JP7737149B2 - gaming machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines such as pachinko machines.

Some gaming machines, such as pachinko machines, have a prize slot equipped with an electric device located directly above the upstream side, and award prize balls when a game ball is detected by a detection sensor inside the prize slot. For example, see Patent Document 1.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-209320

In gaming machines with prize slots equipped with such electric devices, there is a time lag between when the game ball enters the prize slot and when it is detected by the detection sensor associated with that prize slot, and also between when the electric device goes from an open state to a closed state. This can create a breeding ground for fraudulent behavior that leads to strategy plays such as twisting shots and abnormal wins, and there is still room for improvement.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a gaming machine that has a prize slot equipped with an electric device, yet can prevent cheating and other fraudulent behavior.

According to the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine capable of releasing gaming balls, comprising a plurality of winning openings each having a detection sensor for detecting the gaming balls, and capable of awarding prize balls when the detection sensor detects the gaming balls, the gaming machine comprising: an informing means; and an informing control means for controlling the informing means. The winning openings are provided with an electric device that allows the gaming balls to reach the detection sensor by controlling a solenoid from a first control state in which the gaming balls cannot enter the winning openings to a second control state in which the gaming balls can enter the winning openings. a first winning port and a second winning port, the number of the detection sensors relating to the second winning port is less than the number of the detection sensors relating to the first winning port, the notification control means is capable of executing a specific notification, and when the detection sensor relating to the first winning port or the second winning port detects a gaming ball, the detection of the gaming ball occurs during at least a part of a first period including a period during which the electric device provided at the winning port is controlled to the second control state and a grace period which is connected to the period and ends over time. a gaming machine is provided in which the specific notification is not executed, and when the detection of the gaming ball occurs in a second period different from the first period, the specific notification is executed, the grace period corresponding to the detection sensor associated with the second winning port is shorter than the grace period corresponding to the detection sensor associated with the first winning port, the detection sensors associated with the first winning port include a first detection sensor and a second detection sensor located downstream of the first detection sensor, and are configured to be able to execute a predetermined notification different from the specific notification, and during the period in which the electric device provided at the first winning port is controlled to the second control state, the predetermined notification is not executed when the first detection sensor detects a gaming ball and when the second detection sensor detects a gaming ball, and when the first detection sensor detects a gaming ball during the grace period corresponding to the first detection sensor, the predetermined notification can be executed, and when the second detection sensor detects a gaming ball during the grace period corresponding to the second detection sensor, the predetermined notification is not executed .

This invention provides a gaming machine that has a prize slot equipped with an electric device, yet can prevent cheating and other fraudulent behavior.

FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a pattern display device disposed in the area II shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a bird's-eye view showing the operation buttons and their surroundings arranged in the area III shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a gaming board installed in the gaming machine. FIG. 5(a) is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the structure of the upper large prize opening, and FIG. 5(b) is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the structure of the lower large prize opening. FIG. 6 is a rear view of the gaming machine. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the gaming machine. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the gaming machine. Figure 9(a) is a schematic diagram showing a lottery table for determining whether a special drawing is a winning combination, Figure 9(b) is a schematic diagram showing a lottery table for drawing the special drawing 1 stopping pattern, and Figure 9(c) is a schematic diagram showing a lottery table for drawing the special drawing 2 stopping pattern. Figure 10(a) is a state transition diagram showing the transition of the special chart variation pattern derivation state, and Figure 10(b) is a diagram showing the relationship between the average variation time for each special chart variation pattern derivation state. FIG. 11 shows a flow of the electric feature closing control process. Figure 12(a) is a table summarizing the closing conditions for each type of electric device, and Figure 12(b) is a table summarizing the types of detection sensors associated with the winning slots and the length of the grace period. FIG. 13 is a table summarizing the validity or invalidity of detection of game balls by each type of detection sensor associated with the winning slot. FIG. 14 is a table that lists, for each type of detection sensor associated with the winning slot, whether or not the detection sensor will issue an abnormal winning notification. FIG. 15 is a table that lists, for each type of detection sensor associated with the winning slot, whether or not the detection sensor will perform a normal winning notification. FIG. 16 is a table that lists, for each type of detection sensor associated with the winning slot, whether or not the detection sensor will issue an over-winning notification. Figure 17(a) is a table summarizing the content and termination conditions of abnormal winning notifications for each type of detection sensor that triggered the execution, and Figure 17(b) is a table summarizing the content of normal winning notifications and over-winning notifications for each type of detection sensor that triggered the execution.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all drawings, similar components are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted where appropriate. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the terms "front,""rear,""left,""right,""upper," and "lower" refer to the gaming machine 10 as viewed from the front (player's side) as shown in FIG. 1 .
In the following explanation, "advantageous (degree of advantage)" refers to an advantage for the player, and further, unless otherwise specified, refers to an advantage in terms of the amount of prize balls (gaming media) obtained (including not only the payout of game balls but also the payout of medals), excluding aspects of presentation such as so-called premium images.

<Features of the present invention>
Before describing the details of the gaming machine 10 in this embodiment, the features of the invention (present invention) described in this embodiment will be described.
In addition, when explaining the features, the configuration in parentheses is an example of the configuration of this embodiment corresponding to the immediately preceding configuration, and the configuration may be described in parentheses for the same purpose in the explanations of the gaming machine 10 that follow.

The present invention provides
A gaming machine that can launch gaming balls, has a plurality of winning openings each having a detection sensor for detecting the gaming balls, and can award prize balls when the gaming balls are detected by the detection sensor,
Notification means (main display unit 81);
notification control means (first sub-control board 200, second sub-control board 300) for controlling the notification means;
Equipped with
The winning openings include a first winning opening (lower large winning opening 55b) and a second winning opening (upper large winning opening 55a), which are provided with an electric device that can be controlled from a closed state to an open state to allow the game ball to reach the detection sensor.
The number of the detection sensors relating to the second winning opening is less than the number of the detection sensors relating to the first winning opening,
The notification control means is capable of executing a specific notification (an abnormal winning notification),
When the detection sensor associated with the first winning opening or the second winning opening detects a game ball,
When the detection of the game ball occurs during a first period, which includes a grace period that is connected to the period during which the electric device provided at the winning port is controlled to the open state and ends over time, the specific notification is not executed at least in part,
When the detection of the game ball occurs in a second period different from the first period, the specific notification is executed,
The grace period corresponding to the detection sensor related to the second winning opening is shorter than the grace period corresponding to the detection sensor related to the first winning opening.
This is a gaming machine characterized by the above.

According to the present invention, the grace period for the upper large prize opening 55a, which is more susceptible to tactics and fraudulent behavior due to the relatively small number of detection sensors, is shorter than the grace period for the lower large prize opening 55b, which has a relatively large number of detection sensors, thereby preventing tactics and fraudulent behavior.

First, the first winning slot and the second winning slot may be of any type as long as a prize ball can be awarded when a game ball enters them.
Furthermore, the number of detection sensors associated with (attached to) the first prize winning port and the number of detection sensors associated with the second prize winning port may each be two or more, as long as the number of the latter detection sensors is less than the number of the former detection sensors.

Furthermore, with regard to "the grace period corresponding to the detection sensor associated with the second winning slot is shorter than the grace period corresponding to the detection sensor associated with the first winning slot," if there are multiple grace periods for the former corresponding to different types of detection sensors, the shortest grace period among them should be used for comparison, and if there are multiple grace periods for the latter corresponding to different types of detection sensors, the longest grace period among them should be used for comparison.

The gaming machine 10 having the above features will be specifically described based on the following embodiment.

<Structure of the gaming machine 10>
First, the structure of the gaming machine 10 will be described with reference to FIGS.
Figure 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 10, Figure 2 is a diagram showing a pattern display device 90 arranged in area II shown in Figure 1, Figure 3 is a bird's-eye view showing a group of operation buttons arranged in area III shown in Figure 1 and their surroundings, Figure 4 is a diagram showing a game board 50 installed in the gaming machine 10, Figure 5(a) is a diagram showing a schematic structure of the upper large prize opening, Figure 5(b) is a diagram showing a schematic structure of the lower large prize opening, and Figure 6 is a rear view of the gaming machine 10.
1 to 6 are merely examples of components necessary for explaining the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, and components and functions not shown here may be added to the gaming machine 10. Furthermore, the gaming machine 10 does not necessarily have to include all of the components shown here, and some components or functions may be omitted as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired.

The gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is a so-called pachinko machine, in which gaming balls are shot into the front area (hereinafter referred to as the "gaming area 50a") of a gaming board 50 on which numerous gaming pegs (not shown) are erected, and a prize ball is awarded when the gaming ball enters a prize slot (e.g., the big prize slot 55, etc.). Note that in the following description, the entry of a gaming ball into a prize slot may be simply referred to as "entering (a prize slot)."

The gaming machine 10 comprises a rectangular outer frame 15 that opens at the front and back, an inner frame 17 that detachably holds the gaming board 50 on the front side of the opening of the outer frame 15, and a front frame 20 that is configured to cover the front side of the gaming board 50.

The middle frame 17 is supported so that it can rotate freely around its left end by a hinge mechanism (not shown) on the same side as the hinge mechanism 21, and can be opened and closed in front of the outer frame 15. The middle frame 17 can be locked and unlocked by a cylinder lock 23 (inserting a door key into the cylinder lock 23 and turning the door key in the opposite direction (to the right in this embodiment) to the unlocking direction of the front frame 20).

The front frame 20 is supported by a hinge mechanism 21 so as to be rotatable about its left end, and can be opened and closed relative to the middle frame 17. The front frame 20 can be locked and unlocked by a cylinder lock 23 (by inserting a door key into the cylinder lock 23 and turning the door key in the direction opposite to the unlocking direction of the middle frame 17 (left in this embodiment)).
In addition, the front frame 20 is provided with a transparent member 25 arranged to cover the playing area 50a, and the transparent member 25 protects the playing area 50a and the playing board 50 from view.
The front frame 20 also has an upper ball tray 27 and a lower ball tray 29 for storing game balls, and the upper ball tray 27 and the lower ball tray 29 are spaced apart from each other vertically and are formed integrally with the front frame 20.
In addition, the front frame 20 is provided with an operating handle 31 on the right side of the lower ball tray 29, and by rotating the operating handle 31, the game balls stored in the upper ball tray 27 are launched toward the game area 50a.

1 to 6, the middle frame 17 has a middle frame open door sensor 76 that detects whether the middle frame 17 is in an open state or a closed state relative to the outer frame 15, and a front frame open door sensor 77 that detects whether the front frame 20 is in an open state or a closed state relative to the middle frame 17. In this embodiment, both of these door open sensors are ON in the open state and OFF in the closed state. However, these door open sensors may also be configured to be OFF in the open state and ON in the closed state.
This allows the gaming machine 10 to detect both the open/closed state of the middle frame 17 relative to the outer frame 15 and the open/closed state of the front frame 20 relative to the middle frame 17.

As shown in FIG. 3 , a group of operation buttons operated by the player is disposed on the upper surface of the upper ball tray 27. This group of operation buttons includes a main operation unit 39 electrically connected to the main control board 100 (described later), which includes a ball loan button 39a and a return button 39b for accepting a prepaid card return operation. The operation unit electrically connected to the first sub-control board 200 (described later), which includes an effect button 37 for switching effects occurring during play or accepting player operations to obtain various information related to the gaming machine 10, and cursor buttons 38 (up cursor button 38a, down cursor button 38b, left cursor button 38c, right cursor button 38d, and center cursor button 38e) for instructing operations up, down, left, and right. Each operation unit is provided with a sensor for detecting operation, and the connected control board detects the operation of each operation unit by changes in the detection state of the sensor.
In addition, a movable decorative body 22 is provided on the side of the upper ball tray 27, which is operated by an actuator such as a motor (not shown).

A ball ejection mechanism 36 is provided below the lower ball tray 29 to eject game balls stored in the lower ball tray 29 downward. By operating this ball ejection mechanism 36, a bottom opening (not shown) formed on the bottom surface of the lower ball tray 29 opens, and the game balls fall naturally through the bottom opening and are ejected.
Although not shown in the figure, the upper ball tray 27 is provided with a mechanism that, similar to the ball removal mechanism 36, can be operated to move the stored balls to the lower ball tray 29, and by operating both this mechanism and the ball removal mechanism 36, it is possible to discharge the stored balls.

As shown in FIG. 1, a pair of speakers 33 (33a, 33b) are disposed on the left and right sides of the upper frame portion 32 of the front frame 20. The upper frame portion 32 and the left and right side frame portions 34a, 34b of the front frame 20 are formed with light-transmitting covers, inside which are disposed frame lamps 35 (35a, 35b, 35c). The speakers 33 and frame lamps 35 can emit sounds or turn on or off in conjunction with effects and error effects that occur during gameplay.

The effect display device 80 is composed of a main display unit 81 disposed approximately in the center of the game board 50 and sub-display units 82 disposed around the main display unit 81. The sub-display unit 82 further includes an upper sub-display unit 82a disposed above the main display unit 81, a left sub-display unit 82b disposed on the left side of the main display unit 81, and a right sub-display unit 82c disposed on the right side of the main display unit 81.
Here, the main display unit 81 is a fixed liquid crystal display device, and the upper sub-display unit 82a, the left sub-display unit 82b, and the right sub-display unit 82c are movable liquid crystal display devices operated by actuators such as motors (not shown).

The main display unit 81 can display the changing display of the pattern row that is performed in conjunction with the changing display in the first special pattern display device 91 or the second special pattern display device 92 described below, and can also display various other effects.
In the variable display of the symbol rows (decorative symbols) displayed on the main display unit 81, the displayed decorative symbols form three symbol rows. The direction of the variable display of each symbol row is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, up and down, left and right, depth, or a combination of these (diagonal direction).
Here, the depth direction refers to the virtual direction perceived by the player in a display mode that uses a method (for example, perspective) that makes the player perceive the pattern row as if it is changing from the back of the main display unit 81 to the front or vice versa, even though it is actually a planar changing display on the display screen of the main display unit 81.
In addition, the decorative symbols in this embodiment include a "1 symbol" imitating the number "1," a "2 symbol" imitating the number "2," a "3 symbol" imitating the number "3," a "4 symbol" imitating the number "4," a "5 symbol" imitating the number "5," a "6 symbol" imitating the number "6," a "7 symbol" imitating the number "7," an "8 symbol" imitating the number "8," and a "9 symbol" imitating the number "9," and these symbols are provided in each symbol row. In the following description, the "1 symbol,""3symbol,""5symbol,""7symbol," and "9 symbol" may be collectively referred to as "odd number symbols," and the "2 symbol,""4symbol,""6symbol," and "8 symbol" may be collectively referred to as "even number symbols."

