JP7675754B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an amusement machine.

Conventionally, as shown in Patent Document 1, for example, gaming machines are known in which a jackpot is awarded when a gaming ball enters a specific area. In such gaming machines, for example, an effect is executed when the gaming ball enters a specified area, heightening the player's sense of expectation and tension.

JP 2013-220311 A

In the gaming machines described above where a jackpot is awarded when a gaming ball enters a specific area, in order to enhance the presentation effect, a specific area may be provided on a rotating body, and the rotating body may be rotated to move the specific area itself. A motor connected to such a rotating body rotates the rotating body based on a clock signal. Therefore, a clock signal is necessary for gaming machines.

The present invention aims to provide a gaming machine that can provide an appropriate clock signal.

In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine of the present invention comprises a data storage means, a control means for storing data in the data storage means, and a serial transmission means for transmitting the data stored in the data storage means as a serial signal, wherein when the serial transmission means transmits data, the transmitted data is deleted from the data storage means, the serial transmission means continuously transmits the stored data while data is stored in the data storage means, the control means repeatedly stores data in the data storage means so that the data stored in the data storage means is not lost, and when a predetermined number of data corresponding to 1/2 of the maximum capacity is stored in the data storage means, the control means limits the accumulation of data until the data becomes less than the predetermined number, the serial transmission means is an asynchronous serial communication means, the data bit length is set to 8 bits, the start bit length is set to 1 bit, the stop bit length is set to 1 bit, no parity check is performed, and the data is a value that repeats 0 and 1 on a bit-by-bit basis when output as a serial signal.
In order to solve the above problem, another gaming machine of the present invention comprises a data storage means, a control means for storing data in the data storage means, and a serial transmission means for transmitting the data stored in the data storage means as a serial signal, wherein when the serial transmission means transmits data, the transmitted data is deleted from the data storage means, the serial transmission means continuously transmits the stored data while data is stored in the data storage means, the control means repeatedly stores data in the data storage means so that the data stored in the data storage means is not lost, and when a predetermined number of data corresponding to a power of 2 is stored in the data storage means, the control means limits the accumulation of data until the data becomes less than the predetermined number , the serial transmission means is an asynchronous serial communication means, the data bit length is set to 8 bits, the start bit length is set to 1 bit, the stop bit length is set to 1 bit, no parity check is performed, and the data is a value that repeats 0 and 1 on a bit-by-bit basis when output as a serial signal.

The present invention makes it possible to provide a clock signal appropriately.

1 is an oblique view of the gaming machine showing the door in an open state. FIG. FIG. This is a front view of the role unit. This is an oblique view of the front of the role unit, viewed diagonally from above. 13 is a diagram illustrating the route that the game ball takes through the role unit. FIG. FIG. 1 is a first block diagram of the gaming machine. FIG. 2 is a second block diagram of the gaming machine. FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram for explaining a circuit configuration of a portion of a main control board. 4 is a timing chart showing an output mode of a serial port. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of a serial port. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of a serial port. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a serial signal output process. 4 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the motor driver. FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram for explaining another circuit configuration of the main control board. 4 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the serial-parallel conversion circuit. 2 is an address map of the memory area used by the main CPU. This is a diagram explaining the random number judgment table for determining the small win for special 1. This is a diagram explaining the random number judgment table for determining small wins for special 2. 13 is a diagram illustrating a winning symbol random number determination table. FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a reach group determination random number judgment table. 13 is a diagram illustrating a reach mode determination random number judgment table. FIG. A diagram explaining a fluctuation pattern random number determination table. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a variable time determination table. A diagram explaining the special electric feature operation ram set table. 13 is a diagram illustrating a game status setting table for setting the game status after the end of a major role game. FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a random number judgment table for determining a win. 1A is a diagram for explaining a normal pattern change time data table, and FIG. 1B is a diagram for explaining an opening/closing control pattern table. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a gaming machine status flag. 11 is a first flowchart illustrating a CPU initialization process in a main control board. 13 is a second flowchart illustrating a CPU initialization process in the main control board. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a sub-command group setting process in the main control board. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a save process in the main control board when power is turned off. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a timer interrupt process in the main control board. 13 is a flowchart illustrating setting-related processing in a main control board. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a switch management process in a main control board. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a gate passing process in the main control board. 13 is a flowchart explaining the first starting port passing process in the main control board. 13 is a flowchart explaining the second starting port passing process in the main control board. 13 is a flowchart explaining the special pattern random number acquisition process in the main control board. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a specific area passing process in the main control board. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a special game management phase. 13 is a flowchart explaining special game management processing on the main control board. 13 is a flowchart explaining the special pattern change waiting process in the main control board. 13 is a flowchart explaining the special pattern variable number determination process in the main control board. 13 is a flowchart explaining the processing during special pattern variation on the main control board. 13 is a flowchart explaining the special symbol stop symbol display processing in the main control board. This is a flowchart explaining the processing before opening the large prize opening on the main control board. 13 is a flowchart explaining the large prize opening/closing switching process on the main control board. 13 is a flowchart explaining the large prize opening control process on the main control board. 13 is a flowchart explaining the large prize opening closure activation process on the main control board. This is a flowchart explaining the large prize opening end wait processing on the main control board. A diagram explaining the normal game management phase. 13 is a flowchart explaining normal game management processing in the main control board. 13 is a flowchart explaining the normal pattern change waiting process on the main control board. 13 is a flowchart explaining the processing during normal pattern fluctuation on the main control board. 13 is a flowchart explaining the normal pattern stop pattern display processing in the main control board. This is a flowchart explaining the processing before opening the winning opening of a normal electric device on the main control board. This is a flowchart explaining the normal electric device prize opening/closing switching process on the main control board. This is a flowchart explaining the control process for opening the winning port of a normal electric device on the main control board. This is a flowchart explaining the normal electric device winning hole closure validity processing on the main control board. This is a flowchart explaining the normal electric device winning slot end wait processing on the main control board. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a presentation. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a sub-CPU initialization process in the sub-control board. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a sub timer interrupt process in the sub control board. 13 is a flowchart explaining the gimmick performance processing in the sub-control board. FIG. 1 is an external view for explaining a schematic mechanical configuration of a slot machine. 1 is an external view of the slot machine with the front door open, illustrating the general mechanical configuration of the slot machine. FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the arrangement of symbols on the reels. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration of the slot machine.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Two first starting openings 120 are provided at the bottom of the game area 116. Here, one first starting opening 120 is provided at a position where game balls flowing down the first game area 116a can enter, and one first starting opening 120 is provided at a position where game balls flowing down the second game area 116b can enter. In addition, the second starting opening 122 is located at a position where both game balls flowing down the first game area 116a and game balls flowing down the second game area 116b can enter.

This second starting hole 122 is configured as a variable starting hole (a variable starting winning device) having a movable piece 122b, and the ease with which the game ball can enter the second starting hole 122 can be varied.

The movable piece 122b is normally maintained in a closed state. When the movable piece 122b is in the closed state, a structure provided vertically above the second starting hole 122 makes it impossible or difficult for a game ball to enter the second starting hole 122.

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

In addition, a first large prize opening 126 is disposed below the second starting opening 122. A movable piece 126b is provided in the first large prize opening 126 so that it can be opened and closed. Normally, the movable piece 126b closes the first large prize opening 126, making it impossible for game balls to enter the first large prize opening 126. When the big prize game described below starts, the movable piece 126b is opened, making it possible for game balls to enter the first large prize opening 126.

Then, a role unit U is provided in approximately the center of the game board 108. The role unit U includes a second large prize opening 128. A movable piece 128b is provided in the second large prize opening 128 so that it can be opened and closed. Normally, the movable piece 128b closes the second large prize opening 128, making it impossible for a game ball to enter the second large prize opening 128.

When the small prize game described below is executed, the movable piece 128b is opened, allowing the game ball to enter the second large prize opening 128. In addition, an outlet 130 is provided at the bottom of the game board 108, and game balls that do not enter any of the general prize opening 118, the first start opening 120, the second start opening 122, the first large prize opening 126, or the second large prize opening 128 are discharged from the outlet 130 to the outside of the game area 116.

Figure 4 is a front view of the reel unit U, Figure 5 is a perspective view of the front of the reel unit U seen diagonally from above, and Figure 6 is a diagram explaining the route through which the game ball passes in the reel unit U. As shown in Figure 4, a pair of movable pieces 128b are arranged at a distance to the left and right on the upper part of the reel unit U. In addition, a structure 129 is provided above the pair of movable pieces 128b. The space partitioned by the pair of movable pieces 128b, the structure 129, and the partition wall that constitutes the reel unit U becomes the second large winning opening 128.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the pair of movable pieces 128b are closed, the gap between the movable pieces 128b and the structure 129 is small, and it is impossible for a game ball to enter the second large prize opening 128. Thus, when the second large prize opening 128 is closed, a game ball flowing down the game area 116 collides with the pair of movable pieces 128b, the structure 129, and the partition that constitutes the role unit U, and flows down vertically around the role unit U.

On the other hand, when a game ball enters the first starting hole 120 or the second starting hole 122, a special pattern is determined. A small win pattern is provided as a special pattern, and when the small win pattern is determined, a small win game is executed. In the small win game, the movable piece 128b is opened for a short time. A rotation axis is provided at the bottom of the movable piece 128b, and in the figure, the movable piece 128b on the left side rotates about 45 degrees counterclockwise around the rotation axis, and the movable piece 128b on the right side rotates about 45 degrees clockwise around the rotation axis. This opens the second large winning hole 128, and the movable piece 128b functions as a receptacle that guides the game ball to the second large winning hole 128.

A number of role devices are provided within the second large prize opening 128. Here, the role devices provided are a first role device 400, a second role device 420, a third role device 430, a fourth role device 450, a fifth role device 460, and a sixth role device 470. The first role device 400 is provided at approximately the center of the width of the role unit U. The first role device 400 includes a movable motor 400c (described later) and a distribution plate 402 connected to the movable motor 400c. The distribution plate 402 is made of a plate-shaped member, and the game ball that enters the second large prize opening 128 rolls on the distribution plate 402.

The distribution plate 402 is located vertically below the pair of movable pieces 128b. A game ball that enters the second large winning opening 128 always falls onto the distribution plate 402. The output shaft of the movable motor 400c is connected to approximately the center of the width of the distribution plate 402, and the driving force of the movable motor 400c tilts the distribution plate 402 within a predetermined angle range. Specifically, the distribution plate 402 switches between a first state in which the right end is located slightly vertically below the left end, and a second state in which the left end is located slightly vertically below the right end.

When the sorting plate 402 is in a first state, a game ball that has fallen onto the sorting plate 402 rolls and flows down toward the right side of the sorting plate 402. When the sorting plate 402 is in a second state, a game ball that has fallen onto the sorting plate 402 rolls and flows down toward the left side of the sorting plate 402.

In the initial state of the first role device 400, the distribution plate 402 is stationary and aligned horizontally. Then, when the small win game starts, the movable motor 400c is energized and the distribution plate 402 swings. At this time, immediately after the second large winning opening 128 is opened, the movable motor 400c is energized so that the distribution plate 402 is in the first state. Thereafter, the movable motor 400c is energized so that the distribution plate 402 is in the second state. The distribution plate 402 is in the first state only for a short time immediately after the second large winning opening 128 is opened, and thereafter is maintained in the second state until the small win game ends.

Therefore, a game ball that enters the second large prize opening 128 immediately after the start of the small prize game is distributed to the right side of the bonus unit U by the distribution board 402. On the other hand, a game ball that enters the second large prize opening 128 after a predetermined time has elapsed after the start of the small prize game is distributed to the left side of the bonus unit U by the distribution board 402.

However, the control of the first role device 400, i.e., the control of the attitude of the distribution plate 402, is not limited to this. For example, the movable motor 400c may be energized and controlled so that the distribution plate 402 periodically repeats the first state and the second state. In addition, the ratio of the time during which the distribution plate 402 is maintained in the first state to the time during which the distribution plate 402 is maintained in the second state can be set appropriately.

A normal passage 410 is provided to the lower left of the distribution plate 402. The normal passage 410 is a passage formed so that game balls can roll, and guides game balls that flow down from the left end of the distribution plate 402 vertically downward. The normal passage 410 has a shape that partially meanders in the left-right and depth directions to reduce the flow speed of the game balls. In addition, a normal passage detection switch 410s is provided on the normal passage 410. The normal passage detection switch 410s detects game balls flowing down the normal passage 410. The normal passage detection switch 410s is provided midway along the normal passage 410, and the game balls detected by the normal passage detection switch 410s further flow vertically downward for a predetermined time.

Here, as shown in FIG. 6, a second role device 420 is provided downstream of the normal passage 410. The second role device 420 includes a push solenoid 420c (see FIG. 7) and a push rod 422 connected to the push solenoid 420c. In addition, a through hole 410a is formed downstream of the normal passage 410, penetrating the game board 108 in the width direction. The push rod 422 is usually stationary in a retracted position retracted from the through hole 410a. Meanwhile, the second role device 420 energizes the push solenoid 420c at a predetermined interval during a small winning game. When the push solenoid 420c is energized, the push rod 422 protrudes into the through hole 410a.

