normal variation of 3 seconds will be selected, with the probability shown, normal reach will be a miss (20 seconds) will be selected, and with the probability shown, SP reach will be a miss (50 seconds).

If the lottery for special pattern 1 is unsuccessful, an individual fluctuation pattern selection table NOR_TBL1a (see FIG. 11(b)) is selected in which the type and probability of the selected fluctuation pattern differs for each of the first start reserved balls "0" to "3". Note that the selected fluctuation pattern selection table is not limited to one that differs for each of the first start reserved balls "0" to "3", but may be an individual fluctuation pattern selection table in which the type and probability of the selected fluctuation pattern differs for each of the first start reserved balls "0", "1", and "2-3".

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11(b), even if the special symbol 2 is not drawn and the number of second start reserved balls is any of "0" to "3", the normal variation of 8 seconds will be selected with the probability shown, and the normal reach will be not drawn (20 seconds) with the probability shown.

If the special symbol 2 is not selected, the common variation pattern selection table NOR_TBL1b (see FIG. 11(b)) will be selected regardless of whether the number of second start reserved balls is "0" to "3."

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11(b), if the lottery for either special pattern 1 or 2 results in jackpot 1, then with the probability shown, a normal reach hit (30 seconds) is selected, with the probability shown, a SP reach hit (60 seconds) is selected, and with the probability shown, a full rotation variation hit (100 seconds) is selected. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11(b), if the lottery for either special pattern 1 or 2 results in jackpot 2, then with the probability shown, a normal reach hit (30 seconds) is selected, and with the probability shown, a SP reach hit (60 seconds) is selected.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11(b), when a special electric support symbol is won, a normal reach miss + time-saving entry effect (25 seconds) is selected with the probability shown, and an SP reach miss + time-saving entry effect (55 seconds) is selected with the probability shown. In other words, when a special electric support symbol is won, a series of fluctuation patterns is selected in which a miss effect is performed during the fluctuation, followed by a time-saving entry effect. Note that there are two special electric support symbols, special electric support symbol 1 and special electric support symbol 2, but the allocation value is the same for both.

Thus, when the main control CPU 600a determines the fluctuation time using the first fluctuation pattern selection table NOR_TBL1 shown in FIG. 11(b), it sends the presentation control command DI_CMD to the sub-control CPU 800a. In response to this, the sub-control CPU 800a determines the fluctuation pattern using the first presentation fluctuation pattern selection table ENOR_TBL1 shown in FIG. 12 and the second presentation fluctuation pattern selection table ENOR_TBL2 shown in FIG. 13, which are stored in the sub-control ROM 800b. Specifically, in the normal game state when the main control RAM 600c, which is cleared when the power is turned on, is cleared, the sub-control CPU 800a selects the first presentation fluctuation pattern selection table ENOR_TBL1 shown in FIG. 12, which is stored in the sub-control ROM 800b. In this first effect variation pattern selection table ENOR_TBL1 shown in FIG. 11(b), if normal variation of 12 seconds, normal variation of 8 seconds, normal variation of 5 seconds, normal variation of 3 seconds, normal variation of 1.5 seconds, full rotation variation (100 seconds), normal reach miss + time-saving entry effect (25 seconds), or SP reach miss + time-saving entry effect (55 seconds) is selected, the sub-control CPU 800a will determine the selected content as the variation pattern as is.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12, in the first variation pattern selection table ENOR_TBL1 shown in FIG. 11(b), if a normal reach miss (20 seconds) is selected, the sub-control CPU 800a will select normal reach miss 1 with the probability shown, select normal reach miss 2 with the probability shown, and select special mode miss variation with the probability shown. This determines the variation pattern. Note that the probability of a special mode miss variation is 0, so it will not be selected.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12, in the first variation pattern selection table ENOR_TBL1 shown in FIG. 11(b), if SP reach miss (50 seconds) is selected, the sub-control CPU 800a will select SP reach miss 1 with the probability shown, select SP reach miss 2 with the probability shown, and select special mode SP miss variation with the probability shown. This determines the variation pattern. Note that the probability of special mode SP miss variation is 0, so it will not be selected.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12, in the first variation pattern selection table ENOR_TBL1 shown in FIG. 11(b), if normal reach (30 seconds) is selected, the sub-control CPU 800a will select 1 for normal reach with the probability shown, select 2 for normal reach with the probability shown, and select special mode miss variation with the probability shown. This determines the variation pattern. Note that the probability of special mode miss variation is 0, so it will not be selected.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12, in the first variation pattern selection table ENOR_TBL1 shown in FIG. 11(b), if SP reach (60 seconds) is selected, the sub-control CPU 800a will select 1 for SP reach with the probability shown, select 2 for SP reach with the probability shown, and select special mode SP variation with the probability shown. This determines the variation pattern. Note that the probability of special mode SP variation is 0, so it will not be selected.

In this way, the fluctuation pattern in the normal game state when the main control RAM 600c is cleared when the power is turned on is determined by the sub-control CPU 800a.

On the other hand, in the 1st to 20th spins in the normal game state after the time-saving game ends, the sub-control CPU 800a selects the second presentation variation pattern selection table ENOR_TBL2 shown in FIG. 13 stored in the sub-control ROM 800b. In the second presentation variation pattern selection table ENOR_TBL2, if normal variation 12 seconds, normal variation 8 seconds, normal variation 5 seconds, normal variation 3 seconds, normal variation 1.5 seconds, full spin variation (100 seconds), normal reach miss + time-saving entry presentation (25 seconds), or SP reach miss + time-saving entry presentation (55 seconds) is selected in the first variation pattern selection table NOR_TBL1 shown in FIG. 11(b), the sub-control CPU 800a determines the selected content as the variation pattern as it is.

On the other hand, in the second performance variation pattern selection table ENOR_TBL2, as shown in FIG. 13, if a normal reach miss (20 seconds) is selected in the first variation pattern selection table NOR_TBL1 shown in FIG. 11(b), the sub-control CPU 800a will select normal reach miss 1 with the probability shown, select normal reach miss 2 with the probability shown, and select special mode miss variation with the probability shown. This determines the variation pattern. Note that the probability of normal reach miss 1 and 2 is 0, so they will not be selected.

On the other hand, in the second performance variation pattern selection table ENOR_TBL2, as shown in FIG. 13, if SP reach miss (50 seconds) is selected in the first variation pattern selection table NOR_TBL1 shown in FIG. 11(b), the sub-control CPU 800a will select SP reach miss 1 with the probability shown, select SP reach miss 2 with the probability shown, and select special mode SP miss variation with the probability shown. This determines the variation pattern. Note that the probability of SP reach miss 1 and 2 is 0, so they will not be selected.

On the other hand, in the second performance variation pattern selection table ENOR_TBL2, as shown in FIG. 13, when normal reach (30 seconds) is selected in the first variation pattern selection table NOR_TBL1 shown in FIG. 11(b), the sub-control CPU 800a will select 1 for normal reach with the probability shown, select 2 for normal reach with the probability shown, and select special mode miss variation with the probability shown. This determines the variation pattern. Note that the probability of 1 or 2 for normal reach is 0, so they will not be selected.

On the other hand, in the second performance variation pattern selection table ENOR_TBL2, as shown in FIG. 13, if SP reach (60 seconds) is selected in the first variation pattern selection table NOR_TBL1 shown in FIG. 11(b), the sub-control CPU 800a will select 1 for SP reach with the probability shown, select 2 for SP reach with the probability shown, and select special mode SP variation with the probability shown. This determines the variation pattern. Note that the probability of 1 or 2 for SP reach is 0, so they will not be selected.

In this way, the fluctuation pattern in the normal game state at the end of the time-saving game is determined by the sub-control CPU 800a.

Thus, even in this way, it is possible to determine the optimal variation pattern for each game state. This makes it possible to reduce situations that reduce the interest of the player, thereby increasing the interest of the player.

Note that normal reach miss 1/normal reach hit 1 shown in Figures 12 and 13 indicates a normal reach where the middle decorative pattern displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 changes by slowly scrolling, and normal reach miss 2/normal reach hit 2 indicates a normal reach where the middle decorative pattern displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 changes by frame-by-frame advance. The difference between SP reach miss 1/SP reach hit 1 and SP reach miss 2/SP reach hit 2 is the difference in the characters that appear.

<Main control: Program explanation>
Here, the programs stored in the main control ROM 600b (see FIG. 3) processed by the main control board 60 will be outlined with reference to FIGS. 14 to 29 for a more detailed explanation.

<Main control: Explanation of main processing>
First, when the power is turned on to the pachinko game machine 1, a power-on signal is sent to indicate that the DC voltage generated by the voltage generating unit 1300 of the power supply board 130 (see FIG. 3) has been applied to each control board, and upon receiving this signal, the main control CPU 600a (see FIG. 3) reads out a program stored in the main control ROM 600b (see FIG. 3) and performs the main control main processing shown in FIG. 14. At this time, the main control CPU 600a first sets itself to an interrupt-prohibited state (step S1).

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs a stack pointer setting process to set the value of the stack pointer inside the main control CPU 600a to correspond to the final address of the normal stack area (step S2).

Then, the main control CPU 600a clears the WDT (not shown) (step S3) and clears the output port that outputs the launch control signal (step S4).