Each of the sub-display sections 82 is not only provided to mainly display effect images related to the effects, but is also configured to be movable.
The initial positions of the upper sub-display unit 82a are on the upper side relative to the main display unit 81, the left sub-display unit 82b on the left side relative to the main display unit 81, and the right sub-display unit 82c on the right side relative to the main display unit 81, and each of the sub-display units 82 is configured to be movable from these initial positions to a position where the entire display area of the sub-display unit 82 overlaps the display area of the main display unit 81.

In this embodiment, the performance display device 80 (main display unit 81, upper sub-display unit 82a, left sub-display unit 82b, right sub-display unit 82c) all use liquid crystal display devices, but the implementation of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, various types of display devices, such as drum type and dot matrix type, can be used as the performance display device 80.

A plurality of light emitting diodes (hereinafter referred to as "LEDs") are arranged on the lower right side of the main display unit 81, and these LEDs form the display area of the pattern display device 90, which displays special patterns and normal patterns.
In addition, the pattern display device 90 is disposed at a position that is more difficult for the player to see than the main display section 81, and the display area of the pattern display device 90 is smaller than the display area of the main display section 81.
In this embodiment, the arrangement and number of LEDs for the pattern display device 90 are as shown in Figure 2, but this is just one example, and the arrangement and number of LEDs for the pattern display device 90 are not limited to this example.

The special symbols are symbols that are stopped and displayed as a result of a symbol change that determines whether or not to activate a special electric device (for example, special electric device 65). The special symbols in this embodiment include a first special symbol displayed on first special symbol display device 91 and a second special symbol displayed on second special symbol display device 92.
In addition, the special pattern may be abbreviated as "Special Pattern," the first special pattern as "Special Pattern 1," and the second special pattern as "Special Pattern 2."

The normal symbol is a symbol that is stopped and displayed as a result of a symbol change that determines whether or not to activate a normal electric device (for example, the normal electric device 61). The normal symbol in this embodiment is displayed on the normal symbol display device 93.
In addition, normal patterns are sometimes abbreviated as "Fuzu", and normal electric devices are sometimes called "Denchu".

In addition to the above-mentioned display devices, the symbol display device 90 is also provided with a first special symbol reserve lamp 94, a second special symbol reserve lamp 95, and a normal symbol reserve lamp 96.
The first special pattern reserve lamp 94 makes it possible to identify the number of pattern variations of reserved special pattern 1, the second special pattern reserve lamp 95 makes it possible to identify the number of pattern variations of reserved special pattern 2, and the normal pattern reserve lamp 96 makes it possible to identify the number of pattern variations of reserved normal patterns, and in all cases the number of corresponding pattern variations can be identified by the lighting state of the two LEDs (in this embodiment, right always lit only = 1, left and right always lit = 2, right flashing + left always lit = 3, left and right flashing = 4).

In the following explanation, the pattern change in which the first special pattern display device 91 or the second special pattern display device 92 displays a changing special pattern and then stops displaying the special pattern will be referred to as the ``pattern change of the special pattern,'' and in the following explanation, the pattern change in which the normal pattern display device 93 displays a changing special pattern and then stops displaying the normal pattern will be referred to as the ``pattern change of the normal pattern.''
In addition, in the following explanation, the display of the change in the pattern row (decorative pattern) displayed on the main display unit 81 described above may be referred to as "pattern change of decorative pattern" to distinguish it from "pattern change of special pattern" and "pattern change of normal pattern."
In the following explanation, when simply referring to "pattern change," it means the pattern change of the special design unless otherwise specified.

As shown in Figure 4, obstacles such as numerous game pegs (not shown), windmills 52, and decorative elements are placed on the front of the game board 50, thereby defining a game area 50a in which the game balls that are shot out will roll.
Additionally, curved outer and inner rails 51 and 53 are provided on the left and upper sides of the play area 50a to guide the game balls launched by rotating the operating handle 31 to the top of the play area 50a. The outer rail 51 is located outside the inner rail 53 with the center of the play area 50a as the reference point. Here, the pinwheel 52 is a nail-shaped mechanism for changing the direction in which the game balls fall.

The gaming machine 10 allows the strength of the game ball to be varied by the amount of rotation (e.g., rotation angle) of the operating handle 31, and various obstacles are placed in the gaming area 50a to direct the game ball to either the first flow path X (so-called left-handed hit), in which a weaker ball will roll, or the second flow path Y (so-called right-handed hit), in which a stronger ball will roll.

Figure 4 shows the main prize openings: the large prize opening 55, the first start opening 57, the second start opening 59, the gate 63, and the general prize opening 67, but the prize openings shown are only examples, and their number and placement may be changed as appropriate.

The large prize opening 55 is located in the lower right corner of the game area 50a. A large prize opening sensor 72 is attached to the large prize opening 55, and a prize ball is determined to have been won in the large prize opening 55 based on the detection result of the large prize opening sensor 72, and the number of prize balls associated with the large prize opening 55 (10 or 15 in this embodiment) is awarded.
More specifically, the large prize opening 55 includes an upper large prize opening 55a and a lower large prize opening 55b located downstream of the upper large prize opening 55a. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5A, the upper large prize opening 55a is provided with an upper large prize opening sensor 72a (one detection sensor). As shown in FIG. 5B, the lower large prize opening 55b is provided with a lower right large prize opening sensor 72b and a lower left large prize opening sensor 72c located downstream of the lower right large prize opening sensor 72b (a total of two detection sensors). Furthermore, in this embodiment, in order to tilt the plane connecting the lower right large prize opening sensor 72b and the lower left large prize opening sensor 72c from the upstream side toward the downstream side, the lower left large prize opening sensor 72c is configured to be located farther away from the entrance of the lower large prize opening 55b than the lower right large prize opening sensor 72b. In particular, the distance between the lower left large prize opening sensor 72c and the entrance of the lower large prize opening 55b is longer than the distance between the upper large prize opening sensor 72a and the entrance of the upper large prize opening 55a.
If the detection result of the upper large prize opening sensor 72a determines that a prize has been won in the upper large prize opening 55a, 10 prize balls, which is the number associated with the upper large prize opening 55a, are awarded, and if the detection result of the lower right large prize opening sensor 72b or the lower left large prize opening sensor 72c determines that a prize has been won in the lower large prize opening 55b, 15 prize balls, which is the number associated with the lower large prize opening 55b, are awarded.
In this embodiment, the obstacles are arranged so that more game balls roll toward the large prize opening 55 when rolling from the second flow path Y compared to when rolling from the first flow path X.

A special electric device 65 is disposed above (directly upstream of) the large prize opening 55. The special electric device 65 is a member that can be switched between an open state, which makes it easy to win a prize in the large prize opening 55, and a closed state, which makes it difficult to win a prize, and is switched to either the open state or the closed state by a special electric device solenoid 66.
More specifically, the special electric device 65 is in an open state during at least a part of the easy winning period of the jackpot game that starts when a jackpot is determined by the special winning/unwinning determination described below, and as a result, winning is permitted in the large winning slot 55. In this way, when the special electric device 65 is in an open state, it becomes easier to win in the large winning slot 55, so the easy winning period, in which the chances of winning prize balls are significantly increased, can be said to be an advantageous gaming state.

In particular, in this embodiment, the upper special electric device 65a, one of the special electric devices 65, is located above the upper large prize opening 55a (directly above the upstream side), and the lower special electric device 65b is located above the lower large prize opening 55b (directly above the upstream side). During jackpot games involving a 4R or 2R jackpot, as described below, the upper special electric device 65a is in an open state, and during jackpot games involving a 10R jackpot, the lower special electric device 65b is in an open state. The special electric device solenoid 66 includes an upper special electric device solenoid and a lower special electric device solenoid. The upper special electric device solenoid is used to operate the upper special electric device 65a, and the lower special electric device solenoid is used to operate the lower special electric device 65b.

During the easy-to-win period, the special electric device 65 corresponding to that easy-to-win period is alternately set to an open state and a closed state, and one open state (sometimes referred to as a "round of play," and the total number of rounds generated by one jackpot is sometimes referred to as the "number of rounds") ends when a predetermined number (10 in this embodiment) of game balls enter the large prize opening 55, and the special electric device 65 enters a closed state. Note that one open state can also end when a sufficient amount of time has passed since the special electric device 65 entered the open state, such as when a sufficient amount of time (30 seconds in this embodiment) has passed for the predetermined number of game balls to enter the large prize opening 55.

In this embodiment, the special electric device 65 is set from an open state to a closed state when ten game balls win in one round of play. However, since the timing at which the tenth game ball is detected is delayed from the timing at which the ball enters the large prize opening 55, and since it takes time for the special electric device 65 to change from an open state to a closed state even when the special electric device 65 is controlled to the closed state, the special electric device 65 cannot be immediately set to the closed state even when the tenth game ball enters the large prize opening 55. Therefore, an event may occur in which more than ten game balls win in one round of play (a so-called over-winning event). Disabling this event may lead to a decrease in the motivation of players playing in a normal way, while enabling this event may be a breeding ground for fraudulent activities that result in strategy shots such as twisted shots or abnormal winnings.
In contrast, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5 (b), in order to quickly detect a game ball that has entered the lower large prize opening 55b, two detection sensors (lower right large prize opening sensor 72b and lower left large prize opening sensor 72c) are attached to the lower large prize opening 55b.
5A, one detection sensor (upper large prize opening sensor 72a) is attached to upper large prize opening 55a. This is because the number of prize balls (10 in this embodiment) when a prize is won at upper large prize opening 55a is less than the number of prize balls (15 in this embodiment) when a prize is won at lower large prize opening 55b, and the width of upper large prize opening 55a in the left-right direction is smaller than the width of lower large prize opening 55b, and this is due to considerations of cost and structural issues (space for component placement).

The first starting hole 57 is located at the bottom center of the play area 50a. A first starting hole sensor 70 is attached to the first starting hole 57, and the detection result of the first starting hole sensor 70 determines whether a ball has entered the first starting hole 57, and the number of prize balls associated with the first starting hole 57 (three in this embodiment) is awarded. In at least some cases where a ball has entered the first starting hole 57, the pattern of special design 1 is changed.
In addition, in the game area 50a of this embodiment, obstacles such as game nails are arranged so that more game balls roll toward the first starting hole 57 when rolling from the first flow path X than when rolling from the second flow path Y.

The second starting hole 59 is located in the lower right corner of the play area 50a. A second starting hole sensor 71 is attached to the second starting hole 59, and a prize ball is determined to have entered the second starting hole 59 based on the detection result of the second starting hole sensor 71, and the number of prize balls associated with the second starting hole 59 (one in this embodiment) is awarded.
In at least some cases where a winning entry into the second starting hole 59 is determined, the pattern of special chart 2 will change.
In addition, in the game area 50a of this embodiment, obstacles such as game nails are arranged so that more game balls roll toward the second starting hole 59 when rolling from the second flow path Y than when rolling from the first flow path X.

A normal electric device 61 is disposed in the flow path connected to the second starting port 59. The normal electric device 61 is a member that can be switched between an open state, which makes it easy for a game ball to enter the second starting port 59, and a closed state, which makes it difficult for the ball to enter, and is switched to either the open state or the closed state by a normal electric device solenoid 62.
More specifically, the normal electric device 61 is in an open state during at least a portion of the normal winning game that is played when the normal symbol pattern changes, and this allows entry into the second starting hole 59. In this way, when the normal electric device 61 is in an open state, entry into the second starting hole 59 is easy, so the chances of the symbol pattern change of the special symbol 2 being executed can be greatly increased while suppressing the decrease in game balls due to the prize balls.

The gate 63 is located in the center right of the gaming area 50a. A gate sensor 74 is attached to the gate 63, and a win at the gate 63 is determined based on the detection result of the gate sensor 74. In at least some cases where a win at the gate 63 is determined, a normal symbol variation is performed.
In addition, as will be described in detail later, in this embodiment, winning at the gate 63 triggers the start of an easy winning period in a jackpot game. This allows the player to leave their seat during an invalid start period or an effective start period, which will be described later.
In this embodiment, the obstacles are arranged so that more gaming balls roll toward the gate 63 when rolling from the second flow path Y than when rolling from the first flow path X. In particular, the gate 63 is arranged upstream of the large prize opening 55 in the second flow path Y. This leaves open the possibility that the gaming ball associated with the winning at the gate 63 that triggered the start of the easy prize winning period will win the large prize winning opening 55. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the gate 63 is used as the trigger for the start of the easy prize winning period, but the winning opening associated with the start of the easy prize winning period may be a winning opening different from the winning opening associated with the execution of the normal symbol variation.

The general winning opening 67 is located in the lower left of the game area 50a. A general winning opening sensor 73 is attached to the general winning opening 67, and a winning ball at the general winning opening 67 is determined based on the detection result of the general winning opening sensor 73, and the number of prize balls associated with the general winning opening 67 (four in this embodiment) is awarded.
In this embodiment, the obstacles are arranged so that more game balls roll toward the general winning opening 67 when rolling from the first flow path X compared to when rolling from the second flow path Y, but the obstacles may be arranged so that more game balls roll toward the general winning opening 67 when rolling from the second flow path Y. Also, a plurality of general winning openings 67 may be provided.

The outlet 69 is located at the bottom of the game area 50a. Game balls that are shot into the game area 50a and do not enter any of the winning holes fall into the outlet 69 and are treated as out balls.
In this embodiment, an out ball sensor 75 (not shown) is provided for detecting out balls, which are game balls that enter the winning hole and the out hole 69.

As shown in Figure 6, the back of the game board 50 is equipped with a main control board case 109 housing the main control board 100, a first sub-control board case 209 housing the first sub-control board 200, a second sub-control board case 309 housing the second sub-control board 300, a power supply control board case 509 housing the power supply control board 500, and a payout control board case 409 housing the payout control board 400, and in addition to the back of the first sub-control board case 209 and the second sub-control board case 309, an open/close cover 45 covering part of the back of the main control board case 109 is attached in a removable manner.
The main control board 100 is provided with a RAM clear switch 43 .
Furthermore, the substrate cases and covers that cover the respective substrates are made of transparent materials, and the corresponding substrates can be seen through the respective cases and covers.