In other words, during a small win game, the push rod 422 protrudes into the through hole 410a at a predetermined interval. Among the game balls flowing down the normal passage 410, those that do not collide with the push rod 422 fall vertically down the normal passage 410, pass through the non-specific area 500, and are discharged to the outside of the second large winning opening 128. On the other hand, when the push rod 422 protrudes into the through hole 410a, if a game ball flowing down the normal passage 410 collides with the push rod 422, the game ball is ejected from the through hole 410a to the right side of the normal passage 410, that is, to the center side in the width direction of the game board 108. The game ball ejected from the through hole 410a by the push rod 422 is guided to the third role device 430.

As shown in FIG. 5, the third role device 430 is located approximately in the center of the width of the role unit U. The third role device 430 includes a first rotating body motor 430c (see FIG. 7) and a first rotating body 432 connected to the first rotating body motor 430c. The first rotating body 432 rotates at a constant speed in a constant direction at all times while the gaming machine 100 is in operation. However, the first rotating body 432 may rotate only during a small win game. The speed of the first rotating body 432 may also change during rotation.

The first rotating body 432 is provided with a plurality of storage sections 434 that open in the radial direction. The plurality of storage sections 434 are arranged in the rotational direction, and a game ball pushed out of the through hole 410a by the push rod 422 is stored in one of the storage sections 434 of the first rotating body 432. The game ball stored in the storage section 434 moves in the rotational direction of the first rotating body 432.

Here, as shown in FIG. 6, the storage sections 434 are classified into a loss storage section 434a, a V storage section 434b, and a replay storage section 434c. Here, there is one V storage section 434b and one replay storage section 434c, and all other storage sections 434 are loss storage sections 434a.

A replay passage 440 is provided radially outward of the first rotating body 432, and a non-specific area 500 and a specific area 502, shown by dashed lines in the figure, are provided vertically below the first rotating body 432. A game ball contained in the losing storage section 434a is always guided to the non-specific area 500. A game ball contained in the V storage section 434b is always guided to the specific area 502. A game ball contained in the replay storage section 434c is always guided to the replay passage 440.

For example, the loss storage section 434a and the V storage section 434b have different radial lengths. Furthermore, the non-specific area 500 and the specific area 502 have different radial positions on the first rotating body 432. The game ball stored in the loss storage section 434a is configured to pass through a position radially shifted from the specific area 502 and pass directly above the non-specific area 500. Furthermore, the game ball stored in the V storage section 434b is configured to pass directly above the specific area 502. In this way, the game ball stored in the loss storage section 434a can be always guided to the non-specific area 500, and the game ball stored in the V storage section 434b can be always guided to the specific area 502.

For example, the replay storage section 434c is formed to have a shallower vertical depth than the loss storage section 434a and the replay storage section 434c, and the bottom surface of the replay storage section 434c is configured to be flush with the bottom surface of the replay passage 440. When the replay storage section 434c faces the replay passage 440, the game balls roll down from the replay storage section 434c into the replay passage 440. On the other hand, the game balls stored in the loss storage section 434a and the V storage section 434b pass through the replay passage 440 without rolling down due to the step between them. As a result, only the game balls stored in the replay storage section 434c are guided to the replay passage 440.

The above-described configuration of the first rotating body 432 is merely one example. In any case, the game ball stored in the storage section 434 of the first rotating body 432 only needs to be guided to either the replay passage 440, the non-specific area 500, or the specific area 502, and the configuration is not particularly limited. Note that, although the game ball is guided from the first rotating body 432 to the replay passage 440 here, the replay passage 440 is not essential.

A fourth role device 450 is provided downstream of the replay passage 440. The fourth role device 450 includes a lifting motor 450c (see FIG. 7), a lifting member 452 connected to the lifting motor 450c, and a passage component 454. The passage component 454 is formed of a cylindrical member whose inner diameter is larger than the diameter of the game ball, and extends in the vertical direction. The lifting member 452 is provided within the passage component 454, and moves the passage component 454 vertically upward by the driving force of the lifting motor 450c.

A hole that opens into the replay passage 440 is formed in the lower part of the passage forming member 454, and the game ball guided from the first rotating body 432 to the replay passage 440 enters the passage forming member 454. The lifting member 452 is normally stationary below the replay passage 440, and the game ball that enters the passage forming member 454 from the replay passage 440 is placed on the lifting member 452.

The fourth role device 450 is provided with a replay passage detection switch 450s that detects a game ball placed on the lifting member 452. When the replay passage detection switch 450s detects a game ball, the lifting motor 450c is driven to raise the lifting member 452 vertically upward. Then, when the lifting member 452 reaches the upper end of the passage component 454, as shown by the dashed line in the figure, the game ball on the lifting member 452 rolls toward the fifth role device 460.

The fifth role device 460 includes a second rotating body motor 460c (see FIG. 7) and a second rotating body 462 connected to the second rotating body motor 460c. The second rotating body 462 rotates at a constant speed in a constant direction at all times while the gaming machine 100 is in operation. However, the second rotating body 462 may rotate only during a small win game. In addition, the speed of the second rotating body 462 may change during rotation.

The second rotating body 462 is provided with a plurality of storage sections 464 that open in the radial direction. The plurality of storage sections 464 are arranged in the rotational direction, and a game ball that rolls down from the lifting member 452 is stored in one of the storage sections 464 of the second rotating body 462. The game ball stored in the storage section 464 moves in the rotational direction of the second rotating body 462.

Here, as shown in FIG. 6, the storage sections 464 are classified into miss storage sections 464a and V storage sections 464b. Here, one V storage section 464b is provided, and all other storage sections 464 are miss storage sections 464a.

In addition, a non-specific area 500 and a specific area 502, indicated by dashed lines in the figure, are provided on the rear side of the second rotating body 462. A game ball contained in the losing storage section 464a is always guided to the non-specific area 500. In addition, a game ball contained in the V storage section 464b is always guided to the specific area 502. The configuration in which a game ball contained in the losing storage section 464a is guided to the non-specific area 500 and a game ball contained in the V storage section 464b is guided to the specific area 502 is the same as above.

Here, in the small win game, if the game ball that entered the second large winning opening 128 enters the specific area 502, a type 2 jackpot is awarded. If a type 2 jackpot is awarded, a large winning game is played following the small win game. In the large winning game, multiple round games are played in which the first large winning opening 126 is opened. On the other hand, if the game ball enters the non-specific area 500, it is a miss, and the small win game ends when all game balls are discharged from the second large winning opening 128.

In this embodiment, the second rotating body 462 is provided with two loss storage sections 464a and one V storage section 464b. Therefore, as described above, when a game ball is stored in the replay storage section 434c of the first rotating body 432, there is a 1/3 probability of a type 2 jackpot.

A sixth role device 470 is provided below and to the right of the distribution board 402 and above the fifth role device 460. The sixth role device 470 includes a gear motor 470c (see FIG. 7) and a first gear 472 and a second gear 474 connected to the gear motor 470c. The first gear 472 and the second gear 474 rotate at a constant speed at all times while the gaming machine 100 is in operation. However, the first gear 472 and the second gear 474 may rotate only during a small win game. The speed of the first gear 472 and the second gear 474 may also change during rotation.

A plurality of grooves for accommodating game balls are formed on the outer circumference of the first gear 472 and the second gear 474. The game balls that fall from the right end of the distribution plate 402 are guided to the first gear 472. The game balls guided to the first gear 472 move in the rotation direction of the first gear 472 as the first gear 472 rotates. The game balls that fall from the grooves of the first gear 472 due to their own weight are accommodated in the grooves of the second gear 474. The game balls guided to the second gear 474 move in the rotation direction of the second gear 474 as the second gear 474 rotates. The game balls that fall from the grooves of the second gear 474 due to their own weight are accommodated in one of the accommodation sections 464 of the fifth role device 460.

Therefore, if the distribution board 402 distributes the game ball to the right side, the probability of winning a double jackpot is 1/3. In contrast, if the distribution board 402 distributes the game ball to the left side, the second role device 420 first distributes the game ball to the non-specific area 500 or the third role device 430. The probability that the second role device 420 distributes the game ball to the third role device 430 is, for example, 1/2 to 1/10.

The first rotating body 432 of the third role device 430 is provided with one V storage section 434b and one replay storage section 434c, while four loss storage sections 434a are provided. Therefore, in the third role device 430, the probability that a gaming ball will enter the specific area 502 and win a double jackpot is 1/6. In addition, the probability that a gaming ball will be stored in the replay storage section 434c in the third role device 430 and that this gaming ball will enter the specific area 502 in the fifth role device 460 is 1/6 x 1/3 = 1/18.

As is clear from the above, in this embodiment, when the game ball is distributed to the right side by the first role device 400, the probability of winning a double jackpot is higher than when the game ball is distributed to the left side by the first role device 400. During a small jackpot game, the player watches the game ball, eagerly hoping that it will enter the specific area 502, and the player's anticipation increases especially when the game ball is distributed to the right side by the first role device 400.

As shown in FIG. 4, a hole is formed in the center of the role unit U, penetrating in the depth direction of the gaming machine 100. The main performance display unit 200a of the performance display device 200 is provided on the back side of the role unit U. Therefore, the main performance display unit 200a is arranged in the approximate center of the game board 108 so as to be visible from the front side of the gaming machine 100. Various performance images are displayed on this main performance display unit 200a.

As shown in FIG. 2, the gaming machine 100 is also provided with a lighting device 204, an audio output device 206, and an effect button 208. The lighting device 204 is controlled to light up in accordance with various effects during play. The audio output device 206 is provided at the top of the front frame 106 or at the bottom of the outer frame 102, and outputs various sounds toward the front of the gaming machine 100 in accordance with the images and the like displayed on the main effect display section 200a.

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

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

As shown in FIG. 3, the game board 108 is provided with a first special symbol display 160, a second special symbol display 162, a first special symbol reserved display 164, a second special symbol reserved display 166, a normal symbol display 168, and a normal symbol reserved display 170 at positions outside the game area 116 and visible to the player. Each of these displays 160-170 is a device for displaying various game-related statuses, and will be described in detail below.

(Internal configuration of control means)
FIG. 7 is a first block diagram showing the internal configuration of the control means for controlling the progress of a game, and FIG. 8 is a second block diagram showing the internal configuration of the control means for controlling the progress of a game.

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

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

The main control board 300 includes a general winning hole detection switch 118s for detecting when a game ball has entered the general winning hole 118, a first starting hole detection switch 120s for detecting when a game ball has entered the first starting hole 120, a second starting hole detection switch 122s for detecting when a game ball has entered the second starting hole 122, a gate detection switch 124s for detecting when a game ball has passed through the gate 124, a first large winning hole detection switch 125s for detecting when a game ball has entered the first large winning hole 126, and a second large winning hole detection switch 126s for detecting when a game ball has entered the first large winning hole 127. 6s, a second large winning hole detection switch 128s that detects when a game ball enters the second large winning hole 128, an out ball detection switch 130s that detects when a game ball is ejected from the game area 116, a non-specific area detection switch 500s that detects when a game ball enters the non-specific area 500, and a specific area detection switch 502s that detects when a game ball enters the specific area 502 are connected, and detection signals are input from each of these detection switches to the main control board 300.

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

In addition, the main control board 300 includes a normal electric role solenoid 122c that operates the movable piece 122b of the second start opening 122, a first large prize opening solenoid 126c that operates the movable piece 126b that opens and closes the first large prize opening 126, a second large prize opening solenoid 128c that operates the movable piece 128b that opens and closes the second large prize opening 128, a movable motor 400c that swings the sorting plate 402, a push solenoid 420c that operates the push rod 422, a first rotating body 432 that rotates the first rotating body 432, and a second rotating body 432 that rotates the first rotating body 432. A motor 430c, a lifting motor 450c that lifts and lowers the lifting member 452, a second rotating body motor 460c that rotates the second rotating body 462, and a gear motor 470c that rotates the first gear 472 are connected, and the main control board 300 controls the opening and closing of the second starting opening 122, the first large winning opening 126, and the second large winning opening 128, as well as the movement of the sorting plate 402, the push rod 422, the first rotating body 432, the lifting member 452, the second rotating body 462, and the first gear 472.

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

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

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

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

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

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

As shown in FIG. 8, the payout control board 310 controls the launching of game balls and the payout of prize balls. This payout control board 310 also has a CPU, ROM, and RAM, and is connected to the main control board 300 so that it can communicate in both directions. A game information output terminal board 312 is connected to this payout control board 310, and various information on the progress of the game output from the main control board 300 is output to the hall computer of the gaming facility via the payout control board 310 and the game information output terminal board 312.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The sub-control board 330 also moves the prop device 202, which is a movable device used for the performance, controls the lighting of the performance lighting device 204, and controls the audio output to output audio from the audio output device 206. Furthermore, when an operation detection signal is input from the performance button detection switch 208s, which detects that the performance button 208 has been pressed, a specified performance is executed.