The main control CPU 600a then sets the startup waiting time for the sub-control board 80 (step S5), decrements (-1) the set waiting time (step S6), and clears the WDT (not shown) (step S7).

Next, the main control CPU 600a checks whether the set waiting time has become "0" (step S8), and if it is not "0" (step S8: ≠ 0), it returns to processing of step S7, and if it is "0" (step S8: = 0), it proceeds to processing of step S9.

Then, the main control CPU 600a acquires the voltage abnormality signal ALARM (see FIG. 3) output from the power supply board 130 (voltage monitoring unit 1310) (see FIG. 3) twice, checks whether the levels of the voltage abnormality signal ALARM acquired twice match, stores it in an internal register of the main control CPU 600a (not shown), and checks the level of the voltage abnormality signal ALARM (step S9). If the level of the voltage abnormality signal ALARM is the "L" level (step S10: YES), the process returns to step S9, and if the level of the voltage abnormality signal ALARM is the "H" level (step S10: NO), the process proceeds to step S11. That is, the main control CPU 600a repeats the same process until the voltage abnormality signal ALARM changes to a normal level (i.e., the "H" level) (steps S9 to S10). In this way, by acquiring the voltage abnormality signal ALARM twice, an accurate signal can be read.

Next, the main control CPU 600a permits data writing to the main control RAM 600c (step S11) and initializes the work area of the main control RAM 600c (step S12). Specifically, it sets the power supply abnormality confirmation counter to 00H and sets the system operation status to 01H.

Next, the main control CPU 600a sends a processing command (performance control command DI_CMD) to the sub-control board 80 to cause the LCD display device 41 to display a standby screen (step S13).

Then, the main control CPU 600a clears the WDT (not shown) (step S14) and checks whether a signal indicating that power has been applied (power-on signal) has been received from the dispensing control board 70 (step S15). If the power-on signal has not been received (step S15: OFF), the process returns to step S14, and if the power-on signal has been received (step S15: ON), the process proceeds to step S16.

Next, the main control CPU 600a acquires the level data of the RAM clear switch 620 and the setting key switch 630, and saves them in the working area of the normal RAM area of the main control RAM 600c (step S16).

Next, the main control CPU 600a acquires a door open signal indicating whether the glass door frame 5 shown in FIG. 1 is open or not, the signal of the RAM clear switch 620 that has been evacuated to the working area of the main control RAM 600c, and the signal of the setting key switch 630 (step S17), and checks whether all are ON (step S18). If all are ON (step S18: YES), the main control CPU 600a performs a setting switching process (step S19).

<Main control: Main processing: Explanation of setting switching processing>
Here, this setting switching process will be specifically described with reference to FIG.

First, the main control CPU 600a sends a setting switching start command (performance control command DI_CMD) to the sub-control board 80, indicating that a setting change is being made (step S50).

Then, the main control CPU 600a clears the backup flag (step S51). Note that this backup flag is data that indicates whether or not backup processing has been performed when a voltage drop due to a power outage or the like is detected during the power supply abnormality check processing shown in FIG. 17. In addition, this backup flag is cleared in order to detect in step S21 shown in FIG. 15 described later, a case in which power has been interrupted for some reason during the setting switching processing and the main control RAM 600c has not been backed up normally.

Then, the main control CPU 600a sets the system operation status to 02H (step S52), obtains the set value of the probability of generating a special game state advantageous to the player stored in the main control RAM 600c (see FIG. 3), and sets it in the W register (step S53). To be more specific, if the set value is, for example, "1" to "6", the program will set the set values "1" to "6" in the W register in correspondence with values "00H" to "05H".

Next, the main control CPU 600a compares the value set in the W register with the maximum set value of the probability of generating a special game state advantageous to the player (e.g., "05H" corresponding to "6") (step S54). If the value set in the W register is greater than the maximum set value of the probability of generating a game state advantageous to the player (e.g., "05H" corresponding to "6") (step S55: YES), the main control CPU 600a determines that the value is an abnormal value and sets 00H to the W register (step S56).

On the other hand, if the value set in the W register is smaller than the maximum probability of generating a game state advantageous to the player (for example, "05H" corresponding to "6") (step S55: NO), it is determined to be a normal value and the process proceeds to step S57.

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets the security signal output to the hall computer used to manage the game island of the amusement arcade to ON, and outputs the security signal to the hall computer (step S57).

Then, the main control CPU 600a sets the LED common port to 00H (step S58).

Then, the main control CPU 600a outputs the value set in the W register to the LED data port (step S59).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets the LED common port that displays the setting value to ON (step S60).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets a predetermined value in a register in the main control CPU 600a so that a 4 ms wait is applied, and performs a countdown process (step S61). This process is to check for changes in the level data of the RAM clear switch 620 (see FIG. 3) and the setting key switch 630 (see FIG. 3) by waiting at least 4 ms from the previous acquisition of the switch level, to ensure that the change in the level data is not due to an irregularity such as noise. Furthermore, when checking for changes in the voltage abnormality signal in the subsequent power abnormality check process and counting the power abnormality confirmation counter, a 4 ms time is also left to ensure that the "L" level of the voltage abnormality signal is not due to an irregularity such as noise.

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs a power supply abnormality check process (step S62). This power supply abnormality check process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 17.

<Main control: Main processing: Explanation of power supply abnormality check processing>
As shown in Fig. 17, the main control CPU 600a twice acquires the voltage abnormality signal ALARM (see Fig. 3) output from the power supply board 130 (voltage monitoring unit 1310) (see Fig. 3) (step S80), and checks whether the levels of the voltage abnormality signal ALARM acquired twice match (step S81). If they match (step S81: YES), the main control CPU 600a checks the level of the voltage abnormality signal ALARM (step S82), and if they do not match (step S81: NO), the process returns to step S80.

Next, if the level of the voltage abnormality signal ALARM is "H" level (step S82: OFF), the main control CPU 600a clears the power abnormality confirmation counter (step S83) and ends the power abnormality check process.

On the other hand, if the voltage abnormality signal ALARM is at the "L" level (step S82: ON), the main control CPU 600a increments (+1) the power supply abnormality confirmation counter (step S84) and checks the value of the power supply abnormality confirmation counter (step S85). If the value of the power supply abnormality confirmation counter is not 2 or more (step S85: NO), the power supply abnormality check process ends.

On the other hand, if the value of the power supply abnormality confirmation counter is 2 or greater (step S85: YES), the main control CPU 600a sends a power cut command (performance control command DI_CMD) to the sub-control board 80 indicating that the power supply has been cut off (step S86).

Then, the main control CPU 600a checks the value of the system operation status (step S87). If the value of the system operation status is 02H, it determines that the setting change process is in progress (step S87: YES), does not set the backup flag to ON, and proceeds to the processing of step S89. In this way, a case where power is interrupted for some reason during the setting switching process and the main control RAM 600c is not backed up normally can be detected in step S21 shown in FIG. 15 described later.

On the other hand, if the value of the system operation status is not 02H, it is determined that the setting change process is not in progress (step S87: NO), and the backup flag is set to ON (step S88).

Next, the main control CPU 600a disables data writing to the main control RAM 600c (step S89) and clears the output data of all output ports (step S90). It then disables timer interrupts (step S91) and performs an infinite loop process to wait for the voltage to drop.

<Main control: Main processing: Explanation of setting switching processing>
Thus, when the power supply abnormality check process (step S62) is completed through the above-mentioned processes, the main control CPU 600a creates switch edge data for the RAM clear switch 620 signal and switch edge data for the setting key switch 630 signal from the previous and current level data of the RAM clear switch 620 and the level data of the setting key switch 630 (step S63).The main control CPU 600a stores the created edge data in the main control RAM 600c.

Then, the main control CPU 600a checks the edge data stored in the main control RAM 600c, and if the setting key switch 630 is ON (step S64: NO), it proceeds to processing of step S65, and if the setting key switch 630 is OFF (step S64: YES), it proceeds to processing of step S67.

Next, if the RAM clear switch 620 is ON (step S65: NO), the main control CPU 600a increments (+1) the value of the W register (step S66) and returns to processing of step S54.

On the other hand, if the RAM clear switch 620 is OFF (step S65: NO), the process returns to step S57.

Thus, the above process is repeated until the setting key switch 630 is turned OFF. When the setting key switch 630 is turned OFF, the main control CPU 600a overwrites the value of the W register with the setting value of the probability of generating a game state advantageous to the player (for example, the setting value "00H" to "05H" corresponding to "1" to "6") stored in the main control RAM 600c (see FIG. 3) (step S67).

Next, the main control CPU 600a outputs a setting confirmation display to the LED data port (step S68).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sends a setting switching end command (performance control command DI_CMD) reflecting the setting value to the sub-control board 80 (step S69).

<Main control: Explanation of main processing>
Thus, after going through the above-mentioned processing and completing the setting switching processing (step S19) shown in FIG. 14, the main control CPU 600a proceeds to processing of step S26 shown in FIG.

On the other hand, the main control CPU 600a checks whether the signal of the RAM clear switch 620 and the signal of the setting key switch 630 are all ON (step S18), and if they are not all ON (step S18: NO), the main control CPU 600a performs the process of step S20 shown in FIG. 15.