The power supply control board 500 is composed of a normal power supply circuit 501 that generates normal power to be supplied to electronic and electrical components such as the control board mentioned above based on the primary power supply supplied from the game island's power supply equipment, a backup power supply circuit 502 that generates backup power, and a power interruption detection circuit 503 that detects power interruption (when the voltage supplied by the normal power supply drops to a specified voltage).
In addition, a power switch 40 is connected to the power supply control board 500, and assuming that primary power is supplied from the game island's power supply equipment, when the power switch 40 is turned ON, normal power is generated in the normal power supply circuit 501 of the power supply control board 500, and power is supplied to electronic and electrical components including the above-mentioned control boards (main control board 100, first sub-control board 200, second sub-control board 300, and payout control board 400).
In addition, when a power outage is detected by the power outage detection circuit 503, the power supply control board 500 sends a power outage signal (NMI signal) to each of the main control board 100, the first sub-control board 200, and the dispensing control board 400.
In addition, the backup power supply circuit 502 is configured to be charged when power is supplied to the gaming machine 10 from the gaming island's power supply equipment.
In addition, the backup power supply circuit 502 may be provided on the dispensing control board 400, and the power interruption detection circuit 503 may not be provided on the power supply control board 500, but may be provided on each of the main control board 100, the first sub-control board 200, and the dispensing control board 400.

In addition, on the back of the gaming board 50, above the opening and closing cover 45, there is a gaming ball tank 46 that stores gaming balls supplied from the gaming island's ball supply equipment. The gaming ball tank 46 is further connected to a payout passage 49 that leads to the upper ball tray 27 via a tank rail 47 and a payout unit 48, and balls paid out by the payout unit 48 are paid out through the payout passage 49 to the upper ball tray 27.

So far, we have explained the structure of the gaming machine 10 in this embodiment, but this is just one specific example, and the present invention can also be implemented with other configurations.

<Regarding the control configuration of the gaming machine 10>
Next, a control configuration of the gaming machine 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the gaming machine 10. Note that the control configuration shown in Fig. 7 is necessary for explaining the gaming machine 10 according to this embodiment, and the gaming machine 10 may also have a control configuration not shown in Fig. 7.

The main control board 100 is equipped with a CPU 101 that performs various calculations related to the game, a ROM 102 that stores data such as control programs and various lottery tables, a RAM 103 that functions as a work area and buffer memory that serves as a temporary storage area, an I/O port 104 that inputs and outputs signals to and from peripheral boards and various devices, and a random number circuit 105 that operates separately from the program processing by the CPU 101 and generates random numbers (hard random numbers), and these are connected to each other via an internal bus.

The CPU 101 reads out various control programs stored in the ROM 102 and performs arithmetic processing to execute various processes related to the main control of the game.
The RAM 103 is backed up by a backup power circuit 502, which will be described later. Specifically, the RAM 103 is configured to back up various information stored therein so that when power is restored (powered on) after a power outage, the data can be used to restore the gaming machine 10 to the state it was in immediately before the power outage. For example, in addition to data such as the stack pointer and various registers held at the time of the power outage, information related to gameplay, such as the state of the gaming machine 10 at the time (game stopped or playable), the current special drawing state, and the current normal drawing state, is backed up. Note that this information is cleared (initialized) by a RAM clearing process. Therefore, after the RAM is cleared, the special drawing pattern derivation state PA, which will be described later, is newly set.

In this embodiment, at least an area in which such game-related information is stored (sometimes referred to as the game-related area of RAM 103) is backed up, as well as an area in which the complement of a checksum and a backup flag related to the game-related area of RAM 103 are stored (sometimes referred to as the game-related backup information area of RAM 103). Then, when power is restored, the gaming machine 10 recovers using the various pieces of information stored in the backed-up game-related area of RAM 103 and the game-related backup information area of RAM 103.
Note that the specific method of backup in this embodiment is not limited in any way. For example, the area of RAM 103 to be backed up may be configured to be able to retain data in a non-volatile manner even in a power outage. As another example, within RAM 103, different hardware may be provided for a first memory configured to retain data in a non-volatile manner even in a power outage and a second memory referenced during operation of the gaming machine 10. In this case, the gaming machine 10 may save the information to be backed up from the second memory to the first memory when power is lost, and recover the saved information from the first memory to the second memory when power is restored.

The main control board 100 is also electrically connected to the first start gate sensor 70, second start gate sensor 71, special prize gate sensor 72, general prize gate sensor 73, gate sensor 74, out ball sensor 75, middle frame open door sensor 76, front frame open door sensor 77, etc., and is configured to be able to input detection signals from these sensors to the CPU 101 via the I/O port 104.

In addition, the main control board 100 is electrically connected to the first special pattern display device 91, the second special pattern display device 92, the normal pattern display device 93, the first special pattern hold lamp 94, the second special pattern hold lamp 95, the normal pattern hold lamp 96, the normal electric role solenoid 62 and the special electric role solenoid 66, and is configured to be able to control these via the I/O port 104.
Similarly, the main control board 100 is electrically connected to the main operation unit 39 and the RAM clear switch 43 , and is configured to be able to detect the operation of the main operation unit 39 .

The main control board 100 and the first sub-control board 200 are connected by eight parallel signal lines and one strobe line, and are connected so that communication is possible in only one direction, from the main control board 100 to the first sub-control board 200, and various performance control commands are sent from the main control board 100 to the first sub-control board 200.
Furthermore, data cannot be transmitted from the first sub-control board 200 to the main control board 100, and the first sub-control board 200 is configured so as not to be able to request the main control board 100 to transmit data.
In addition, in this embodiment, a parallel transmission method is used for transmitting data from the main control board 100 to the first sub-control board 200, but a serial transmission method may also be used.

The first sub-control board 200 comprises a CPU 201 which performs various arithmetic processing related to game presentation based on presentation control commands from the main control board 100, a ROM 202 which stores data such as presentation control programs and various lottery tables, a RAM 203 which functions as a work area or buffer memory that serves as a temporary storage area, and an I/O port 204 which inputs and outputs signals between peripheral boards and each device, and these are connected to each other via an internal bus, and the CPU 201 is configured to execute main control related to game presentation in accordance with the control program stored in ROM 202.
In addition, the first sub-control board 200 is electrically connected to the performance button 37 and the cursor button 38, and is configured to be able to detect operation of these operating sections.

In addition, the first sub-control board 200 generates, through performance control processing based on performance control commands from the main control board 100, image control commands that instruct the image to be displayed on the second sub-control board 300, audio control commands that instruct the audio to be output to the audio control board 310, lamp control data for controlling the lighting of various lamps such as the frame lamp 35, and movement control data for controlling the movement of the movable decorative body 22 and the sub-display unit 82, etc.
Here, the first sub-control board 200 is connected to the second sub-control board 300 and the audio control board 310 to enable two-way communication, and each control command (image control command, audio control command) is sent from the first sub-control board 200 to the second sub-control board 300 or the audio control board 310, while in response, a response command (ACK command) indicating that the control command was received successfully is sent from each control board (second sub-control board 300, audio control board 310) to the first sub-control board 200.

The first sub-control board 200 is also electrically connected to the frame lamp 35 and transmits lamp control data via the I/O port 204. The frame lamp 35 is configured so that its illumination is controlled by the lamp control data transmitted from the first sub-control board 200.
Furthermore, the first sub-control board 200 is electrically connected to the movable decorative body 22 and the sub-display unit 82, and transmits movement control data via the I/O port 204. The movable decorative body 22 and the sub-display unit 82 are configured so that their movement is controlled by the movement control data transmitted from the first sub-control board 200.

The second sub-control board 300 is equipped with a CPU that performs various calculations related to image presentation based on image control commands from the first sub-control board 200; a ROM that stores image control programs and various data; a RAM that functions as a work area and buffer memory serving as temporary storage; and an I/O port for inputting and outputting signals between peripheral boards and various devices (all not shown). The CPU is configured to execute primary control related to image presentation according to the control program stored in the ROM. The second sub-control board 300 also includes a VDP that generates image data based on control signals received from the CPU in accordance with the presentation content determined by the presentation content determination means 225 (described below), and a sound source IC that generates sound data based on control signals received from the CPU. The VDP is a so-called image processor that reads image data stored in the image ROM in response to instructions from the CPU, processes the image data, and transmits the generated image data to the main display unit 81 and the sub-display unit 82. A high-speed VRAM is also connected to the VDP, which is used to expand and process image data read from the image ROM.

The audio control board 310 is equipped with a CPU 311 that performs various calculations related to audio effects based on audio control commands from the first sub-control board 200, a ROM 312 that stores audio control programs, audio data, etc., a RAM 313 that functions as a work area or buffer memory that serves as a temporary storage area, and an I/O port 314 that inputs and outputs signals to and from peripheral boards and each device. The CPU 311 is configured to execute main control related to audio effects in accordance with the control program stored in ROM 312. Therefore, the audio control board 310 reads audio data stored in ROM 312 in response to audio control commands received from the first sub-control board 200, synthesizes the read audio data, and transmits the final synthesized audio data to the speaker 33 via an amplifier, allowing the speaker 33 to output audio.

The dispensing control board 400 is mainly composed of a CPU, ROM and RAM (all not shown).
In addition, the payout control board 400 is connected to the main control board 100 so as to be able to communicate in both directions, and performs control to drive the payout unit 48 to pay out game balls based on a payout control command from the main control board 100, and also controls the launch of game balls by synchronously driving the ball feeding mechanism and the launching mechanism based on the amount of operation of the operating handle 31.

The power supply control board 500 is composed of a normal power supply circuit 501 that generates normal power to be supplied to electronic and electrical components such as the control board mentioned above based on the primary power supply supplied from the game island's power supply equipment, a backup power supply circuit 502 that generates backup power, and a power interruption detection circuit 503 that detects power interruption (when the voltage supplied by the normal power supply drops to a specified voltage).
In addition, a power switch 40 is connected to the power supply control board 500, and assuming that primary power is supplied from the game island's power supply equipment, when the power switch 40 is turned ON, normal power is generated in the normal power supply circuit 501 of the power supply control board 500, and power is supplied to electronic and electrical components including the above-mentioned control boards (main control board 100, first sub-control board 200, second sub-control board 300, and payout control board 400).
In addition, when a power outage is detected by the power outage detection circuit 503, the power supply control board 500 sends a power outage signal (NMI signal) to each of the main control board 100, the first sub-control board 200, and the dispensing control board 400.
In addition, the backup power supply circuit 502 is configured to be charged when power is supplied to the gaming machine 10 from the gaming island's power supply equipment.
In addition, the backup power supply circuit 502 may be provided on the dispensing control board 400, and the power interruption detection circuit 503 may not be provided on the power supply control board 500, but may be provided on each of the main control board 100, the first sub-control board 200, and the dispensing control board 400.

<Functional Configuration of Gaming Machine 10>
Next, the functional configuration of the gaming machine 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the gaming machine 10. Note that the functional configuration shown in Figure 8 is necessary for explaining the gaming machine 10 according to this embodiment, and the gaming machine 10 may also have functional configurations that are not shown in Figure 8. Furthermore, when explaining the functional configuration, reference will be made to Figures 9 and 10 as necessary.

As shown in Figure 8, the main control board 100 is equipped with a ball entry determination means 110, a main random number generation means 115, a main hold control means 120, a preliminary determination means 125, a special symbol lottery means 130, a regular symbol lottery means 135, a jackpot game control means 140, a symbol display control means 145, an electric device control means 150, a game status control means 155, a main information storage means 160, a main error control means 165, a main command management means 170, a power restoration processing execution means 175, and a power interruption processing execution means 180. These means are functional representations of what is realized by the control configurations on the main control board 100 described using Figure 7.

The main information storage means 160 is a means for temporarily storing data read by the means provided in the main control board 100, data derived by calculations in said means, etc., in the corresponding storage areas. In particular, the data (performance control commands) stored in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160 is transmitted by the command transmission means to the sub-command management means 270 of the first sub-control board 200 (described below) after being stored.

The ball entry determination means 110 determines whether a ball has been entered into each entry slot based on the detection results of the sensors installed in each entry slot.

The main random number generating means 115 can generate multiple types of random numbers with different update ranges depending on the random number circuit 105, and when a win is determined to have been made at a winning slot, it obtains (latches) one or more random numbers corresponding to that winning slot from the random number circuit 105.
More specifically, when it is determined that a prize has been won at the first start gate 57 or the second start gate 59, the main random number generating means 115 acquires a random number for determining whether a special symbol has been won, a random number for drawing a special symbol stop symbol pattern, and a random number for drawing a special symbol variation pattern, which will be described later. When it is determined that a prize has been won at gate 63, the main random number generating means 115 stores the random number for determining whether a normal symbol has been won, a random number for drawing a normal symbol stop symbol pattern, and a random number for drawing a normal symbol variation pattern, which will be described later, in corresponding storage areas of the main information storage means 160.
The random number circuit 105 monitors whether the multiple types of random numbers it updates are being updated normally, and if an update abnormality occurs in which the random numbers are not updated normally, information indicating the occurrence of the abnormality is written to a specific storage area of the random number circuit 105. Therefore, the CPU 101 can recognize that an update abnormality has occurred in the random number circuit 105.

The main reserve control means 120 controls the reservation of the pattern change of the special symbol and the reservation of the pattern change of the normal symbol. Regarding the special symbol 1, the random number for determining whether the special symbol is a winner, the random number for drawing the special symbol stop symbol, and the random number for drawing the special symbol change pattern, which are acquired upon winning the first starting port 57, are reserved (stored) as operation reservation information for the special symbol 1.
More specifically, the main hold control means 120 is provided with a hold counter (hereinafter referred to as the "special chart 1 hold counter") which is incremented by 1 each time the activation hold information of special chart 1 is held and decremented by 1 each time the activation hold information of special chart 1 is used (used in the lottery by the special chart lottery means 130), and stores the activation hold information in a storage area corresponding to the current special chart 1 hold counter of the main information storage means 160 until the value of the special chart 1 hold counter reaches an upper limit value (4 in this embodiment), and clears the used activation hold information each time the activation hold information is used, and controls the remaining activation hold information to be moved (shifted) from the current storage area to a storage area corresponding to a special chart 1 hold counter which is 1 less than the current special chart 1 hold counter, in order from the smallest special chart 1 hold counter.
In addition, the main hold control means 120 performs the same control as described above for special drawing 2 and regular drawing separately from special drawing 1, and the hold counter for special drawing 2 is referred to as the special drawing 2 hold counter.
In addition, in the following explanation, "holding of operation hold information" may be expressed as "holding of pattern change" or simply as "holding."
In addition, when the main hold control means 120 updates (adds or subtracts) the operation hold information (hold counter) of special chart 1 or special chart 2, it generates a performance control command (hold command) including the special chart 1 hold counter and the special chart 2 hold counter, and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160.
In this embodiment, when both the activation pending information corresponding to special chart 1 and the activation pending information corresponding to special chart 2 are reserved, a priority change is made in which the activation pending information corresponding to special chart 2 is used preferentially.