The sub-control board 330 is also connected to a normal passage detection switch 410s, a replay passage detection switch 450s, and an SP route detection switch 470s. The normal passage detection switch 410s is provided on the normal passage 410 and detects a game ball guided to the normal passage 410. The replay passage detection switch 450s detects a game ball guided to the replay passage 440. The replay passage detection switch 450s may be provided at a position where it can detect a game ball rolling on the replay passage 440, and may be provided on the replay passage 440 or in the passage configuration member 454, for example. The SP route detection switch 470s detects a game ball that has fallen from the distribution board 402 to the right, that is, to the sixth role device 470 side (see FIG. 6). The SP route detection switch 470s may be provided at a position where it can detect a game ball that reaches the fifth role device 460 via the sixth role device 470.

Here, the normal path detection switch 410s, the replay path detection switch 450s, and the SP route detection switch 470s are connected to the sub-control board 330. However, the normal path detection switch 410s, the replay path detection switch 450s, and the SP route detection switch 470s may also be connected to the main control board 300.

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

(Circuit configuration of main control board 300)
As described above, the movable motor 400c, the first rotating body motor 430c, the lifting motor 450c, the second rotating body motor 460c, and the gear motor 470c are connected to the main control board 300. Each of these motors 400c, 430c, 450c, 460c, and 470c is used in the role unit U to distribute game balls to various moving paths.

Figure 9 is a circuit diagram for explaining the circuit configuration of a portion of the main control board 300. Here, of the motors 400c, 430c, 450c, 460c, and 470c, the first rotating body motor 430c is illustrated. The first rotating body motor 430c rotates at a constant speed in a constant direction at all times while the gaming machine 100 is in operation.

In the example of FIG. 9, the third role device 430 is composed of a motor driver 430a, a first rotating body motor 430c, and a first rotating body 432. The parallel port 302a of the main CPU 300a outputs a rotation command indicating command information of the rotation state to the motor driver 430a as a parallel signal. The rotation command is composed of, for example, 8 bits, and includes rotation speed setting information and control information. The rotation speed setting information includes the rotation speed of the first rotating body motor 430c, etc. The control information includes the rotation direction of the first rotating body motor 430c (forward rotation, reverse rotation), the rotation state of the first rotating body motor 430c (start rotation, maintain rotation, stop rotation), etc.

The clock output unit 302b of the main CPU 300a outputs a clock signal to the motor driver 430a to acquire a parallel signal. The motor driver 430a takes in the parallel signal input from the input terminals D0 to D7 based on the clock signal, for example, at the rising edge of the clock signal. The motor driver 430a determines whether the rotation command acquired as a parallel signal is appropriate rotation speed setting information or control information. If the rotation speed setting information or control information is appropriate, the motor driver 430a outputs a multiple-bit (for example, 4-bit) control signal to the first rotating body motor 430c based on that information.

In the example of FIG. 9, the first rotating body motor 430c is a hardware-controlled motor, and corresponds one-to-one with the motor driver 430a. Specifically, for example, a unipolar stepping motor that operates with an excitation signal is used as the first rotating body motor 430c. The output ports (Q0 to Q3) of the motor driver 430a are connected to the excitation phases (A phase, B phase, /A phase, /B phase) of the first rotating body motor 430c. The motor driver 430a generates an excitation signal based on the input clock signal, and controls the drive of the first rotating body motor 430c.

The motor driver 430a requires a clock signal to properly control the rotation of the first rotating body motor 430c. Therefore, the main CPU 300a must continuously output a clock signal to the first rotating body motor 430c while the gaming machine 100 is powered on. However, depending on the main CPU 300a, there may be no clock output unit 302b that generates a clock signal, or even if there are clock output units 302b, there may not be the required number of them.

Therefore, in this embodiment, instead of the clock output unit 302b, a clock signal is generated using a serial signal from a serial port.

Figure 10 is a timing chart showing the output state of the serial port. The main CPU 300a is provided with a serial port in advance. The serial port can establish serial communication with other devices. Here, asynchronous serial communication is used as the serial communication. Asynchronous serial communication is a communication method that does not use a reference clock signal, and continuously transmits and receives data one bit at a time at the same period as the start bit based on the length of the first transmitted and received signal (start bit) until the stop bit is transmitted and received thereafter. In such serial communication, parameters such as communication method (synchronous, asynchronous, start-stop synchronous), communication speed (transmission speed), start bit length (fixed at 1 bit), stop bit length (1 bit, 1.5 bits, 2 bits), data bit length (7 bits, 8 bits), parity check (EVEN, ODD, NONE), etc. can be set arbitrarily. Here, at least the following conditions are set for serial communication: communication method = asynchronous, start bit length = 1 bit, stop bit length = 1 bit, data bit length = 8 bits, parity check = NONE.

Here, the main CPU 300a outputs one byte of data "55h" ("01010101b") from the serial port. When data is output from the serial port, as shown in FIG. 10(a), a one-bit long "0b" is output as a start bit. Then, the data "01010101b" is transmitted bit by bit from the LSB, and the MSB is transmitted at the eighth bit. In other words, the data is transmitted in the order "1", "0", "1", "0", "1", "0", "1", "0". Finally, a one-bit long "1b" is output as a stop bit. In the serial communication used here, the data "0b" is a positive voltage (+3 to +15V) and the data "1b" is a negative voltage (-3 to -15V).

Here, to serially communicate one byte of data, 10 bits of information consisting of a start bit, data, and stop bit are transmitted. As shown in FIG. 10(a), this 10-bit signal changes at equal intervals in units of one bit, such as 0101010101. When this data "55h" is repeatedly output, 0s and 1s are repeated alternately in units of one bit, as shown in FIG. 10(b). A signal that alternates between 0s and 1s in this way corresponds to a clock signal with a period of two bits. In this embodiment, this serial signal is used as the clock signal. Note that the stop bit length is set to 1 bit, which is equal to the start bit length, to make the period of the clock signal even.

In this way, a clock signal with a 2-bit period is generated by repeatedly transmitting the data "55h" as a serial signal. However, if there is a gap between the output of the data "55h" and the output of the next data "55h", a period of successive "1b" occurs after the stop bit, compromising the periodicity of the clock signal. Therefore, to ensure the periodicity of the clock signal, a FIFO (First In, First Out) is used on the serial port. The FIFO has a buffer (memory) function, accumulates the first byte of data input, and outputs that first byte of data when it is ready to be transmitted. The output data is then deleted from the FIFO.

Figures 11 and 12 are explanatory diagrams for explaining the operation of serial port 302c. In Figure 11, in main CPU 300a, serial port 302c is used instead of clock output unit 302b in Figure 9. Also, serial port 302c has, for example, a 256-byte FIFO. Hereinafter, the FIFO provided in serial port 302c may be simply referred to as FIFO. Note that the transmission speed of serial port 302c is, for example, 100,000 bps, and it takes 100 μsec to output 1 byte of data (start bit, 8 bits of data, stop bit = 10 bits).

As shown in FIG. 11, instead of outputting a clock signal through clock output unit 302b, main CPU 300a outputs a serial signal through serial port 302c. Specifically, main CPU 300a accumulates data "55h" in the FIFO of serial port 302c. Then, serial port 302c outputs the data "55h" that was input first. Then, as shown in FIG. 10(a), the output serial signal changes at equal intervals, 0101010101, forming a clock signal for five periods.

Also, the main CPU 300a accumulates the next data "55h" in the FIFO before the output of data "55h" from the serial port 302c is completed. This allows the serial port 302c to start outputting the next data "55h" immediately after the output of the first data "55h" is completed. In this way, the serial port 302c can output the stop bit of the first data "55h" and the start bit of the next data "55h" in succession, so that it can repeatedly and continuously output the bit string 0101010101 as shown in FIG. 10(b).

The main CPU 300a also repeatedly stores the data "55h" in the FIFO while the gaming machine 100 is powered on. In this way, the motor driver 430a can continuously input the clock signal along with the parallel signal while the power is on. Therefore, the motor driver 430a can quickly and without delay take in the parallel signals input from the input terminals D0 to D7 based on the continuously input clock signal, and can appropriately control the rotation of the first rotating body motor 430c.

However, if the main CPU 300a were to accumulate data "55h" in response to the data "55h" being output from the serial port 302c, the processing of the main CPU 300a would become cumbersome. Also, if the main CPU 300a were to repeatedly accumulate data "55h" indefinitely in the FIFO regardless of the output state of data "55h" from the serial port 302c, the maximum capacity of the FIFO would be reached, and problems may occur when accumulating data "55h". Therefore, the main CPU 300a temporarily limits data accumulation when the data "55h" accumulated in the serial port 302c reaches a predetermined accumulation upper limit (trigger level) or more.

Here, assume that the maximum capacity of serial port 302c is 256 bytes. Here, the upper limit of storage is set to 128 bytes, which is half of the maximum capacity. As shown in FIG. 12(a), main CPU 300a repeatedly stores data "55h" in the FIFO until the storage capacity of the FIFO reaches the upper limit of storage.

At this time, the main CPU 300a repeatedly accumulates data quickly so that the frequency of accumulating data in the FIFO is higher than the frequency of outputting data from the serial port 302c. Specifically, the main CPU 300a repeatedly accumulates data in the FIFO not in timer interrupt processing, but in the main processing (main loop) shown in steps S100-59 to S100-69, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 31. Here, assume that data accumulates in the FIFO and exceeds the accumulation upper limit. For example, assume that when 127 bytes of data are accumulated in the FIFO, the main CPU 300a accumulates a new byte of data in the FIFO, bringing the amount of data accumulated in the FIFO to 128 bytes. Then, as shown in FIG. 12(b), the main CPU 300a limits (stops) the accumulation of data.

The main process runs repeatedly at 16 MHz, and transitions to a subroutine to execute individual processes only when certain conditions are met. Such individual processes never take longer than 12.8 msec (128 bytes x 10 bits/100,000 bps). Therefore, before all 128 bytes of data stored in the FIFO are output from the serial port 302c, data is stored in the main process, so the data stored in the FIFO never runs out.

As described above, because the main CPU 300a limits the accumulation of data, the amount of data accumulated in the FIFO is reduced each time data is output from the serial port 302c. Then, when the amount of data in the serial port 302c is reduced and falls below the accumulation upper limit, the main CPU 300a resumes accumulating data, as shown in FIG. 12(c).

Here, the main CPU 300a accumulates data in the FIFO within the main processing, independent of the timer interrupt processing. Therefore, even if data accumulation is restricted in this way, the timer interrupt processing functions normally and does not affect the progress of the game.

Figure 13 is a flow chart for explaining the serial signal output process. As described above, the serial signal output process is performed within the main process (main loop) as part of the main process. Here, the serial signal output process enclosed by the dashed line in Figure 13 will be explained in detail, and explanations of other processes that are not directly related to the serial signal output process will be omitted. The numerical values of step S in this figure will be used only in the explanation of this figure. Here, an accumulation upper limit value (e.g., 128 bytes) is set for the FIFO. In addition, the main CPU 300a can grasp whether the data accumulated in the FIFO has exceeded the accumulation upper limit value.

When the power supply of the gaming machine 100 is turned on, the output process of the serial signal is started. In the main process, in the output process of the serial signal, the main CPU 300a acquires the accumulation information of the FIFO (S1). Next, the main CPU 300a determines whether the data accumulated in the FIFO is equal to or greater than the accumulation upper limit based on the acquired accumulation information, for example, the trigger level flag inside the FIFO (S2). Here, if the data accumulated in the FIFO is equal to or greater than the accumulation upper limit, the trigger level flag becomes 0, and if the data accumulated in the FIFO is less than the accumulation upper limit, the trigger level flag becomes 1. As a result, if the accumulated data is equal to or greater than the accumulation upper limit, that is, if the trigger level flag is 0 (YES in S2), the main CPU 300a repeats the process from step S1 to limit the accumulation of data in the FIFO. On the other hand, if the accumulated data is less than the accumulation upper limit, i.e., if the trigger level flag is 1 (NO in S2), the main CPU 300a accumulates one byte of data in the serial port 302c (S3). Then, if the trigger level flag is 0 (YES in S2) or if the main CPU 300a has accumulated data (S3), it executes other processing, i.e., steps S100-59 to S100-69, which will be described later using FIG. 31 (S4), and when the main processing has been completed, it repeats the processing from the start of the main processing (here, step S1).

In this way, when the amount of data accumulated in the serial port 302c exceeds the accumulation upper limit, the main CPU 300a is configured to limit the accumulation of data, allowing the main CPU 300a to output an appropriate clock signal to the motor driver 430a.

Note that, although the upper limit of storage is described here as 128 bytes, the upper limit of storage may be a power of 2 (2, 4, 6, ...) or a power of 2 (2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64).

Figure 14 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the motor driver 430a. The parallel port 302a of the main CPU 300a outputs a rotation command to the motor driver 430a. Here, it is assumed that the main CPU 300a outputs rotation command A, and at time point A, switches from rotation command A to rotation command B and outputs it. As described above, the serial port 302c of the main CPU 300a repeatedly and continuously outputs the data "55h" as a serial signal. This serial signal functions as a clock signal. The motor driver 430a outputs the excitation signal A based on the rotation command A. The motor driver 430a takes in the rotation command at the rising edge of the clock signal. Therefore, the motor driver 430a outputs the excitation signal B based on the rotation command B from time point B, which is the rising edge of the clock signal.