That is, the main control CPU 600a obtains the set value of the probability of generating a game state advantageous to the player stored in the main control RAM 600c (see FIG. 3) (for example, a set value between "00H" and "05H" corresponding to "1" to "6"), and checks whether it is equal to or less than the set maximum value (for example, "05H" corresponding to "6") (step S20). If it is equal to or less than the set maximum value (step S20: YES), it checks whether the backup flag is set to ON (step S21).

<Main control: Main processing: Explanation of RAM error processing>
If the value is not below the set maximum value (step S20: NO) or the backup flag is not set to ON (step S21: NO), the main control CPU 600a sends a RAM error command (performance control command DI_CMD) to the sub-control board 80 indicating that there is a RAM error (step S22).

Next, the main control CPU 600a outputs an error indication to the LED data port (step S23).

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs a power supply abnormality check process (step S24), returns to the process of step S23, and repeats the process. Note that this power supply abnormality check process is the same as the power supply abnormality check process shown in FIG. 17.

<Main control: Explanation of main processing>
On the other hand, if the backup flag is set to ON (step S21: YES), the signal of the RAM clear switch 620 is confirmed (step S25).

<Main control: Main processing: Explanation of RAM clear processing>
When the signal of the RAM clear switch 620 is ON (step S25: YES), or when the setting switching process (step S19) shown in Fig. 14 is performed, the main control CPU 600a does not clear the measurement RAM area and measurement stack area of the main control RAM 600c, but clears the normal RAM area and normal stack area of the main control RAM 600c (step S26). At this time, the rescue count counter described later is cleared (set to 0000H).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets the RAM clear notification timer to 30 seconds (30s) (step S27), and sets the timer that outputs a security signal to the hall computer used to manage the game island in the amusement arcade to 30 seconds (30s) (step S28).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets initial values in a part of the main control RAM 600c (step S29) and proceeds to the processing of step S41. When setting the initial values, an initial value is also set in the rescue count counter described below.

<Main control: Explanation of main processing>
On the other hand, if the signal of the RAM clear switch 620 is OFF (step S25: NO), the main control CPU 600a acquires a door open signal indicating whether the glass door frame 5 shown in Fig. 1 is open or not, and a signal of the setting key switch 630 (step S30), and checks whether all are ON or not (step S31). If all are not ON (step S31: NO), the process proceeds to step S40.

<Main control: Main processing: Explanation of setting confirmation processing>
On the other hand, if all are ON (step S31: YES), the main control CPU 600a sends a setting value command (performance control command DI_CMD) reflecting the setting value to the sub-control board 80 (step S32).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets a timer to 30 seconds (30s) to output a security signal to the hall computer used to manage the game island in the amusement arcade (step S33).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets the security signal output to the hall computer used to manage the game island in the amusement arcade to ON, and outputs the security signal to the hall computer for the 30 seconds (30s) set by the timer (step S34).

Next, the main control CPU 600a outputs the setting value to the LED data port (step S35).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets a predetermined value in a register within the main control CPU 600a so that a 4 ms wait is applied, and performs a countdown process (step S36).

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs a power supply abnormality check process (step S37). Note that this power supply abnormality check process is the same process as the power supply abnormality check process shown in FIG. 17.

Next, the main control CPU 600a creates switch edge data for the setting key switch 630 signal from the previous and current level data of the setting key switch 630 (step S38). The main control CPU 600a stores the created edge data in the main control RAM 600c.

Next, the main control CPU 600a checks the edge data stored in the main control RAM 600c (step S39), and if the setting key switch 630 is ON (step S39: NO), the process returns to step S34.

<Main control: Explanation of main processing>
On the other hand, if the setting key switch 630 is OFF (step S39: YES), initial values for the backup flag, error detection timer, etc. are set in part of the main control RAM 600c (step S40).

Then, the main control CPU 600a sends a command (performance control command DI_CMD) to the sub-control board 80 indicating whether power recovery will be achieved by clearing the RAM or by a backup (step S41). When sending a command (performance control command DI_CMD) indicating whether power recovery will be achieved by a backup to the sub-control board 80, a rescue count command based on the value of a rescue count counter (described later) is sent to the sub-control board 80 as a performance control command DI_CMD.

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs a game status notification information update process to update the game status notification information (step S42).

Then, the main control CPU 600a sets the internal function register (step S43). Specifically, it sets the launch control signal to ON and sends it to the dispensing control board 70. This causes the dispensing control board 70 to control the launch control board 71 to start operating. It also sets the CTC, which is provided inside the main control CPU 600a and has functions such as creating a pulse output at a constant period and measuring time. In other words, the main control CPU 600a sets the time constant register of the CTC so that a timer interrupt is generated periodically every 4 ms.

The above process is the initial process for the main control process.

Then, the main control CPU 600a performs a prize ball winning count management process 1 (step S45) that calculates performance such as the total number of game balls shot into the game area 40, including the number of winning balls and the number of non-winning balls, while prohibiting interrupts to itself (step S44). The main control CPU 600a then performs an update process for various random number counters (step S46), returns to an interrupt permitted state (step S47), returns to step S44, and performs a loop process that repeats the processes of steps S44 to S47. This loop process and the interrupt process described below constitute regular processing.

According to this embodiment, if the power is turned on again after being cut off for some reason during a setting change, unless the setting switching process (step S19) shown in FIG. 14 is performed, a RAM abnormality occurs as shown in the process of steps S22 to S24, and the game transitions to the normal game state only when the setting switching process (step S19) shown in FIG. 14 is performed. Furthermore, as shown in step S57 in FIG. 16, the time is not monitored during the setting change, and if the setting is being changed, a security signal is output, and after the setting change, a security signal is output for a predetermined time by time monitoring as shown in steps S33 and S34 in FIG. 15. The reason for not monitoring the time during the setting change is that the time required for the setting change operation is variable depending on the operator, and if the time was monitored, the output of the security signal may stop even during the operation, and if a process to extend the monitoring time during the operation is included, the processing load increases.

Thus, in the past, if an abnormality occurred in the RAM values due to a power outage, there was a possibility that the game would be restarted from the changed setting state, with the setting values and other things remaining unchanged, which could potentially affect gameplay. However, by performing processing as in this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the possibility that gameplay will be restarted, with the possible effects remaining unchanged.

In addition, in the processing of this embodiment, if the setting switching process (step S19) shown in FIG. 14 is not performed when the power is turned on again after being cut off for some reason during a setting change, a RAM abnormality will occur as shown in steps S22 to S24, so in the power abnormality check process, the main control CPU 600a clears the output data of the output port but does not set the backup flag to ON. Note that when clearing the output data of the output port, the main control CPU 600a clears the output data of the output port used when changing the setting (for example, the LED data port and LED common port), and also clears the output data of the output port that was not used when changing the setting.

In this embodiment, an example was shown in which the set value of the probability of generating a special game state advantageous to the player (for example, set values of "00H" to "05H" corresponding to "1" to "6") can be changed in six stages, but even if there is only one stage of the set value (for example, set value of "00H" corresponding to "1"), the setting change function as described above may be provided in order to standardize the components and programs. In this case, even if the set value stored in the W register is incremented by +1 in step S66 in the setting switching process shown in FIG. 16, the maximum set value becomes "00H" corresponding to "1", and the process of setting the value of the W register to "00H" is always performed in step S56 shown in FIG. 16. This makes it possible to execute the setting change process using the same program as the program when there are multiple set values. In this way, even if the main control CPU 600a overwrites the set value stored in the main control RAM 600c (see FIG. 3) in step S67 shown in FIG. 16, the value becomes constant and does not fluctuate. This makes it possible to standardize the components and programs.

<Main control: Explanation of timer interrupt processing>
Next, with reference to FIG. 18, a timer interrupt program which interrupts the above-mentioned main processing and is started every 4 ms will be described.

When this timer interrupt occurs, a save process is executed to save the contents of the registers in the main control CPU 600a to the stack area of the main control RAM 600c (step S100), and then a voltage abnormality check process is executed (step S101). This voltage abnormality check process is the same process as the power supply abnormality check process shown in FIG. 17.

Next, the main control CPU 600a inputs ON/OFF signals of various switches including the special symbol 1 start port switch 44a (see FIG. 3), the special symbol 2 start port switch 45a (see FIG. 3), the normal symbol start port switch 47a (see FIG. 3), the upper right general prize port switch 48a1 (see FIG. 3), the upper left general prize port switch 48b1 (see FIG. 3), the middle left general prize port switch 48c1 (see FIG. 3), the lower left general prize port switch 48d1 (see FIG. 3), the outlet switch 49a (see FIG. 3), and the large prize port switch 46c (see FIG. 3), and stores the ON/OFF signal levels and their rising states in the working area of the main control RAM 600c (step S102).

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs timer subtraction processing for various timers (normal symbol fluctuation timer, normal symbol gimmick timer, etc.) that manage the time of each game operation (step S103).

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs random number management processing (step S104). Specifically, it performs processing to update the random numbers for the normal symbols, special symbols, etc., used in the winning/losing lottery.

Then, the main control CPU 600a performs an error management process (step S105). The error management process is to determine whether there is an abnormality inside the device, such as a stop in the supply of game balls, a jam in the game balls, or a disconnection in the special symbol 1 start port switch 44a (see FIG. 3), the special symbol 2 start port switch 45a (see FIG. 3), the normal symbol start port switch 47a (see FIG. 3), the upper right general winning port switch 48a1 (see FIG. 3), the upper left general winning port switch 48b1 (see FIG. 3), the middle left general winning port switch 48c1 (see FIG. 3), the lower left general winning port switch 48d1 (see FIG. 3), the out port switch 49a (see FIG. 3), or the large winning port switch 46c (see FIG. 3). When an error occurs, a command (performance control command DI_CMD) corresponding to the error is sent to the sub-control board 80.