The advance judgment means 125 performs advance judgment for a pre-reading performance targeting the pending activation information in at least some cases where the pending activation information of a special chart is pending at a predetermined advance judgment timing.
More specifically, the preliminary judgment means 125 reads each random number of the currently reserved operation pending information and performs preliminary judgment for each of the following: special symbol win/loss judgment, special symbol stop symbol lottery, and special symbol change pattern lottery, which will be described later. Each preliminary judgment uses a lottery table (not shown) that is the same as or equivalent to the lottery table used for the lottery corresponding to each preliminary judgment. Therefore, the results of these preliminary judgments will be the same as the results of the lottery that will be executed later.
In addition, the pre-determination means 125 generates a performance control command (pre-determination command) including the derived result of the pre-determination, and stores the command in a transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160.
As mentioned above, the pre-determination command is transmitted (generated and stored in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160) in at least some cases when the activation pending information of the special symbol is reserved at the timing of the predetermined pre-determination, and therefore is transmitted following the above-mentioned reserved command. Here, the predetermined timing of the pre-determination refers to not being during a jackpot game, and furthermore, in this embodiment, if the activation pending information of the special symbol 1 is reserved during a normal symbol high probability, which will be described later, the pre-determination is restricted, and therefore the transmission of the pre-determination command corresponding to that pre-determination is also restricted.

The special chart lottery means 130 includes a special chart success/failure determination means 131, a special chart stop pattern lottery means 132, and a special chart variation pattern derivation means 133, and executes processing by each means in the order of the special chart success/failure determination means 131, the special chart stop pattern lottery means 132, and the special chart variation pattern derivation means 133. When the special chart variation start condition is satisfied, the special chart lottery means 130 reads out the earliest activation pending information from the activation pending information reserved in the main information storage means 160.
In addition, "the conditions for the start of the change of the special chart are satisfied" means, for example, that all of the following conditions are satisfied: the game is not in progress of a jackpot, neither special chart 1 nor special chart 2 is currently changing its pattern (including the case where the pattern change related to special chart 1 or special chart 2 has stopped), and at least one of special chart 1 and special chart 2 has pending activation information.

Here, FIGS. 9(a) to 9(c) are diagrams that schematically show lottery tables used in the main control board 100, and will be referred to as necessary in the following description.
In addition, in lotteries using lottery tables, including those other than these, the lottery values stored in the lottery table are sequentially added to the read random number in a predetermined order (if there is only one lottery value, the addition is performed once), and the result corresponding to the lottery value that has generated a carry (overflow) is derived as the result of the lottery. Similarly, in the explanation of the lottery tables, names are given to the lottery tables for convenience of explanation, but it is sufficient that the data, such as the lottery values, contained in the lottery tables corresponding to the names are identifiable and stored in each ROM, and these names do not specify the area in which the data is stored. In the illustrated lottery tables, items listed for convenience of explanation or lottery values such as "-" and "0" may be listed, but these do not necessarily indicate the data stored in each ROM. Furthermore, results in which "-" or "0" is listed as a lottery value will not result in a win. Furthermore, if the lottery table contains a lottery value that is identical to the random number range used in the lottery (the number of random numbers that can be obtained within that range), the result will be derived 100%, so there is no need to perform a lottery. Also, if the total value of the lottery values used in one lottery matches the random number range used in the lottery, a carry will always occur when adding the last lottery value, so there is no need to perform the addition, and in that case, the lottery value used for the addition itself becomes unnecessary.

The special symbol hit/miss judgment means 131 reads out a random number for the special symbol hit/miss judgment for each symbol change, and executes the special symbol hit/miss judgment by lottery using the read out random number and a lottery table for the special symbol hit/miss judgment to judge whether the winning will be a jackpot or a miss.
9(a) is a diagram showing a schematic drawing of a lottery table for determining whether a special drawing is a hit or a miss, and this lottery table is used in common for special drawing 1 and special drawing 2. The range of random numbers used in this determination is 0 to 65535, so when the special drawing lottery state is low probability (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as "low probability special drawing"), a jackpot is derived with a probability of 205/65536 (approximately 1/320).
Similarly, when the special drawing state is in a high probability state (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as "special drawing high probability"), a jackpot is derived with a probability of 1600/65536 (approximately 1/40.1).

When the result of the special chart hit/miss judgment is a big hit, the special chart stop pattern lottery means 132 reads out a random number for the special chart stop pattern lottery and determines the stop pattern of the special chart by lottery using the read random number and a lottery table for the special chart stop pattern lottery.
9(b) is a diagram showing a schematic drawing of a lottery table for drawing the stop symbol of special symbol 1, and the range of random numbers used in the drawing is 0 to 99. Therefore, when a jackpot is derived from special symbol 1, symbol A is determined as the stop symbol with a probability of 50/100 (1/2), and symbol B is determined as the stop symbol with a probability of 50/100 (1/2).
Here, pattern A is a pattern with 10 rounds, which has a high probability of a special symbol and a high probability of a normal symbol (described later) after the jackpot game ends (hereinafter, this may be referred to as a "probability variable symbol," and a jackpot related to this symbol may be referred to as a "probability variable jackpot"). On the other hand, pattern B is a pattern with 4 rounds, which has a low probability of a special symbol and a high probability of a normal symbol after the jackpot game ends (hereinafter, this may be referred to as a "normal symbol," and a jackpot related to this symbol may be referred to as a "normal jackpot"). Therefore, it can be said that pattern A is a more advantageous symbol than pattern B in the special symbol lottery state after the jackpot game ends.
9(c) is a diagram showing a schematic drawing of a lottery table for the lottery of the special symbol 2 stop symbol, and the range of random numbers used in this lottery is 0 to 99, just like the lottery of the special symbol 1 stop symbol. Therefore, when a jackpot is derived in the special symbol 2, symbol a is determined as the stop symbol with a probability of 80/100 (1/1.25), and symbol b is determined as the stop symbol with a probability of 20/100 (1/5).
Here, symbol a is a probability variable symbol with 10 rounds and a high probability of a special symbol and a high probability of a normal symbol after the end of a jackpot game, while symbol b is a normal symbol with 2 rounds and a low probability of a special symbol and a high probability of a normal symbol after the end of a jackpot game. Therefore, symbol a can be said to be a symbol with a higher advantage than symbol b in terms of the number of rounds.
In the explanation of this embodiment, a jackpot with 10 rounds may be referred to as a "10R jackpot," a jackpot with 4 rounds may be referred to as a "4R jackpot," and a jackpot with 2 rounds may be referred to as a "2R jackpot."
In addition, if the result of the special chart hit/miss judgment is not a jackpot, the special chart stop pattern lottery means 132 uniformly determines pattern C as the stop pattern when special chart 1 is a miss, and pattern c when special chart 2 is a miss.
In addition, in this embodiment, the rate at which the special symbol becomes highly probable after the end of a jackpot game using special symbol 1 (50/100) is different from the rate at which the special symbol becomes highly probable after the end of a jackpot game using special symbol 2 (80/100) (the symbol variation of special symbol 2 is more favorable than the symbol variation of special symbol 1). Although details are omitted, this difference is realized by providing a function that, if the gaming ball passes through the V entry area provided in the lower large prize opening 55b during a jackpot game (if the sensor provided in the V entry area detects the gaming ball), the special symbol becomes highly probable after the end of the jackpot game (with this function, if the gaming ball does not pass through the V entry area during a jackpot game, the special symbol becomes low probable after the end of the jackpot game), and by configuring the lower special electric device 65b to be able to pass through the V entry area during a jackpot game in which the lower special electric device 65b is in an open state.

The special pattern variation pattern derivation means 133 has a plurality of types of special pattern variation pattern lottery tables to be referenced when determining the special pattern variation pattern, and selects one special pattern variation pattern lottery table for determining the current special pattern variation pattern based on the current special pattern variation pattern derivation state and the result of the current special pattern hit/miss judgment, determines one special pattern variation pattern using the selected special pattern variation pattern lottery table and a random number for special pattern variation pattern lottery, and determines a variation time based on the determined special pattern variation pattern. Here, the variation time refers to the time from when the pattern variation related to the special pattern (special pattern 1 or special pattern 2) starts to when the pattern variation ends.
Although details of the transition conditions will be described later, the special chart variation pattern derivation state in this embodiment includes a special chart variation pattern derivation state PA, a special chart variation pattern derivation state PB, and a special chart variation pattern derivation state PC. The above-mentioned method of determining the special chart variation pattern is adopted for the pattern variation of special chart 1 in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PA, and for the pattern variation of special chart 2 in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PB and the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC, and the pattern variation of the other special chart in each special chart variation pattern derivation state is determined to be a predetermined special chart variation pattern depending on the result of the special chart success/failure judgment.

In addition, at the start of the pattern change, the special symbol change pattern derivation means 133 generates a performance control command (change start command) that includes the result of the special symbol hit/miss judgment, the determined special symbol stop symbol, and the determined special symbol change pattern, and stores this command in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160.

The regular map lottery means 135, like the special map lottery means 130, reads out the earliest pending activation information from the pending activation information stored in the main information storage means 160 when the regular map pattern is not changing, and uses the read random number to perform a regular map hit/miss judgment to determine whether the regular map is a hit or not, and if the regular map hit is won and the regular electric device 61 is controlled to an open state as a result of the regular map hit/miss judgment, performs a regular map stop pattern lottery to determine the stopping pattern of the regular map by lottery, and a regular map change pattern lottery to determine the change pattern (change time) of the regular map by lottery.
More specifically, in the normal drawing hit/miss judgment, there are two states where the normal drawing lottery state is a high probability state (sometimes abbreviated as "normal drawing high probability") and a low probability state (sometimes abbreviated as "normal drawing low probability"). Although the drawing table is not shown, in this embodiment, in the normal drawing high probability state, the normal drawing hits with a probability of 65535/65536, and the remaining probability of 1/65536 is a miss, while in the normal drawing low probability state, the normal drawing hits with a probability of 1/65536, and the remaining probability of 65535/65536 is a miss. Note that in the normal drawing low probability state, the normal drawing may not be a hit (65536/65536 is a miss).

In the regular stop pattern lottery, just like the special stop pattern lottery, one stop pattern is determined by lottery using a lottery table (not shown) for regular stop pattern lottery from multiple types of stop patterns that have different patterns when the regular electric device 61 is opened. Note that if the regular pattern is determined to be a miss, the stop pattern will be determined uniformly, just like special pattern 1 and special pattern 2.

In addition, in the regular map variation pattern lottery, just like the special map variation pattern lottery, one regular map variation pattern is determined from multiple types of regular map variation patterns by lottery using a lottery table (not shown) for regular map variation pattern lottery.

In this way, a high probability of winning a normal draw is more likely than a low probability of winning a normal draw, and can be said to be a more advantageous state than a low probability of winning a normal draw.

If the result of the special symbol lottery is a jackpot, the jackpot game control means 140 controls the jackpot game according to the determined jackpot symbol, etc.
In this embodiment, the jackpot game transitions through the following periods in the order of a start invalid period, a start valid period, an easy win period, and an end demo period. More specifically, when the jackpot game starts, the start invalid period begins, and the start invalid period ends over time and transitions to the start valid period. In the start valid period, a win at gate 63 causes a transition to the easy win period. Then, when the easy win period ends, the transition to the end demo period occurs, and the end demo period ends over time, and the jackpot game ends with the end of the end demo period. Note that, as will be described in detail later, the duration of the start invalid period and the end demo period are determined based on the jackpot symbol associated with the current jackpot and the game status at the time of the jackpot win.
Furthermore, at the start of a jackpot game (start invalid period), the jackpot game control means 140 generates a presentation control command (hereinafter referred to as a "jackpot game start command") including the time required for the start invalid period and stores it in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160, and at the end of the easy win period, generates a presentation control command (hereinafter referred to as a "jackpot game end command") including the time required for the end demo period and stores it in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160. Furthermore, if a win occurs at gate 63 during the start valid period, the jackpot game control means 140 generates a presentation control command (hereinafter referred to as an "easy win period start command") indicating the start of the easy win period and stores it in the main information storage means 160.

The pattern display control means 145 causes the first special pattern display device 91 to variably display the special pattern 1 in accordance with the variation time based on the special pattern variation pattern of the special pattern 1, and causes the special pattern 1 to be stopped and displayed with the stop pattern determined by the special pattern stop pattern lottery after the variation time has elapsed. Similarly, the second special pattern display device 92 causes the second special pattern display device 92 to variably display the special pattern 2 in accordance with the variation time based on the special pattern variation pattern of the second special pattern, and causes the special pattern 2 to be stopped and displayed with the stop pattern determined by the special pattern stop pattern lottery after the variation time has elapsed.
In addition, the pattern display control means 145 has a special pattern game timer for managing the time (variation time, stop display time) related to the display of special pattern 1 and special pattern 2, and when the special pattern is stopped for display (at the time when the value of the special pattern game timer becomes "0"), it generates a presentation control command (variation stop command) for requesting the fixed stop display of the decorative pattern, and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160.
Here, the term "confirmed stop display of decorative symbols" refers to the final stop display of decorative symbols in the pattern change, and is different from the provisional stop display of decorative symbols that may occur during the pattern change. In the provisional stop display of decorative symbols, for example, the stopped decorative symbols are accompanied by a small up and down swaying motion (so-called swaying motion), while in the confirmed stop display of decorative symbols, the stopped decorative symbols are not accompanied by a swaying motion. Even when the same decorative symbols are stopped and displayed, the stop display mode of the confirmed and provisionally displayed decorative symbols is different. Therefore, the player can recognize whether the stopped display of the decorative symbols is a confirmed stop display or a provisional stop display.