In this way, by using the serial signal output from serial port 302c as a pseudo clock signal, it is possible to appropriately control a hardware-controlled motor using the clock signal, even if, for example, clock output unit 302b that generates the clock signal does not exist or the required number of clock output units is not prepared.

Here, an example has been described in which the main CPU 300a controls a hardware-controlled motor that requires a motor driver 430a to drive it. However, this is not limited to this case, and the present invention can also be applied to cases in which the main CPU 300a directly controls a software-controlled motor using a control signal.

Figure 15 is a circuit diagram for explaining another circuit configuration of the main control board 300. Here, too, the first rotating body motor 430c is illustrated among the motors 400c, 430c, 450c, 460c, and 470c. In Figure 15, the third role device 430 is composed of a serial-parallel conversion circuit 430b, a first rotating body motor 430c, and a first rotating body 432. The serial port 302d of the main CPU 300a outputs excitation information indicating the state of the excitation signal as a serial signal to the serial-parallel conversion circuit 430b. In the example of Figure 15, the first rotating body motor 430c is a software-controlled motor that is directly controlled by the main CPU 300a via software.

The other serial port 302c of the main CPU 300a is synchronized with the serial port 302d and repeatedly and continuously outputs the data "55h" as a serial signal as described above. This serial signal functions as a clock signal. The serial-parallel conversion circuit 430b latches and shifts the serial signal input from the serial input terminal (SI) into an internal shift register based on the clock signal input from the clock input terminal (CI), for example, at the falling edge of the clock signal.

When the four bits of excitation information are stored in the shift register of the serial-parallel conversion circuit 430b, the main CPU 300a outputs a latch signal for latching the excitation information to the serial-parallel conversion circuit 430b via the latch output unit 302e. The serial-parallel conversion circuit 430b latches the excitation information stored in the shift register in bit units to the output ports (Q0 to Q3) based on the latch signal (at the rising edge of the latch signal), and outputs a control signal of multiple bits (here, four bits) to the first rotating body motor 430c.

The serial signal input to the serial input terminal (SI) of the serial-parallel conversion circuit 430b is delayed by the shift register (the number of bits of the parallel output, here 4 bits) and output from the serial output terminal (SO). The clock signal input to the clock input terminal is also output from the clock output terminal (CO). These serial output terminals (SO) and clock output terminals (CO) are daisy-chained with other serial-parallel conversion circuits, making it possible to send excitation information to multiple serial-parallel conversion circuits at once with a single serial signal.

Figure 16 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the serial-parallel conversion circuit 430b. The serial port 302d of the main CPU 300a outputs the excitation information as a serial signal to the serial-parallel conversion circuit 430b. Here, the main CPU 300a outputs 1 byte of data "33h" ("00110011b") from the serial port 302d. When attempting to output data from the serial port 302d, as shown in Figure 16, a 1-bit long "0b" is first output as a start bit. Then, the data "00110011b" is transmitted bit by bit continuously from the LSB, and the MSB is transmitted at the 8th bit. That is, the data is transmitted in the order of "1", "1", "0", "0", "1", "1", "0", "0". Finally, a 1-bit long "1b" is output as a stop bit. In parallel with this, the serial port 302c of the main CPU 300a generates a clock signal by repeatedly and continuously outputting the data "55h" as described above. The serial-parallel conversion circuit 430b latches and shifts the excitation information in an internal shift register at the falling edge of this clock signal, i.e., at each of the timings of time points A, B, C, and D. The main CPU 300a outputs a latch signal at the timing of time point E when 4 bits of output information are held in the shift register of the serial-parallel conversion circuit 430b. The serial-parallel conversion circuit 430b outputs excitation signal A based on the excitation information. The serial-parallel conversion circuit 430b captures the excitation information at the rising edge of the latch signal. In this way, the serial-parallel conversion circuit 430b outputs excitation signal B based on the excitation information from time point E.

In this way, by using the serial signal output from serial port 302c as a pseudo clock signal, it is possible to appropriately control the software-controlled motor using the clock signal, even if, for example, clock output unit 302b that generates the clock signal does not exist or the required number of clock output units is not prepared.

Note that, although an example has been described here in which the serial signal output from serial port 302c is used as a pseudo-clock signal to control a motor, the present invention is not limited to this case, and the serial signal can be applied to various circuits that use equally spaced clock signals, such as RTCs (Real Time Clocks) and timers.

In addition, here, an example has been described in which a serial signal is continuously output from serial port 302c as a clock signal, but this is not the only case, and a clock signal may be generated in multiples of 10 bits (5 clocks). Such a clock signal may be applied to a circuit such as a counter, for example.

In addition, an example has been described in which the data "55h" is continuously output from serial port 302c to make the cycle of the clock signal uniform, but this is not the only case, and data other than "55h" may be output to circuits such as counters that do not require uniform clock signals as long as there is a clock signal. For example, by outputting the data "33h", three clocks can be generated in 10-bit units.

In addition, an example has been given here in which the start bit is "0b" and the stop bit corresponds to "1b", so data "55h" is output from serial port 302c, but this is not the only case. If the start bit is "1b" and the stop bit corresponds to "0b", it is possible to generate a clock signal equivalent to the data "55h" by outputting data "AAh".

In addition, an example has been described in which the main CPU 300a is provided with a serial port 302c, and the serial port 302c has a FIFO, but this is not the only case, and the main CPU 300a, serial port 302c, and FIFO may each be provided separately.

In this way, the gaming machine 100 includes a data storage means (e.g., a FIFO), a control means (e.g., the main CPU 300a) that stores data in the data storage means, and a serial transmission means (e.g., the serial port 302c) that transmits the data stored in the data storage means as a serial signal. When the serial transmission means transmits data, the transmitted data is deleted from the data storage means, and the serial transmission means transmits the stored data continuously while the data is stored in the data storage means. The control means repeatedly stores data in the data storage means (e.g., stores data in the main loop) so that the data stored in the data storage means is not lost, and the data is a value (e.g., "55h", "AAh") that repeats 0 and 1 on a bit-by-bit basis when output as a serial signal. At this time, the control means may limit the accumulation of data when a predetermined number of data (e.g., an accumulation upper limit of 128 bytes) is accumulated in the data storage means until the data falls below the predetermined number.

Here, a FIFO has been given as an example of a data storage means, but this is not the only case. Any memory that deletes stored data after it is output will suffice. For example, a LIFO (Last In, First Out) can be used, which stores one byte of data and outputs the last byte of data input when it is ready to be transmitted.

Figure 17 is an address map of the memory area used by the main CPU 300a. Note that in Figure 17, addresses are shown in hexadecimal, with "H" indicating a hexadecimal number. As shown in Figure 17, the memory area used by the main CPU 300a includes a memory area (0000H to 2FFFH) allocated to the main ROM 300b and a memory area (F000H to F3FFH) allocated to the main RAM 300c.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Figure 18 is a diagram explaining the small win determination random number judgment table for special 1. When a game ball enters the first start hole 120 or the second start hole 122, one small win determination random number is obtained within the range of 0 to 65535. Then, a small win determination random number judgment table is selected according to the reserved type read out when the big win lottery is started, and the big win lottery is performed using the selected small win determination random number judgment table and the obtained small win determination random number.

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

When the setting value is set to 1 (registered setting value = 1), the big prize lottery is performed by referring to the special 1 small prize determination random number judgment table a shown in Figure 18 (a). According to this special 1 small prize determination random number judgment table a, if the small prize determination random number is between 20001 and 20555, it is judged as a small prize, and if it is any other small prize determination random number, it is judged as a miss. Therefore, the probability of a small prize in this case is approximately 1/118.0.

Also, when the setting value is set to 2 (registered setting value = 2), the big prize lottery is performed by referring to the special 1 small prize determination random number judgment table b shown in Figure 18 (b). According to this special 1 small prize determination random number judgment table b, if the small prize determination random number is between 20001 and 20575, it is judged as a small prize, and if it is any other small prize determination random number, it is judged as a miss. Therefore, in this case, the probability of a small prize is approximately 1 in 113.9.

Also, when the setting value is set to 3 (registered setting value = 3), the big prize lottery is performed by referring to the special 1 small prize determination random number judgment table c shown in Figure 18 (c). According to this special 1 small prize determination random number judgment table c, if the small prize determination random number is between 20001 and 20595, it is judged as a small prize, and if it is any other small prize determination random number, it is judged as a miss. Therefore, in this case, the probability of a small prize is approximately 1/110.1.

Also, when the setting value is set to 4 (registered setting value = 4), the big prize lottery is performed by referring to the special 1 small prize determination random number judgment table d shown in Figure 18 (d). According to this special 1 small prize determination random number judgment table d, if the small prize determination random number is between 20001 and 20615, it is judged as a small prize, and if it is any other small prize determination random number, it is judged as a miss. Therefore, the probability of a small prize in this case is approximately 1/106.5.

Also, when the setting value is set to 5 (registered setting value = 5), the big prize lottery is performed by referring to the special 1 small prize determination random number judgment table e shown in Figure 18 (e). According to this special 1 small prize determination random number judgment table e, if the small prize determination random number is between 20001 and 20635, it is judged as a small prize, and if it is any other small prize determination random number, it is judged as a miss. Therefore, in this case, the probability of a small prize is approximately 1/103.2.

Also, when the setting value is set to 6 (registered setting value = 6), the big prize lottery is performed by referring to the special 1 small win determination random number judgment table f shown in Figure 18 (f). According to this special 1 small win determination random number judgment table f, if the small win determination random number is between 20001 and 20655, it is judged as a small win, and if it is any other small win determination random number, it is judged as a miss. Therefore, the probability of a small win in this case is approximately 1/100.0.

Figure 19 is a diagram explaining the random number judgment table for determining small wins for special 2. When starting a lottery for a big role for special 2 reserve, the random number judgment table for determining small wins for special 2 is referenced. The random number judgment table for determining small wins for special 2 is also set for each setting value, just like the random number judgment table for determining small wins for special 1.

When the setting value is set to 1 (registered setting value = 1), the big prize lottery is performed by referring to the special 2 small prize determination random number judgment table a shown in Figure 19 (a). According to this special 2 small prize determination random number judgment table a, if the small prize determination random number is between 20001 and 25461, it is judged as a small prize, and if it is any other small prize determination random number, it is judged as a miss. Therefore, the probability of a small prize in this case is approximately 1/12.0.

Also, when the setting value is set to 2 (registered setting value = 2), the big prize lottery is performed by referring to the special 2 small prize determination random number judgment table b shown in Figure 19 (b). According to this special 2 small prize determination random number judgment table b, if the small prize determination random number is between 20001 and 25661, it is judged as a small prize, and if it is any other small prize determination random number, it is judged as a miss. Therefore, in this case, the probability of a small prize is approximately 1/11.6.

Also, when the setting value is set to 3 (registered setting value = 3), the big prize lottery is performed by referring to the special 2 small prize determination random number judgment table c shown in Figure 19 (c). According to this special 2 small prize determination random number judgment table c, if the small prize determination random number is between 20001 and 25861, it is judged as a small prize, and if it is any other small prize determination random number, it is judged as a miss. Therefore, in this case, the probability of a small prize is approximately 1/11.2.

Also, when the setting value is set to 4 (registered setting value = 4), the big prize lottery is performed by referring to the special 2 small prize determination random number judgment table d shown in Figure 19 (d). According to this special 2 small prize determination random number judgment table d, if the small prize determination random number is between 20001 and 26061, it is judged as a small prize, and if it is any other small prize determination random number, it is judged as a miss. Therefore, in this case, the probability of a small prize is approximately 1/10.8.

Also, when the setting value is set to 5 (registered setting value = 5), the big prize lottery is performed by referring to the special 2 small prize determination random number judgment table e shown in Figure 19 (e). According to this special 2 small prize determination random number judgment table e, if the small prize determination random number is between 20001 and 26261, it is judged as a small prize, and if it is any other small prize determination random number, it is judged as a miss. Therefore, the probability of a small prize in this case is approximately 1/10.4.

Also, when the setting value is set to 6 (registered setting value = 6), the big prize lottery is performed by referring to the special 2 small prize determination random number judgment table f shown in Figure 19 (f). According to this special 2 small prize determination random number judgment table f, if the small prize determination random number is between 20001 and 26461, it is judged as a small prize, and if it is any other small prize determination random number, it is judged as a miss. Therefore, in this case, the probability of a small prize is approximately 1/10.1.

As described above, the big prize lottery is held according to the registered setting value. In the embodiment, it is assumed that it is easier to win a small prize when the registered setting value is large than when it is small, but the probability of winning a small prize may not change even if the registered setting value is different. Also, the registered setting value is not required, and the probability of winning a small prize may always be constant.

Figure 20 is a diagram explaining the winning symbol random number determination table. When a game ball enters the first starting hole 120 or the second starting hole 122, one winning symbol random number within the range of 0 to 99 is obtained. Then, when the result of the determination of a "small win" is derived by the above-mentioned big role lottery, the type of special symbol is determined by the obtained winning symbol random number and the winning symbol random number determination table.