Next, the main control CPU 600a executes a prize ball management process (step S106). This prize ball management process outputs a payout control command PAY_CMD to the payout/launch control board 70 (see FIG. 3) to perform a payout operation.

Next, the main control CPU 600a executes normal symbol processing (step S107). This normal symbol processing executes a lottery to determine whether the normal symbol will be selected, and determines the normal symbol's variation pattern and the normal symbol's stop display state based on the lottery result. Details of this processing will be described later.

Then, the main control CPU 600a executes the normal electric role management process (step S108). This normal electric role management process generates a signal related to the control of the normal electric role solenoid 45c (see FIG. 3) required for the normal electric role release game to occur based on the lottery result of the normal symbol process (step S107). Note that when the winning ease flag indicating whether the game state is in the time-saving game state or not is turned ON in the special symbol process (step S109) described later, the special symbol process (step S109) described later is executed after the normal electric role management process (step S108), so that the normal electric role release game will occur from the next timer interrupt process.

Next, the main control CPU 600a executes special symbol processing (step S109). In this special symbol processing, a lottery is executed to determine whether the special symbol will win or lose, and the variation pattern of the special symbol and the stop display mode of the special symbol are determined based on the result of the lottery. In addition, the easy-to-win flag and the normal symbol probability change flag, which indicate whether the game state is a time-saving game state or not, are also processed. Furthermore, the lottery to determine whether the special symbol will win or lose when the easy-to-win flag is ON, is executed from the next timer interrupt processing. Furthermore, when the game moves to the first advantageous state (for example, the challenge time game state (low-probability time-saving game state) YG4 shown in FIG. 4(a) or the chance time game state (low-probability time-saving game state) YG13 shown in FIG. 4(b)) via the jackpot, the easy-to-win flag is updated to the ON state when the jackpot processing ends. The details of the special symbol processing will be described later.

Next, the main control CPU 600a executes the special electric role management process (step S110). In this special electric role management process, when the jackpot lottery result is a "jackpot" or "small win", the necessary setting process is performed to execute and control the winning game corresponding to the win. At this time, a signal related to the control of the special electric role solenoid 46b (see FIG. 3) is also generated. In addition, when the jackpot lottery result is a "jackpot" or "small win", a command related to that (presentation control command DI_CMD) is sent to the sub-control board 80. In addition, in the process of this step S110, the main control CPU 600a sets an initial value to a rescue count counter described later when the jackpot process starts or ends.

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs a right-hit notification information management process (step S111). In this right-hit notification information management process, a process is performed to make a "launch position guidance effect (right-hit notification effect)" that gives a right-hit instruction notification in a situation where right-hitting is advantageous, such as when the opening and closing member 45b is opened a predetermined number of times for a predetermined time, or when the opening and closing door 46a is opened and the big prize opening (not shown) is opened. When a right-hit notification effect is performed, a command (effect control command DI_CMD) related to the right-hit notification effect is transmitted to the sub-control board 80 in this right-hit notification information management process. At this time, as shown in FIG. 4, if the time-saving game state is reached via a big win and the easy-to-win flag is turned ON, the sub-control CPU 800a transmits a command list to the VDP 803 such that a right-hit instruction notification is not made in the center of the screen of the liquid crystal display device 41, but is made in the corner of the screen. As a result, the VDP 803 generates image (video) data to display an image based on the command list, and sends the generated image (video) data to the liquid crystal display device 41, so that the right hit instruction is not notified in the center of the screen on the liquid crystal display device 41, but is notified in the corner of the screen. In other words, when a jackpot game occurs, the right hit instruction is notified in the center of the screen on the liquid crystal display device 41, so if a right hit instruction is notified again in the center of the screen on the liquid crystal display device 41 in the time-saving game state to which the game is transitioned after the jackpot game, the player who is aware that the right hit state is continuing may feel uncomfortable, which may reduce the player's interest.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, when the time-saving game state is entered without going through a jackpot and the easy-to-win flag is ON, the sub-control CPU 800a sends to the VDP 803 a command list that causes a right-hit instruction notification to be displayed in the center of the screen of the liquid crystal display device 41. This causes the VDP 803 to generate image (video) data to display an image based on the command list, and by sending the generated image (video) data to the liquid crystal display device 41, a right-hit instruction notification is displayed in the center of the screen on the liquid crystal display device 41. In other words, when the time-saving game state is entered abruptly without going through a jackpot, it is necessary for the player to clearly recognize that the right-hit state has begun.

By informing the player of the right hit instruction in this way according to the difference in the transition game, it is possible not only to inform the player of the appropriate playing method, but also to increase the player's interest.

Next, the main control CPU 600a executes an LED management process (step S112). In this LED management process, an easy-to-win game state LED signal is output. That is, if the easy-to-win flag is turned ON in the above-mentioned special pattern process within the same timer interrupt, the easy-to-win game state LED signal is output from the output port of the main control CPU 600a to the 7-segment display device 53a shown in FIG. 2. This causes the LED of the 7-segment display device 53a shown in FIG. 2 to light up. On the other hand, if the easy-to-win flag is turned OFF, an easy-to-win game state LED signal is output from the output port of the main control CPU 600a. This causes the LED of the 7-segment display device 53a shown in FIG. 2 to turn off.

In this way, the easy-to-win flag is turned ON in the same timer interrupt, and the easy-to-win game state LED signal is output based on the easy-to-win flag that is turned ON, thereby lighting up the 7-segment display device 53a shown in FIG. 2. Then, since the special symbol process (step S109), the special electric device management process (step S110), and the LED management process (step S112) are executed after the normal electric device management process (step S108), the normal electric device release game is generated in the normal electric device management process (step S108) based on the easy-to-win flag that is turned ON from the next timer interrupt process. As a result, by first lighting up the 7-segment display device 53a, the player is appropriately notified that the time-saving game state will start, and then the game ball can be made to easily enter the special symbol 2 start hole 45, making it easier for the player to recognize that the game state has shifted to one that is favorable to the player.

As described above, the easy-to-win flag is turned ON in the same timer interruption, and the easy-to-win game state LED signal is output based on the easy-to-win flag that is turned ON, thereby lighting up the 7-segment display device 53a shown in FIG. 2. Since the special pattern processing (step S109), the special electric device management processing (step S110), and the LED management processing (step S112) are executed after the next timer interruption processing, the lottery for the special pattern is executed based on the easy-to-win flag that is turned ON. In this way, it is possible to prevent the possibility of non-compliance in the type test. In other words, if the lottery for the special pattern is executed based on the easy-to-win flag that is turned ON between the processing for turning on the easy-to-win flag and the processing for lighting the 7-segment display device 53a, the lottery will be held in the easy-to-win state, even though the easy-to-win state has not been notified by the 7-segment display device 53a. Therefore, there is a possibility that the type test will not be compliant due to the shift in the notification timing. Therefore, by following the above-described embodiment, it is possible to prevent the possibility of failure in type testing.

Then, the main control CPU 600a executes an external terminal management process (step S113). In this external terminal management process, predetermined game information is output to the hall computer used for managing the game island of the game center, such as the number of times a win has occurred during a winning game, the number of times a special pattern has changed, information on the detection of a winning ball entering a winning slot, information on the time-saving game state, and security information.

Then, the main control CPU 600a performs solenoid management processing (step S114). At this time, the main control CPU 600a checks the signal related to the control of the normal electric role solenoid 45c (see FIG. 3) generated in the normal electric role management processing (step S108), and checks the signal related to the control of the special electric role solenoid 46b (see FIG. 3) generated in the special electric role management processing (step S110). Then, based on this signal, the operation/stop of the normal electric role solenoid 45c or the special electric role solenoid 46b is controlled, and the opening/closing member 45b (see FIG. 3) is opened or closed, or the opening/closing door 46a (see FIG. 2) is operated so that the large prize opening (not shown) is opened or closed.

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs processing outside the use area (step S115). In this processing, the performance display value calculated in the prize ball winning count management processing 1 in step S45 shown in FIG. 15 is displayed on the measurement and setting display device 610 (see FIG. 3).

Then, the main control CPU 600a clears the WDT (not shown) (step S116), returns to the interrupt enabled state (step S117), restores the contents of the registers that were saved in the stack area of the main control RAM 600c, and ends the timer interrupt (step S118). This causes the process to return from the interrupt processing routine to the main processing (see FIG. 14).

<Main control: Explanation of normal pattern processing>
Next, the normal symbol processing will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 19, the normal symbol processing first checks whether the passage of a game ball has been detected at the normal symbol start port 48 (see FIG. 2) consisting of a gate, that is, checks the signal level of the normal symbol start port switch 48a (see FIG. 3) of the normal symbol start port 48 (step S150). If the passage of a game ball is detected (step S150: YES), the main control CPU 600a checks the main control RAM 600c in which the number of start reserved balls for the normal symbol is stored to determine whether the number of start reserved balls for the normal symbol is, for example, 4 or more (step S151). At that time, if the number of start reserved balls for the normal symbol is less than 4 (step S151: ≠ MAX), the number of start reserved balls for the normal symbol is increased by 1 (step S152). After that, the main control CPU 600a stores the random number value for determining whether the normal symbol wins, which is used to draw the winning or losing lottery for the normal symbol, in the main control RAM 600c, which stores the number of balls reserved for the start of the normal symbol (step S153), and then proceeds to the processing of step S154.