In addition, the pattern display control means 145 causes the normal map to be displayed on the normal pattern display device 93 in a changing manner according to the normal map changing pattern (changing time) of the normal map, and after the changing time has elapsed, causes the normal map to be displayed in a stopped pattern determined by the normal map stopping pattern lottery.
In addition, the pattern display control means 145 has a regular pattern game timer for managing the time related to the display of the regular pattern (variable time, stop display time).

During the aforementioned easy-to-win period, the electric device control means 150 outputs a control signal to the special electric device solenoid 66, causing the special electric device 65 to open according to an opening pattern corresponding to the special symbol.

In addition, if the regular symbol win/lose lottery is won, the electric device control means 150 outputs a control signal to the regular electric symbol solenoid 62, causing the regular electric symbol 61 to open according to an opening pattern corresponding to the regular symbol stop pattern.

The game state control means 155 controls the special symbol lottery state. Specifically, as described above, the game state control means 155 sets the special symbol low probability at the start of a jackpot game regardless of the symbol related to the jackpot, maintains the special symbol low probability at the end of a jackpot game related to a normal jackpot, and sets the special symbol high probability at the end of a jackpot game related to a probability variable jackpot.
In addition, the game state control means 155 controls the normal symbol lottery state. Specifically, the game state control means 155 sets the normal symbol low probability at the start of a jackpot regardless of the symbol related to the jackpot, sets the normal symbol high probability at the end of a jackpot game related to a normal jackpot or a probability variable jackpot until the symbol changes a specified number of times, and sets the normal symbol low probability after the symbol changes a specified number of times.

Such special drawing lottery state and normal drawing lottery state change in conjunction with the above-mentioned special drawing variation pattern derivation state, and the transition of the special drawing variation pattern derivation state is managed by the game state control means 155. The transition of this special drawing variation pattern derivation state will be explained below with reference to Figures 10(a) and 10(b). Note that Figure 10(a) is a state transition diagram showing the transition of the special drawing variation pattern derivation state, and Figure 10(b) is a diagram showing the relationship between the average variation time for each special drawing variation pattern derivation state.
As shown in Figure 10 (a), the special chart variation pattern derivation state is composed of a special chart variation pattern derivation state PA corresponding to low probability of special chart and low probability of normal chart, a special chart variation pattern derivation state PB corresponding to high probability of special chart and high probability of normal chart, and a special chart variation pattern derivation state PC corresponding to low probability of special chart and high probability of normal chart, and one of these special chart variation pattern derivation states is set except during a jackpot game. The transition conditions between the special chart variation pattern derivation state PA and the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC include transition condition (i) to transition condition (iii).
Specifically, transition condition (i) is the end of the jackpot game related to the probability variable jackpot, transition condition (ii) is the end of the jackpot game related to the normal jackpot, and transition condition (iii) is the end of the 50th symbol variation. Note that when a jackpot game related to a normal jackpot is executed in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC, the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC is set again after the end of the jackpot game (the symbol variation count in transition condition (iii) starts from 0).
In addition, in the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PB, the state will transition to the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PA at the end of the 10,000th pattern variation, but since this transition is not actually made, the transition conditions are omitted from the illustration. However, if a jackpot game related to a probability jackpot is executed in the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PB, the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PB will be set again after the jackpot game ends (the count of the pattern variation in the transition condition will start from 0).

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10 (b), the average fluctuation times of the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PA, the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PB, and the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PC become shorter in the order of special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PA, special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PC, and special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PB. Note that in this embodiment, the difference between the average fluctuation time of the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PA and the average time of the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PC is greater than the difference between the average fluctuation time of the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PC and the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PB.

In addition, when the special chart lottery state, normal chart lottery state, and special chart variation pattern derivation state are updated, the game state control means 155 generates a presentation control command (game state designation command) including each updated state, and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160.

As described above, the main information storage means 160 is a means for temporarily storing data read by each means and data derived by calculations, etc., in the corresponding storage areas.

The main error control means 165 monitors the input information of the I/O port 104 and determines whether the gaming machine 10 is in an error state. If an error state is determined, a presentation control command (error command) containing information that can identify the error state is stored in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160.

When a performance control command is stored in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160, the main command management means 170 transmits the performance control command to the first sub-control board 200.
In principle, each performance control command is transmitted in the order in which it is stored in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160.

The power restoration processing execution means 175 includes a recovery state setting means 176 and a playable state transition means 179.

The recovery state setting means 176 executes a recovery state setting process to set a recovery state based on whether or not there is an abnormality in the RAM 103 when power is restored, the state at the time of power outage immediately before the power restoration, the state of the RAM clear switch 43 when power is restored, and the state of the inner frame door open sensor 76 when power is restored. The recovery states set by this process include a game-stopped state and a game-enabled state (which may or may not involve RAM clear processing).
Specifically, if there is an abnormality in RAM 103 when power is restored, a game-stop state is set regardless of the state of RAM clear switch 43 and the state of middle frame door open sensor 76 when power is restored. Also, if there is no abnormality in RAM 103 when power is restored and RAM clear switch 43 is ON (depressed state) when power is restored, a RAM clear process is executed and a playable state is set, provided that middle frame door open sensor 76 is ON when power is restored (if middle frame door open sensor 76 is OFF when power is restored, the RAM clear process is not executed and a playable state is set). If there is no abnormality in RAM 103 when power is restored and RAM clear switch 43 is OFF (not pressed state) when power is restored, the RAM clear process is not executed and a playable state is set. Note that if the RAM clear process is executed, a special low probability and a normal low probability are set.
Here, the game stop state is a return state in which the game cannot proceed because processing is not performed according to the detection results of the sensors installed at each winning port (the detection results of the sensors themselves do not need to be looked at).
On the other hand, the playable state is a restored state in which game progress is possible by executing processing based on the detection results of the sensors installed in each winning slot. In particular, if the RAM clear process is not executed when power is restored, the game returns to the playable state at the time of the previous power outage. For example, if a jackpot game was in progress at the time of the previous power outage, the game returns to the ongoing jackpot game. If a symbol change was in progress at the time of the previous power outage, the game returns to the ongoing symbol change. In particular, when returning to a jackpot game, the game returns to the jackpot game period (start invalid period, start valid period, easy win period, or end demo period) at the time of the previous power outage. Furthermore, if the return period is a start invalid period or end demo period, the elapsed time (remaining time) of that period after the power outage also returns to the elapsed time at the time of the power outage. This also applies when the return period is an easy win period. In this case, the number of remaining rounds and the number of wins into the jackpot winning slot 55 during round play also return to the state at the time of the power outage.

Whether or not there is an abnormality in RAM 103 is determined by performing a RAM abnormality check at the beginning of the recovery state setting process on the game-related area of RAM 103. (Specifically, this check determines whether or not a backup flag is stored (whether or not the backup flag is ON) in the backup information area related to the target area, and if the backup flag is stored (if the backup flag is ON), derives a checksum of the target area and the complement stored in the backup information area related to that area, and if the calculation result is 0, determines that the target area is normal; otherwise, determines that the target area is abnormal.)

The playable state transition means 179 executes a playable state transition process for transitioning to a playable state when the playable state is set.
More specifically, in the process of transitioning to a playable state, if the security signal output is ON, a process of turning the security signal output OFF and initial setting of the device are executed.
In addition, during the initial setting of the device, processes such as sending a launch permission command to the payout control board 400 to allow the launch of game balls, setting the state in which balls will be valid when they enter each winning slot, and setting data to activate the random number circuit 105 are performed.

The power cutoff process execution means 180 executes the power cutoff process based on receiving a power cutoff signal from the power supply control board 500 .
Specifically, for the area of RAM 103 related to gaming, the checksum of that area is derived, the complement of that checksum is stored in the backup information area of RAM 103 related to gaming, and a backup flag indicating that power has been cut off for that area is turned ON (the backup flag is stored in the backup information area of RAM 103 related to gaming).

As shown in Figure 8, the first sub-control board 200 is equipped with a sub-random number generating means 210, a normal performance control means 220, a sub-error control means 230, a lamp control means 240, a movable role control means 245, a sub-information storage means 260, and a sub-command management means 270, and these means are functional representations of what is realized by each control configuration on the first sub-control board 200 described using Figure 7.
Here, the sub-information storage means 260 is a means for temporarily storing data read by the means provided in the first sub-control board 200, data derived by calculations in said means, etc., in the corresponding storage areas. Also, the performance control command transmitted from the main command management means 170 is stored by the sub-command management means 270 in a received command storage area of the sub-information storage means 260. In the following explanation, the storage of the performance control command transmitted from the main command management means 170 in the received command storage area of the sub-information storage means 260 by the sub-command management means 270 may be simply referred to as "receiving a performance control command."

The sub-random number generation means 210 is capable of generating random numbers (software random numbers) that are updated by the CPU 201 through program processing, and obtains random numbers at the timing when each lottery (details will be described later) is executed by the normal performance control means 220.

The normal presentation control means 220 includes a presentation mode control means 221, a presentation route determination means 222, a sub-hold control means 223, a pre-reading presentation control means 224, a presentation content determination means 225, a decorative pattern control means 226, and a jackpot presentation control means 227.

When the presentation mode control means 221 receives a game state designation command, it controls the transition of the presentation mode in a manner that is consistent with the special chart variation pattern derivation state managed on the main control board 100 side.
The presentation modes in this embodiment are broadly divided into normal mode, special probability mode, and low probability time-saving mode, with the normal mode corresponding to the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PA, the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PB corresponding to the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PB, and the low probability time-saving mode corresponding to the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PC.

When the presentation route determination means 222 receives a pre-determination command, it determines (sets) a presentation route corresponding to the currently reserved pattern change based on the result of the pre-determination included in the command (in this embodiment, the special pattern change pattern).
Here, the presentation route is the presentation from the start to the end of the pattern change, and specifies the process of the presentation that notifies the result of the special pattern judgment in the pattern change, and the content of the presentation executed in the pattern change will be determined by the presentation content determination means 225 described later in accordance with the presentation route corresponding to the pattern change.

When the sub-hold control means 223 receives a hold command (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as the occurrence of a hold win), it sets performance data for displaying the number of hold images corresponding to the special symbol 1 hold counter and the number of hold images corresponding to the special symbol 2 hold counter in the hold display area (not shown) of the main display unit 81 based on the information on the special symbol 1 hold counter and the special symbol 2 hold counter contained in the command. The hold images are images that are the subject of a hold pre-reading performance that changes into various forms to indicate the degree of advantage, such as the likelihood of a jackpot game.

When the pre-reading effect control means 224 receives a pre-determination command, it determines the content of the pre-reading effect based on the result of the pre-determination included in the command.
The pre-reading effect is a performance that suggests the expectation level for the result of the judgment on whether the special symbol will be selected or not in the pattern change of the pre-read target, and the content of the performance that will be executed in the pattern change of the pre-read target, before the pattern change of the pre-read target begins, with the aim of increasing the interest in the game.

When the effect content determining means 225 receives a variation start command, it determines the content of the effect to be executed in the current pattern variation according to the effect route already determined by the effect route determining means 222.
More specifically, the effect content determination means 225 determines the effect content (effect pattern) for each effect execution timing in the pattern change by lottery using an effect pattern lottery table corresponding to the effect route determined by the effect route determination means 222. In this way, it is possible to change the effect content related to (executed according to) the determined effect route, and to provide a connection between the effects in one pattern change. Furthermore, even if the same effect route is determined, it is possible to diversify the effects to be executed. Note that the timing for determining the effect content can be, for example, the start of the pattern change.

When the decorative pattern control means 226 receives a variation start command, it determines the final (determined stopped) combination of decorative patterns (left pattern, middle pattern, right pattern) based on the stopped pattern of the determined special pattern.
Specifically, pattern A corresponds to a pattern consisting of odd-numbered symbols, pattern B corresponds to a pattern consisting of even-numbered symbols, and pattern C or pattern c corresponds to a random number. Furthermore, pattern a corresponds to a pattern consisting of 7 symbols, and pattern b corresponds to a pattern consisting of odd-numbered symbols excluding 7 symbols.
In addition, when matching the determined combination of decorative patterns to the stopping patterns of the special chart, it is not necessary to have the above-mentioned correspondence. For example, if the combination of decorative patterns to be determined for the above-mentioned correspondence does not have a high expected value, such as matching pattern A with an even-numbered pattern, in some cases (a lower rate than the rate at which the above-mentioned correspondence is achieved), a combination of decorative patterns that differs from the above-mentioned correspondence may be adopted, and even in such cases, it can be said that the determined combination of decorative patterns corresponds to the stopping patterns of the special chart.

The jackpot presentation control means 227 determines the execution of presentations related to jackpot games based on presentation control commands related to jackpot games, such as a jackpot game start command, a jackpot game end command, and a prize-easy period start command.
Details will be described later, but in this embodiment, the jackpot presentation control means 227 displays on the main display unit 81, during the start invalid period and start valid period, a notification image including a first instruction image which is an instruction image instructing the launch of a game ball into the second flow path Y, while during the easy winning period, it displays on the main display unit 81 a notification image including a second instruction image which is the same instruction image but different from the first instruction image, thereby allowing the player to recognize whether or not the easy winning period has started during jackpot play and making it easier to decide whether or not they can leave their seat.

The normal performance control means 220 reads out performance data for each device corresponding to each performance at the execution timing of that performance, in accordance with the content of the performance determined by the above-mentioned means provided in the first sub-control board 200. If the read-out performance data includes performance data related to images, it generates image control commands based on that performance data and stores those commands in a transmission command storage area of the sub-information storage means 260. Furthermore, if the read-out performance data includes performance data related to sounds, it generates audio control commands related to sounds based on that performance data and stores those commands in a transmission command storage area of the sub-information storage means 260.
In particular, when the restored state at the time of power restoration is a playable state following the execution of a RAM clear process, the normal presentation control means 220 reads presentation data for notifying that the playable state has been achieved following the execution of a RAM clear process, and when the restored state at the time of power restoration is a playable state without the execution of a RAM clear process, the normal presentation control means 220 reads presentation data for notifying that the playable state has been achieved without the execution of a RAM clear process.
Furthermore, when the recovery state at the time of power restoration is a game stop state, the normal presentation control means 220 reads presentation data for informing the user that the game has stopped and that it is necessary to execute a RAM clear process.
Details of these notifications are omitted, but it is preferable that they continue to be executed for a certain period of time (for example, 30 seconds) after execution has started, and the presentation device that executes the notification does not matter.