At this time, if a "small win" is won by the special 1 reservation, the winning pattern random number determination table for special 1 is selected as shown in FIG. 20(a). Also, if a "small win" is won by the special 2 reservation, the winning pattern random number determination table for special 2 is selected as shown in FIG. 20(b). In the following, the special pattern determined by the winning pattern random number, that is, the special pattern determined when a small win is determined, is called the small win pattern, and the special pattern determined when a loss is determined is called the loss pattern.

According to the special 1 winning symbol random number determination table shown in FIG. 20(a) and the special 2 winning symbol random number determination table shown in FIG. 20(b), the type of special symbol (small winning symbol) is determined according to the obtained winning symbol random number value, as shown in the figure.

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

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

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

Figure 21 is a diagram explaining the reach group determination random number judgment table. A plurality of reach group determination random number judgment tables are provided, and a preset table is selected according to the reserved type, reserved number, game state, and the variable state associated with the game state. When a game ball enters the first start hole 120 or the second start hole 122, one reach group determination random number is obtained from the range of 0 to 10006. As described above, when the big role lottery result is derived, a process is performed to determine the variable performance pattern (variation mode number, variable pattern number) that notifies the big role lottery result. In the embodiment, when the big role lottery result is "miss", the group type is first determined by the reach group determination random number and the reach group determination random number judgment table in determining the variable performance pattern. Note that the variable state is a concept that specifies which table is to be referenced to determine the variable performance pattern, and is set separately from the game state.

For example, when the game state is set to a non-time-saving game state, if a "miss" big role lottery result is derived based on the special 1 reservation, and the number of reserved special 1s (hereinafter simply referred to as the "reserved number") at the time of the big role lottery is 0, then the reach group determination random number judgment table 1 is selected as shown in FIG. 21(a). Similarly, when the game state is set to a non-time-saving game state, if a "miss" big role lottery result is derived based on the special 1 reservation, and the number of reserved special roles at the time of the big role lottery is 1, then the reach group determination random number judgment table 2 is selected as shown in FIG. 21(b), and if the number of reserved special roles is 2 to 3, then the reach group determination random number judgment table 3 is selected as shown in FIG. 21(c). In FIG. 21, the group x listed in the group type column indicates an arbitrary group number. Therefore, various group numbers are determined as the group type depending on the acquired reach group determination random number and the type of the reach group determination random number judgment table to be referenced.

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

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

Figure 22 is a diagram explaining the reach mode determination random number judgment table. This reach mode determination random number judgment table is broadly divided into a reach mode determination random number judgment table for a miss, which is selected when the big role lottery result is a "miss", and a reach mode determination random number judgment table for a small win, which is selected when the big role lottery result is a "small win". Note that the reach mode determination random number judgment table for a miss is provided for each group type determined as described above, and the reach mode determination random number judgment table for a small win is provided for each reserved type.

In addition, each reach mode determination random number judgment table is also provided for each game state and type of pattern. Here, an example of a reach mode determination random number judgment table for a group x when it is a miss, which is referenced in a specific game state and type of pattern, is shown in Figure 22(a), an example of a reach mode determination random number judgment table for a special 1 when it is a small win is shown in Figure 22(b), and an example of a reach mode determination random number judgment table for a special 2 when it is a small win is shown in Figure 22(c).

When a game ball enters the first start hole 120 or the second start hole 122, one reach mode determination random number is obtained within the range of 0 to 250. If the result of the big role lottery is a "lose", as shown in FIG. 22(a), a reach mode determination random number judgment table for a miss that corresponds to the group type determined by the group type lottery is selected, and a variable mode number is determined based on the selected reach mode determination random number judgment table for a miss and the reach mode determination random number.

In addition, if the result of the big prize lottery is a "small prize," as shown in Figures 22(b) and (c), a random number judgment table for determining the reach mode at the time of a small prize corresponding to the read-out hold type is selected, and a variable mode number is determined based on the selected random number judgment table for determining the reach mode at the time of a small prize and the reach mode determination random number.

In addition, in each reach mode determination random number judgment table, the reach mode determination random number is associated with a fluctuation pattern random number judgment table described later along with the fluctuation mode number, and the fluctuation pattern random number judgment table is determined at the same time that the fluctuation mode number is determined. In FIG. 22, the table x written in the fluctuation pattern random number judgment table column indicates an arbitrary table number. Therefore, the fluctuation mode number and the table number of the fluctuation pattern random number judgment table are determined according to the acquired reach group determination random number and the type of reach mode determination random number judgment table to be referenced. In the embodiment, the fluctuation mode number and the fluctuation pattern number described later are set in hexadecimal. In the following, "H" is added to indicate hexadecimal numbers, but ○○H written in FIG. 22 to FIG. 24 indicates an arbitrary value expressed in hexadecimal numbers.

As described above, if the result of the big role lottery is a "miss," the group type is first determined by the reach group determination random number judgment table and reach group determination random number shown in FIG. 21. Then, depending on the determined group type and game status, the fluctuation mode number and fluctuation pattern random number judgment table are determined by the reach mode determination random number judgment table at the time of a miss and the reach mode determination random number shown in FIG. 22(a).

On the other hand, if the result of the big prize lottery is a "small prize," the small prize reach mode determination random number judgment table shown in Figure 22, which corresponds to the determined small prize pattern (type of special pattern), is referenced, and the reach mode determination random number is used to determine the fluctuation mode number and fluctuation pattern random number judgment table.

Figure 23 is a diagram explaining the fluctuation pattern random number determination table. Here, fluctuation pattern random number determination table x for a specific table number x is shown, but there are many other fluctuation pattern random number determination tables provided for each table number.

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

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

Figure 24 is a diagram explaining the variation time determination table. Once the variation mode number is determined as described above, variation time 1 is determined according to the variation time 1 determination table shown in Figure 24 (a). According to this variation time 1 determination table, variation time 1 is associated with each variation mode number, and the corresponding variation time 1 is determined according to the determined variation mode number.

Furthermore, as described above, once the fluctuation pattern number is determined, fluctuation time 2 is determined according to the fluctuation time 2 determination table shown in FIG. 24(b). According to this fluctuation time 2 determination table, a fluctuation time 2 is associated with each fluctuation pattern number, and the corresponding fluctuation time 2 is determined according to the determined fluctuation pattern number. The total time of fluctuation times 1 and 2 determined in this way is the time of the fluctuation performance that notifies the result of the big role lottery, i.e., the fluctuation time.

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

Figure 25 is a diagram explaining the special electric role activation ram set table. The special electric role activation ram set table stores various data for controlling the small win game and the big win game, and during the small win game and the big win game, the first big win port solenoid 126c and the second big win port solenoid 128c are controlled to be energized by referring to this special electric role activation ram set table.

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

In this embodiment, when the special symbols Z1 and Z2, which are the small prize symbols, are determined, a small prize game consisting of one round of play is first executed. When the special symbol Z1 is determined, the second large prize opening 128 is opened once for 0.1 seconds in the small prize game. When the special symbol Z2 is determined, the second large prize opening 128 is opened twice for 0.1 seconds in the small prize game.

Note that the number of times and the opening time of the second large prize opening 128 in a small prize game are merely examples. For example, the number of times and the opening time of the second large prize opening 128 may be exactly the same for the special patterns Z1 and Z2.

As described above, the second large prize opening 128 is provided with a specific area 502 and a non-specific area 500 inside, and a game ball that enters the second large prize opening 128 always enters the specific area 502 or the non-specific area 500. If a game ball that enters the second large prize opening 128 enters the specific area 502 during a small prize game, a big prize game is played following the small prize game, in which the first large prize opening 126 is opened. In this big prize game, nine rounds (2R to 10R) are played.

In each round of the big prize game, the first big prize opening 126 is opened once every 29.0 seconds. In each round of the small prize game and the big prize game, the end condition is set to be either that the opening time of the first big prize opening 126 or the second big prize opening 128 reaches the maximum opening time, or that a specified number of game balls enter the first big prize opening 126 or the second big prize opening 128. When the end condition is met, the small prize game or the big prize game ends. Here, the specified number is set to 10, and the small prize game or the big prize game ends when 10 game balls enter the first big prize opening 126 or the second big prize opening 128.

Figure 26 is a diagram explaining a game state setting table for setting the game state after the big prize game ends. When a type 2 big prize is won in the small prize game as described above and the big prize game is executed, the game state after the big prize game ends is set. Here, after the big prize game, the time-saving game state is always set. Note that in this embodiment, a non-time-saving game state and a time-saving game state are provided as game states.

The non-time-saving game state is the initial state of the gaming machine 100, and the time-saving game state is a state in which the second start opening 122 is easier to open than in the non-time-saving game state. In other words, opening conditions for opening the second start opening 122 are set for each game state, and opening conditions are set for the time-saving game state that make it easier to open the second start opening 122 than in the non-time-saving game state.

In addition, when the game state after the big win is set to a time-saving game state, a time-saving end condition for ending the time-saving game state is also set. Here, the number of time-saving times is set as the time-saving end condition. The number of time-saving times is the number of times the special pattern changes until the time-saving game state ends, and here, the number of time-saving times is set to 10 times. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the special pattern is stopped and displayed 10 times on the first special pattern display 160 or the second special pattern display 162 in the time-saving game state, the time-saving game state ends and the game is set to a non-time-saving game state.

Here, the game state and the number of time-saving times after a big win are set uniformly. However, depending on the special symbol, i.e., the type of small win symbol, and the game state when a small win is won, either the game state set after a big win or the number of time-saving times, or both, may be different.

Figure 27 is a diagram explaining the winning decision random number judgment table. When the game ball flowing down the game area 116 passes through the gate 124, a normal symbol judgment process (hereinafter referred to as "normal symbol lottery") is performed, which corresponds to whether or not to control the flow of electricity to the movable piece 122b of the second starting hole 122.

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

When starting the normal symbol lottery in the non-time-saving play state, the winning symbol determination random number judgment table for the non-time-saving play state is referenced, as shown in FIG. 27(a). According to this winning symbol determination random number judgment table for the non-time-saving play state, if the winning symbol determination random number is 0, a winning symbol is determined as the type of normal symbol, and if the winning symbol determination random number is 1 to 99, a losing symbol is determined as the type of normal symbol. Therefore, the probability of a winning symbol being determined in the non-time-saving play state, i.e., the probability of winning, is 1/100. As will be described in more detail later, when a winning symbol is determined in this normal symbol lottery, the second starting hole 122 is controlled to be in the open state, and when a losing symbol is determined, the second starting hole 122 is maintained in the closed state.

In addition, when starting the regular symbol lottery in the time-saving play state, the time-saving play state win determination random number judgment table is referenced, as shown in FIG. 27(b). According to this time-saving play state win determination random number judgment table, if the win determination random number is 0-98, a winning symbol is determined as the type of regular symbol, and if the win determination random number is 99, a losing symbol is determined as the type of regular symbol. Therefore, the probability of a winning symbol being determined in the time-saving play state, i.e., the probability of winning, is 99/100.

28(a) is a diagram explaining the normal pattern change time data table, and FIG. 28(b) is a diagram explaining the opening and closing control pattern table. As described above, when the normal pattern lottery is performed, the change time of the normal pattern is determined. The normal pattern change time data table is referenced when determining the change time of the normal pattern when a winning pattern or a losing pattern is determined by the normal pattern lottery. According to this normal pattern change time data table, when the game state is set to a non-time-saving game state, the change time is determined to be 10 seconds, and when the game state is set to a time-saving game state, the change time is determined to be 0.1 seconds. When the change time is determined in this way, the normal pattern display 168 is displayed in a changing manner (blinking display) for the determined time. Then, when a winning pattern is determined, the normal pattern display 168 is turned on, and when a losing pattern is determined, the normal pattern display 168 is turned off.

When the winning symbol is determined by the normal symbol lottery and the normal symbol display 168 is lit, the movable piece 122b of the second starting hole 122 is controlled to energize by referring to the opening/closing control pattern table, as shown in FIG. 28(b). Note that in reality, an opening/closing control pattern table is provided for each game state, and depending on the game state when the normal symbol is determined, the corresponding table is set when the normal electric role solenoid 122c starts to energize, but here, for the sake of explanation, the control data corresponding to each game state is shown in one table.

Once the winning pattern is determined, the second starting hole 122 is controlled to open and close by referring to the opening and closing control pattern table, as shown in Figure 28 (b). According to this opening/closing control pattern table, the time before normal power opening (waiting time until the second start port 122 starts to open), the maximum number of normal electric role opening/closing switching times (number of times the second start port 122 is opened), the solenoid energization time (the energization time of the normal electric role solenoid 122c for each number of times the second start port 122 is opened, i.e., the opening time of one second start port 122), the specified number (the maximum number of winnings that can be won into the second start port 122 while the second start port 122 is fully open), the normal power closing effective time (the closing time between each opening of the second start port 122, i.e., the pause time), the normal power effective state time (waiting time from the end of the last opening of the second start port 122), and the normal power end wait time (waiting time until the variable display of the normal pattern described later is resumed after the normal power effective state time has elapsed) are stored in advance for each game state as control data for the second start port 122, as shown in the figure.