On the other hand, if the passing of a game ball is not detected in step S150 (step S150: NO), or if it is determined in step S151 that the number of initial reserved balls for normal symbols is 4 or more (step S151: = MAX), the processing of steps S152 to S153 is not performed, and the processing proceeds to step S154.

When the main control CPU 600a proceeds to processing of step S154, it checks whether the normal symbol win activation flag is set to ON, i.e., whether the normal symbol win activation flag is set to 5AH (step S154). If the normal symbol win activation flag is set to 5AH (step S154: ON), it determines that the normal symbol is winning, updates the display data for the normal symbol (step S163), and then ends the normal symbol processing.

On the other hand, if the normal symbol hit operation flag is not set to 5AH (step S154: OFF), the process state indicating the behavior of the normal symbol, i.e., the value of the normal symbol operation status flag, is checked (step S155). Then, if the normal symbol operation status flag is 00H, the main control CPU 600a determines that the state is before the normal symbol starts to change, and proceeds to step S156, where it is checked whether the number of balls reserved for the start of the normal symbol is 0 (step S156).

The main control CPU 600a checks the main control RAM 600c in which the number of reserved balls for starting normal symbols is stored, and if it determines that it is 0 (step S156: = 0), it updates the display data for the normal symbols (step S163) and ends the normal symbol processing. On the other hand, if it determines that it is not 0 (step S156: ≠ 0), it subtracts 1 from the number of reserved balls for starting normal symbols (step S157).

Then, in the case of a type 1/type 2 gaming machine, the main control CPU 600a performs a hit determination of the random number value corresponding to the number of balls reserved for the normal symbol stored in the main control RAM 600c using the normal symbol hit determination value table NPP_TBL1 shown in FIG. 27(a). That is, the main control CPU 600a determines whether it is equal to or greater than the lower limit (4 in the figure) and equal to or less than the upper limit (250 in the figure), and if it is equal to or greater than the lower limit and equal to or less than the upper limit, it sets the normal symbol hit determination flag to 5AH and turns it ON. In all other cases, it turns the normal symbol hit determination flag OFF.

On the other hand, in the case of a V-ST type gaming machine, the main control CPU 600a performs a hit determination of the random number value corresponding to the number of balls reserved for the normal symbol stored in the main control RAM 600c using the normal symbol hit determination value table NPP_TBL2 shown in FIG. 28(a). That is, if the normal symbol probability change flag indicating the game state is OFF, the main control CPU 600a determines whether the random number value is equal to or greater than the lower limit value (171 in the figure) and equal to or less than the upper limit value (250 in the figure) of the normal symbol hit determination value table NPP_TBL2 (normal state) shown in FIG. 28(a), and if it is equal to or greater than the lower limit value and equal to or less than the upper limit value, it sets the normal symbol hit determination flag to 5AH and turns it ON. In all other cases, the normal symbol hit determination flag is turned OFF.

On the other hand, if the normal symbol winning probability flag indicating the game state is ON, it is determined whether the random number value is equal to or greater than the lower limit (4 in the figure) and equal to or less than the upper limit (250 in the figure) of the normal symbol winning judgment value table NPP_TBL2 (high probability state) shown in FIG. 28(a), and if it is equal to or greater than the lower limit and equal to or less than the upper limit, the normal symbol winning judgment flag is set to 5AH and turned ON. In all other cases, a process is performed to set the normal symbol winning judgment flag to OFF (step S158).

Thus, the main control CPU 600a determines the stopping pattern (normal stopping pattern) based on the lottery result determined by the random number lottery process (step S159).

Next, the main control CPU 600a checks whether the normal pattern time-saving flag, which shortens the normal pattern fluctuation time, is set to ON, and if it is set to ON, it sets the normal pattern fluctuation timer to a corresponding fluctuation time, and if it is set to OFF, it performs processing to set the normal pattern fluctuation timer to the normal fluctuation time (step S160).

Next, the main control CPU 600a shifts the memory area of the main control RAM 600c in which the random number value used to select the winning or losing normal symbol corresponding to the initial reserved number of balls for the normal symbol is stored (step S161). In other words, if a maximum of four regular pattern start reserved balls can be reserved, the random number value used for the lottery for the regular pattern corresponding to the regular pattern start reserved ball number of four is shifted to the main control RAM 600c in which the random number value used for the lottery for the regular pattern corresponding to the regular pattern start reserved ball number of three is stored, the random number value used for the lottery for the regular pattern corresponding to the regular pattern start reserved ball number of three is shifted to the main control RAM 600c in which the random number value used for the lottery for the regular pattern corresponding to the regular pattern start reserved ball number of two is stored, and the random number value used for the lottery for the regular pattern corresponding to the regular pattern start reserved ball number of two is shifted to the main control RAM 600c in which the random number value used for the lottery for the regular pattern corresponding to the regular pattern start reserved ball number of one is stored.

After this process, the main control CPU 600a sets the normal symbol operation status flag used in step S155 above to 01H, and performs a process of setting the main control RAM 600c, in which the random number value used to select the winning or losing lottery for the normal symbol corresponding to the initial reserved ball count of 4 for the normal symbol, to 00H (step S162).

After completing the processing of step S162, the main control CPU 600a updates the display data for the normal symbol (step S163) and ends the normal symbol processing.

On the other hand, if the processing state indicating the behavior of the normal symbol, i.e., the value of the normal symbol operation status flag, is 01H in step S155, the main control CPU 600a determines that the normal symbol is changing, proceeds to step S164, and checks whether the normal symbol change timer is 0 or not (step S164). If the normal symbol change timer is not 0 (step S164: ≠ 0), the display data of the normal symbol is updated (step S163), and the normal symbol processing is terminated. Then, if the normal symbol change timer is 0 (step S164: = 0), the main control CPU 600a sets the normal symbol operation status flag used in step S155 to 02H, and sets the normal symbol change timer to, for example, about 600 ms in order to maintain the result of the lottery for the normal symbol for a certain period of time (step S165).

After completing the processing of step S165, the main control CPU 600a updates the display data for the normal symbol (step S163) and ends the normal symbol processing.

On the other hand, in step S155, if the processing state indicating the behavior of the normal symbol, i.e., the value of the normal symbol operation status flag, is 02H, the main control CPU 600a judges that the normal symbol is in the confirmation time (the normal symbol fluctuation has ended and is stopped), and proceeds to step S166 to check whether the normal symbol fluctuation timer is 0 or not (step S166). If the normal symbol fluctuation timer is not 0 (step S166: ≠ 0), the display data of the normal symbol is updated (step S163), and the normal symbol processing is terminated. Then, if the normal symbol fluctuation timer is 0 (step S166: = 0), the main control CPU 600a sets the normal symbol operation status flag used in step S155 to 00H (step S167), and checks whether the normal symbol hit determination flag is set to ON (5AH is set) (step S168).

As a result, if the normal symbol hit determination flag is set to OFF (5AH is not set) (step S168: OFF), the main control CPU 600a updates the display data for the normal symbol (step S163) and ends the normal symbol processing. Then, if the normal symbol hit determination flag is set to ON (5AH is set) (step S168: ON), the main control CPU 600a sets the normal symbol hit activation flag used in step S154 to ON (5AH is set) (step S169), and then ends the normal symbol processing.

<Main control: Explanation of special pattern processing>
Next, the special symbol process will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 20, the special symbol processing first checks whether or not a game ball (winning ball) has been detected at the special symbol 1 start hole switch 44a (see FIG. 3) of the special symbol 1 start hole 44 (see FIG. 2) (step S200), and then checks whether or not a game ball (winning ball) has been detected at the special symbol 2 start hole switch 45a (see FIG. 3) of the special symbol 2 start hole 45 (see FIG. 2) (step S201).

<Main control: Special pattern processing: Explanation of starting port check processing>
21, the main control CPU 600a checks whether the game ball has entered (won) the special symbol 1 start hole 44 or the special symbol 2 start hole 45, that is, checks the level of the special symbol 1 start hole switch 44a of the special symbol 1 start hole 44 or the special symbol 2 start hole switch 45a of the special symbol 2 start hole 45 (step S250). If the game ball has not entered (won) (step S250: NO), the special symbol process ends.

On the other hand, if a game ball is detected to have entered the game (winning) (step S250: YES), the main control CPU 600a checks whether the number of start-reserved balls that will trigger a change in the special pattern is a predetermined number stored in the main control RAM 600c (step S251). If the number of start-reserved balls is less than four (step S251: ≠ MAX), the number of start-reserved balls is incremented by one (+1) (step S252).

Next, the main control CPU 600a stores the random number value used when the special symbol stops, the random number value for the variation pattern, and the random number value for determining a jackpot in the main control RAM 600c, which stores the number of start-up reserved balls that trigger the variation of the special symbol (step 253).

Next, the main control CPU 600a checks the current game state (whether the special symbol jackpot determination flag is set to ON, etc.) and determines whether or not pre-reading is prohibited (step S254). If pre-reading is not prohibited (step S254: NO), the main control CPU 600a obtains the random number value for jackpot determination used in the lottery to determine whether the special symbol will win or lose, which was stored in the main control RAM 600c in step S253 (step S255), and further obtains a random number determination table for winning at the start port (not shown) (step S256).

Then, the main control CPU 600a performs a lottery for a big win using the random number value for determining a big win obtained in step S255 and the random number determination table (not shown) for determining the start gate winning time obtained in step S256, and further determines the type of big win (rank-up bonus win, normal big win, etc.) using the random number value for the special pattern stored in the main control RAM 600c in step S253, determines the variation pattern using the variation pattern selection table shown in Figures 7 to 11 using the random number value for the variation pattern, and generates a special pattern start gate winning command corresponding to it (step S257). At this time, in addition to the big win lottery, a lottery for a small win and a lottery for a special electric support pattern may also be performed, and the type of small win or the type of special electric support pattern may be determined using the random number value for the special pattern described above, or a random number value different from the random number value for the special pattern, and the variation pattern may be determined using the random number value for the variation pattern, and the corresponding special pattern start gate winning command may be generated.

Next, the main control CPU 600a generates a lower byte start pending addition command corresponding to the special pattern start opening winning command generated above (step S258).

On the other hand, the main control CPU 600a ends the processing of step S258 above, or if the first or second start reserved ball count of special pattern 1 or 2 is 4 or more in step S251 above (step S251: = MAX), or if pre-reading is prohibited (step S254: YES), it generates a start reserved addition command in the upper byte according to the increased number of start reserved balls (step S259).

Next, the main control CPU 600a combines the lower byte start pending addition command generated in step S258 above with the upper byte start pending addition command generated in step S259 above, and transmits the combined command as a start pending addition command (performance control command DI_CMD) to the sub-control board 80 (step S260).

<Main control: Explanation of special pattern processing>
Thus, when the processing of steps S200 and S201 shown in Fig. 20 is completed, the main control CPU 600a checks whether the special symbol small win activation flag is set to ON, that is, whether the special symbol small win activation flag is set to 5AH (step S202). If the special symbol small win activation flag is set to 5AH (step S202: ON), it is determined that the special symbol is in a small win, and after updating the display data of the special symbol (step S208), the special symbol processing is completed.

On the other hand, if the special symbol small win activation flag is not set to 5AH (step S202: OFF), it is checked whether the special symbol big win activation flag is set to ON, i.e., whether the special symbol big win activation flag is set to 5AH (step S203). If the special symbol big win activation flag is set to 5AH (step S203: ON), it is determined that the special symbol is in a big win, and after updating the display data for the special symbol (step S208), the special symbol processing is terminated.

On the other hand, if the special symbol jackpot activation flag is not set to 5AH (step S203: OFF), the processing state indicating the behavior of the special symbol, i.e., the value of the special symbol operation status flag, is checked (step S204). To explain in more detail, if the value of the special symbol operation status flag is 00H or 01H, the main control CPU 600a determines that the special symbol is waiting to change (indicating that the special symbol has not changed and is waiting for the next change), and performs special symbol change start processing (step S205).

<Main control: Special symbol processing: Explanation of special symbol variation start processing>
This process will be explained in detail with reference to FIG. 22. The main control CPU 600a checks whether the start reserved ball count, which is the trigger for the special symbol to change, is 0 or not (step S300). That is, the main control CPU 600a checks whether it is stored in the main control RAM 600c, and if it determines that the start reserved ball count is 0 (step S300:=0), it checks whether the value of the special symbol operation status flag is 00H or not (step S301). If the value of the special symbol operation status flag is 00H (step S301: YES), the special symbol change start process is terminated.

On the other hand, if the value of the special pattern operation status flag is not 00H (step S301: NO), the main control CPU 600a sends a customer waiting demo command to the sub-control board 80 (see Figure 3) as a performance control command DI_CMD (step S302).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets the special pattern operation status flag to 00H (step S303) and ends the special pattern change start process.

On the other hand, if the main control CPU 600a determines that the number of start-up pending balls is not 0 (step S300: ≠ 0), it subtracts 1 from the start-up pending ball count (-1) (step S304) and sends a start-up pending subtraction command to the sub-control board 80 (sub-control CPU 800a) as a performance control command DI_CMD (step S305).

Next, the main control CPU 600a checks the value of the rescue count counter described below, and sends a rescue count command to the sub-control board 80 (sub-control CPU 800a) as a performance control command DI_CMD (step S306).

Next, the main control CPU 600a checks the value of the special pattern time-saving counter described later, and transmits a time-saving number command as a performance control command DI_CMD to the sub-control board 80 (sub-control CPU 800a) (step S307). In response to this, the sub-control CPU 800a transmits to the VDP 803 a command list for an image (video) that does not display the current time-saving number on the liquid crystal display device 41 or displays a fixed number such as 100 times on the liquid crystal display device 41 until the number of time-saving times becomes equal to or less than a predetermined number. As a result, the VDP 803 generates image (video) data to display an image based on the command list, and transmits the generated image (video) data to the liquid crystal display device 41, so that the current time-saving number is not displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41, or a fixed number such as 100 times is displayed. Then, when the number of time-saving times becomes equal to or less than a predetermined number, the sub-control CPU 800a transmits to the VDP 803 a command list for an image (video) that displays the received time-saving number information on the liquid crystal display device 41. As a result, the VDP 803 generates image (video) data to display an image based on the command list, and transmits the generated image (video) data to the liquid crystal display device 41, causing the liquid crystal display device 41 to display the current number of time-saving times.

Next, the main control CPU 600a shifts the memory area in the main control RAM 600c in which the random number values used when the special symbol stops, the random number values for the variable pattern, and the random number values for determining a jackpot (see step S253 in FIG. 21) are stored (step S308), and sets the area in the main control RAM 600c in which the random number values used to determine whether the special symbol corresponding to start hold 4 has been selected to 0 (step S309).

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs a hit determination process (step S310).

<Main control: Special pattern processing: Win determination processing explanation>
This process will be explained in detail with reference to FIG. 23. The main control CPU 600a acquires a random number value for determining a jackpot from the main control RAM 600c in which the random number value for determining a jackpot (see step S253 in FIG. 21) is stored (step S370).

Next, the main control CPU 600a obtains the address of the win determination table corresponding to the changing special symbol. That is, in the case of a type 1/type 2 gaming machine, it obtains the address of the special symbol big win determination value table SDH_TBL1 shown in FIG. 27(b) and the special symbol small win determination value table SDP_TBL shown in FIG. 27(e).

On the other hand, in the case of a V-ST type gaming machine, the address of the special symbol jackpot determination value table SDH_TBL2 shown in Figure 28 (b) is obtained (step S371).

Next, the main control CPU 600a changes the acquired address to the address where the judgment value is stored, depending on whether a big win judgment or a small win judgment is being performed (step S372).

Next, the main control CPU 600a acquires information on whether the judgment value differs for each set value (step S373) and checks the value of the acquired information (step S374). If the acquired value is "0" (step S374: = 0), the process proceeds to step S377. If the acquired value is not "0" (step S374: ≠ 0), the main control CPU 600a acquires the set value of the probability of generating a special game state advantageous to the player (for example, a set value of "00H" to "05H" corresponding to "1" to "6") stored in the main control RAM 600c (see FIG. 3) (step S375). In the special symbol big win judgment value table SDH_TBL1 shown in FIG. 27(b) and the special symbol big win judgment value table SDH_TBL2 shown in FIG. 28(b), the judgment value differs for each set value, so "1" is set as the information on whether the judgment value differs for each set value, and in the special symbol small win judgment value table SDP_TBL shown in FIG. 27(e), the judgment value does not differ for each set value, so "0" is set as the information on whether the judgment value differs for each set value.

Next, the main control CPU 600a changes the address where the judgment value corresponding to the acquired setting value is stored (step S376).

Next, the main control CPU 600a obtains a judgment value from the current address (step S377).

Next, the main control CPU 600a changes the address to the first address where the next determination value is stored (step S378) and compares the obtained random number value for determining a jackpot with the obtained determination value (step S379).

Next, if the acquired random number value for determining a jackpot is not smaller than the acquired determination value (step S380: NO), the main control CPU 600a returns to the processing of step S373 and repeats the processing of steps S373 to S380 until the acquired random number value for determining a jackpot becomes smaller than the acquired determination value (step S380: YES).

Next, if the acquired random number value for determining a big win becomes smaller than the acquired determination value (step S380: YES), the main control CPU 600a acquires a special symbol big win determination flag and a special symbol small win determination flag according to the game status (step S381), and ends the win determination process.

<Main control: Special symbol processing: Explanation of special symbol variation start processing>
Thus, after completing the above-mentioned winning judgment process (step S310), the main control CPU 600a performs a special electric support symbol winning judgment process (step S311). Note that this process is a process for performing a lottery using a random number for big win judgment when playing a special electric support symbol without using it for a small win symbol as well.

<Main control: Special pattern processing: Explanation of special electric support pattern hit determination processing>
This process will be explained in detail with reference to FIG. 24. The main control CPU 600a acquires a random number value for determining a jackpot from the main control RAM 600c in which the random number value for determining a jackpot (see step S253 in FIG. 21) is stored (step S390).

Next, in the case of a type 1/type 2 gaming machine, the main control CPU 600a obtains the address of the special electric support symbol winning determination value table TDS_TBL1 shown in FIG. 27(g), and if the special electric support symbol is won, obtains the address of the special electric support symbol winning symbol determination value table TDSZ_TBL1 shown in FIG. 27(h).

On the other hand, in the case of a V-ST type gaming machine, the address of the special electric support symbol winning determination value table TDS_TBL2 shown in FIG. 28(e) is obtained, and if the special electric support symbol is won, the address of the special electric support symbol winning symbol determination value table TDSZ_TBL2 shown in FIG. 28(f) is obtained (step S391).

Next, the main control CPU 600a changes the acquired address to the address where the judgment value is stored (step S392).

Next, the main control CPU 600a obtains a judgment value from the current address (step S393).

Next, the main control CPU 600a changes the address to the first address where the next determination value is stored (step S394) and compares the obtained random number value for determining a jackpot with the obtained determination value (step S395).

Next, if the acquired random number value for determining a jackpot is not smaller than the acquired determination value (step S396: NO), the main control CPU 600a returns to the processing of step S393 and repeats the processing of steps S393 to S396 until the acquired random number value for determining a jackpot becomes smaller than the acquired determination value (step S396: YES).

Next, if the acquired random number value for determining a jackpot becomes smaller than the acquired determination value (step S396: YES), the main control CPU 600a acquires a special electric support symbol hit determination flag (step S397) and ends the special electric support symbol hit determination process.

The special electric support symbol may be set to only hit with special symbol 1. This is to provide a supplementary hit to prevent a long period of no jackpot in the normal game state. Also, the game state selected with special symbol 2 is one in which a jackpot or a special electric support symbol has already been selected, and the game state that the player expects when selecting special symbol 2 is whether or not a jackpot will result.

<Main control: Special symbol processing: Explanation of special symbol variation start processing>
Thus, after completing the special electric support symbol winning judgment process (step S311) as described above, the main control CPU 600a generates the stopping symbol of the special symbol using the random number value used when the special symbol stops stored in the main control RAM 600c in step S253 of Fig. 21 (step S312). At this time, in the case of a type 1/type 2 type gaming machine, if the special symbol 1 wins the jackpot, the main control CPU 600a determines the number of time-saving times based on the special symbol jackpot symbol judgment value table SDHZ_TBLA shown in Fig. 27(c). Also, if the special symbol 2 wins the jackpot, the main control CPU 600a determines the number of time-saving times based on the special symbol jackpot symbol judgment value table SDHZ_TBLB shown in Fig. 27(d). On the other hand, when a small win is won, the main control CPU 600a determines the number of time-saving times based on the special small win symbol determination value table SDPZ_TBL shown in Fig. 27(f). On the other hand, in the case of a V-ST type gaming machine, when the special symbol 1 wins the big win, the main control CPU 600a determines the number of time-saving times based on the special big win symbol determination value table SDHZ_TBLA1 shown in Fig. 28(c), and when the special symbol 2 wins the big win, the main control CPU 600a determines the number of time-saving times based on the special big win symbol determination value table SDHZ_TBLB1 shown in Fig. 28(d).

Then, the main control CPU 600a prepares to transition to a game state such as a normal state, a time-saving state, a latent high probability state, or a high probability state (step S313). Note that here, in the event of a jackpot, flag data is prepared in advance for turning on a flag corresponding to the game state after the transition, among the normal symbol time-saving flag, the normal symbol high probability flag, the special symbol time-saving flag, the special symbol high probability flag, and the easy-to-win flag, which are set after the jackpot. In addition, the number of time-saving times to be set in the special symbol time-saving times counter and the number of high probability times to be set in the special symbol high probability times counter are also prepared. Note that the easy-to-win flag is a flag that indicates whether the game state is a time-saving game state or not.

Next, the main control CPU 600a generates a special symbol variation pattern using the variation pattern random number value stored in the main control RAM 600c in step S253 of Fig. 21, and transmits the variation pattern command of the generated special symbol variation pattern as a performance control command DI_CMD to the sub-control board 80 (sub-control CPU 800a) (step S314). At this time, in the case of the V-ST type gaming machine shown in Fig. 5 as described above, the main control CPU 600a selects the first variation pattern selection table NOR_TBL1 shown in Fig. 7(b), the second variation pattern selection table NOR_TBL2 shown in Fig. 8(a), and the third variation pattern selection table LAST_TBL shown in Fig. 8(b) using the table TBL shown in Fig. 7(a) according to the game state shown in Fig. 5. As explained above, in the case of the type 1/type 2 gaming machine shown in FIG. 6, the first variation pattern selection table NOR_TBL1 shown in FIG. 9, the second variation pattern selection table NOR_TBL2 shown in FIG. 10(a), and the third variation pattern selection table LAST_TBL shown in FIG. 10(b) are selected using the table TBL shown in FIG. 7(a) according to the gaming state shown in FIG. 6.

Thus, the main control CPU 600a sends the variation pattern command of the variation pattern selected by the variation pattern selection table to the sub-control board 80 (sub-control CPU 800a) as a performance control command DI_CMD. In response to this, the sub-control CPU 800a sends to the VDP 803 a command list that causes the selected variation pattern to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41. As a result, the VDP 803 generates image (video) data to display an image based on the command list, and sends the generated image (video) data to the liquid crystal display device 41, thereby displaying the selected variation pattern on the liquid crystal display device 41.

Furthermore, when the sub-control CPU 800a determines the variation pattern, the main control CPU 600a uses the table TBLA shown in FIG. 11(a) to select the first variation pattern selection table NOR_TBL1 shown in FIG. 11(b). The selected content is then sent to the sub-control board 80 (sub-control CPU 800a) as a performance control command DI_CMD. In response to this, the sub-control CPU 800a determines the variation pattern using the first performance variation pattern selection table ENOR_TBL1 shown in FIG. 12 and the second performance variation pattern selection table ENOR_TBL2 shown in FIG. 13, both of which are stored in the sub-control ROM 800b. The sub-control CPU 800a then sends a command list to the VDP 803 such that the determined variation pattern is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41. As a result, the VDP 803 generates image (video) data to display an image based on the command list, and transmits the generated image (video) data to the liquid crystal display device 41, causing the determined variation pattern to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41.

In this way, by determining the variation pattern using an appropriate variation pattern selection table for each game state, the optimal variation pattern can be determined. This makes it possible to reduce situations that reduce the interest of the player, thereby increasing the interest of the player.

In step S314, the main control CPU 600a sets the fluctuation time in the special pattern fluctuation timer.

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets the special pattern changing flag to 5AH and turns it ON (step S315).

Next, the main control CPU 600a generates a pattern designation command that designates the special pattern to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 (step S316), and performs processing to transmit the generated pattern designation command to the sub-control board 80 (sub-control CPU 800a) as a performance control command DI_CMD (step S317).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets the special pattern operation status flag to 02H (step S318) and ends the special pattern change start process.

<Main control: Explanation of special pattern processing>
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 20, when the value of the special pattern operation status flag is 02H, the main control CPU 600a determines that the special pattern is changing (indicating that the special pattern is currently changing), and performs special pattern changing processing (step S206).

<Main control: Special pattern processing: Explanation of processing during special pattern fluctuation>
This process will be explained in detail with reference to Fig. 25. First, the main control CPU 600a checks whether the time set in the special symbol fluctuation timer in step S314 in Fig. 22 has elapsed, i.e., whether it has reached 0 (step S400). If the special symbol fluctuation timer is not 0 (step S400: NO), the main control CPU 600a ends the special symbol fluctuation process.

On the other hand, if the special pattern change timer is 0 (step S400: YES), the main control CPU 600a sends a pattern determination command to the sub-control board 80 (sub-control CPU 800a) as a performance control command DI_CMD (step S401).

The main control CPU 600a then sets the special symbol operation status flag to 03H and the special symbol changing flag to 00H. The main control CPU 600a then sets the special symbol changing timer to, for example, about 500 ms in order to maintain the result of the special symbol winning/losing lottery for a certain period of time (step S402). The main control CPU 600a then ends the special symbol changing process.

<Main control: Explanation of special pattern processing>
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 20, when the value of the special pattern operation status flag is 03H, the main control CPU 600a determines that the special pattern is being confirmed (indicating that the special pattern fluctuation has ended and is stopped), and performs processing during the special pattern confirmation time (step S207).

<Main control: Special pattern processing: Explanation of processing during special pattern confirmation time>
This process will be explained in detail with reference to Fig. 26. First, the main control CPU 600a checks whether the time set in the special symbol change timer in step S314 in Fig. 22 has elapsed, i.e., whether it has reached 0 (step S450). If the special symbol change timer is not 0 (step S450 ≠ 0), the main control CPU 600a ends the special symbol confirmation time process.

On the other hand, if the special symbol fluctuation timer is 0 (step S450 = 0), the main control CPU 600a sets the special symbol operation status flag to 01H (step S451) and checks whether the special symbol jackpot determination flag is set to ON (whether 5AH is set) (step S452). If the special symbol jackpot determination flag is set to ON (if 5AH is set) (step S452: YES), the special symbol jackpot determination flag is set to 00H, the special symbol jackpot operation flag is set to 5AH, the normal symbol time-saving flag is set to 00H, the normal symbol probability change flag is set to 00H, the special symbol time-saving flag is set to 00H, the special symbol probability change flag is set to 00H, and the easy win flag is set to 00H. Then, the process of setting the special symbol time-saving count counter to 0000H and the special symbol probability change count counter to 00H (step S453) is performed.

Then, the main control CPU 600a sets the rescue count counter to 0000H, and sets the rescue activation flag, which indicates that the special symbol has been changed to a miss position a predetermined number of times (e.g., 1000 times) in the rescue game, to 0FFH (step S454). After that, the main control CPU 600a ends the process during the special symbol confirmation time.

On the other hand, if the special symbol big win judgment flag is not set to ON (5AH is not set) (step S452: NO), the main control CPU 600a checks whether the special symbol small win judgment flag is set to ON (5AH is set) (step S455). If the special symbol small win judgment flag is set to ON (5AH is set) (step S455: YES), the special symbol small win judgment flag is set to 00H, and the special symbol small win activation flag is set to 5AH (step S456). At this time, if the special electric support symbol win judgment flag is set to ON, the special electric support symbol judgment flag is set to 00H, the normal symbol time-saving flag, the special symbol time-saving flag, and the easy winning flag are set to ON (5AH is set), and the special symbol time-saving count counter is set to the number of time-saving times.

After completing the processing of step S456, or if the special pattern small win determination flag is not set to ON (if 5AH is not set) (step S455: NO), the main control CPU 600a checks whether the value of the special pattern time-saving counter is 0 (step S457).

If the value of the special symbol time-saving count counter is not 0 (step S457: NO), the value of the special symbol time-saving count counter is decremented by 1 (-1) (step S458), and the main control CPU 600a checks again whether the value of the special symbol time-saving count counter is 0 or not (step S459). If the value of the special symbol time-saving count counter is 0 (step S459: YES), the normal symbol time-saving flag is set to 00H, the normal symbol probability variable flag is set to 00H, the easy win flag is set to 00H, and the normal symbol time-saving flag is set to 00H. Furthermore, the rescue count counter is set to the initial value (step S460).

After completing the processing of step S460, or if the value of the special symbol time-saving count counter is 0 (step S457: YES), or if the value of the special symbol time-saving count counter is not 0 (step S459: NO), the main control CPU 600a checks whether the value of the special symbol probability change count counter is 0 (step S461). If the value of the special symbol probability change count counter is 0 (step S461: YES), the process proceeds to step S465.

On the other hand, if the value of the special symbol probability change counter is not 0 (step S461: NO), the main control CPU 600a subtracts 1 (-1) from the value of the special symbol probability change counter (step S462) and checks again whether the value of the special symbol probability change counter is 0 (step S463). If the value of the special symbol probability change counter is not 0 (step S463: NO), the process proceeds to step S465.

On the other hand, if the value of the special symbol probability change count counter is 0 (step S463: YES), the main control CPU 600a performs processing to set the normal symbol time-saving flag to 00H, the normal symbol probability change flag to 00H, the easy win flag to 00H, the special symbol time-saving flag to 00H, and the special symbol probability change flag to 00H (step S464), and then proceeds to processing in step S465.

Next, the main control CPU 600a checks whether the special symbol probability flag is ON (set to 5AH) (step S465). If the special symbol probability flag is set ON (set to 5AH) (step S465: YES), the main control CPU 600a ends the processing during the special symbol confirmation time.

On the other hand, if the special symbol probability change flag is not set to ON (if not set to 5AH) (step S465: NO), the main control CPU 600a checks whether the rescue activation flag is ON (if 5AH is set) (step S466). If the rescue activation flag is set to ON (if 5AH is set) (step S466: YES), the main control CPU 600a ends the processing during the special symbol confirmation time.

On the other hand, if the rescue activation flag is not set to ON (if it is not set to 5AH) (step S466: NO), the main control CPU 600a checks whether the value of the rescue count counter is 0 (step S467). If the value of the rescue count counter is 0 (step S466: YES), the main control CPU 600a ends the processing during the special pattern confirmation time.

On the other hand, if the value of the rescue count counter is not 0 (step S467: NO), the rescue count counter is decremented by 1 (-1) (step S468), and the main control CPU 600a checks again whether the value of the rescue count counter is 0 (step S469). If the value of the rescue count counter is not 0 (step S469: NO), the main control CPU 600a ends the special symbol confirmation time processing. On the other hand, if the value of the rescue count counter is 0 (step S469: YES), the main control CPU 600a sets the special symbol time-saving flag to ON (set 5AH) and sets the time-saving count in the special symbol time-saving count counter. Furthermore, the main control CPU 600a sets the rescue activation flag and the easy win flag to ON (set 5AH), sets the right-hit state flag to ON (set 5AH) (step S470), and ends the special symbol confirmation time processing.

<Main control: Explanation of special pattern processing>
Thus, when the processing of any one of steps S205, S206, and S207 shown in FIG. 20 is completed, the main control CPU 600a updates the display data of the special symbol (step S208), and then ends the special symbol processing.

In this embodiment, the rescue count counter is decremented, but it may be incremented. This will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 29. Note that the same processes as those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

<Main Control: Special Symbol Processing: Explanation of Processing During Special Symbol Confirmation Time (Modified Example)>
As shown in Fig. 29, if the special symbol probability flag is not set to ON (if it is not set to 5AH) (step S465: NO), the main control CPU 600a increments the value of the rescue count counter (+1) (step S500) and checks whether the value of the rescue count counter has reached the rescue reach count (step S501). If the rescue reach count has been reached (step S501: YES), the process of step S470 is performed and the process during the special symbol confirmation time is completed.

On the other hand, if the rescue count has not been reached (step S501: NO), the main control CPU 600a checks whether the rescue count counter value is 0000H (step S502). If the rescue count counter value is not 0000H (step S502: NO), the special symbol confirmation time process ends.

On the other hand, if the value of the rescue counter is 0000H (step S502: YES), the value of the rescue counter is decremented (-1) (step S503), and the process during the special symbol confirmation time is terminated. The reason for decrementing (-1) the value of the rescue counter in step S503 is as follows. That is, if the special symbol is not in a certain special symbol state, the rescue counter adds (+1) to its value. Therefore, after the rescue counter reaches the rescue count, the rescue counter will continue to count up to FFFFH, which is the upper limit of 2 bytes, unless a jackpot occurs. Therefore, if the rescue counter is incremented (+1) when the count value is FFFFH, the count value becomes 0000H, so in order to return it to FFFFH, decrement (-1) is performed (0000H-0001H=FFFFH).

The above-described embodiment of the present invention can enhance the player's interest.

In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the sound LSI 801 and the VDP 803 are configured separately, but they may also be integrated into one chip.

In addition, in this embodiment, an example is shown in which the sub-control CPU 800a is provided within the sub one-chip microcomputer 800, but this is not limiting, and the sub-control CPU 800a may be provided within the VDP 803.

1 Pachinko game machine 44 Special pattern 1 start hole (first start hole)
45 Special pattern 2 starting hole (second starting hole)
45b Opening and closing member (normal electric device)
45c Normal electric device solenoid (normal electric device)
600a Main control CPU (lottery processing execution means, bonus game execution means)
NOR_TBL1a Individual fluctuation pattern selection table (fluctuation pattern selection table)
NOR_TBL1b Common fluctuation pattern selection table (fluctuation pattern selection table)
SDHZ_TBL Special pattern jackpot pattern judgment value table TBL table (variation pattern selection table designation code)
TBLA table (variation pattern selection table designation code)

Claims (1)

The game states include a normal game state, an advantageous state which is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state, and a special game state which is more advantageous to the player than the advantageous state,
A first starting hole through which a game ball can be inserted;
A second starting hole into which the game ball can enter;
A lottery process execution means for executing a lottery process resulting from a game ball entering the first start hole or the second start hole;
a bonus game execution means for executing a bonus game advantageous to a player according to a lottery result when the lottery process execution means is executed;
Identification information that starts a variable display in response to a lottery result when the lottery process is executed;
A plurality of variation pattern selection tables used when selecting a variation time of a variation pattern of the variation display of the identification information;
A sub-control means for controlling various performance operations;
A RAM for storing predetermined information;
A RAM clearing means capable of clearing the RAM when the power is turned on;
A performance change pattern selection means for selecting a performance change pattern according to the change time ,
A transition from the normal gaming state to the advantageous state or the special gaming state via the bonus gaming state is possible ;
A transition to the special game state is easier when the lottery result of the lottery process in the advantageous state indicates that a bonus game will be executed than when the lottery result of the lottery process in the normal game state indicates that a bonus game will be executed;
The advantageous state and the special game state are game states in which it is easier to win a normal electric device having the second starting hole than in the normal game state,
The variation pattern selection table is referenced by a variation pattern selection table designation code set corresponding to each game state, and the variation time of the variation pattern is determined using the variation pattern selection table ,
The sub-control means
In a first normal gaming state after the RAM is cleared by the RAM clearing means, a presentation variation pattern corresponding to the first normal gaming state is selected by the presentation variation pattern selection means in accordance with a variation time of the determined variation pattern;
In a second normal game state to which the game machine transitions after the advantageous state ends, the game machine selects a presentation variation pattern corresponding to the second normal game state by the presentation variation pattern selection means in accordance with the variation time of the determined variation pattern .

Images