When an error command is transmitted, the sub-error control means 230 determines an error effect pattern and reads out effect data for executing an error effect in accordance with the error effect pattern.
Note that the error effect is executed with priority over the variable effect related to the pattern variation (the execution of the variable effect is restricted by the execution of the error effect). Here, when the device related to the execution of the error effect and the device related to the execution of the variable effect are the same device, the execution of the error effect with priority is not limited to the case where only the error effect is executed on the device, but also includes the case where the error effect is executed in a manner that is easier to recognize than the variable effect on the device.
In addition, the sub-error control means 230 may independently (independently of the main error control means 165) determine whether the gaming machine 10 is in an error state, and if it determines that the gaming machine 10 is in an error state, read out presentation data that executes an error presentation.

The lamp control means 240 holds lamp control data for controlling the lighting of various lamps, such as the frame lamp 35. For example, if the performance data read by the normal performance control means 220 includes performance data corresponding to the frame lamp 35, the lamp control means 240 reads lamp control data based on that performance data and transmits the read lamp control data to the frame lamp 35.

If the performance data read by the normal performance control means 220 contains performance data corresponding to a movable role object, the movable role object control means 245 reads movement control data from ROM 202 based on the performance data to control the movement of the movable decorative body 22 and sub-display unit 82, and transmits the read movement control data to the movable decorative body 22 and sub-display unit 82 to control the movement of the movable decorative body 22 and sub-display unit 82.

As described above, the sub-information storage means 260 is a means for temporarily storing data read by the means provided in the first sub-control board 200, data derived by calculations in said means, etc., in the corresponding storage areas.

The sub-command management means 270 receives performance control commands transmitted from the main control board 100 and stores the received performance commands in the received command storage area of the sub-information storage means 260. Furthermore, if an image control command is stored in the transmission command storage area of the sub-information storage means 260, the sub-command management means 270 transmits the image control command to the second sub-control board 300. Furthermore, if an audio control command or volume adjustment command is stored in the storage area, the sub-command management means 270 transmits these commands to the audio control board 310. In principle, these commands are transmitted in the order in which they are stored in the transmission command storage area of the sub-information storage means 260.

As explained above, in this embodiment, in order to quickly detect a game ball that has entered the lower large prize opening 55b, two detection sensors (lower right large prize opening sensor 72b and lower left large prize opening sensor 72c) are attached to the lower large prize opening 55b, and one detection sensor (upper large prize opening sensor 72a) is attached to the upper large prize opening 55a.
Furthermore, based on these configurations, the gaming machine 10 according to this embodiment has a function for preventing fraudulent behavior that causes abnormal winnings or strategic shots such as so-called twist shots while enabling over-winning. The details of this function will be explained below.

<Regarding the grace period set when closing an electric device>
First, with reference to Figures 11 to 13, the grace period that is set when the electric device located directly above the winning slot is closed will be described in detail.
FIG. 11 shows a flow of the electric role closing control process, and this process is executed by the electric role control means 150 at each timer interruption during the period when the electric role is in the open state.
Figure 12(a) is a table summarizing the closing conditions for each type of electric device, and Figure 12(b) is a table summarizing the types of detection sensors associated with the winning slots and the length of the grace period.
FIG. 13 is a table summarizing the validity or invalidity of detection of game balls by each type of detection sensor associated with the winning slot.

As shown in Figure 11, in step S102, the first step of the electric feature closure control process, it is determined whether the closure condition for the target electric feature (the electric feature that is currently open) is met. If the condition is met, the process proceeds to step S104; if the condition is not met, the electric feature closure control process ends. Here, the closure condition is as shown in Figure 12(a).

Specifically, if the target electric device is the upper special electric device 65a and the open state of the target electric device is due to a 4R jackpot, the closing condition is satisfied when the number of game balls detected by the upper large prize opening sensor 72a reaches 10 (hereinafter, this may be expressed as ``when the specified number is reached''), or when 30,000 ms have passed since the target electric device became open (hereinafter, this may be expressed as ``when the specified time is reached'').
On the other hand, if the target electric device is the upper special electric device 65a and the open state of the target electric device is due to a 2R jackpot, the closing condition is met when the number of game balls detected by the upper special winning opening sensor 72a reaches 10 or when 3000 ms has elapsed since the target electric device became open. Therefore, it can be said that the time during which the open state of the upper special winning opening sensor 72a caused by a 2R jackpot continues is shorter than the time during which the open state of the upper special winning opening sensor 72a caused by a 4R jackpot continues.
Furthermore, if the target electric device is the lower special electric device 65b (the open state of the target electric device is due to a 10R jackpot), the closing condition is met when the total number of game balls detected by the lower right large prize opening sensor 72b or the lower left large prize opening sensor 72c reaches 10, or when 30,000 ms have passed since the target electric device became open.
In addition, if the target electric device is a normal electric device 61 (the open state of the target device is due to a normal hit), the closing condition is met when the number of game balls detected by the second start port sensor 71 reaches three, or when 5000 ms has passed since the target electric device became open.

In step S104, the target electric device is controlled (set) to the closed state, whereby the target electric device transitions from the open state to the closed state.
In step S106, a grace period is set, and then the electric device closing control process is terminated. Here, the grace period is a period following the period in which the target electric device is in an open state, and with some exceptions, refers to a period in which the detection of the game ball by the detection sensor corresponding to the target electric device is judged to be a normal winning even if the target electric device is in a closed state in terms of control.

Specifically, as shown in Figure 12 (b), if the open state of the target electric device (upper special electric device 65a) is due to a 4R jackpot, a grace period of 2000 ms is set for the upper large prize opening sensor 72a.
On the other hand, if the opening state of the target electric device (upper special electric device 65a) is due to a 2R jackpot, a grace period of 1000 ms is set for the upper large prize opening sensor 72a. Therefore, it can be said that the length of the grace period corresponding to a 2R jackpot is shorter than the length of the grace period corresponding to a 4R jackpot.
Furthermore, if the opening state of the target electric device (lower special electric device 65b) is due to a 10R jackpot, a grace period of 3000 ms is set for the lower right large prize opening sensor 72b, and a grace period of 5000 ms is set for the lower left large prize opening sensor 72c.
In addition, if the open state of the target electric device (normal electric device 61) is due to a normal hit, a grace period of 2000 ms is set for the second start port sensor 71.
The length of the grace period is uniform regardless of the type of closing condition related to the immediately preceding open state (based on the number of detected game balls or the elapsed time).

Next, using Figure 13, we will explain whether the detection of game balls by the detection sensor corresponding to the target electric device is valid or invalid during the period when the target electric device is in an open state, the grace period following that period, and periods other than these periods (the period from the end of the grace period until the target electric device is again in an open state).
Here, when the detection of a gaming ball by a corresponding detection sensor is enabled, it means that the processing on the main control board 100 corresponding to the detection (in this embodiment, the awarding of a prize ball) is executed. On the other hand, when the detection of a gaming ball by a corresponding detection sensor is disabled, it means that the processing on the main control board 100 corresponding to the detection is not executed.

As shown in Figure 13, if the target detection sensor is the upper large prize opening sensor 72a and the open state of the target electric device (upper special electric device 65a) is due to a 4R jackpot, then the detection of game balls by the upper large prize opening sensor 72a will be valid during the period when the target electric device is open and during the grace period (regardless of the closing conditions) that follows that period, but the detection of game balls by the upper large prize opening sensor 72a will be invalid during periods other than these.
Similarly, if the target detection sensor is the upper large prize opening sensor 72a and the open state of the target electric device (upper special electric device 65a) is due to a 2R jackpot, the detection of game balls by the upper large prize opening sensor 72a will be effective during the period when the target electric device is open and during the grace period (regardless of the closing conditions) that follows, but will be invalid outside of these periods.

If the target detection sensor is the lower right large prize opening sensor 72b and the open state of the target electric device (lower special electric device 65b) is due to a 10R jackpot, the detection of game balls by the lower right large prize opening sensor 72b will be effective during the period when the target electric device is open, the grace period leading up to that period (regardless of the closing conditions), and periods other than these.
On the other hand, if the target detection sensor is the lower left large prize opening sensor 72c and the open state of the target electric device (lower special electric device 65b) is due to a 10R jackpot, then the detection of game balls by the lower left large prize opening sensor 72c will be valid during the period when the target electric device is open and during the grace period (regardless of the closing conditions) that follows from that period, but the detection of game balls by the lower left large prize opening sensor 72c will be invalid during periods other than these.

Furthermore, if the target detection sensor is the second start gate sensor 71 and the open state of the target electric device (normal electric device 61) is due to a normal win, then game ball detection by the second start gate sensor 71 will be valid during the period when the target electric device is open and the grace period following that period (regardless of the closing conditions), but game ball detection by the second start gate sensor 71 will be invalid outside of these periods.

<Regarding whether or not abnormal winning notifications are implemented>
Next, using Figure 14, we will explain whether or not an abnormal winning notification will be executed when a game ball is detected by the detection sensor corresponding to the target electric device during the period when the target electric device is in an open state, the grace period following that period, and periods other than these periods (the period from the end of the grace period until the target electric device is in an open state again).
FIG. 14 is a table that lists, for each type of detection sensor associated with the winning slot, whether or not the detection sensor will issue an abnormal winning notification.

As shown in Figure 14, if the target detection sensor is the upper large prize opening sensor 72a and the open state of the target electric device (upper special electric device 65a) is due to a 4R jackpot, then during the period when the target electric device is in the open state and the grace period (regardless of the closing conditions) that follows that period, an abnormal prize winning notification will not be issued upon detection of a game ball by the upper large prize opening sensor 72a, whereas during periods other than these, an abnormal prize winning notification will be issued upon detection of a game ball by the upper large prize opening sensor 72a.
Here, in this embodiment, an abnormal winning notification is an error notification that can identify that the detection of the game ball by the detection sensor that triggered the notification is abnormal (not normal), and details of the abnormal winning notification will be described later.

On the other hand, if the target detection sensor is the upper large prize opening sensor 72a and the open state of the target electric device (upper special electric device 65a) is due to a 2R jackpot, then while the target electric device is open, the detection of a game ball by the upper large prize opening sensor 72a will not trigger an abnormal prize winning alert. However, during the grace period (irrespective of the closing conditions) that follows this period, and during periods other than these, the detection of a game ball by the upper large prize opening sensor 72a will trigger an abnormal prize winning alert.

If the target detection sensor is the lower right large prize opening sensor 72b and the open state of the target electric device (lower special electric device 65b) is due to a 10R jackpot, then during the period when the target electric device is in the open state and the grace period leading up to that period (regardless of the closing conditions), an abnormal prize winning notification will not be issued upon detection of a game ball by the lower right large prize opening sensor 72b, whereas during periods other than these, an abnormal prize winning notification will be issued upon detection of a game ball by the lower right large prize opening sensor 72b.
On the other hand, if the target detection sensor is the lower left large prize opening sensor 72c and the open state of the target electric device (lower special electric device 65b) is due to a 10R jackpot, then no abnormal prize entry notification will be issued when a game ball is detected by the lower right large prize opening sensor 72c, during the period when the target electric device is open, the grace period leading from that period (regardless of the closing conditions), or any other period.

Furthermore, if the target detection sensor is the second start gate sensor 71 and the open state of the target electric device (normal electric device 61) is due to a normal win, then during the period when the target electric device is open and the grace period following that period (regardless of the closing conditions), an abnormal winning notification will not be issued when a game ball is detected by the second start gate sensor 71, but during periods other than these, an abnormal winning notification will be issued when a game ball is detected by the second start gate sensor 71.

In this way, in this embodiment, for both the lower large prize opening 55b and the upper large prize opening 55a, which has fewer detection sensors attached than the lower large prize opening 55b, during the period when the target electric device is in an open state and the grace period that follows from that period and ends over time, an abnormal prize announcement is not made when a game ball is detected by the detection sensor associated with that large prize opening, while during periods other than these, an abnormal prize announcement is made when a game ball is detected by the detection sensor associated with that large prize opening.
Furthermore, the length of the grace period for the upper large prize opening 55a (2000 ms or 1000 ms) is configured to be shorter than the length of the grace period for the lower large prize opening 55b (3000 ms or 5000 ms).
This brings to mind the fact that the grace period is long due to the relatively small number of attached detection sensors (which means that it tends to take a long time from when the ball enters a prize opening until it is detected by the detection sensor associated with that prize opening), and by making the grace period for the upper large prize opening 55a, which is more likely to be the target of strategic plays and fraudulent activities, shorter than the grace period for the lower large prize opening 55b, which has a relatively larger number of attached detection sensors, strategic plays and fraudulent activities can be deterred.
In order to achieve this effect, in both the lower large prize opening 55b and the upper large prize opening 55a, the abnormal prize announcement may be configured so that no abnormal prize announcement is made at all when a game ball is detected by the detection sensor associated with the large prize opening during the period when the target electric device is in an open state and the grace period that follows that period.

Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, the winning openings are provided with an electric device that allows game balls to reach the detection sensors by being controlled from a closed state to an open state. There are a first winning opening (lower large winning opening 55b) and a second winning opening (upper large winning opening 55a). The number of detection sensors associated with the second winning opening (upper large winning opening sensors 72a) is less than the number of detection sensors associated with the first winning opening (lower right large winning opening sensors 72b, lower left large winning opening sensors 72c). The notification control means (first sub-control board 200, second sub-control board 300) can execute a specific notification (abnormal winning notification). When a game ball is detected by the detection sensor associated with the first or second winning slot, a specific notification is not issued at least in part when the detection of the game ball occurs during a first period that includes the period during which the electric device installed in that winning slot is controlled to be in an open state, as well as a grace period that continues from that period and ends over time. On the other hand, when the detection of the game ball occurs during a second period that is different from the first period, a specific notification is issued, and the grace period corresponding to the detection sensor associated with the second winning slot is shorter than the grace period corresponding to the detection sensor associated with the first winning slot.

In particular, in this embodiment, the number of prize balls (10) awarded when a game ball is detected by the detection sensor attached to the upper large prize opening 55a (upper large prize opening sensor 72a) is different from the number of prize balls (15) awarded when a game ball is detected by the detection sensors attached to the lower large prize opening 55b (lower right large prize opening sensor 72b, lower left large prize opening sensor 72c).
According to this, if the number of prize balls in the former is greater than the number of prize balls in the latter, it is possible to enhance the effect of deterring strategic shots and fraudulent acts. Also, if the number of prize balls in the latter is greater than the number of prize balls in the former, as in this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the damage when strategic shots or fraudulent acts are actually performed.