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

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

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

Figure 29 is a diagram explaining the gaming machine status flag. In the main control board 300, the gaming machine status flag manages whether or not the game can proceed. One of six flag values from 00H to 05H is set to the gaming machine status flag. A flag value of 00H for the gaming machine status flag indicates a playable state. When the gaming machine status flag is 00H, the game is controlled to proceed, and when the gaming machine status flag is other than 00H, the game is stopped.

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

(CPU Initialization Processing of Main Control Board 300)
FIG. 30 is a first flowchart illustrating the CPU initialization process in main control board 300, and FIG. 31 is a second flowchart illustrating the CPU initialization process in main control board 300.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Figure 32 is a flowchart explaining the sub-command group set process (S110) on the main control board 300.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Step S500)
The main CPU 300a executes a switch management process to determine whether or not a signal has been input from the first start hole detection switch 120s, the second start hole detection switch 122s, the gate detection switch 124s, the first big prize hole detection switch 126s, the second big prize hole detection switch 128s, the specific area detection switch 502s, and the out ball detection switch 130s. Details of this switch management process will be described later.

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

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

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

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

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

(Step S400-26)
The main CPU 300a executes a role control process that controls the role devices in the role unit U. Here, the actuators of each role device are controlled based on the operating conditions that are preset for each role device. The operating conditions include making the role device perform a certain operation when the gaming machine 100 is in an energized state, making the role device perform a predetermined operation during a small win game, making the role device perform a predetermined operation when a predetermined sensor detects a game ball, and so on.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Figure 35 is a flowchart explaining the above-mentioned setting-related processing (S450).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Step S110)
The main CPU 300a executes the sub-command group set process of Fig. 32. That is, when the setting-related process is executed, at the end of the process, the model command, the setting value designation command, the special chart 1 reservation designation command, the special chart 2 reservation designation command, the number of times command, the variation pattern selection state designation command, the special chart phase designation command, and the customer waiting designation command are transmitted to the sub-control board 330.

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

As described above, according to the embodiment, when the power is turned on normally with the middle frame 104 open, the setting change switch 180s on, and the RAM clear button pressed, the gaming machine status flag is set to 01H (setting change state) in the CPU initialization process (Figure 30). After that, the timer interrupt process is executed, but because the gaming machine status flag is set to 01H (setting change state), all processes related to the progress of the game (steps S400-15 to S400-25 in Figure 34) are stopped, and setting-related processes are executed.

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

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

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

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

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

Figure 36 is a flowchart explaining the switch management process (step S500) in the main control board 300.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Step S500-11)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the specific area detection switch is ON, that is, whether the game ball has entered the specific area 502 and a detection signal has been input from the specific area detection switch 502s. If it is judged that the specific area detection switch is ON, the process proceeds to step S540, and if it is judged that the specific area detection switch is not ON, the process proceeds to step S500-13.

(Step S540)
The main CPU 300a executes a specific area passing process based on the entry of the gaming ball into the specific area 502, and ends the switch management process. The specific area passing process will be described in detail later.

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

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

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

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

Figure 37 is a flowchart explaining the gate passage process (step S510) in the main control board 300.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Figure 38 is a flowchart explaining the first start port passing process (step S520) in the main control board 300.

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

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

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

Figure 39 is a flowchart explaining the second start port passing process (step S530) in the main control board 300.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Figure 40 is a flowchart explaining the special symbol random number acquisition process (step S535) in the main control board 300. This special symbol random number acquisition process is executed using a common module in the first start port passing process (step S520) and the second start port passing process (step S530) described above.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Figure 41 is a flowchart explaining the specific area passing process in step S540 above.

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

Although more details will be given later, this validity period flag is used to determine whether or not the entry of the game ball into the specific area 502 is considered valid, and in this embodiment, it is turned on at the start of the small win game (first round game).

(Step S540-3)
If it is determined in step S540-1 that the valid period flag is on, the main CPU 300a determines whether the specific area entry flag is on. The specific area entry flag identifies that the gaming ball has already validly entered the specific area 502. If it is determined that the specific area entry flag is on, the specific area passing process is terminated, and if it is determined that the specific area entry flag is not on, the process proceeds to step S540-5.

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

(Step S540-7)
The main CPU 300a sets a specific area entry command in the transmission buffer to notify the sub-control board 330 that the gaming ball has validly entered the specific area 502, and ends the specific area passing process.

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

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

Figure 42 is a diagram explaining the special game management phase. As already explained, in the embodiment, a special game triggered by the entry of a game ball into the first start port 120 or the second start port 122, and a normal game triggered by the passage of a game ball through the gate 124 proceed simultaneously in parallel. The processing related to the special game is executed stepwise and repeatedly, and the main control board 300 manages each processing related to such special games by the special game management phase.

As shown in FIG. 42, the main ROM 300b stores a plurality of special game control modules for controlling the execution of special games, and each of these special game control modules is associated with a special game management phase. Specifically, if the special game management phase is "00H", a module for executing "special symbol change waiting process" is called, if the special game management phase is "01H", a module for executing "special symbol change process" is called, if the special game management phase is "02H", a module for executing "special symbol stop pattern display process" is called, if the special game management phase is "03H" or "07H", a module for executing "large prize opening pre-processing" is called, if the special game management phase is "04H" or "08H", a module for executing "large prize opening control process" is called, if the special game management phase is "05H" or "09H", a module for executing "large prize opening closing valid process" is called, if the special game management phase is "06H" or "0AH", a module for executing "large prize opening end wait process" is called.

Figure 43 is a flowchart explaining the special game management process (step S600) on the main control board 300.

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

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

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

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

Figure 44 is a flowchart explaining the special symbol change waiting process in the main control board 300. This special symbol change waiting process is executed when the special game management phase is "00H".

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

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

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

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

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

(Step S610-11)
The main CPU 300a executes a special symbol pattern determination process for determining a special symbol. Here, if the result of the big role lottery in step S610-9 is a small win, the winning symbol random number and reservation type transferred to the 0th storage unit are loaded, the corresponding winning symbol random number determination table is selected to extract the special symbol determination data, and the extracted special symbol determination data (type of small win symbol) is saved. Also, if the result of the big role lottery in step S610-9 is a loss, the special symbol determination data for loss (type of loss symbol) corresponding to the reservation type is saved. Specifically, if the reservation type is special 1 reservation, the special symbol X is saved as a loss symbol, and if the reservation type is special 2 reservation, the special symbol Y is saved as a loss symbol. In this way, when the special symbol determination data is saved, the symbol type designation command corresponding to the special symbol determination data is set in the transmission buffer.

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

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

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

(Step S610-17)
The main CPU 300a performs a reserve area setting process for storing the type of small winning symbol (special symbol determination data) and the like in the reserve area of the main RAM 300c.

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

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

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

Figure 45 is a flowchart explaining the special pattern variable number determination process in the main control board 300.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Step S612-15)
The main CPU 300a determines a fluctuation pattern number based on the fluctuation pattern random number determination table determined in the above step S612-11 and the fluctuation pattern random number transferred to the 0th memory unit in the above step S610-7.

(Step S612-17)
The main CPU 300a sets the variation pattern command corresponding to the variation pattern number determined in step S612-15 above in the transmission buffer, and ends the special pattern variation number determination process.

Figure 46 is a flowchart explaining the processing during special symbol fluctuation in the main control board 300. This processing during special symbol fluctuation is executed when the special game management phase is "01H".

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Figure 47 is a flowchart explaining the special symbol stop symbol display process in the main control board 300. This special symbol stop symbol display process is executed when the special game management phase is "02H".

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

(Step S630-3)
The main CPU 300a executes a time-saving count management process. Here, when the game state is a time-saving game state, the counter value of a time-saving count counter that counts the remaining number of time-saving plays is decremented. Then, when the counter value becomes 0, the game state is changed from the time-saving game state to a non-time-saving game state.

(Step S630-5)
The main CPU 300a sets a number command indicating the remaining number of time-saving times in a transmission buffer.

(Step S630-7)
The main CPU 300a sets in the transmission buffer a game state confirmation command at the time of special symbol determination, which indicates the game state when the special symbol is determined.

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

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

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

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

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

(Step S630-19)
The main CPU 300a refers to the data set in step S630-17, and saves a predetermined opening time as a timer value in the special game timer.

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

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

Figure 48 is a flowchart explaining the processing before the opening of the large prize opening in the main control board 300. This processing before the opening of the large prize opening is executed when the special game management phase is "03H" or "07H".

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Step S640-11)
The main CPU 300a turns on the valid period flag, which enables the entry of the gaming ball into the specific area 502 when the small win game starts.

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

Figure 49 is a flowchart explaining the special prize opening/closing switching process on the main control board 300.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Figure 50 is a flowchart explaining the special prize opening control process in the main control board 300. This special prize opening control process is executed when the special game management phase is "04H" or "08H".

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Figure 51 is a flowchart explaining the special prize opening closure activation process in the main control board 300. This special prize opening closure activation process is executed when the special game management phase is "05H" or "09H".

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

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

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

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

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

(Step S660-11)
The main CPU 300a judges whether all the game balls that entered the second large prize opening 128 have been discharged. Here, when the value obtained by subtracting the total number of game balls that entered the specific area 502 and the non-specific area 500 from the number of game balls that entered the second large prize opening 128 becomes 0, it is judged that the discharge is completed. If it is judged that the discharge is completed, the process proceeds to step S660-13, and if it is judged that the discharge is not completed, the large prize opening closure valid process is terminated. Note that if the judgment result that the discharge is not completed is derived continuously for a certain period of time, an error process is performed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Figure 52 is a flowchart explaining the special prize opening end wait process in the main control board 300. This special prize opening end wait process is executed when the special game management phase is "06H" or "0AH".

(Step S670-1)
The main CPU 300a judges whether the timer value of the special game timer saved in the above step S660-21 is not "0". If it is judged that the timer value of the special game timer is not "0", the main CPU 300a ends the waiting process for the end of the special prize slot, and if it is judged that the timer value of the special game timer is "0", the process proceeds to step S670-3.

(Step S670-3)
The main CPU 300a executes a state setting process for setting the game state after the end of the big role game executed based on the game ball entering the specific area 502 in the small win game. Specifically, the main CPU 300a refers to the game state setting table (FIG. 26) and sets the game state after the big role game ends and the number of time reductions based on the type of special symbol that triggered the execution of the small win game. Note that if the game ball did not enter the specific area 502 in the small win game, that is, if the special game management phase is "0AH", the game state is not set in step S670-3.

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

(Step S670-5)
The main CPU 300a sets in the transmission buffer a game state change designation command for transmitting the game state and the variable state that are set after the end of the big role game.

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

(Step S670-9)
The main CPU 300a updates the special game management phase to "00H" and ends the waiting process for the end of the special winning slot. As a result, if the special 1 reserve or special 2 reserve is stored, the variable display of the special symbol is resumed.

Figure 53 is a diagram explaining the normal game management phase. As already explained, in the embodiment, the processing related to the normal game triggered by the passage of the game ball through the gate 124 is executed stepwise and repeatedly, and the main control board 300 manages each processing related to such normal game by the normal game management phase.

As shown in FIG. 53, the main ROM 300b stores multiple normal game control modules for controlling the execution of normal games, and each of these normal game control modules is associated with a normal game management phase. Specifically, when the normal game management phase is "00H", a module for executing "normal symbol change waiting process" is called, when the normal game management phase is "01H", a module for executing "normal symbol change process" is called, when the normal game management phase is "02H", a module for executing "normal symbol stop symbol display process" is called, when the normal game management phase is "03H", a module for executing "normal electric role winning opening pre-processing" is called, when the normal game management phase is "04H", a module for executing "normal electric role winning opening opening control process" is called, when the normal game management phase is "05H", a module for executing "normal electric role winning opening closing valid process" is called, when the normal game management phase is "06H", a module for executing "normal electric role winning opening end wait process" is called.

Figure 54 is a flowchart explaining the normal game management process (step S700) on the main control board 300.

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

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

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

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

Figure 55 is a flowchart explaining the normal symbol change waiting process in the main control board 300. This normal symbol change waiting process is executed when the normal game management phase is "00H".

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Figure 56 is a flowchart explaining the normal pattern change processing in the main control board 300. This normal pattern change processing is executed when the normal game management phase is "01H".

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Figure 57 is a flowchart explaining the normal symbol stop symbol display process in the main control board 300. This normal symbol stop symbol display process is executed when the normal game management phase is "02H".

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

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

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

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

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

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

Figure 58 is a flow chart explaining the processing before the opening of the winning opening of the normal electric device in the main control board 300. This processing before the opening of the winning opening of the normal electric device is executed when the normal game management phase is "03H".

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

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

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

Figure 59 is a flowchart explaining the normal electric device prize opening/closing switching process on the main control board 300.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Figure 60 is a flowchart explaining the normal electric device prize opening control process in the main control board 300. This normal electric device prize opening control process is executed when the normal game management phase is "04H".

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Figure 61 is a flow chart explaining the normal electric device prize opening closure enable process in the main control board 300. This normal electric device prize opening closure enable process is executed when the normal game management phase is "05H".

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

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

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

Figure 62 is a flowchart explaining the normal electric role winning slot end wait process in the main control board 300. This normal electric role winning slot end wait process is executed when the normal game management phase is "06H".

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

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

As described above, according to this embodiment, a so-called type 2 game is realized in which a type 2 jackpot occurs when the game ball that enters the second large winning opening 128 enters the specific area 502. In the type 2 game, the greatest thrill is in watching whether or not the game ball that enters the second large winning opening 128 enters the specific area 502. Then, in this embodiment, when the game ball enters the second large winning opening 128, a performance that heightens the player's sense of anticipation is executed.

Figure 63 is a diagram illustrating an example of the effects. In this embodiment, three effects are provided as effects that are executed when a gaming ball enters the second large winning hole 128: a normal effect, a high expected value effect, and a big win effect. In these three effects, an image is displayed on the main effect display unit 200a, the lighting of the effect lighting device 204 is controlled, and sound is output from the audio output device 206.

The specific content of the normal effect, high expectation value effect, and jackpot effect is not particularly limited. However, the jackpot effect is more showy than the high expectation value effect and the normal effect, and the high expectation value effect creates more tension and anticipation than the normal effect. Each of these three effects has an execution trigger set to start the effect.

The normal presentation is executed when a game ball is detected by the normal passage detection switch 410s. The high expectation value presentation is executed when a game ball is detected by the replay passage detection switch 450s or the SP route detection switch 470s. The big win presentation is executed when a game ball is detected by the specific area detection switch 502s.

In other words, the normal presentation starts when the game ball that entered the second large winning port 128 is guided to the normal passage 410. The high expectation value presentation starts when the game ball is guided to the replay passage 440 or the sixth role device 470. As described above, when the game ball is guided to the replay passage 440 or the sixth role device 470, the probability of a double jackpot is 1/3, whereas when the game ball is guided to the normal passage 410, the probability of a double jackpot is extremely low.

Therefore, the normal effects and high expected value effects suggest to the player the probability of winning a Type 2 jackpot. In addition, the jackpot effect is executed when a Type 2 jackpot is won, so it can be said to be an effect that suggests the winning of a Type 2 jackpot.

In this embodiment, there is a possibility that multiple game balls will enter the second large prize opening 128 during one small win game. Therefore, for example, a game ball may be detected by the normal passage detection switch 410s while a high expectation value presentation is being executed. In this case, the detection of a game ball by the normal passage detection switch 410s may be used as a trigger to forcibly terminate the high expectation value presentation and start a normal presentation.

In this case, however, the effect of the relatively high expectation effect is changed to a low expectation effect, reducing the effect. Furthermore, if the jackpot effect were to switch to a normal effect or a high expectation effect, the content of the effect would not match the game situation, reducing the interest in the game. Therefore, in this embodiment, priorities are set for the above three effects. Furthermore, the relatively high priority effect can be started after the low priority effect is forcibly stopped, and the relatively low priority effect is set not to be executed during the high priority effect.

The processing of the sub-control board 330 for executing the effects as described above will be explained below. Note that the processing of the effects executed during small win games will be explained here, and the processing related to other effects will be omitted.

Figure 64 is a flowchart explaining the sub-CPU initialization process (S1000) of the sub-control board 330.

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Step S1200)
The sub-CPU 330a performs a role presentation process for executing role presentations including the normal presentation, the high expectation value presentation, and the big win presentation. This role presentation process will be described later.

(Step S1100-7)
The sub-CPU 330a performs a time schedule management process that refers to a time table and executes a process corresponding to the time stored in the time table. Here, the execution of each performance, including the above-mentioned gimmick performance, is controlled by turning on and off various flags or sending commands to each performance device based on the timer data set in the time table.

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

Figure 66 is a flowchart explaining the role-playing processing in the sub-control board 330.

(Step S1200-1)
The sub-CPU 330a judges whether or not a specific area entry command has been received from the main control board 300. As a result, if it is judged that a specific area entry command has been received, the process proceeds to step S1200-3, and if it is judged that a specific area entry command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S1200-7.

(Step S1200-3)
The sub-CPU 330a judges whether or not a big win effect is being executed. If it is judged that a big win effect is being executed, the process proceeds to step S1200-7. If it is judged that a big win effect is not being executed, the process proceeds to step S1200-5.

(Step S1200-5)
The sub-CPU 330a performs a big win effect execution process and starts the big win effect.

(Step S1200-7)
The sub-CPU 330a judges whether the replay passage detection switch 450s is turned on, that is, whether the game ball has entered the replay passage 440. As a result, if it is judged that the replay passage detection switch 450s is turned on, the process proceeds to step S1200-11, and if it is judged that the replay passage detection switch 450s is not turned on, the process proceeds to step S1200-9.

(Step S1200-9)
The sub-CPU 330a judges whether the SP route detection switch 470s is turned on, that is, whether the game ball has entered the sixth role device 470. As a result, if it is judged that the SP route detection switch 470s is turned on, the process proceeds to step S1200-11, and if it is judged that the SP route detection switch 470s is not turned on, the process proceeds to step S1200-17.

(Step S1200-11)
The sub-CPU 330a judges whether or not a big win effect is being executed. If it is judged that a big win effect is being executed, the process proceeds to step S1200-17. If it is judged that a big win effect is not being executed, the process proceeds to step S1200-13.

(Step S1200-13)
The sub-CPU 330a judges whether or not the high expectation value presentation is being executed. If it is judged that the high expectation value presentation is being executed, the process proceeds to step S1200-17, and if it is judged that the high expectation value presentation is not being executed, the process proceeds to step S1200-15.

(Step S1200-15)
The sub-CPU 330a performs high expectation value presentation execution processing and starts the above-mentioned high expectation value presentation.

(Step S1200-17)
The sub-CPU 330a judges whether the normal passage detection switch 410s is turned on, that is, whether the game ball has entered the normal passage 410. As a result, if it is judged that the normal passage detection switch 410s is turned on, the process proceeds to step S1200-19, and if it is judged that the normal passage detection switch 410s is not turned on, the role presentation process is terminated.

(Step S1200-19)
The sub-CPU 330a judges whether or not a big win effect is being executed. If it is judged that a big win effect is being executed, the sub-CPU 330a ends the role effect processing, and if it is judged that a big win effect is not being executed, the sub-CPU 330a proceeds to step S1200-21.

(Step S1200-21)
The sub-CPU 330a judges whether or not a high expectation value performance is being executed. If it is judged that a high expectation value performance is being executed, the sub-CPU 330a ends the role performance process, and if it is judged that a high expectation value performance is not being executed, the process proceeds to step S1200-23.

(Step S1200-23)
The sub-CPU 330a judges whether the normal performance is being executed. If it is judged that the normal performance is being executed, the sub-CPU 330a ends the role-playing process, and if it is judged that the normal performance is not being executed, the process proceeds to step S1200-25.

(Step S1200-25)
The sub-CPU 330a performs normal performance execution processing, starts the above-mentioned normal performance, and ends the role performance processing.

According to the above process, when a relatively high priority effect is being executed, even if a relatively low priority effect is triggered to be executed, a new effect will not be started and the currently executing effect will continue. On the other hand, if a relatively high priority effect is triggered to be executed while a relatively low priority effect is being executed, the currently executing effect will be forcibly terminated and a new relatively high priority effect will be started.

This prevents the effect of the presentation from decreasing, and increases the interest of the game. Note that, here, if an opportunity arises to execute a presentation with the same priority as the currently executing presentation, a new presentation will not be started. However, if an opportunity arises to execute a presentation with the same priority as the currently executing presentation, the currently executing presentation may be forcibly terminated and a new presentation may be started.

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

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

In any case, the present invention comprises a game area 116 including a first area (normal passage 410), a second area (sixth role device 470), and a third area (specific area 502) into which a game ball can enter, and a performance execution means (sub-control board 330) that executes a performance based on the entry of a game ball into the game area 116, wherein a game ball that has entered either the first area or the second area does not enter the other of the first area or the second area, and a game ball that has entered either the first area or the second area can enter the third area, and the performance execution means executes a performance based on the entry of a game ball into the first area. It is sufficient that the game ball can execute a first effect (normal effect), can execute a second effect (high expectation value effect) based on the game ball entering the second area, can execute a third effect (jackpot effect) based on the game ball entering the third area, and when the game ball enters the first area, if the second or third effect is being executed, the first effect is not executed, when the game ball enters the second area, if the third effect is being executed, the second effect is not executed, and when the game ball enters the third area, the third effect can be executed regardless of whether the first or second effect is being executed.

Therefore, for example, any one or more of the first, second, and third areas may be provided in the game area 116 outside the second large prize opening 128. Also, for example, the first, second, and third areas may be areas within the first start opening 120, the second start opening 122, the gate 124, and the first large prize opening 126.

In the above-described embodiment, a pachinko machine is exemplified as the gaming machine. However, the present invention is not limited to this case, and can also be applied to a slot machine equipped with a winning role selection means for selecting one of a plurality of winning roles by a winning role selection lottery based on the operation of a start switch, a reel control means for controlling the rotation of a plurality of reels on which a plurality of patterns are arranged in accordance with the operation of the start switch, and for controlling the stop of each of the reels corresponding to the operated stop switch based on the selection result of the winning role selection means in accordance with the operation of the stop switch corresponding to the rotating reel, and an effect control means for executing one of a plurality of effects. The slot machine 600 will be described in detail below.

(Mechanical Configuration of Slot Machine 600)
As shown in the external views of Figures 67 and 68, the slot machine 600 comprises a housing 602 which is a roughly rectangular box-shaped body, an upper front door 604 which is attached to the front opening of the housing 602 so as to be able to be opened and closed by a rotatable connecting member, a lower front door 606 which is located below the upper front door 604 and which, like the upper front door 604, is attached to the front opening of the housing 602 so as to be able to be opened and closed, and a receiving tray 608 which is located below the lower front door 606 for storing medals paid out from a medal discharge port 608a.

An operation unit installation stand 622 is formed on the upper part of the front lower door 606, and a medal insertion section 624, a bet switch 626, a start switch 628, a stop switch 630, a performance switch 632, etc. are arranged on the operation unit installation stand 622.

The medal insertion unit 624 located on the right side of the operation unit installation stand 622 accepts medals as game media through the medal insertion port 624a and sends the medals to a medal selector (not shown) provided on the back of the front lower door 606. The medal selector is provided with a blocker (not shown) that guides medals inserted outside the medal insertion period or non-standard medals to the medal ejection port 608a, and an inserted medal detection unit 624b that detects the passage of standard medals inserted within the insertion period. Here, the medals guided to the medal ejection port 608a are ejected into the receiving tray 608. When a player inserts medals in excess of the specified insertion number, which is the number of medals required to start one game, the medals exceeding the specified insertion number are electrically stored (hereinafter simply referred to as credits) inside the slot machine 600 up to a predetermined number (for example, 50 medals). The above one game will be described in detail later.

In addition, here, the specified number of coins to be inserted is set to "3" or "2." If the number of medals required to play one game can be selected from multiple specified numbers, the largest of the multiple specified numbers to be inserted is called the maximum specified number of coins to be inserted, and the smallest is called the minimum specified number of coins to be inserted. If the specified number of coins can be selected between 1 and 3, the maximum specified number of coins to be inserted is "3" and the minimum specified number of coins to be inserted is "1."

The bet switch 626 is a push button switch that inserts (bet) a specified number of medals from among the credited medals. When the bet switch 626 is pressed when more than the specified number of medals have been credited, one game can be started and the credited medals are reduced by the specified number.

The start switch 628, located on the left side of the operation unit installation stand 622, is composed of a lever that can detect tilting operations, and detects the start operation of one game by the player. The start switch 628 can also be composed of a button switch that can detect pressing operations.

A colorless and transparent pattern display window 636 made of a glass plate or a transparent resin plate is provided in the lower center of the upper front door 604, and a reel unit 634 is provided in a position corresponding to the pattern display window 636 in the housing 602. As shown in the reel pattern arrangement in FIG. 69, the reel unit 634 has three rotating reels (left reel 634a, center reel 634b, right reel 634c) with multiple types of patterns arranged in each of 21 equal areas, which are independently rotatable, and the player can see the left reel 634a, center reel 634b, and right reel 634c through the pattern display window 636. The reel unit 634 starts rotating the left reel 634a, center reel 634b, and right reel 634c when the start switch 628 is operated.

The stop switches 630 located in the center of the operation unit installation stand 622 are button switches that are provided corresponding to the left reel 634a, the middle reel 634b, and the right reel 634c, respectively, and can detect the player's pressing operation, and detect the player's stopping operation to stop the left reel 634a, the middle reel 634b, and the right reel 634c. Note that the three button switches in the stop switch 630 are specifically called stop button switches, and are referred to as stop button switch 630a, stop button switch 630b, and stop button switch 630c from the left according to their positions.

The effect switch 632 is composed of a push button switch and a jog dial switch arranged around it so that it can rotate freely, and detects the pressing and rotating operations of the player. This effect switch 632 is mainly used during the effect, and the effect mode can be changed depending on the player's operation.

A liquid crystal display unit 638 that displays various images associated with the performance is provided approximately at the center of the top of the front upper door 604. In addition, performance lamps 642, for example composed of high-brightness light-emitting diodes (LEDs), are provided at the top and left and right of the front upper door 604. In addition, a performance prop device 660 consisting of a drive device is provided between the pattern display window 636 and the operation unit installation base 622.

As shown in Fig. 68, speakers 640 for providing auditory effects such as sound effects and musical tones are provided on the left and right of the liquid crystal display unit 638 on the rear surface of the upper front door 604 and on the left and right of the inner surface of the rear surface of the lower front door 606. Furthermore, below the reel unit 634 in the housing 602, a medal payout device (medal hopper) 764 for paying out medals from the medal discharge port 608a is provided. The medal payout device 764 includes a medal storage section 764a for storing medals, a payout control section 764b for discharging medals stored in the medal storage section 764a from the medal discharge port 608a, and a paid-out medal detection section 764c for detecting medals discharged from the medal discharge port 608a. Specifically, the payout control unit 764b is rotatably supported on the exterior of the main body of the payout control unit 764b, and is equipped with a disk (not shown) with multiple medal insertion holes arranged in the circumferential direction, into which medals dropped from the medal storage unit 764a are inserted one by one from above, and a disk motor (not shown) that rotates the disk, and by rotating this disk, medals inserted in the medal insertion holes are ejected one by one to the outside through an extrusion mechanism, and the next medal is inserted sequentially into the medal insertion hole vacated by the ejection, thereby continuously ejecting medals one by one.

Although not shown in Figs. 67 and 68, reel backlights 644 (see Fig. 70) are provided inside each of the rotating reels 634a, 634b, 634c, which individually and independently illuminate the upper, middle, and lower patterns of each of the rotating reels 634a, 634b, 634c that correspond to the pattern display window 636 (which may be the target of the activated line that is the target of the payout) among the patterns on the left reel 634a, center reel 634b, and right reel 634c from the back side. Also, an upper reel light 646 is provided at the top of the back side of the pattern display window 636, which directly illuminates the front of all of the left reel 634a, center reel 634b, and right reel 634c.

As shown in FIG. 67, the operation unit installation base 622 has a main credit display unit 652 and a main payout display unit 654 provided on the approximately horizontal surface of a step 622a provided between the symbol display window 636 and the stop switch 630. A sub-credit display unit 656 and a sub-payout display unit 658 are provided between the symbol display window 636 and the operation unit installation base 622. The main credit display unit 652 and the sub-credit display unit 656 display the number of credits, and the main payout display unit 654 and the sub-payout display unit 658 display the number of medals paid out. The sub-credit display unit 656 and the sub-payout display unit 658 can also display various numerical values associated with the effects.

A power switch 648 is provided at an arbitrary position inside the housing 602. The power switch 648 is configured as a switch capable of detecting a pressing operation, such as a rocker switch, and is operated by an administrator who manages the slot machine 600, and is used to switch between two states: a power-off state and a power-on state.

In this embodiment, the above-mentioned one game refers to the game from when a medal is inserted through the medal insertion section 624, when a credited medal is inserted through the operation of the bet switch 626, or when a medal is automatically inserted based on a replay role being displayed on an active line, until the rotation of the multiple rotating reels 634a, 634b, 634c is controlled and a winning role is drawn in accordance with the operation of the start switch 628 by the player, and the rotating reels 634a, 634b, 634c corresponding to the operated stop button switches 630a, 630b, 630c are controlled to stop in accordance with the result of the winning role drawing and the operation of the multiple stop button switches 630a, 630b, 630c by the player, and when a winning role that may be awarded with a medal is won, the medal is paid out. In addition, if a player does not win a winning combination that can receive a medal payout, or if a player wins a combination but does not win a prize, one game ends when all of the rotating reels 634a, 634b, and 634c come to a halt. However, the start of one game may be interpreted as the player operating the start switch 628 instead of the insertion of a medal or the winning of a replay combination. The number of times one such game is repeated is defined as the number of games.

(Electrical Configuration of Slot Machine 600)
FIG. 70 is a block diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration of the slot machine 600. As shown in FIG. 70, the slot machine 600 is mainly controlled by a control board. Here, as an example of a control board, a main control board 700 and a sub-control board 702, which share the functions of the control board, are described. For example, among programs related to the progress of a game, particularly important processes such as drawing a winning combination for a game and winning the winning combination are executed by the main control board 700, and other processes such as those related to performance are executed by the sub-control board 702. Also, as shown in FIG. 70, the transmission of electrical signals between the main control board 700 and the sub-control board 702 is limited to only one direction from the main control board 700 to the sub-control board 702 from the viewpoint of preventing fraud, etc. However, if there is no such restriction, two-way electrical communication is technically possible.

(Main control board 700)
The main control board 700 has various semiconductor integrated circuits including a main CPU 700a which is a central processing unit, a main ROM 700b in which programs and the like are stored, a main RAM 700c which functions as a work area, and the like, and generally controls the entire slot machine 600. However, a backup power supply (not shown) is connected to the main RAM 700c, and even if the power is cut off, data is not erased and is retained unless settings are changed and initialization processing of the main RAM 700c is executed.

The main control board 700 also has functional units such as an initialization means 800, a betting means 802, a winning combination selection means 804, a reel control means 806, a determination means 808, a payout control means 810, a state transition means 812, a command determination means 814, and a command transmission means 816, which function when the main CPU 700a cooperates with the main RAM 700c based on a program stored in the main ROM 700b.

The initialization means 800 executes initialization processing on the main control board 700. The betting means 802 bets medals to be used in games. Here, betting includes any of the following: inserting credited medals through the operation of the bet switch 626, inserting medals through the medal insertion section 624, and automatically inserting medals based on the display of a replay role on an active line. The winning role selection means 804 determines, by a winning role selection lottery, one of multiple types of winning roles including small roles, replay roles, and bonus roles, or a losing role, based on the medal bet and the operation of the start switch 628.

The reel control means 806 controls the rotation of the multiple rotating reels 634a, 634b, 634c in response to the operation of the start switch 628, and controls the stopping of the rotating reels 634a, 634b, 634c corresponding to the operated stop button switches 630a, 630b, 630c, respectively, corresponding to the rotating rotating reels 634a, 634b, 634c. In addition, the reel control means 806 may extend the time from enabling the operation of the stop switch 630 in the previous game to enabling the operation of the stop switch 630 by the player to display the lottery result of the winning role lottery (disabled by completing the operation of the stop switch 630 in the previous game) beyond a specified time in response to the operation of the start switch 628, and during that time, perform a reel effect (freeze effect) in which the rotating reels 634a, 634b, and 634c are rotated in various ways. The reel effect can be realized by not enabling any switch that should be enabled for a specified time, suspending processing that should be executed for a specified time, or not transmitting or receiving a signal of any switch that should be transmitted or received for a specified time.

The determination means 808 determines whether or not a symbol combination corresponding to a winning role determined in the winning role lottery has been displayed on an active line. Here, the display of a symbol combination corresponding to a winning role determined in the winning role lottery on an active line may simply be referred to as winning. The payout control means 810 pays out medals in the number corresponding to the winning role based on the display of a symbol combination corresponding to a winning role determined in the winning role lottery on an active line (winning). The state transition means 812 transitions the game state based on the winning of a bonus role or winning.

The command determination means 814 sequentially determines game-related commands associated with the operation of the betting means 802, winning combination selection means 804, reel control means 806, judgment means 808, payout control means 810, state transition means 812, etc. The command transmission means 816 sequentially transmits the commands determined by the command determination means 814 to the sub-control board 702.

The main control board 700 receives various detection signals from the inserted medal detection unit 624b, the bet switch 626, the start switch 628, and the stop switch 630, and based on the received detection signals, the bet means 802, the winning combination selection means 804, the reel control means 806, and the judgment means 808 execute the various processes described above. In addition, the main control board 700 is connected to the main credit display unit 652 and the main payout display unit 654, and the payout control means 810 controls the display of the number of medal credits and the number of medals paid out on both display units 652, 654.

The main control board 700 is also connected to a reel drive control unit 758. This reel drive control unit 758 drives a stepping motor 762 based on the rotation start signal of each rotating reel 634a, 634b, 634c transmitted from the reel control means 806 in response to the operation signal of the start switch 628, and stops driving the stepping motor 762 based on the stop signal of each of the left reel 634a, center reel 634b, and right reel 634c transmitted from the reel control means 806 in response to the operation signal of the stop switch 630 and the detection signal of the rotation position detection circuit 760.

The main control board 700 is also connected to a medal payout device 764. A detection signal from a medal payout detection unit 764c is input to the main control board 700, and the payout control means 810 controls the discharge of medals from the payout control unit 764b while counting the number of medals paid out in response to the detection signal.

The main control board 700 is also provided with a random number generator 700d. The random number generator 700d sequentially increments the count value, loops (0 to 65535) within a predetermined total number (for example, 65536), and generates (obtains) a random number by extracting the count value at a predetermined point in time. The random number generated by the random number generator 700d of the main control board 700 (hereinafter referred to as the winning role lottery random number) is used to determine the gaming profit to be awarded to the player, for example, when the winning role lottery means 804 executes the winning role lottery.

(Sub-control board 702)
Similarly to the main control board 700, the sub-control board 702 has various semiconductor integrated circuits including a sub-CPU 702a which is a central processing unit, a sub-ROM 702b which stores programs and the like, and a sub-RAM 702c which functions as a work area, and controls the performance, in particular, based on commands from the main control board 700. Similarly to the main RAM 700c, the sub-RAM 702c is also connected to a backup power supply (not shown), so that data is retained without being erased even if the power supply is cut off. Similarly to the main control board 700, the sub-control board 702 is also provided with a random number generator 702d, and the random numbers generated by the random number generator 702d (hereinafter referred to as performance lottery random numbers) are mainly used to determine the mode of the performance.

The sub-control board 702 also has functional units such as an initialization determination means 830, a command receiving means 832, and a performance control means 834 that function when the sub-CPU 702a cooperates with the sub-RAM 702c based on a program stored in the sub-ROM 702b.

The initialization determination means 830 executes the initialization process in the sub-control board 702. The command receiving means 832 receives commands from other control boards such as the main control board 700, and processes the commands. The performance control means 834 receives a detection signal from the performance switch 632, and determines the performance of the game to be performed by each device of the liquid crystal display unit 638, the speaker 640, and the performance lamp 642 based on the winning combination command. Specifically, the performance control means 834 determines image data to be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 638, and illumination data for the performance through illumination devices such as the performance lamp 642, the reel backlight 644, the reel upper light 646, the sub-credit display unit 656, and the sub-payout display unit 658, and determines audio data constituting the sound to be output from the speaker 640. The performance control means 834 then executes the determined performance of the game.

There are two types of effects: those executed by the main control board 700, such as the reel effects described above, and those executed by the sub-control board 702. The effects executed by the sub-control board 702 are visual and audible expression means provided through the liquid crystal display unit 638, speaker 640, effect lamps 642, reel backlights 644, reel upper lights 646, sub-credit display unit 656, sub-payout display unit 658, etc., as the game progresses, and can give the game a story-like quality or suggest the results of the winning combination lottery with more dynamic images. In such effects, for example, effects suggesting a win in a bonus game can be performed over multiple games, increasing the player's sense of expectation. Even if the player does not win any winning combination, the effects can make the player feel as if he or she had won, making it possible to prevent the player from getting bored.

In such a slot machine 600, the main CPU 700a functions as the main CPU 300a described above. The main CPU 700a is also provided with a serial port that functions as the serial port 302c described above, and the serial port is provided with a FIFO.

100 Gaming machine 300 Main control board 300a Main CPU (control means)
302c Serial port (serial transmission means)

Claims (2)

A data storage means;
A control means for storing data in the data storage means;
a serial transmission means for transmitting the data stored in the data storage means as a serial signal;
Equipped with
When the serial transmission means transmits data, the transmitted data is deleted from the data storage means;
the serial transmission means continuously transmits the stored data while the data is stored in the data storage means;
The control means
repeatedly storing data in the data storage means so that the data stored in the data storage means is not lost;
When a predetermined number of data corresponding to half of the maximum capacity of the data storage means is stored, the data storage is limited until the number of data becomes less than the predetermined number;
the serial transmission means is an asynchronous serial communication means, the data bit length is set to 8 bits, the start bit length is set to 1 bit, the stop bit length is set to 1 bit, and no parity check is performed;
The data is a value that repeats 0 and 1 on a bit-by-bit basis when output as a serial signal. A data storage means;
A control means for storing data in the data storage means;
a serial transmission means for transmitting the data stored in the data storage means as a serial signal;
Equipped with
When the serial transmission means transmits data, the transmitted data is deleted from the data storage means;
the serial transmission means continuously transmits the stored data while the data is stored in the data storage means;
The control means
repeatedly storing data in the data storage means so that the data stored in the data storage means is not lost;
When a predetermined number of data corresponding to a power of 2 is stored in the data storage means, the storage of data is limited until the number of data becomes less than the predetermined number;
the serial transmission means is an asynchronous serial communication means, the data bit length is set to 8 bits, the start bit length is set to 1 bit, the stop bit length is set to 1 bit, and no parity check is performed;
The data is a value that repeats 0 and 1 on a bit-by-bit basis when output as a serial signal.

Images