In other words, in the gaming machine 10, the number of prize balls that can be awarded when a gaming ball is detected by the detection sensor associated with the first prize opening (upper large prize opening 55a) is different from the number of prize balls that can be awarded when a gaming ball is detected by the detection sensor associated with the second prize opening (lower large prize opening 55b).

Also, as explained using Figure 13, in this embodiment, if the target detection sensor is the upper large prize opening sensor 72a and the open state of the target electric device (upper special electric device 65a) is due to a 4R jackpot, the detection of game balls by the upper large prize opening sensor 72a will be invalidated during a period that is different from both the period in which the target electric device is open and the grace period that follows from that period (no prize balls will be awarded due to the detection of the game balls).
This can enhance the effect of deterring the above-mentioned cheating and fraudulent behavior.

Therefore, in other words, in the gaming machine 10, when the detection sensor (upper large prize opening sensor 72a) associated with the second prize opening (upper large prize opening 55a) detects a game ball during the second period, no prize balls will be awarded based on the detection of that game ball.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the target detection sensor is the lower right large prize opening sensor 72b and the open state of the target electric device (lower special electric device 65b) is due to a 10R jackpot, the detection of game balls by the lower right large prize opening sensor 72b will be valid during a period that is different from both the period in which the target electric device is open and the grace period that follows from that period (a prize ball will be awarded upon detection of the game ball).
This makes it possible to deter cheating and other fraudulent activities while also making it difficult to disadvantage players who are playing in a normal manner.
In order to achieve this effect, if the target detection sensor is the lower left large prize opening sensor 72c and the open state of the target electric device (lower special electric device 65b) is due to a 10R jackpot, the detection of game balls by the lower left large prize opening sensor 72c may be enabled during a period different from either the period when the target electric device is open or the grace period that follows from that period. However, as in this embodiment, in such a case, it is preferable to disable the detection of game balls by the lower left large prize opening sensor 72c during a period different from either the period when the target electric device is open or the grace period that follows from that period.

Therefore, in other words, in the gaming machine 10, when the detection sensors (lower right large prize opening sensor 72b, lower left large prize opening sensor 72c) associated with the first prize opening (lower large prize opening 55b) detect a game ball during the second period, prize balls can be awarded based on the detection of that game ball.

As described above, in this embodiment, the grace period for lower right large prize opening sensor 72b (3000 ms) is shorter than the grace period for lower left large prize opening sensor 72c (5000 ms). Furthermore, the grace periods for upper large prize opening sensor 72a (2000 ms, 1000 ms) are shorter than the grace period for lower right large prize opening sensor 72b (see FIG. 12(b)).
This can enhance the effect of deterring the above-mentioned cheating and fraudulent behavior.

Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, the detection sensors associated with the first prize opening (lower large prize opening 55b) include a first detection sensor (lower right large prize opening sensor 72b) and a second detection sensor (lower left large prize opening sensor 72c) located downstream from the first detection sensor, and the detection sensors associated with the second prize opening (upper large prize opening 55a) include a third detection sensor (upper large prize opening sensor 72a), and in other words, the grace period associated with the second detection sensor is longer than the grace period associated with the first detection sensor, and the grace period associated with the third detection sensor is shorter than the grace period associated with the first detection sensor.

Furthermore, as described above, in this embodiment, when the target electric device is the upper special electric device 65a and the open state of the target electric device is an open pattern resulting from a 4R jackpot, the maximum time (30,000 ms) for the target electric device to be in an open state is shorter than the maximum time (3,000 ms) for the target electric device to be in an open state when the target electric device is the upper special electric device 65a and the open state of the target electric device is an open pattern resulting from a 2R jackpot (see Figure 12 (a)).
Furthermore, in the opening pattern relating to the former upper special electric device 65a, if the upper large prize opening sensor 72a detects a game ball during the subsequent grace period, an abnormal prize winning notification will not be issued, whereas in the opening pattern relating to the latter upper special electric device 65a, if the upper large prize opening sensor 72a detects a game ball during the subsequent grace period, an abnormal prize winning notification will be issued.
This makes it possible to prevent exploitation and fraudulent acts against the latter opening pattern, which is relatively easy to target.
In order to achieve this effect, when the upper special electric device 65a relating to the latter opening pattern is in an open state and the upper large prize opening sensor 72a detects a game ball, it is not necessary to issue an abnormal prize notification as in this embodiment, or an abnormal prize notification may be issued in such a case.

Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, the opening patterns of the electric device (upper special electric device 65a) provided in the second winning opening (upper large winning opening 55a) include a first opening pattern (an opening pattern corresponding to a 4R jackpot) and a second opening pattern (an opening pattern corresponding to a 2R jackpot) in which the period during which the electric device is controlled to an open state is shorter than that of the first opening pattern. The grace period corresponding to the second opening pattern is shorter than the grace period corresponding to the first opening pattern. In other words, when the detection sensor associated with the second winning opening detects a gaming ball during the grace period corresponding to the second opening pattern, a specific notification (abnormal winning notification) is executed, whereas when the detection sensor associated with the second winning opening detects a gaming ball during the grace period corresponding to the first opening pattern, no specific notification is executed.

<Regarding whether or not regular prize announcements will be made>
Next, using Figure 15, we will explain whether or not a normal winning notification is executed when a game ball is detected by the detection sensor corresponding to the target electric device during the period when the target electric device is in an open state, the grace period following that period, and periods other than these periods (the period from the end of the grace period until the target electric device is again in an open state).
FIG. 15 is a table that lists, for each type of detection sensor associated with the winning slot, whether or not the detection sensor will issue a normal winning notification.

As shown in Figure 15, if the target detection sensor is the upper large prize opening sensor 72a and the open state of the target electric device (upper special electric device 65a) is due to a 4R jackpot, then during the period when the target electric device is open and during the grace period leading from that period (when the specified time is reached), a normal prize winning notification will be executed upon detection of a game ball by the upper large prize opening sensor 72a, whereas during the grace period leading from that period (when the specified number is reached) and during periods other than either of these periods, a normal prize winning notification will not be executed upon detection of a game ball by the upper large prize opening sensor 72a.
Here, in this embodiment, a normal winning notification is a notification that can identify that the detection of the game ball by the detection sensor that triggered the execution of the notification is normal (not abnormal), and details of the normal winning notification will be described later.

On the other hand, if the target detection sensor is the upper large prize opening sensor 72a and the open state of the target electric device (upper special electric device 65a) is due to a 2R jackpot, then while the target electric device is open, the detection of a game ball by the upper large prize opening sensor 72a will cause a normal winning notification, but during the grace period (irrespective of the closure conditions) that follows that period, or any period that is different from either of these periods, the detection of a game ball by the upper large prize opening sensor 72a will not cause a normal winning notification.

If the target detection sensor is the lower right large prize opening sensor 72b and the open state of the target electric device (lower special electric device 65b) is due to a 10R jackpot, then during the period when the target electric device is open and during the grace period leading from that period (when the specified time is reached), a normal prize winning notification will be executed upon detection of a game ball by the lower right large prize opening sensor 72b, whereas during the grace period leading from that period (when the specified number of balls is reached) and during periods other than either of these periods, a normal prize winning notification will not be executed upon detection of a game ball by the lower right large prize opening sensor 72b.
On the other hand, if the target detection sensor is the lower left large prize opening sensor 72c and the open state of the target electric device (lower special electric device 65b) is due to a 10R jackpot, then during the period when the target electric device is in the open state, a normal prize winning notification will be executed upon detection of a game ball by the lower left large prize opening sensor 72c, but during the grace period (not dependent on the closing conditions) leading up to that period, or during a period different from either of these periods, a normal prize winning notification will not be executed upon detection of a game ball by the lower left large prize opening sensor 72c.

Furthermore, if the target detection sensor is the second start gate sensor 71 and the open state of the target electric device (normal electric device 61) is due to a normal win, then during the period when the target electric device is open and the grace period following that period (regardless of the closing conditions), the detection of a game ball by the second start gate sensor 71 will cause a normal winning notification, but during periods other than these, the detection of a game ball by the second start gate sensor 71 will not cause a normal winning notification.

<Whether or not to notify over-winning winners>
Next, using Figure 16, we will explain whether or not an over-winning notification will be executed when a game ball is detected by the detection sensor corresponding to the target electric device during the period when the target electric device is in an open state, the grace period following that period, and periods other than these periods (the period from the end of the grace period until the target electric device is in an open state again).
FIG. 16 is a table that lists, for each type of detection sensor associated with the winning slot, whether or not the detection sensor will issue an over-winning notification.

As shown in Figure 16, if the target detection sensor is the upper large prize opening sensor 72a and the open state of the target electric device (upper special electric device 65a) is due to a 4R jackpot, an over-winning notification will be executed upon detection of a game ball by the upper large prize opening sensor 72a during the grace period (when the specified number of balls is reached) following the period when the target electric device is in an open state, whereas an over-winning notification will not be executed upon detection of a game ball by the upper large prize opening sensor 72a during the period when the target electric device is in an open state, the grace period (when the specified time is reached) following that period, or any period other than these.
Here, in this embodiment, the over-winning notification is a notification that can identify that the number of game balls detected by the detection sensor that triggered the notification exceeded the specified number (10 balls) (this is not abnormal), and details of the over-winning notification will be described later.

On the other hand, if the target detection sensor is the upper large prize opening sensor 72a and the open state of the target electric device (upper special electric device 65a) is due to a 2R jackpot, the detection of a game ball by the upper large prize opening sensor 72a will not result in an over-winning notification being issued during the period in which the target electric device is open, the grace period following that period (regardless of the closure conditions), or any period different from either of these periods.

If the target detection sensor is the lower right large prize opening sensor 72b and the open state of the target electric device (lower special electric device 65b) is due to a 10R jackpot, then during the grace period (when the specified number of balls is reached) following the period in which the target electric device is open, an over-winning notification will be executed upon detection of a game ball by the lower right large prize opening sensor 72b, whereas during the period in which the target electric device is open, the grace period (when the specified time is reached) following that period, or any period other than these, an over-winning notification will not be executed upon detection of a game ball by the lower right large prize opening sensor 72b.
On the other hand, if the target detection sensor is the lower left large prize opening sensor 72c and the open state of the target electric device (lower special electric device 65b) is due to a 10R jackpot, then the over-winning notification will not be executed upon detection of a game ball by the lower left large prize opening sensor 72c during the period when the target electric device is in the open state, the grace period leading from that period (regardless of the closing conditions), or any period different from either of these periods.

Furthermore, if the target detection sensor is the second start opening sensor 71 and the open state of the target electric device (normal electric device 61) is due to a normal win, the detection of a game ball by the second start opening sensor 71 will not result in an over-winning notification being issued during the period in which the target electric device is open, the grace period following that period (regardless of the closing conditions), or any period different from either of these periods.

In this way, in this embodiment, when the target detection sensor is the lower right large prize opening sensor 72b and the open state of the current target electric device (lower special electric device 65b) is due to a 10R jackpot, and a game ball is detected by the lower right large prize opening sensor 72b during the period when the target electric device is in an open state, or when the target detection sensor is the lower left large prize opening sensor 72c and the open state of the current target electric device (lower special electric device 65b) is due to a 10R jackpot, and a game ball is detected by the lower left large prize opening sensor 72c during the period when the target electric device is in an open state, an over-winning notification is not executed.
Furthermore, if the target detection sensor is the lower right large prize opening sensor 72b and the open state of the target electric device (lower special electric device 65b) at this time is due to a 10R jackpot, then during the grace period (when the specified number of balls is reached) following the period when the target electric device is in an open state, an over-winning notification will be executed upon detection of a game ball by the lower right large prize opening sensor 72b, whereas if the target detection sensor is the lower left large prize opening sensor 72c and the open state of the target electric device (lower special electric device 65b) at this time is due to a 10R jackpot, then during the grace period (when the specified number of balls is reached) following the period when the target electric device is in an open state, an over-winning notification will not be executed upon detection of a game ball by the lower left large prize opening sensor 72c.
According to this, by configuring the system so that an over-winning notification (associated with the lower right large winning slot sensor 72b) for the lower large winning slot 55b can be executed, it is possible to increase the desire to play, while by configuring the system so that an over-winning notification for the lower left large winning slot sensor 72c, which is relatively more susceptible to strategic play and fraudulent activity due to its location downstream of the lower right large winning slot sensor 72b, is not executed, making it easier for players to recognize abnormal winning notifications for the lower left large winning slot sensor 72c, which may be executed in the period following the grace period.

Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, the detection sensors associated with the first winning slot (lower large winning slot 55b) include a first detection sensor (lower right large winning slot sensor 72b) and a second detection sensor (lower left large winning slot sensor 72c) located downstream of the first detection sensor. The notification control means (first sub-control board 200, second sub-control board 300) is capable of issuing a predetermined notification (over-winning notification). While the electric device (lower special electric device 65b) provided at the first winning slot is controlled to an open state, the predetermined notification is not issued when the first detection sensor detects a gaming ball, nor when the second detection sensor detects a gaming ball. In other words, the predetermined notification can be issued when the first detection sensor detects a gaming ball during the grace period corresponding to the first detection sensor, but is not issued when the second detection sensor detects a gaming ball during the grace period corresponding to the second detection sensor.

In this embodiment, 15 prize balls are awarded when a game ball enters the lower large prize opening 55b, that is, when a valid game ball is detected by the lower right large prize opening sensor 72b, and when a game ball is detected by the lower left large prize opening sensor 72c, but this is not limited to this.
Specifically, the number of prize balls awarded when a valid game ball is detected by the lower right large prize opening sensor 72b may be different from the number of prize balls awarded when a game ball is detected by the lower left large prize opening sensor 72c.
In particular, in this configuration, the number of prize balls awarded when a game ball is detected by the lower left large prize opening sensor 72c may be less than the number of prize balls awarded when a valid game ball is detected by the lower right large prize opening sensor 72b. This can reduce the damage caused when a game is actually played with a strategy or cheating.

<Details about abnormal winning notification, normal winning notification, and over-winning notification>
Next, details of the abnormal winning notification, normal winning notification, and over winning notification will be explained using FIG.
Note that Figure 17(a) is a table summarizing the content and termination conditions of abnormal winning notifications for each type of detection sensor that triggered the execution, and Figure 17(b) is a table summarizing the content of normal winning notifications and over-winning notifications for each type of detection sensor that triggered the execution.

As shown in Figure 17 (a), the abnormal winning notification that is triggered by the detection of a game ball by the upper large winning port sensor 72a displays the words "Abnormal winning 1 has occurred" in the display area of the main display unit 81, and the abnormal winning notification ends when power is restored (regardless of whether or not this involves the execution of a RAM clear process; this also applies to the power restoration described below) or when five minutes have passed since the detection of the game ball that triggered the notification.
The abnormal winning notification is triggered by the detection of a game ball by the lower right large winning port sensor 72b, and the words "Abnormal winning 2 has occurred" are displayed in the display area of the main display unit 81. The abnormal winning notification ends when power is restored or 30 seconds have passed since the detection of the game ball that triggered the notification.
The abnormal winning notification, which is triggered by the detection of a game ball by the second starting port sensor 71, displays the words "Abnormal winning 3 has occurred" in the display area of the main display unit 81, and the abnormal winning notification ends when 15 seconds have passed since the power was cut off and restored or the detection of the game ball that triggered the notification.
In this embodiment, since an abnormal winning notification is not executed when a game ball is detected by the lower left large winning opening sensor 72c, the description thereof is omitted in Figure 17 (a).

In this way, in this embodiment, the notification mode of the abnormal winning notification is changed depending on the type of detection sensor that triggers the execution of the abnormal winning notification.
In addition, the time required for the abnormal winning notification to be completed upon detection of a game ball by the upper large winning opening sensor 72a (5 minutes) is configured to be longer than the time required for the abnormal winning notification to be completed upon detection of a game ball by the lower right large winning opening sensor 72b (30 seconds).

17(b), in this embodiment, the normal winning notification executed by the detection of a gaming ball by the upper large winning opening sensor 72a is the display of the word "+10" in black in the display area of the main display unit 81, and the normal winning notification executed by the detection of a gaming ball by the lower right large winning opening sensor 72b or the lower left large winning opening sensor 72c is the display of the word "+15" in black in the display area of the main display unit 81. Note that the notification mode for the normal winning notification executed by the detection of a gaming ball by the lower right large winning opening sensor 72b may be different from the notification mode for the normal winning notification executed by the detection of a gaming ball by the lower left large winning opening sensor 72c.
Furthermore, the normal winning notification that is executed when the second start gate sensor 71 detects a game ball is the display of the reserved image described above in the display area of the main display unit 81. However, when the special image 2 reserved counter has reached its upper limit, even if the second start gate sensor 71 detects a game ball, the normal winning notification that corresponds to the detection is not executed.

In addition, an over-winning notification is made when a game ball is detected by the upper large winning opening sensor 72a, and the letters "+10" are displayed in red in the display area related to the main display unit 81, and an over-winning notification is made when a game ball is detected by the lower right large winning opening sensor 72b, and the letters "+15" are displayed in red in the display area related to the main display unit 81.
In this embodiment, an over-winning notification is not issued when a game ball is detected by the lower left large winning port sensor 72c or the second starting port sensor 71, so the description is omitted in Figure 17 (b).

In this way, in this embodiment, the notification mode of the normal winning notification changes depending on the type of detection sensor that triggers the normal winning notification. This is also true for the over winning notification. Note that these notifications end after the images (video images) corresponding to the notification have been played once after they are executed, and the playback time is approximately 3 seconds.

<Other Modifications>
Modifications not mentioned in the above description are listed below.

First, with regard to each of the above-mentioned notifications (abnormal winning notification, normal winning notification, over-winning notification), the execution entity is not limited to the main display unit 81, but may also be executed by devices such as the speaker 33 or frame lamp 35. Furthermore, some or all of these notifications may be executed by multiple devices.

In addition, in this embodiment, for all of the upper special electric device 65a, the lower special electric device 65b, and the normal electric device 61, one opening (an opening related to one opening pattern, an opening related to one round of play) is composed of one opening of the electric device, but this is not limited to this.
Specifically, the single opening may be made up of multiple openings of the electric device, in which case the total value of the opening time of the electric device (the time during which it is controlled to be in an open state) may be configured to match the opening time corresponding to the above-mentioned opening pattern. Note that in this way, when a single opening is made up of multiple openings of the electric device, the period defined by one opening and the next opening of the multiple openings of the electric device (the period between these openings) may be treated as the open state of the above-mentioned target electric device, rather than as a grace period.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, whether or not these notifications (abnormal winning notification, normal winning notification, over-winning notification) are executed is determined by a combination of the type of detection sensor and the type of period (open state of the target electric device, grace period, period other than these periods), but these conditions may also be supplemented by the number of times the target detection sensor detects game balls (within the target period) exceeding any threshold value.

In addition, in this embodiment, as long as the relationships between the probability, ratio, frequency, prize balls, and time, the amount, and length of time are guaranteed, it is possible to ensure that there are no smaller values, or that there are always larger values.
Furthermore, each lottery value in the lottery table illustrated in this embodiment is an example, and as long as the magnitude relationship between the lottery tables is maintained, each lottery value may adopt any value within the range.
Furthermore, in the above explanation, the amount of profit when a game ball enters a winning slot is defined by the number of prize balls, but this is not limited to this, and the amount of profit may also be defined by the rate at which a favorable game state (normal high probability or special high probability) is awarded.

In addition, in the above explanation, the recovery state upon power restoration is determined by referring to the state of the RAM clear switch 43 upon power restoration, but it is also possible to refer to whether the time the RAM clear switch 43 has been in the ON state since power restoration exceeds a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds). In this way, the occurrence of erroneous RAM clear processing can be further reduced.

In addition, in the above explanation, the state of the middle frame door open sensor 76 (open/closed state of the middle frame 17) was referenced when determining the recovery state upon power restoration, but the recovery state may be set without reference to this state. In this case, the recovery state upon power restoration may be uniformly set according to the case when the middle frame door open sensor 76 is ON (the middle frame 17 is open).

The present invention described above is not limited to the above description, and includes various modifications, improvements, and other aspects as long as the objectives of the present invention are achieved.

<Additional Notes>
The present embodiment encompasses the following technical idea.
(1)
A gaming machine capable of shooting game balls, having a plurality of winning holes each having a detection sensor for detecting the game balls, and capable of awarding prize balls when the game balls are detected by the detection sensor,
A notification means;
notification control means for controlling the notification means;
Equipped with
The winning openings include a first winning opening and a second winning opening, each of which is provided with an electric device that is controlled from a closed state to an open state to allow the game ball to reach the detection sensor,
The number of the detection sensors relating to the second winning opening is less than the number of the detection sensors relating to the first winning opening,
The notification control means is capable of executing a specific notification,
When the detection sensor associated with the first winning opening or the second winning opening detects a gaming ball,
When the detection of the game ball occurs during a first period, which includes a grace period that is connected to the period during which the electric device provided at the winning opening is controlled to the open state and ends over time, the specific notification is not executed at least in part,
When the detection of the game ball occurs in a second period different from the first period, the specific notification is executed,
The grace period corresponding to the detection sensor related to the second winning opening is shorter than the grace period corresponding to the detection sensor related to the first winning opening.
A gaming machine characterized by:
(2)
The gaming machine according to (1) above,
When the detection sensor associated with the second winning port detects a game ball during the second period, no prize balls are awarded based on the detection of the game ball.
A gaming machine characterized by:
(3)
The gaming machine according to (2) above,
When the detection sensor associated with the first winning port detects a game ball during the second period, a prize ball may be awarded based on the detection of the game ball.
A gaming machine characterized by:
(4)
The gaming machine according to (3) above,
The opening patterns of the electric role provided in the second winning port include a first opening pattern and a second opening pattern in which the period during which the electric role is controlled to the open state is shorter than that of the first opening pattern,
the grace period corresponding to the second opening pattern is shorter than the grace period corresponding to the first opening pattern;
When the detection sensor related to the second winning port detects a game ball during the grace period corresponding to the second opening pattern, the specific notification is executed,
When the detection sensor related to the second winning port detects a game ball during the grace period corresponding to the first opening pattern, the specific notification is not executed.
A gaming machine characterized by:
(5)
The gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (4) above,
The detection sensors associated with the first winning port include a first detection sensor and a second detection sensor located downstream of the first detection sensor,
the notification control means is capable of executing a predetermined notification,
During the period when the electric device provided in the first winning opening is controlled to the open state, the predetermined notification is not executed when the first detection sensor detects a game ball and when the second detection sensor detects a game ball,
When the first detection sensor detects a game ball during the grace period corresponding to the first detection sensor, the predetermined notification may be executed,
When the second detection sensor detects a gaming ball during the grace period corresponding to the second detection sensor, the predetermined notification is not executed.
A gaming machine characterized by:
(a)
The detection sensors associated with the first winning port include a first detection sensor and a second detection sensor located downstream of the first detection sensor,
The detection sensor associated with the second winning port includes a third detection sensor,
the grace period corresponding to the second detection sensor is longer than the grace period corresponding to the first detection sensor;
the grace period corresponding to the third detection sensor is shorter than the grace period corresponding to the first detection sensor;
A gaming machine characterized by:

10 Gaming machine 15 Outer frame 17 Middle frame 20 Front frame 21 Hinge mechanism 22 Movable decorative body 23 Cylinder lock 25 Transparent member 27 Upper ball tray 29 Lower ball tray 31 Operation handle 32 Upper frame portion 33 (33a, 33b) Speaker 34a, 34b Left and right side frame portions 35 (35a, 35b, 35c) Frame lamp 36 Ball ejection mechanism 37 Performance button 38 Cursor button 38a Up cursor button 38b Down cursor button 38c Left cursor button 38d Right cursor button 38e Middle cursor button 39 Main operation unit 39a Ball loan button 39b Return button 40 Power switch 43 RAM clear switch 46 Game ball tank 47 Tank rail 48 Payout unit 49 Payout passage 50 Game board 50a Game area 51 Outer rail 52 Windmill 53 Inner rail 54, protective member 55, large prize opening 55a, upper large prize opening 55b, lower large prize opening 57, first start opening 59, second start opening 61, normal electric device 62, normal electric device solenoid 63, gate 65, special electric device 65a, upper special electric device 65b, lower special electric device 66, special electric device solenoid 67, general prize opening 69, outlet opening 70, first start opening sensor 71, second start opening sensor 72, large prize opening sensor 72a, upper large prize opening sensor 72b, lower right large prize opening sensor 72c, lower left large prize opening sensor 73, general prize opening sensor 74, gate sensor 75, outlet ball sensor 76, middle frame door open sensor 77, front frame door open sensor 80, performance display device 81, main display unit 82, sub-display unit 82a, upper sub-display unit 82b, left sub-display unit 82c, right sub-display unit 90 Symbol display device 91 First special symbol display device 92 Second special symbol display device 93 Ordinary symbol display device 94 First special symbol reservation lamp 95 Second special symbol reservation lamp 96 Ordinary symbol reservation lamp 100 Main control board 101 CPU
102 ROM
103 RAM
104 I/O port 105 Random number circuit 109 Main control board case 110 Ball entry determination means 115 Main random number generation means 120 Main hold control means 125 Advance determination means 130 Special symbol lottery means 131 Special symbol win/loss determination means 132 Special symbol stop symbol lottery means 133 Special symbol variation pattern derivation means 135 Regular symbol lottery means 140 Big win game control means 145 Symbol display control means 150 Electric role control means 155 Game state control means 160 Main information storage means 165 Main error control means 170 Main command management means 175 Power restoration processing execution means 176 Recovery state setting means 179 Playable state transition means 180 Power cut processing execution means 200 First sub-control board 201 CPU
202 ROM
203 RAM
204 I/O port 209 First sub-control board case 210 Sub-random number generation means 220 Normal presentation control means 221 Presentation mode control means 222 Presentation route determination means 223 Sub-hold control means 224 Pre-reading presentation control means 225 Presentation content determination means 226 Decorative pattern control means 227 Big win presentation control means 230 Sub-error control means 240 Lamp control means 245 Movable role control means 260 Sub-information storage means 270 Sub-command management means 300 Second sub-control board 301 CPU
302 ROM
303 RAM
304 I/O port 309 Second sub-control board case 310 Audio control board 311 CPU
312 ROM
313 RAM
314 I/O port 400 Dispensing control board 409 Dispensing control board case 500 Power supply control board 501 Normal power supply circuit 502 Backup power supply circuit 503 Power interruption detection circuit 509 Power supply control board case X First flow path Y Second flow path

Claims (1)

A gaming machine capable of shooting game balls, having a plurality of winning holes each having a detection sensor for detecting the game balls, and capable of awarding prize balls when the game balls are detected by the detection sensor,
A notification means;
notification control means for controlling the notification means;
Equipped with
The winning openings are provided with a first winning opening and a second winning opening, each of which is provided with an electric device that allows the game ball to reach the detection sensor by controlling a solenoid from a first control state in which the game ball cannot enter the winning opening to a second control state in which the game ball can enter the winning opening, and
The number of the detection sensors relating to the second winning opening is less than the number of the detection sensors relating to the first winning opening,
The notification control means is capable of executing a specific notification,
When the detection sensor associated with the first winning opening or the second winning opening detects a gaming ball,
When the detection of the game ball occurs during a first period, which includes a grace period that continues from the period in which the electric device provided at the winning port is controlled to the second control state and ends over time, the specific notification is not executed at least in part,
When the detection of the game ball occurs in a second period different from the first period, the specific notification is executed,
The grace period corresponding to the detection sensor related to the second winning opening is shorter than the grace period corresponding to the detection sensor related to the first winning opening,
The detection sensors associated with the first winning port include a first detection sensor and a second detection sensor located downstream of the first detection sensor,
configured to be able to execute a predetermined notification different from the specific notification,
During the period when the electric device provided in the first winning port is controlled to the second control state, the predetermined notification is not executed when the first detection sensor detects a game ball and when the second detection sensor detects a game ball,
When the first detection sensor detects a game ball during the grace period corresponding to the first detection sensor, the predetermined notification may be executed,
When the second detection sensor detects a gaming ball during the grace period corresponding to the second detection sensor, the predetermined notification is not executed.
A gaming machine characterized by: