JP7811193B2 - gaming machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an amusement machine.

Conventionally, gaming machines are known that have game states including a non-time-saving game state and a time-saving game state in which the game ball is more likely to enter the starting hole than in the non-time-saving game state. For example, the gaming machine shown in Patent Document 1 discloses a game feature in which the number of time-saving spins is set to be greater when a specified jackpot symbol is hit in the time-saving game state than when a specified jackpot symbol is hit in the non-time-saving game state.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-124221

As mentioned above, simply varying the number of time-saving bonuses awarded depending on whether the game state at the time of winning the jackpot is non-time-saving or time-saving, results in a narrow range of gameplay. Therefore, there is a need for the development of gaming machines that can increase the enjoyment of gameplay by providing new and unprecedented gameplay.

The purpose of this invention is to provide a gaming machine that can offer new gameplay.

In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine of the present invention comprises:
a game board having a starting area;
A movable member that changes the ease with which the game ball enters the starting area;
A determination means for determining whether or not a game has been won based on the entry of the game ball into the starting area;
A winning game control means for executing a winning game in which a big prize opening provided on the game board is opened based on the result of the winning/losing judgment;
A state setting means for setting the movable member to one of a plurality of states including a normal state, a first specific state in which the movable member is controlled so that the game ball can enter the starting area more easily than in the normal state, and a second specific state;
Equipped with
The state setting means
When the winning game is executed due to the establishment of a first start condition including the fact that a first winning determination result is derived, the state after the winning game is set as the first specific state,
When a preset second start condition is established, the state is set to the second specific state without going through the winning game,
ending the first specific state or the second specific state based on the fact that the number of predetermined games has reached a preset number of endings in the first specific state or the second specific state;
The number of times to end the first specific state after the winning game executed when the first start condition is established varies depending on whether the state when the first start condition is established is the first specific state or the second specific state,
When a second hit determination result is derived in the first specific state, the first specific state can be set after a predetermined state;
The predetermined state has a higher expected value that a winning determination result will be derived by the winning/losing determination and the winning game will be executed than the first specific state and the second specific state,
the expected value of prize balls that can be acquired from the determination result of the second win in the first specific state to the setting of the first specific state via the predetermined state is higher than the expected value of prize balls that can be acquired from the determination result of the first win in the first specific state to the setting of the first specific state after the winning game;
It is characterized by:

This invention makes it possible to increase the enjoyment of games.

1 is a perspective view of the gaming machine with the door open. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a gaming machine. This is an address map of the memory area used by the main CPU. A diagram explaining the special 1 jackpot determination random number judgment table. This is a diagram explaining the random number judgment table for determining a jackpot for special 2. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a winning symbol random number determination table. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a reach group determination random number determination table. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a reach mode determination random number determination table. 10 is a diagram illustrating a fluctuation pattern random number determination table. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a variable time determination table. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a special electric accessory operation ram set table. A diagram explaining the opening and closing manner of the second large prize opening and the opening and closing manner of a specific area by a movable member. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a game status setting table for setting the game status after the end of a major winning game. This is a diagram explaining a random number judgment table for determining a normal winning number. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a random number determination table. 10A is a diagram illustrating a normal symbol fluctuation time data table, and FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating an opening/closing control pattern table. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the gameplay of the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a gaming machine status flag. 10 is a first flowchart illustrating a CPU initialization process in a main control board. 10 is a second flowchart illustrating the CPU initialization process in the main control board. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a sub-command group setting process on the main control board. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a power-off evacuation process in the main control board. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a timer interrupt process in the main control board. 10 is a flowchart illustrating setting-related processing in the main control board. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a switch management process in the main control board. 10 is a flowchart explaining the general map reservation processing on the main control board. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the first starting port passing process in the main control board. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the second starting port passing process in the main control board. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the special pattern random number acquisition process on the main control board. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a specific area passing process in the main control board. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a special game management phase. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the special game management process on the main control board. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the special symbol change waiting process on the main control board. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the special pattern variable number determination process on the main control board. 10 is a flowchart explaining the processing during special pattern fluctuations on the main control board. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the special symbol stop symbol display process on the main control board. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a number of cutoff management process in the main control board. This is a flowchart explaining the processing before opening the large prize opening on the main control board. This is a flowchart explaining the large prize opening/closing switching process on the main control board. 10 is a flowchart explaining the control process for opening the large prize opening on the main control board. This is a flowchart explaining the large prize opening closure validity processing on the main control board. This is a flowchart explaining the large prize slot end wait processing on the main control board. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the normal game management phase. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the normal game management process on the main control board. 10 is a flowchart explaining the normal pattern change waiting process on the main control board. This is a flowchart explaining the processing during normal pattern fluctuations on the main control board. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the normal symbol stop symbol display process on the main control board. This is a flowchart explaining the pre-opening processing of the winning slot of a normal electric device on the main control board. This is a flowchart explaining the normal electric role winning opening/closing switching process on the main control board. This is a flowchart explaining the control process for opening the winning slot of a normal electric device on the main control board. This is a flowchart explaining the normal electric device winning opening closure validity processing on the main control board. This is a flowchart explaining the normal electric device winning slot end wait processing on the main control board. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a presentation when the second time-shortened gaming state is set. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a stock effect. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a stock release effect. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a sub-CPU initialization process in the sub-control board. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a sub-timer interrupt process in the sub-control board. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a variable command receiving process in the sub-control board. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a pre-read designation command reception process in the sub-control board. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an opening designation command reception process on the sub-control board. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a game status setting table for setting the game status after the end of a big win game in a modified example.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dimensions, materials, and other specific values shown in these embodiments are merely examples intended to facilitate understanding of the invention and, unless otherwise specified, do not limit the present invention. Furthermore, in this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same function and configuration are designated by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanation, and elements not directly related to the present invention are not shown.

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

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the gaming machine 100, showing the door in an open state. As shown, the gaming machine 100 comprises an outer frame 102, whose four sides are assembled in a roughly rectangular shape to form an enclosed space, an inner frame 104 attached to the outer frame 102 by a hinge mechanism so as to be able to open and close freely, and a front frame 106 attached to the inner frame 104 by a hinge mechanism so as to be able to open and close freely.

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

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

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

The game ball launched in this manner rises between rails 114a and 114b provided on the game board 108 and is guided into the game area 116, as shown in Figure 3.

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

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

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

As will be described in more detail below, a first starting area is provided within the first starting hole 120, and a second starting area is provided within the second starting hole 122. When a gaming ball enters the first starting hole 120 or the second starting hole 122 and enters the first starting area or the second starting area, a lottery is held to determine one of a number of pre-established special symbols. Each special symbol is associated with various gaming benefits, such as whether or not a player can execute a major win game or a minor win game that is advantageous to the player, and what the subsequent gaming state will be. Therefore, when a gaming ball enters the first starting hole 120 or the second starting hole 122, the player not only acquires a predetermined prize ball, but also gains the opportunity to acquire the right to receive various gaming benefits.

Two first starting ports 120 are provided. Here, one of the two first starting ports 120 will be referred to as first starting port 120A, and the other first starting port 120 will be referred to as first starting port 120B. There is no functional difference between first starting port 120A and first starting port 120B, and the same processing is performed regardless of whether a game ball enters first starting port 120A or first starting port 120B.

The first starting opening 120A is located at the bottom of the game area 116 and is either only accessible to game balls flowing down the first game area 116a, or is positioned so that game balls that have entered the first game area 116a have an easier time entering than game balls that have entered the second game area 116b.

The first starting opening 120B is located in the second game area 116b and is designed to allow game balls flowing down the second game area 116b to enter. However, above the first starting opening 120B, a normal ball operation opening 125 (described below) is located, and the normal ball operation opening 125 is configured to prevent game balls from entering the first starting opening 120B. Here, for example, the board is configured so that when approximately 100 game balls are launched into the second game area 116b, only one game ball will enter the first starting opening 120B.

The second starting hole 122 is located in the second game area 116b, and is either only accessible to game balls flowing down the second game area 116b, or is positioned so that game balls that have entered the second game area 116b can enter more easily than game balls that have entered the first game area 116a.

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

The movable piece 122b normally sinks into the rear side of the game board 108, closing the second starting opening 122, causing the game ball to flow down the front side of the movable piece 122b, making it impossible or difficult for the game ball to enter the second starting opening 122.

In contrast, when a gaming ball passes through the gate 124 provided in the second gaming area 116b or enters the normal symbol activation port 125, a lottery for normal symbols, described below, is held. The normal symbols include winning symbols, and if a winning symbol is selected, an auxiliary game is executed. The auxiliary game is a game in which the movable piece 122b protrudes toward the front side of the gaming board 108, allowing the gaming ball to enter the second activation port 122.

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

Furthermore, the first large prize opening 126 and the second large prize opening 128 are located at positions where game balls flowing down at least the second game area 116b can enter. Specifically, the first large prize opening 126 is located above the second starting opening 122 in the second game area 116b. Furthermore, the second large prize opening 128 is located below the second starting opening 122 in the second game area 116b.

The first large prize opening 126 is provided with a movable piece 126b that can be opened and closed. Normally, the movable piece 126b closes the first large prize opening 126, preventing game balls from entering the first large prize opening 126. When the major prize game described below begins, the movable piece 126b opens, allowing game balls to enter the first large prize opening 126.

Specifically, the movable piece 126b faces above the gaming machine 100 and protrudes into the second gaming area 116b (gaming area 116) where gaming balls roll and flow down. Therefore, when the movable piece 126b is maintained in a closed state, gaming balls flowing down the second gaming area 116b will fall onto the movable piece 128b.

Here, the movable piece 126b, which is maintained in the closed state, is tilted so that the right side of the gaming machine 100 is slightly lower than the left side. Therefore, when the movable piece 126b is in the closed state, a gaming ball that falls onto the movable piece 126b will roll slowly from left to right on the movable piece 126b.

When a major prize game, described below, is executed, the movable piece 126b transitions to an open state, opening the first large prize opening 126. Here, the movable piece 126b is caused to protrude and retract in the front-to-rear direction of the gaming machine 100 through a hole formed in the gaming board 108 by an actuator (solenoid) not shown. Normally, the actuator is kept de-energized, and the movable piece 126b is held in a position protruding further forward than the hole in the gaming board 108, closing the first large prize opening 126. When the actuator is energized, the movable piece 126b is held in a position retracted further back than the hole in the gaming board 108, opening the first large prize opening 126. In this way, when the first large prize opening 126 is open, a gaming ball enters the first large prize opening 126.

Moreover, the width of the movable piece 126b is set to be equal to or greater than the diameter of a gaming ball (11 mm) so that multiple gaming balls can roll on the movable piece 126b at the same time and multiple gaming balls can enter the first large winning opening 126 at the same time.

When a gaming ball enters the first major winning opening 126, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the player. In this embodiment, 15 gaming balls are paid out to the player as prize balls for each gaming ball that enters the first major winning opening 126. In other words, by having a gaming ball enter the first major winning opening 126, the player can increase the number of gaming balls they own.

In addition, the second large prize opening 128 is provided with a movable piece 128b that can be opened and closed. Normally, the movable piece 128b closes the second large prize opening 128, preventing game balls from entering the second large prize opening 128. When a small prize game, which will be described later, is played, the movable piece 128b opens, allowing game balls to enter the second large prize opening 128.

Specifically, the movable piece 128b protrudes into the game area 116, where game balls roll and flow down, so as to face above the gaming machine 100. Therefore, when the movable piece 128b is maintained in a closed state, game balls flowing down the second game area 116b (game area 116) will fall onto the movable piece 128b. Here, the movable piece 128b maintained in a closed state is tilted so that the left side of the gaming machine 100 is slightly lower than the right side. Therefore, when the movable piece 128b is in a closed state, game balls that fall onto the movable piece 128b will roll slowly from right to left on the movable piece 128b.

When a small jackpot game, described below, is executed, the movable piece 128b transitions to an open state, opening the second large prize opening 128. Here, the movable piece 128b is caused to protrude and retract in the front-to-rear direction of the gaming machine 100 through a hole formed in the gaming board 108 by an actuator (solenoid) not shown. Normally, the actuator is kept de-energized, and the movable piece 128b is held in a position protruding further forward than the hole in the gaming board 108, closing the second large prize opening 128. When the actuator is energized, the movable piece 128b is held in a position retracted further back than the hole in the gaming board 108, opening the second large prize opening 128. In this way, when the second large prize opening 128 is open, a gaming ball enters the second large prize opening 128.

Moreover, the width of the movable piece 128b is set to be equal to or greater than the diameter of a gaming ball (11 mm) so that multiple gaming balls can roll on the movable piece 128b at the same time and multiple gaming balls can enter the second large winning opening 128 at the same time.

When a gaming ball enters the second large winning opening 128, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the player. In this embodiment, one gaming ball is paid out to the player as a prize ball for each gaming ball that enters the second large winning opening 128. In other words, even if a gaming ball enters the second large winning opening 128, the number of gaming balls held by the player does not increase. This makes it possible to prevent excessive gambling.

In addition, a lead-out path 128d is provided inside the second large prize opening 128, and the second large prize opening 128 is inclined so that a gaming ball that enters the second large prize opening 128 is led to the lead-out path 128d. The lead-out path 128d is provided with a specific area 140b and a non-specific area 140c, which are holes through which gaming balls can pass, and is configured so that a gaming ball that enters the second large prize opening 128 will pass through either the specific area 140b or the non-specific area 140c.

The second large winning opening 128 is provided with a movable member 142 that opens and closes the specific area 140b and the non-specific area 140c. This movable member 142 appears and disappears in the front-to-rear direction of the gaming machine 100 through a hole formed in the gaming board 108 by an actuator (solenoid) not shown. Normally, the actuator is kept in an unpowered state, and the movable member 142 is held in a position that protrudes further forward than the hole in the gaming board 108, preventing gaming balls from entering the specific area 140b. More specifically, when the movable member 142 is held in a position that protrudes further forward than the hole in the gaming board 108, the specific area 140b is blocked by the movable member 142, allowing gaming balls to pass through the non-specific area 140c.

Furthermore, when the actuator is energized, the movable member 142 is held in a position recessed behind the hole in the gaming board 108, allowing the gaming ball to enter the specific area 140b. More specifically, when the movable member 142 is held in a position recessed behind the hole in the gaming board 108, the specific area 140b is opened, allowing the gaming ball to pass through the specific area 140b. As will be described in more detail below, if a gaming ball enters the specific area 140b during a small prize game, a jackpot (type 2 jackpot) is awarded, and the major prize game described below begins.

At the bottom of the game area 116, there is a discharge port 130 that discharges game balls that do not enter any of the general winning opening 118, first starting opening 120, second starting opening 122, general operation opening 125, first large winning opening 126, or second large winning opening 128 from the game area 116 to the back side of the game board 108.

The gaming machine 100 is also provided with a performance display device 200 consisting of a liquid crystal display device as a performance device that produces effects while the game is in progress. As shown in FIG. 2, the gaming machine 100 is also provided with a performance lighting device 204 consisting of lamps that can be controlled to various lighting modes and emission colors, a sound output device 206 consisting of a speaker, and a performance button 208 that accepts player operation, as performance devices that produce effects while the game is in progress.

As shown in FIG. 3, the effect display device 200 also includes a main effect display unit 200a, which is made up of an image display unit that displays images. The main effect display unit 200a is located approximately in the center of the gaming board 108 and is visible from the front side of the gaming machine 100. This main effect display unit 200a displays images for various effects.

Returning to Figure 2, the audio output device 206 is located at the top of the front frame 106 or at the bottom of the outer frame 102, and outputs various sounds toward the front of the gaming machine 100 in accordance with the images displayed on the main effect display section 200a.

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

In the figure, reference numeral 132 denotes an upper tray into which prize balls paid out from the gaming machine 100 and game balls dispensed from the game ball dispenser are guided; when this upper tray 132 is full of game balls, the game balls are guided to the lower tray 134. A ball ejection hole (not shown) is formed in the bottom surface of this lower tray 134 for ejecting game balls from the lower tray 134. This ball ejection hole is normally closed by an opening/closing plate (not shown); however, by pushing in the ball ejection knob 134a, the opening/closing plate slides together with the ball ejection knob 134a, allowing game balls to be ejected from the ball ejection hole below the lower tray 134.

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

(Internal configuration of control means)
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the control means that controls the progress of the game.

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

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

The main control board 300 includes a general winning opening detection switch 118s that detects when a game ball enters the general winning opening 118, a first starting opening detection switch 120s that detects when a game ball enters the first starting opening 120, a second starting opening detection switch 122s that detects when a game ball enters the second starting opening 122, a gate detection switch 124s that detects when a game ball passes through the gate 124, and a general operation opening detection switch 125s that detects when a game ball enters the general operation opening 125. A first large prize opening detection switch 126s detects when a game ball enters the first large prize opening 126, a second large prize opening detection switch 128s detects when a game ball enters the second large prize opening 128, a specific area detection switch 140s detects when a game ball enters the specific area 140b, and an out ball detection switch 130s detects when a game ball is ejected from the game area 116 are connected, and detection signals are input from each of these detection switches to the main control board 300.

Note that a first start port detection switch 120s is provided at each of the first start ports 120A and 120B. Therefore, two first start port detection switches 120s are connected to the main control board 300.

In addition, a junction passage is provided on the back of the game board 108, and game balls that enter the general winning opening 118, first starting opening 120, second starting opening 122, first large winning opening 126, and second large winning opening 128, as well as game balls that are guided to the back side from the discharge opening 130, join together in the junction passage and are then guided to the game facility's facilities. The out ball detection switch 130s is provided in the junction passage, and all game balls that are discharged from the game area 116, in other words, all game balls that are launched into the game area 116, are detected by the out ball detection switch 130s.

In addition, the main control board 300 is connected to a normal electric device solenoid 122c that operates the movable piece 122b of the second starting opening 122, a first large winning opening solenoid 126c that operates the movable piece 126b that opens and closes the first large winning opening 126, a second large winning opening solenoid 128c that operates the movable piece 128b that opens and closes the second large winning opening 128, and a movable member drive solenoid 142c that moves the movable member 142 provided within the second large winning opening 128. The main control board 300 controls the opening and closing of the second starting opening 122, first large winning opening 126, second large winning opening 128, and specific area 140b.

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

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

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

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

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

In addition, the main control board 300 is connected to the dispensing control board 310 and the sub-control board 330.

The payout control board 310 controls the firing of game balls and the payout of prize balls. This payout control board 310 also has a CPU, ROM, and RAM, and is connected to the main control board 300 for bidirectional communication. A game information output terminal board 312 is connected to this payout control board 310, and various information on game progress output from the main control board 300 is output to the gaming parlor's hall computer, etc. via the payout control board 310 and the game information output terminal board 312.

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

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

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

In addition, a launch control circuit 320 is connected to the payout control board 310 so that it can communicate bidirectionally. When the launch control circuit 320 receives launch control data from the payout control board 310, it authorizes the launch. Connected to the launch control circuit 320 are a touch sensor 112s provided on the operating handle 112, which detects when the player touches the operating handle 112, and an operating volume 112a, which detects the operating angle of the operating handle 112. When signals are input from the touch sensor 112s and the operating volume 112a, the launch control circuit 320 controls the energization of a launch solenoid 112c provided on the game ball launcher, thereby launching the game ball.

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

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

The sub-control board 330 also controls the movement of the stage prop device 202 and the lighting of the stage lighting devices 204 and 204a, as well as audio output control for outputting sound from the audio output device 206. Furthermore, when an operation detection signal is input from the stage button detection switch 208s, which detects that the stage button 208 has been pressed, a predetermined performance is executed.

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

Figure 5 is an address map of the memory area used by the main CPU 300a. Note that in Figure 5, addresses are shown in hexadecimal, with "H" indicating a hexadecimal number. As shown in Figure 5, the memory area used by the main CPU 300a includes the memory area allocated to the main ROM 300b (0000H to 2FFFH) and the memory area allocated to the main RAM 300c (F000H to F3FFH).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As mentioned above, the gaming machine 100 allows two types of games, special games and regular games, to proceed in parallel, and the game states in which these two games proceed are the non-time-saving game state, the first time-saving game state, and the second time-saving game state. In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the first time-saving game state and the second time-saving game state, these two game states will be collectively referred to as the time-saving game state.

Details of each game state will be provided later, but the non-time-saving game state is a game state in which the movable piece 122b is less likely to open and the game ball is less likely to enter the second starting hole 122, and the time-saving game state is a game state in which the movable piece 122b is more likely to open than in the non-time-saving game state and the game ball is more likely to enter the second starting hole 122. Each of these three game states has game progression conditions that are at least partially different from each other, and game progresses according to the progression conditions that correspond to the game state currently set. The initial state of the gaming machine 100 is set to the non-time-saving game state.

When a player operates the operating handle 112 to launch a gaming ball into the gaming area 116, and the gaming ball flowing down the gaming area 116 enters the first starting opening 120 or the second starting opening 122, a lottery (hereinafter referred to as the "big prize lottery") is held to determine whether or not the player will receive a gaming benefit. In this big prize lottery, if a big prize is won, a big prize game is executed in which the first big prize opening 126 is opened, and if a small prize is won, a small prize game is executed in which the second big prize opening 128 is opened, and a big prize game that develops from the small prize game can also be executed. The big prize lottery method is explained below.

As will be described in more detail below, when a gaming ball enters the first start port 120 or the second start port 122, various random number values related to the big prize lottery (jackpot determination random number, winning symbol random number, reach group determination random number, reach mode determination random number, and variable pattern random number) are obtained, and these random number values are stored in the special symbol reserve memory area of the main RAM 300c. Hereinafter, the various random numbers stored in the special symbol reserve memory area when a gaming ball enters the first start port 120 will be collectively referred to as special 1 reserve, and the various random numbers stored in the special symbol reserve memory area when a gaming ball enters the second start port 122 will be collectively referred to as special 2 reserve.

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

For example, when a gaming ball enters the first starting hole 120, if no reserve is stored in any of the first to fourth memory units of the first special chart reserve memory area, a special 1 reserve is stored in the first memory unit. Also, for example, if a special 1 reserve is stored in the first to third memory units and a gaming ball enters the first starting hole 120, a special 1 reserve is stored in the fourth memory unit.

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

Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the special 1 jackpot determination random number judgment table. When a game ball enters the first start hole 120 or the second start hole 122, a jackpot determination random number is obtained from the range of 0 to 65535. Then, a jackpot determination random number judgment table is selected according to the hold type read when the jackpot lottery begins, and the jackpot lottery is held using the selected jackpot determination random number judgment table and the obtained jackpot determination random number.

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

When the setting value is set to 1 (registered setting value = 1), the big prize lottery is conducted by referencing the special 1 jackpot determination random number judgment table a shown in Figure 6(a). According to this special 1 jackpot determination random number judgment table a, a jackpot is determined to have occurred if the jackpot determination random number is between 20001 and 20206, and any other jackpot determination random number is determined to have occurred as a miss. Therefore, the probability of a jackpot in this case is approximately 1/318.1.

Also, when the setting value is set to 2 (registered setting value = 2), the big prize lottery is conducted by referencing the special 1 jackpot determination random number judgment table b shown in Figure 6 (b). According to this special 1 jackpot determination random number judgment table b, a jackpot is determined to have occurred if the jackpot determination random number is between 20001 and 20216, and any other jackpot determination random number is determined to have occurred as a miss. Therefore, the jackpot probability in this case is approximately 1 in 303.4.

Also, when the setting value is set to 3 (registered setting value = 3), the big prize lottery is conducted by referring to the special 1 jackpot determination random number judgment table c shown in Figure 6 (c). According to this special 1 jackpot determination random number judgment table c, a jackpot is determined to have occurred if the jackpot determination random number is between 20001 and 20226, and any other jackpot determination random number is determined to have occurred as a miss. Therefore, the jackpot probability in this case is approximately 1 in 289.9.

Also, when the setting value is set to 4 (registered setting value = 4), the big prize lottery is conducted by referring to the special 1 jackpot determination random number judgment table d shown in Figure 6 (d). According to this special 1 jackpot determination random number judgment table d, a jackpot is determined to have occurred if the jackpot determination random number is between 20001 and 20236, and any other jackpot determination random number is determined to have occurred as a miss. Therefore, the probability of a jackpot in this case is approximately 1/277.6.

Also, when the setting value is set to 5 (registered setting value = 5), the big prize lottery is conducted by referencing the special 1 jackpot determination random number judgment table e shown in Figure 6 (e). According to this special 1 jackpot determination random number judgment table e, a jackpot is determined if the jackpot determination random number is between 20001 and 20246, and a miss is determined if the jackpot determination random number is any other number. Therefore, the jackpot probability in this case is approximately 1/266.4.

Also, when the setting value is set to 6 (registered setting value = 6), the big prize lottery is conducted by referencing the special 1 jackpot determination random number judgment table f shown in Figure 6 (f). According to this special 1 jackpot determination random number judgment table f, a jackpot is determined to have occurred if the jackpot determination random number is between 20001 and 20256, and any other jackpot determination random number is determined to have occurred as a miss. Therefore, the jackpot probability in this case is approximately 1/256.0.

Figure 7 is a diagram explaining the Special 2 jackpot determination random number judgment table. When starting a lottery for a special 2 reserved jackpot, the Special 2 jackpot determination random number judgment table is referenced. Like the Special 1 jackpot determination random number judgment table, the Special 2 jackpot determination random number judgment table is provided for each setting value. For each setting value, the probability of winning a jackpot is the same according to the Special 2 jackpot determination random number judgment table and the Special 1 jackpot determination random number judgment table.

In addition, according to the Special 2 jackpot determination random number judgment table, for all setting values, all random numbers other than the jackpot determination random number that is judged to be a jackpot are judged to be small jackpots. Therefore, in the major role lottery based on the Special 2 reserve, the probability of winning a jackpot or small jackpot is 1/1 regardless of the setting value.

As mentioned above, in the big prize lottery, it is easier to win a big prize when the registered setting value is large compared to when it is small, but the probability of winning a big prize may remain the same even if the registered setting value is different. Also, here, it is assumed that a special 1 reserve does not result in a small prize being won, but a special 1 reserve may also result in a small prize being won with a predetermined probability.

Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the winning symbol random number determination table. When a gaming ball enters the first starting hole 120 or the second starting hole 122, a winning symbol random number is obtained from the range of 0 to 99. Then, if the result of the major role lottery is determined to be a "big win" or "small win," the type of special symbol is determined based on the obtained winning symbol random number and the winning symbol random number determination table.

If a "big win" is won by reserving special 1, the special 1 winning symbol random number determination table is selected, as shown in Figure 8(a). Also, if a "big win" is won by reserving special 2, the special 2 winning symbol random number determination table a is selected, as shown in Figure 8(b), and if a "small win" is won, the special 2 winning symbol random number determination table b is selected, as shown in Figure 8(c).

In the following, of the special patterns determined by the winning pattern random number, the special pattern determined when a big win is determined is called the big win pattern, the special pattern determined when a small win is determined is called the small win pattern, and the special pattern determined when a loss is determined is called the loss pattern.

According to the special 1 winning symbol random number determination table shown in Figure 8(a) and the special 2 winning symbol random number determination table a shown in Figure 8(b), the type of special symbol (big winning symbol) is determined according to the value of the acquired winning symbol random number, as shown. Furthermore, according to the special 2 winning symbol random number determination table b shown in Figure 8(c), the type of special symbol (small winning symbol) is determined according to the value of the acquired winning symbol random number, as shown.

On the other hand, if the result of the major prize lottery is a "lose," and the lottery result is derived by holding special 1, special symbol X will be determined as the losing symbol without a lottery being held.

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

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

Also, here, all "losses" derived based on the special 1 reserve are specific losses, and special symbol X is a specific loss symbol. However, if the result of the major role lottery is a "loss," the type of loss symbol may be determined, just as when a big win or small win is won. In this case, only specific loss symbols may be provided as loss symbols, or normal loss symbols and specific loss symbols may be provided, and the type of loss symbol may be determined by lottery.

In this embodiment, common controls (execution modes of special games) that are executed depending on the type of special symbol that is stopped and displayed are grouped together as a "type." For example, in the special 1 winning symbol random number determination table, multiple types of special symbols such as special symbol Z1a, special symbol Z1b, and special symbol Z1c can be determined within the winning symbol random number range of "0" to "79," and the "types" of these multiple special symbols are collectively shown as a "type."

Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the reach group determination random number judgment table. Multiple reach group determination random number judgment tables are provided, and a preset table is selected depending on the hold type, hold number, game status, and variable status associated with the game status. When a game ball enters the first start port 120 or the second start port 122, one reach group determination random number is obtained from the range of 0 to 10006. As described above, once the big role lottery result is derived, a process is performed to determine the variable performance pattern (variation mode number, variable pattern number) that will notify the big role lottery result. In this embodiment, if the big role lottery result is a "miss," the group type is first determined based on the reach group determination random number and the reach group determination random number judgment table in determining the variable performance pattern. Note that the variable status specifies which table is referenced to determine the variable performance pattern, and is a concept that is set separately from the game status.

For example, when the game state is set to the non-time-saving game state, if a "miss" major role lottery result is derived based on the special 1 reserve, and the number of reserved special 1 reserves (hereinafter simply referred to as the "reserved number") at the time of the major role lottery is 0, then Reach Group Determination Random Number Judgment Table 1 is selected, as shown in FIG. 9(a). Similarly, when the game state is set to the non-time-saving game state, if a "miss" major role lottery result is derived based on the special 1 reserve, and the number of reserved special 1 reserves at the time of the major role lottery is 1, then Reach Group Determination Random Number Judgment Table 2 is selected, as shown in FIG. 9(b). If the number of reserved special 1 reserves is 2 to 3, then Reach Group Determination Random Number Judgment Table 3 is selected, as shown in FIG. 9(c). Note that in FIG. 9, the group x listed in the group type column indicates an arbitrary group number. Therefore, various group numbers are determined as the group type depending on the acquired reach group determination random number and the type of reach group determination random number judgment table referenced.

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

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

Figure 10 is a diagram explaining the reach mode determination random number judgment table. This reach mode determination random number judgment table is broadly divided into a miss reach mode determination random number judgment table that is selected when the big role lottery result is a "miss," and a win reach mode determination random number judgment table that is selected when the big role lottery result is a "big win" or "small win." Note that a miss reach mode determination random number judgment table is provided for each group type determined as described above, and a win reach mode determination random number judgment table is provided for each hold type.

Furthermore, each reach mode determination random number judgment table is also provided for each game state and symbol type. Here, an example of a reach mode determination random number judgment table for group x when losing, referenced for a specific game state and symbol type, is shown in Figure 10(a), an example of a reach mode determination random number judgment table for special 1 win is shown in Figure 10(b), and an example of a reach mode determination random number judgment table for special 2 win is shown in Figure 10(c).

When a game ball enters the first start hole 120 or the second start hole 122, a reach mode determination random number is obtained from the range of 0 to 250. If the result of the big role lottery is a "lose," as shown in Figure 10(a), a reach mode determination random number judgment table for a miss corresponding to the group type determined by the group type lottery is selected, and a variable mode number is determined based on the selected reach mode determination random number judgment table for a miss and the reach mode determination random number.

Furthermore, if the result of the major prize lottery is a "big win" or a "small win," as shown in Figures 10(b) and 10(c), the win-time reach mode determination random number judgment table corresponding to the read-out hold type is selected, and the variable mode number is determined based on the selected win-time reach mode determination random number judgment table and the reach mode determination random number.

In addition, in each reach mode determination random number determination table, the reach mode determination random number is associated with a fluctuation pattern random number determination table (described below) along with a fluctuation mode number; the fluctuation pattern random number determination table is determined at the same time the fluctuation mode number is determined. Note that in Figure 10, the table x listed in the fluctuation pattern random number determination table column indicates an arbitrary table number. Therefore, the fluctuation mode number and the table number of the fluctuation pattern random number determination table are determined according to the acquired reach group determination random number and the type of reach mode determination random number determination table being referenced. In addition, in the embodiment, the fluctuation mode number and the fluctuation pattern number (described below) are set in hexadecimal. In the following, hexadecimal numbers are indicated by the letter "H," but the notation ○○H in Figures 10 to 12 indicates an arbitrary value expressed in hexadecimal.

As described above, if the result of the big role lottery is a "lose," the group type is first determined using the reach group determination random number judgment table and reach group determination random number shown in Figure 9. Then, depending on the determined group type and game status, the variation mode number and variation pattern random number judgment table are determined using the reach mode determination random number judgment table when a miss is reached and the reach mode determination random number shown in Figure 10(a).

On the other hand, if the result of the major prize lottery is a "big win" or a "small win," the win-time reach mode determination random number judgment table shown in Figure 10, which corresponds to the type of special pattern determined, will be referenced, and the reach mode determination random number will be used to determine the variation mode number and variation pattern random number judgment table.

Figure 11 is a diagram explaining the fluctuation pattern random number determination table. Here, fluctuation pattern random number determination table x for a specific table number x is shown, but there are many other fluctuation pattern random number determination tables provided for each table number.

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

In this way, when the big prize lottery is held, a change mode number and a change pattern number are determined based on the big prize lottery result, the determined symbol type, the game status, the number of reserved symbols, the reserved symbol type, etc. These change mode numbers and change pattern numbers specify the change presentation pattern, and each number is associated with a change presentation style and time.

Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the fluctuation time determination table. Once the fluctuation mode number is determined as described above, fluctuation time 1 is determined according to the fluctuation time 1 determination table shown in Figure 12(a). According to this fluctuation time 1 determination table, fluctuation time 1 is associated with each fluctuation mode number, and the corresponding fluctuation time 1 is determined according to the determined fluctuation mode number.

Furthermore, once the fluctuation pattern number is determined as described above, fluctuation time 2 is determined according to the fluctuation time 2 determination table shown in Figure 12 (b). According to this fluctuation time 2 determination table, a fluctuation time 2 is associated with each fluctuation pattern number, and the corresponding fluctuation time 2 is determined according to the determined fluctuation pattern number. The total time of fluctuation times 1 and 2 determined in this way is the time for the fluctuation presentation that notifies the result of the big role lottery, i.e., the fluctuation time.

Once the fluctuation mode number is determined in the above manner, a fluctuation mode command corresponding to the determined fluctuation mode number is sent to the sub-control board 330, and once the fluctuation pattern number is determined, a fluctuation pattern command corresponding to the determined fluctuation pattern number is sent to the sub-control board 330. The sub-control board 330 determines mainly the first half of the fluctuation performance based on the received fluctuation mode command, and mainly determines the second half of the fluctuation performance based on the received fluctuation pattern command, details of which will be described later. Note that below, the fluctuation mode number and fluctuation pattern number will be collectively referred to as fluctuation information, and the fluctuation mode command and fluctuation pattern command will sometimes be collectively referred to as fluctuation commands.

Figure 13 is a diagram explaining the special electric device activation ram set table. The special electric device activation ram set table stores various data for controlling small win games and big win games, and during small win games and big win games, the first large win opening solenoid 126c and the second large win opening solenoid 128c are controlled to be energized by referring to this special electric device activation ram set table.

According to the special electric device activation ram set table, the opening time (waiting time until the first round of play begins), the maximum number of times the special electric device is activated (the number of rounds of play executed during one small win or one large win), the number of opening large prize slots (the first large prize slot 126 and the second large prize slot 128 that are opened in each round of play), the number of times the special electric device is switched on and off (the number of times the first large prize slot 126 and the second large prize slot 128 are opened during one round of play), the solenoid energization time (the number of times the first large prize slot solenoid 126c and the second large prize slot solenoid 126d are switched on and off for each number of times the first large prize slot 126 and the second large prize slot 128 are opened), The control data for the big prize game, such as the power-on time of the noid 128c (i.e., the time the first large prize opening 126 and the second large prize opening 128 are open in one play), the specified number (the maximum number of wins that can be won in the first large prize opening 126 and the second large prize opening 128 in one round of play), the effective time for closing the large prize opening (the time the first large prize opening 126 and the second large prize opening 128 are closed between rounds of play, i.e., the interval time between rounds), and the ending time (the waiting time from the end of the last round of play until the normal special play resumes), are pre-stored as shown in the figure for each type of big prize symbol or small prize symbol as control data for the big prize game.

In this embodiment, a common special electric device activation ram set table is referenced for all jackpot symbols (special symbols Z1, Z2, Z3a, Z4a). When a jackpot is won, 10 rounds of play are played in which the first large prize opening 126 is opened. Each round of play ends when the specified number (10) of game balls enter the first large prize opening 126 or the maximum opening time (29.0 seconds) has elapsed.

In addition, in this embodiment, a common special electric device activation ram set table is referenced for all small prize symbols (special symbols Z3b, Z4b). When a small prize is won, a small prize game consisting of one round of play is first played. In this small prize game, the second large prize opening 128 is repeatedly opened and closed. Specifically, the second large prize opening 128 is controlled to open for 0.1 seconds (open 1), closed for 3.0 seconds (close 1), opened for 0.1 seconds (open 2), closed for 1.0 seconds (close 2), opened for 0.1 seconds (open 3), closed for 1.0 seconds (close 3), and opened for 0.1 seconds (open 4) in this order.

As described above, in the case of a small prize game, the second large prize opening 128 is shown to be opened a maximum of four times during the first round of play, but this is not limited to this. For example, the second large prize opening 128 may be opened a maximum of ten or more times during the first round of play, and as long as the total opening time of the second large prize opening 128 during the first round of play is designed not to exceed 1.8 seconds, it may be configured to perform 15 0.12-second opening operations. In particular, if you want to win a sufficient number of prize balls by entering the maximum number of balls possible in one round that satisfies the closing conditions of the large prize opening even in a small prize game (first round), a design with a large number of opening operations, such as 15 0.12-second opening operations, is preferable.

The second large prize opening 128 is provided with a specific area 140b and a non-specific area 140c inside, and a gaming ball that enters the second large prize opening 128 always enters either the specific area 140b or the non-specific area 140c. If a gaming ball that enters the second large prize opening 128 enters the specific area 140b during a small prize game, a conditional device (flag) for executing a big prize game is activated, and following the small prize game, a bonus item continuous operation device (a device that manages the big prize game) is activated, thereby executing a big prize game in which the first large prize opening 126 is opened.

Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating the opening and closing modes of the second large prize opening 128 and the opening and closing modes of the specific area 140b by the movable member 142. As shown in Figure 14, during a small win game in which the second large prize opening 128 is opened, the movable member 142 opens the specific area 140b for a moment (approximately 0.1 seconds) simultaneously with the opening of the second large prize opening 128, then maintains the specific area 140b in a closed state for a predetermined period of time, and then maintains the specific area 140b in an open state again.

Specifically, as shown in Figure 14, when special patterns Z3b and Z4b are determined and a small win game is executed, the second large prize opening 128 is opened a total of four times during the small win game. Therefore, while a gaming ball that enters the second large prize opening 128 at the same time as the first opening of the second large prize opening 128 may not be able to enter the specific area 140b, when the second large prize opening 128 is opened for the second time or thereafter, a gaming ball that enters the second large prize opening 128 can reliably enter the specific area 140b.

Although a detailed explanation will be omitted, a structure is provided above the second large prize opening 128 to slow down the gaming ball rolling over the second large prize opening 128. This ensures that the gaming ball is launched appropriately into the second gaming area 116b from the start of the small prize game, and when the gaming ball reaches above the second large prize opening 128, it always enters the specific area 140b.

In the event of an unforeseen event, such as a gaming ball getting stuck in the second large winning opening 128 or a gaming ball becoming stuck in the second large winning opening 128 for an extended period of time for some reason, there is a possibility that the gaming ball will not enter the specific area 140b even if it enters the second large winning opening 128 during a small win game. Therefore, for ease of understanding, this specification uses the words "always" and "certainly," but this is based on the assumption that the gaming machine 100 is in an appropriate state for gameplay and that no unforeseen events have occurred, and does not mean a physical 100% probability.

As described above, in this embodiment, as long as the player is playing appropriately, it is possible to win a Type 2 jackpot in a small win game regardless of the type of small win symbol. However, a small win symbol may be provided that controls the opening and closing of the second large winning opening 128 in a manner that prevents the game ball from entering the specific area 140b.

Returning to Figure 13, if a game ball enters the specific area 140b during a small win game and a Type 2 jackpot is won, a big win game is executed. In this big win game, nine rounds (R2 to R10) are played. In each round, the first big win opening 126 is opened once. The maximum opening time for the first big win opening 126 at this time is 29.0 seconds.

Each round of play ends when the specified number (10) of game balls enter the first large prize opening 126 or the maximum opening time described above has elapsed. In the large prize play, if the player plays properly, the specified number of game balls will definitely enter the first large prize opening 126. Therefore, in this embodiment, if a small prize is won, a total of 10 rounds of play can be played by playing the small prize play and the large prize play.

In each round of play, 10 game balls enter the first large prize slot 126 or the second large prize slot 128. When a game ball enters the first large prize slot 126 or the second large prize slot 128, 15 prize balls are paid out for each ball that enters. Therefore, by winning one big or small prize, a player can win 1,500 game balls (number of rounds (10R) x required number (10 balls) x number of prize balls (15 balls)).

Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating a game state setting table for setting the game state after the end of a major win game. As will be described in more detail below, the game state transition and the game profit awarded to the player are the same when the special symbol Z3a, which is the big win symbol, is won and when the special symbol Z3b, which is the small win symbol, is won. Therefore, hereinafter, when there is no distinction between the special symbols Z3a and Z3b, these two special symbols will be collectively referred to as special symbol Z3. Similarly, the game state transition and the game profit awarded to the player are the same when the special symbol Z4a, which is the big win symbol, is won and when the special symbol Z4b, which is the small win symbol, is won. Therefore, hereinafter, when there is no distinction between the special symbols Z4a and Z4b, these two special symbols will be collectively referred to as special symbol Z4.

If you win a jackpot in the big prize lottery, or if you win a type 2 jackpot in the small prize game, the game status after the big prize game ends will be determined based on the type of special symbol you win and the game status at the time of the win.

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

In addition, if the game state after a major win is set to a time-saving game state, a time-saving end condition that ends the time-saving game state is also set. Here, the time-saving end conditions include the number of normal pattern changes and the number of special pattern changes.

The number of normal symbol changes is the number of symbol changes (hereafter referred to as normal symbol changes) based on the normal symbol reservation, i.e., the number of normal game plays. The number of normal symbol changes is decremented each time normal game play is performed in the time-saving game mode (each time a normal symbol change display is performed, or each time a normal electric device is activated), and when the remaining number of normal symbol changes reaches 0, the game mode changes to the non-time-saving game mode.

The number of special symbol changes is the number of symbol changes (hereafter referred to as special symbol changes) based on the special 1 reserve or special 2 reserve, i.e., the number of special plays. Here, of the special symbol changes, special symbol changes based on the special 1 reserve are called special 1 changes, and special symbol changes based on the special 2 reserve are called special 2 changes. Here, the number of special 1 changes and the number of special 2 changes are set as the conditions for ending the time-saving mode.

The number of Special 1 changes is decremented each time a Special 1 change is executed in the time-saving game state, and when the remaining number of Special 1 changes reaches 0, the game state changes. Similarly, the number of Special 2 changes is decremented each time a Special 2 change is executed in the time-saving game state, and when the remaining number of Special 2 changes reaches 0, the game state changes.

In other words, the time-saving game state has a set number of normal variations, special 1 variations, and special 2 variations that can be performed before the time-saving game state ends. When any one of these time-saving end conditions is met, the game state changes. Note that, although there is no time-saving end condition set in this embodiment, it is also possible to configure the time-saving game state to end using a counter that is decremented each time the combined number of special 1 variations and special 2 variations is performed.

As shown in FIG. 15, if special symbols Z1 and Z3 are won in the non-time-saving game state or the first time-saving game state and then a big role game is executed, the game state after the big role game is set to the first time-saving game state. In this case, the time-saving termination conditions for the first time-saving game state are set as follows: the number of normal symbol variations is 100, the number of special 1 variations is 100, and the number of special 2 variations is 1. Also, if special symbol Z1 is won in the second time-saving game state and then a big role game is executed, the game state after the big role game is set to the second time-saving game state. In this case, the time-saving termination conditions for the second time-saving game state are set as follows: the number of normal symbol variations is 100, the number of special 1 variations is 1, and the number of special 2 variations is 1. Also, if special symbol Z3 is won in the second time-saving game state and then a big role game is executed, the game state after the big role game is set to the first time-saving game state. In this case, the conditions for ending the time-saving second time-saving game state are set as follows: the number of normal changes is 100, the number of special 1 changes is 100, and the number of special 2 changes is 1.

In addition, if special symbols Z2 or Z4 are won and a big win game is then executed, the game state after the big win game will be set to the second time-saving game state, regardless of the game state at the time of the win. In this case, the conditions for ending the time-saving game state in the second time-saving game state are set as follows: the number of normal symbol variations is 100, the number of special 1 variations is 1, and the number of special 2 variations is 1.

Also, as mentioned above, in this embodiment, the special symbol X, which is a losing symbol, is set as a specific losing symbol. In the second time-saving game state, when the special symbol X is displayed in a stopped state on the first special symbol display 160, the game state is set to the first time-saving game state. At this time, the time-saving end conditions are set as follows: the number of normal symbol changes is 100, the number of special 1 changes is 100, and the number of special 2 changes is 1. Note that in the non-time-saving game state and the first time-saving game state, the game state does not change even if the special symbol X is displayed in a stopped state.

Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating the winning random number determination table. When a gaming ball flowing down the gaming area 116 passes through gate 124 or enters the normal symbol operating port 125, a normal symbol determination process (hereinafter referred to as the "normal symbol lottery") is performed, which is associated with whether or not to control the energization of the movable piece 122b of the second starting port 122. Note that the process when a gaming ball passes through gate 124 is exactly the same as the process when a gaming ball enters the normal symbol operating port 125. Therefore, the following will explain the case where a gaming ball passes through gate 124 as an example.

As will be explained in more detail below, when a gaming ball passes through gate 124, one random number for determining a normal hit, a random number for determining a normal hit, and a random number for determining a normal hit pattern are obtained from the range of 0 to 99, and this random number value is stored in the normal hit reserve memory area of main RAM 300c, up to a maximum of four. In other words, the normal hit reserve memory area has four memory sections that save the normal hit reserve random number, the normal hit reserve random number, and the normal hit reserve pattern random number. Therefore, if a gaming ball passes through gate 124 with normal hit reserve random numbers and the like stored in all four memory sections of the normal hit reserve memory area, the normal hit reserve random number, the normal hit reserve random number, and the normal hit reserve pattern random number will not be stored based on the passage of the gaming ball. Hereinafter, the hit reserve random number, the normal hit reserve random number, and the normal hit reserve pattern random number stored in the normal hit reserve memory area will be referred to as the normal hit reserve.

When the regular lottery is started in the non-time-saving play state, the regular lottery winning determination random number judgment table for the non-time-saving play state is referenced, as shown in Figure 16(a). According to this regular lottery winning determination random number judgment table for the non-time-saving play state, if the regular lottery winning determination random number is 0, a winning result is derived, and if the regular lottery winning random number is between 1 and 99, a losing result is derived. Therefore, the probability of winning in the regular lottery in the non-time-saving play state is 1/100.

Although not adopted in this embodiment, as a modified example, it is possible to configure the table for determining a normal winning symbol in the non-time-saving play state so that the random number range for a winning symbol is not set, or to configure the table so that various random numbers such as the random number for determining a normal winning symbol are not obtained even if the game ball passes through gate 124 in the non-time-saving play state, so that a winning symbol will not be obtained in the normal lottery in the non-time-saving play state.

In addition, when the regular lottery is started in the first time-saving play state, the regular lottery winning determination random number judgment table for the first time-saving play state is referenced, as shown in Figure 16(b). According to this regular lottery winning determination random number judgment table for the first time-saving play state, if the regular lottery winning determination random number is between 0 and 98, a winning determination result is derived, and if the regular lottery winning determination random number is 99, a losing determination result is derived. Therefore, the probability of winning in the regular lottery in the first time-saving play state is 99/100.

Furthermore, when the regular lottery is started in the second time-saving play state, the regular lottery winning determination random number judgment table for the second time-saving play state is referenced, as shown in Figure 16(c). According to this regular lottery winning determination random number judgment table for the second time-saving play state, a winning result is derived when the regular lottery winning determination random number is between 0 and 98, and a losing result is derived when the regular lottery winning random number is 99. Therefore, the probability of winning in the regular lottery in the second time-saving play state is 99/100.

Note that, while the winning probability is the same in the first time-saving game state and the second time-saving game state, the winning probability may be different in both game states. Furthermore, the winning probability may always be constant regardless of the game state. For example, the winning probability of the regular lottery may be set high in all game states, including the non-time-saving game state.

Figure 17 is a diagram illustrating the normal symbol determination random number judgment table. When a winning determination result is derived in the normal symbol lottery, the type of normal symbol, i.e., the winning normal symbol, is determined by referring to the normal symbol determination random number judgment table. Here, normal symbol S and normal symbol L are provided as the "types" of winning normal symbols. In the following explanation, it is explained that normal symbol S or normal symbol L is determined as the normal symbol type by the normal symbol determination random number judgment table provided for each game state, but in reality, one of normal symbols 1 to N (N is an integer of 2 or greater) is determined, and the control associated with the stopped display of the winning normal symbol is configured to differ for each game state. In other words, the normal symbols described below as normal symbol S and normal symbol L are configured so that in one game state the normal symbol type is normal symbol S, while in another game state the normal symbol type belongs to normal symbol L, and can be determined as the winning normal symbol by the normal symbol determination random number judgment table.

As will be explained in more detail below, if a normal symbol whose normal symbol type is normal symbol S is determined in the current game state, the opening time of second start hole 122 is short, and it is almost impossible for a game ball to enter second start hole 122. Therefore, winning a normal symbol S is essentially the same as losing the normal symbol lottery. On the other hand, if a normal symbol whose normal symbol type is normal symbol L is determined in the current game state, the opening time of second start hole 122 is long, and if play is being played appropriately, at least one game ball will certainly enter second start hole 122. Therefore, it can be said that the objective of normal play is to win a normal symbol L.

A normal symbol determination random number judgment table is provided for each game state, and the normal symbol determination random number judgment table corresponding to the game state when the normal symbol lottery is held is referenced. In non-time-saving game states, the normal symbol determination random number judgment table for non-time-saving game states shown in Figure 17(a) is referenced. According to this normal symbol determination random number judgment table for non-time-saving game states, when the value of the normal symbol determination random number obtained as a reserved normal symbol is between 0 and 65534, a normal symbol S is determined, and when the value of the normal symbol determination random number is 65535, a normal symbol L is determined. Therefore, the probability of winning a normal symbol L in non-time-saving game states is almost 0%.

In the first time-saving game state, the normal symbol determination random number judgment table for the first time-saving game state shown in Figure 17(b) is referenced. According to this normal symbol determination random number judgment table for the first time-saving game state, when the value of the normal symbol determination random number acquired as a reserved normal symbol is between 0 and 64600, a normal symbol S is determined, and when the value of the normal symbol determination random number is between 64601 and 65535, a normal symbol L is determined. Therefore, the probability of winning a normal symbol L in the first time-saving game state is approximately 1/70.

In the second time-saving play state, the normal symbol determination random number judgment table for the second time-saving play state shown in Figure 17(c) is referenced. According to this normal symbol determination random number judgment table for the second time-saving play state, when the value of the normal symbol determination random number acquired as a reserved normal symbol is between 0 and 58981, a normal symbol S is determined, and when the value of the normal symbol determination random number is between 58982 and 65535, a normal symbol L is determined. Therefore, the probability of winning a normal symbol L in the second time-saving play state is approximately 1/10.

In this embodiment, the game state when the normal symbol lottery is performed, i.e., the timing when the variable display of the normal symbol begins, is set so that the normal symbol type is either normal symbol S or normal symbol L. However, since the game state may change during the variable display of the normal symbol due to the variable display of the special symbol or the implementation of a special game, it is also possible to set only the type of symbol to be stopped and displayed when the normal symbol lottery is performed, and then refer to the game state when the normal symbol is stopped and display, and determine the normal symbol type based on the type of normal symbol that is stopped and displayed and the current game state in order to determine the subsequent control state.

Figure 18(a) is a diagram explaining the normal symbol variation time data table, and Figure 18(b) is a diagram explaining the opening/closing control pattern table. As described above, when a normal symbol lottery is held, a lottery is held using the normal symbol variation pattern determination random number obtained when the gaming ball passes through gate 124 and the normal symbol variation time data table to determine the normal symbol variation time. The normal symbol variation time data table is referenced when determining the normal symbol variation time when a winning or losing normal symbol is determined by the normal symbol lottery.

According to this normal symbol fluctuation time data table, when the gaming state is set to the non-time-saving gaming state, the fluctuation time is set to 30 seconds, and when the gaming state is set to the first time-saving gaming state or the second time-saving gaming state, the fluctuation time is set to any value between 2 and 20 seconds. Once the fluctuation time is determined in this way, the normal symbol display 168 displays a fluctuating (flashing) display for the determined time. Then, when the fluctuation time has elapsed, the normal symbol display 168 displays a stopped winning or losing symbol.

When a winning normal symbol is determined by the normal symbol lottery and the winning symbol is displayed statically on the normal symbol display 168, the movable piece 122b of the second starting opening 122 is controlled to energize by referring to the opening/closing control pattern table, as shown in Figure 18(b). In reality, an opening/closing control pattern table is provided for each game state, and the corresponding table is set when the normal electric role solenoid 122c begins to energize, depending on the game state when the normal symbol is determined. However, for the sake of explanation, a single table shows the control data corresponding to each game state.

When a winning normal pattern is determined, the second starting port 122 is controlled to open and close by referring to the opening and closing control pattern table, as shown in Figure 18 (b). According to this opening/closing control pattern table, the following control data is pre-stored for each type of normal symbol (winning symbol) for the second start port 122: the time before normal power release (the wait time before the second start port 122 begins to open), the maximum number of normal electric role switchovers (the number of times the second start port 122 is opened), the solenoid energization time (the energization time of the normal electric role solenoid 122c for each opening of the second start port 122, i.e., the opening time of the second start port 122 per opening), the maximum number of wins that can be made through the second start port 122 while it is fully open, the normal power closing effective time (the closing time between each opening of the second start port 122, i.e., the pause time), the normal power active state time (the wait time from the last opening of the second start port 122), and the normal power end wait time (the wait time after the normal power active state time has elapsed until the variable display of the normal symbol, described below, resumes).

When the normal symbol S is displayed, the second start hole 122 is opened once every 0.01 seconds as shown (the movable piece 122b located near the second start hole 122 is displaced to a state where it protrudes forward of the game board surface, making it easier for the ball to enter). Therefore, in auxiliary games that are played when the normal symbol S is displayed, it is almost impossible for a game ball to enter the second start hole 122. In contrast, when the normal symbol L is displayed, the second start hole 122 is opened twice every 2.9 seconds as shown. Therefore, in auxiliary games that are played when the normal symbol L is displayed, it is possible to reliably get a game ball to enter the second start hole 122.

In this case, the specified number is set to one, and when the above-mentioned solenoid energization time, i.e., the maximum opening time of the second start port 122, has elapsed or when one game ball, which is the specified number, enters the second start port 122, the second start port 122 closes and the auxiliary game ends.

As described above, each game state is associated with an opening/closing control condition for opening and closing the second start gate 122 as a game progress condition, and in the time-saving game state, the probability that the normal symbol L will be determined as the normal symbol type is higher than in the non-time-saving game state, making it relatively easier for the game ball to enter the second start gate 122. In other words, in the time-saving game state, as long as the game ball passes through the gate 124, normal symbol draws are performed one after another, and the probability that the second start gate 122 will be in an open state is set higher than in the non-time-saving game state. Therefore, the player can participate in the big role draw while reducing the consumption of game balls.

The opening and closing conditions for the second start opening 122 stipulate three elements: the probability of winning a normal symbol, the time for which the normal symbol is displayed in a variable manner, and the opening time for the second start opening 122. In this embodiment, all three of these elements are set to favor the time-saving game state over the non-time-saving game state, so that the game ball is more likely to enter the second start opening 122 in the time-saving game state than in the non-time-saving game state.

However, the time-shortened game state may be set to be more advantageous than the non-time-shortened game state in terms of one or two of the three elements. In any case, by making the time-shortened game state more advantageous than the non-time-shortened game state in terms of at least one element, it is possible to make it easier for the game ball to enter the second starting hole 122 overall in the time-shortened game state than in the non-time-shortened game state. In other words, it is possible to make it easier to execute the lottery for a major role based on the special 2 reserve in the time-shortened game state than in the non-time-shortened game state.

Figure 19 is a diagram explaining gameplay characteristics according to an embodiment. Note that the following mainly describes the case where the player appropriately launches the game ball and the game progresses in accordance with the original gameplay characteristics, i.e., the case where the game continues normally, and explanations of cases where irregular events occur will generally be omitted. Also, here, the explanation will be given assuming that the registered setting value is set to 1. Note that the case where the game continues normally refers to the case where the player plays in accordance with the original gameplay characteristics, and where irregular events such as various errors or game stoppages have not occurred.

The initial state of the gaming machine 100 is the non-time-saving play state, and the player begins play in the non-time-saving play state, as shown in Figure 19 (a). In the non-time-saving play state, the second start port 122 is hardly open, so the player performs a so-called left hit, firing the game ball toward the first play area 116a, causing the game ball to enter the first start port 120A. In other words, in the non-time-saving play state, special play is the main play, and the target reserve that is subject to change is the special 1 reserve, i.e., the target change is the special 1 change. In the non-time-saving play state, the player plays in the hope of winning a jackpot using the special 1 reserve. Note that in the non-time-saving play state, the probability of winning a jackpot based on the special 1 reserve is set to approximately 1/318.1.

When a jackpot is won by holding Special 1 during non-time-saving play, either special symbol Z1 or Z2 will be determined as the jackpot symbol, and a big win game will be played. In this big win game, the player can win 1,500 prize balls.

If the special symbol Z1 is won, the game state after the big win is set to the first time-saving game state, as shown in Figure 19 (b). In the first time-saving game state, the time for the normal symbol to change (hereinafter referred to as the normal symbol change time) is shorter than in the non-time-saving game state, and the probability of winning the normal symbol L is higher. Specifically, in the first time-saving game state, the probability of winning the normal symbol L is set to approximately 1/70.

Since the gate 124 and normal play operation port 125 are located in the second play area 116b, the player performs a so-called right hit in the first time-saving play state, causing the game ball to flow down into the second play area 116b. In other words, in the first time-saving play state, normal play is the main play, and the target reserve that is subject to change is the normal play reserve, i.e., the target change is a normal play change.

Since the probability of winning the regular lottery in the first time-saving game state is 99/100, a winning result is almost always derived in the regular lottery. The winning symbol is determined to be either the regular S or L symbol, but if the regular S symbol is won, as mentioned above, the opening time of the second start hole 122 is extremely short, and under conditions where play is being performed properly, the game ball will almost never enter the second start hole 122.

If a normal symbol S is drawn, the normal symbol will change again after the supplementary game ends. The first time-saving game state ends when the normal symbol change has been performed 100 times. Therefore, in the first time-saving game state, if the results of all 100 normal symbol draws are either a miss or a normal symbol S, the time-saving game state ends, and the game state transitions to a non-time-saving game state.

In contrast, in the first time-saving game state, the probability of winning a normal L symbol is set to approximately 1/70, and when a normal L symbol is won, the second start hole 122 is opened 2.9 seconds x 2 times, as shown in Figure 19 (c). Therefore, when a normal L symbol is won in the first time-saving game state, the game ball enters the second start hole 122 and a special 2 reserve is obtained. Note that, since the specified number for supplementary play is one, only one special 2 reserve can be obtained by winning a normal L symbol once. In this way, in the first time-saving game state, the player plays in the hope of winning a normal L symbol through a normal symbol reserve.

Then, if a normal symbol L is won in the first time-saving game state, and a game ball enters the second starting hole 122 and a special 2 reserve is acquired, a lottery for a major prize based on the special 2 reserve is executed. In the lottery for a major prize based on the special 2 reserve, a big prize or small prize is always won, and either the special symbol Z3 or Z4 is determined as the big prize or small prize symbol. If the special symbol Z3b or Z4b is won, a small prize game is executed, and if the small prize game is played appropriately, a type 2 big prize will be won. Therefore, in both cases, when the special symbol Z3b or Z4b is won and a small prize game and a big prize game are executed, or when the special symbol Z3a or Z4a is won and a big prize game is executed, the player can win 1,500 game balls.

If the special symbol Z3 is won, the game will be set to the first time-saving game state after the big win, and the game will be played again with the aim of winning the normal symbol L after 100 normal symbol fluctuations, as shown in Figure 19 (b). In contrast, if the special symbol Z4 is won, the game will be set to the second time-saving game state shown in Figure 19 (d) after the big win. Also, as shown in Figure 19 (a), if the special symbol Z2 is won in the non-time-saving game state, the game will be set to the second time-saving game state after the big win.

In the second time-saving game state, like the first time-saving game state, the normal symbol fluctuation time is shorter and the probability of winning the normal symbol L is higher compared to the non-time-saving game state. Specifically, the probability of winning the normal symbol L in the second time-saving game state is set to approximately 1/10. Therefore, in the second time-saving game state, the player must perform a so-called right hit to launch the game ball toward the gate 124 or the normal symbol operating port 125.

In this embodiment, Special 1 change and Special 2 change are not executed simultaneously, and when both Special 1 reserve and Special 2 reserve are stored, Special 2 reserve is executed in priority over Special 1 reserve. However, when transitioning from the non-time-shortened play state to the second time-shortened play state, or when transitioning from the first time-shortened play state to the second time-shortened play state, Special 2 reserve usually does not exist.

In addition, in this embodiment, a first start port 120B is provided in the second game area 116b. This first start port 120B is positioned so that at least one game ball will enter if game balls are continuously fired during one major role game. Therefore, when transitioning from a non-time-saving game state or the first time-saving game state to the second time-saving game state via a major role game, at the start of the second time-saving game state, there are no special 2 reserves and one or more special 1 reserves are stored. Therefore, after the major role game ends, special 1 fluctuation begins at the start of play in the second time-saving game state.

As mentioned above, the fluctuation time for special symbols is determined based on the game state, the type of fluctuation (whether it's Special 1 fluctuation or Special 2 fluctuation), the results of the major role lottery, etc. Here, the fluctuation time when Special 1 fluctuation is a miss in the second time-saving game state is set to 120 seconds. The second time-saving game state is also set to have an end condition of 1 Special 1 fluctuation. Therefore, when 120 seconds of fluctuation time has passed in the second time-saving game state and the first Special 1 fluctuation ends with a miss, the second time-saving game state ends.

In other words, the second time-saving game state continues until the first special 1 variation ends. Here, since the variation time when the special 1 variation is a miss is 120 seconds, the second time-saving game state will continue for a minimum of 120 seconds. In this example, the 120-second variation time of this special 1 variation is called the stock period. The stock period is the second time-saving game state, and the probability of winning the normal symbol L is approximately 1 in 10. Furthermore, the normal symbol variation time in the second time-saving game state is 2 to 20 seconds, and for example, an average of 20 to 25 normal symbol lotteries are performed over the course of 120 seconds.

During the stock period, if a normal L symbol is drawn in the normal lottery, the second start port 122 will open twice for 2.9 seconds, and as above, one special 2 reserve will be acquired for each normal L symbol that is won. Even if a special 2 reserve is acquired, the special 1 fluctuation will continue, so the player can acquire a maximum of four special 2 reserves during the stock period.

When both Special 1 Reserve and Special 2 Reserve are stored, the Special 2 variation takes priority over the Special 1 variation, so if a Special 2 Reserve is acquired during the stock period, the stock release period begins after the Special 1 variation ends. This stock release period is the period during which a Special 2 variation is executed based on the Special 2 Reserve acquired during the stock period. Since all Special 2 variations result in a big win or small win with a 1/1 probability, the player can acquire 1,500 game balls multiplied by the number of Special 2 reserves acquired during the stock period. Note that the stock release period is actually the period during small win gameplay, big win gameplay, first time-saving game state, or second time-saving game state.

On the other hand, if no special 2 reserve is acquired during the stock period, and if the special 1 variation in the second time-saving game state is a miss, the special symbol X, which is the missing symbol, will be determined and displayed as a stopped symbol, satisfying the condition for ending the second time-saving game state, which is one special 1 variation. Here, as described above, special symbol X, which is the missing symbol for the special 1 variation, is a specific missing symbol that can control the game to the first time-saving game state after the special symbol is displayed as a stopped symbol, and when special symbol X is displayed as a stopped symbol in the second time-saving game state, the game state is set to the first time-saving game state.

Therefore, when the stock period (second time-saving game state) ends, the game state will change to the first time-saving game state. If no special 2 reserve is acquired during the stock period, as described above, the player will play in the first time-saving game state shown in Figure 19 (b) with the aim of winning the normal symbol L.

In contrast, if a Special 2 reserve is stored during the stock period, a Special 2 variation will be executed when the game transitions to the first time-saving game state. The variation time for the Special 2 variation in this case is a short time, for example, 1 second or 0.5 seconds. When a big win symbol or small win symbol is displayed as a result of the Special 2 variation, a small win game and a major role game will be executed, and the player will be able to win 1,500 game balls.

Here, when the Special 2 variation is a small win and the small win symbol is displayed once on the second special symbol display 162, the first time-limited game state or the second time-limited game state ends, and the period during which the first time-limited game state or the second time-limited game state is maintained after a jackpot during the stock release period is set to an extremely short period of 1 second or 0.5 seconds, which is the Special 2 variation time. Therefore, the possibility of a symbol that becomes the normal symbol L being displayed on the normal symbol display 168 is extremely low, and the possibility of a new stock being generated by the normal symbol fluctuating during the stock release period is set to be low.

When the big win game ends, the first or second time-saving game state is set depending on the type of special symbol (special symbol Z3, Z4) that is stopped and displayed. At this time, if a special 2 reserve is also stored, a special 2 variation is executed as described above, and then a small win game and a big win game are executed. In other words, the stock release period continues as long as a special 2 reserve exists at the end of the big win game, and the game state during this time may be either the first time-saving game state or the second time-saving game state. During the stock period, a maximum of four special 2 reserves can be obtained, so a player can obtain a maximum of 6,000 game balls during one stock release period.

Then, if the special symbol determined based on the last Special 2 reserved symbol acquired during the stock period, in other words, the special symbol won in the last Special 2 variation during the stock release period, is Special Symbol Z4, after the big win, the game will be set to the second time-saving game state shown in Figure 19 (d). In other words, in this case, the second time-saving game state will loop.

On the other hand, if the special symbol won in the final special 2 variation during the stock release period is special symbol Z3, after the major win, the game will be set to the first time-saving game state shown in Figure 19 (b).

In addition, the probability of winning a jackpot in the major role lottery based on the special 1 reserve in the second time-shortened play state is approximately 1 in 318.1. If a jackpot is won in the first major role lottery based on the special 1 reserve in the second time-shortened play state, the major role game is executed, and then the second time-shortened play state is reset. The fluctuation time when a jackpot is won in the major role lottery based on the special 1 reserve in the second time-shortened play state is 120 seconds. In this case, a maximum of four special 2 reserves can be obtained during the special 1 fluctuation that wins the jackpot. Therefore, in this case, five major role games can be executed consecutively.

However, if a jackpot is won in the special role lottery based on the special 1 reserved in the second time-saving game state, the fluctuation time may be short, making it difficult to generate stocks during the special 1 fluctuation period that results in a jackpot. In this case, after one special role game, a new special role lottery based on the special 1 reserved will be held, and a new stock period will begin.

As described above, according to this embodiment, when the second time-saving game state is set, gameplay is provided in which major prize games can be executed consecutively in a short period of time, thereby increasing the enjoyment of the game. In particular, in the second time-saving game state, the opportunity to acquire the special 2 reserve is managed by time, and the number of regular lottery draws changes depending on the progress of the game. This creates a sense of tension and anticipation for the player, further increasing the enjoyment of the game.

In addition, if a special 2 reserve is not acquired during the stock period, the game state will transition to the first time-saving game state. This increases the player's motivation to continue playing even if a special 2 reserve is not acquired, and can increase the player's interest in the game.

Next, we will explain the main processing of the main control board 300 to achieve the above gameplay.

Figure 20 is a diagram explaining the gaming machine status flag. In the main control board 300, the gaming machine status flag manages whether or not a game can be played. One of six flag values, 00H to 05H, is set to the gaming machine status flag. A gaming machine status flag value of 00H indicates a playable state. When the gaming machine status flag is 00H, the game is controlled to proceed, and when the gaming machine status flag is other than 00H, the game is stopped.

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

(CPU initialization process of main control board 300)
FIG. 21 is a first flowchart illustrating the CPU initialization process in the main control board 300, and FIG. 22 is a second flowchart illustrating the CPU initialization process in the main control board 300.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Step S100-13)
The main CPU 300a calculates the checksum and determines whether the calculated checksum matches the checksum saved at the time of power-off (is normal) and whether the backup flag is normal. If the main CPU 300a determines that the backup flag and checksum are normal, it proceeds to step S100-15. If it determines that either or both of them are abnormal, it proceeds to step S100-25.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Step S100-33)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the check result of the read/write memory in step S100-31 is normal. If it is determined to be normal, the process proceeds to step S100-37. If it is determined to be abnormal, the process proceeds to step S100-35.

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Step S100-47)
The main CPU 300a executes initialization processing to clear the items in the main RAM 300c that are to be cleared when the RAM is cleared, and then proceeds to step S100-49.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Figure 23 is a flowchart explaining the subcommand group setting process (S110) on the main control board 300.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Main control board 300 power-off save processing (XINT interrupt processing))
24 is a flowchart explaining the power-off save processing (XINT interrupt processing) in the main control board 300. The main CPU 300a monitors the power-off detection circuit, and when the power supply voltage drops below a predetermined value, it interrupts the CPU initialization processing and executes the power-off save processing.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Step S400-15)
The main CPU 300a performs a timer update process to update various timer counters. Here, unless otherwise specified, the timer counters are decremented each time the main control board 300 executes timer interrupt processing, and the decrement stops when the timer counter reaches 0.

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

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

Although a detailed explanation will be omitted, in this embodiment, the random numbers for determining a jackpot and a regular win are hardware random numbers updated by a hardware random number generator built into the main control board 300. The hardware random number generator updates both the random numbers for determining a jackpot and a regular win according to certain rules, automatically changing the random number sequence each time the random number sequence completes one cycle, and changing the start value each time the system is reset.

(Step S500)
The main CPU 300a executes a switch management process to determine whether or not a signal has been input from the first start hole detection switch 120s, the second start hole detection switch 122s, the gate detection switch 124s, the first large prize hole detection switch 126s, the second large prize hole detection switch 128s, the specific area detection switch 140s, and the out ball detection switch 130s. Details of this switch management process will be described later.

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

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

(Step S400-21)
The main CPU 300a executes error management processing to determine various errors and to make settings according to the error determination results.

(Step S400-23)
The main CPU 300a checks the general prize opening detection switch 118s, the first start opening detection switch 120s, the second start opening detection switch 122s, the general operation opening detection switch 125s, the first large prize opening detection switch 126s, and the second large prize opening detection switch 128s, and executes prize opening switch processing to increment the corresponding counters for prize ball control, etc.

(Step S400-25)
The main CPU 300a executes a payout control management process to create and send a payout command based on the counter value of the counter for prize ball control set in step S400-23.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Figure 26 is a flowchart explaining the above-mentioned setting-related processing (S450).

(Step S450-1)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the flag value of the gaming machine status flag is 01H (setting change status). If it is determined that the flag value is 01H, the process proceeds to step S450-3. If it is determined that the flag value is not 01H, the process proceeds to step S450-15.

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Step S450-15)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the setting change switch 180s is on. If it is determined that the setting change switch 180s is on, the setting-related processing ends, but if it is determined that the setting change switch 180s is not on, the processing proceeds to step S450-17.

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

(Step S110)
The main CPU 300a executes the sub-command group set process of Fig. 23. That is, when the setting-related process is executed, at the end of the process, the model command, the setting value designation command, the special chart 1 reservation designation command, the special chart 2 reservation designation command, the number of times command, the variable pattern selection state designation command, the special chart phase designation command, and the customer waiting designation command are transmitted to the sub-control board 330.

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

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

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

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

Here, in the setting-related processing, after the RAM clear button is pressed, i.e., after the acceptance of the setting change operation for the registered setting value has finished, a setting value designation command corresponding to the registered setting value is sent to the sub-control board 330 in the sub-command group set processing. On the other hand, while the setting change operation is being accepted, the setting value designation command is not sent to the sub-control board 330. In this way, while the setting change operation is being accepted, the setting value designation command is not sent, and when the acceptance of the setting change operation has finished and the game has transitioned to a state where it is possible to proceed, the risk of the registered setting value being obtained fraudulently can be reduced by sending the setting value designation command.

In addition, in this embodiment, multiple flag values, including at least 01H (setting change state), are switched. When the gaming machine state flag is set to 01H (setting change state), setting-related processing becomes executable and game progress is stopped. In this way, setting-related processing is not executed while game play is in progress, and setting value specification commands are not sent while game play is in progress, reducing the risk of registered setting values being obtained fraudulently.

Next, we will provide a detailed explanation of the timer interrupt processing described above, including the switch management processing in step S500, the special game management processing in step S600, and the regular game management processing in step S700.

Figure 27 is a flowchart explaining the switch management process (step S500) on the main control board 300.

(Step S500-1)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the gate detection switch is on, that is, whether the game ball has passed through the gate 124 and the detection signal from the gate detection switch 124s has been turned on. If it is determined that the gate detection switch is on, the process proceeds to step S500-2, and if it is determined that the gate detection switch is not on, the process proceeds to step S500-3.

(Step S500-2)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the normal operation port detection switch is on, that is, whether a game ball has entered the normal operation port 125 and the detection signal from the normal operation port detection switch 125s has been turned on. If it is determined that the normal operation port detection switch is on, the process proceeds to step S510, and if it is determined that the normal operation port detection switch is not on, the process proceeds to step S500-3.

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

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

(Step S520)
The main CPU 300a executes first start hole passage processing based on the entry of the gaming ball into the first start hole 120. Details of this first start hole passage processing will be described later.

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

(Step S530)
The main CPU 300a executes second start hole passage processing based on the entry of the gaming ball into the second start hole 122. Details of this second start hole passage processing will be described later.

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

(Step S500-9)
The main CPU 300a determines whether a big win game or a small win game is currently in progress, and determines whether the game balls have entered the first large win port 126 and the second large win port 128 properly. If it determines that a big win game or a small win game is not in progress, it executes a predetermined fraud detection process, and if it determines that a big win game or a small win game is in progress and the game balls have entered the first large win port 126 and the second large win port 128 properly, it increments the large win port winning ball counter by 1 and sets a large win port winning designation command in the transmission buffer.

(Step S500-11)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the specific area detection switch is on, that is, whether the gaming ball has entered the specific area 140b and a detection signal has been input from the specific area detection switch 140s. If it is determined that the specific area detection switch is on, the process proceeds to step S540, and if it is determined that the specific area detection switch is not on, the process proceeds to step S500-13.

(Step S540)
The main CPU 300a executes a specific area passing process based on the entry of the gaming ball into the specific area 140b, and ends the switch management process. The specific area passing process will be described in detail later.

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

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

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

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

Figure 28 is a flowchart explaining the general map reservation process (step S510) on the main control board 300.

(Step S510-1)
The main CPU 300a loads the random numbers for determining a normal winning number, the random numbers for determining a normal winning number, and the random numbers for determining a normal winning pattern that have been updated by the hardware random number generation unit.

(Step S510-3)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the counter value of the normal symbol reserved ball counter is equal to or greater than the maximum value, that is, whether the counter value of the normal symbol reserved ball counter is equal to or greater than 4. As a result, if it is determined that the counter value of the normal symbol reserved ball counter is equal to or greater than the maximum value, the normal symbol reserved processing is terminated, and if it is determined that the normal symbol reserved ball counter is not equal to or greater than the maximum value, the processing proceeds to step S510-5.

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

(Step S510-7)
The main CPU 300a calculates the target memory section among the four memory sections of the general map reserve memory area to save various random numbers such as the acquired general map winning determination random number.

(Step S510-9)
The main CPU 300a saves the random number for determining a normal winning number, the random number for determining a normal winning number, and the random number for determining a normal winning number variation pattern obtained in step S510-1 in the target memory unit calculated in step S510-7.

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

Figure 29 is a flowchart explaining the first start port passage process (step S520) on the main control board 300.

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

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

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

Figure 30 is a flowchart explaining the second start port passage process (step S530) on the main control board 300.

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

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

(Step S535)
The main CPU 300a executes the special symbol random number acquisition process described later.

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

(Step S530-7)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the normal game management phase loaded in step S530-5 is "04H." The normal game management phase "04H" indicates that the normal electric device prize opening control process is in progress. In this normal electric device prize opening control process, the normal electric device solenoid 122c is energized and the movable piece 122b is controlled to an open state, so here, it is determined whether the second start opening 122 is in a state in which it can be properly opened. If it is determined that the normal game management phase is not "04H," the second start opening passage process is terminated. If it is determined that the normal game management phase is "04H," the process proceeds to step S530-9.

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

Figure 31 is a flowchart explaining the special symbol random number acquisition process (step S535) on the main control board 300. This special symbol random number acquisition process is executed using a module common to the first start port passing process (step S520) and the second start port passing process (step S530) described above.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Step S535-15)
The main CPU 300a performs a special symbol reserved ball winning order setting process to update and store the winning order of the special 1 reserved and special 2 reserved balls stored in the special symbol reserved storage area.

(Step S535-17)
The main CPU 300a executes a process for determining the effect at the time of acquisition, which performs a provisional lottery for a major role, provisionally determines a winning symbol, and provisionally determines variable information based on the various random numbers stored in the target memory unit in step S535-13. In this process, a pre-read command indicating variable information to be determined when a newly stored reserved symbol is read is transmitted to the sub-control board 330.

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

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

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

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

(Step S535-27)
The main CPU 300a determines whether or not an abnormal winning has occurred, and if it determines that an abnormal winning has occurred, executes a start port abnormal winning error process to perform a predetermined process, and ends the special symbol random number acquisition process (step S535). Note that although the branching processing steps are not shown, the processing from step S535-23 to step S535-27 is processing that is performed only for a game ball entering the second start port 122, which is the winning port for a normal electric device.

Figure 32 is a flowchart explaining the specific area passing process in step S540 above.

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

As will be described in more detail below, this validity period flag is used to determine whether or not the entry of a gaming ball into the specific area 140b is considered valid, and in this embodiment, it is turned on at the start of a small win game (first round of play).

(Step S540-3)
If it is determined in step S540-1 that the valid period flag is on, the main CPU 300a determines whether the specific area entry flag is on. The specific area entry flag identifies that the gaming ball has already validly entered the specific area 140b. If it is determined that the specific area entry flag is on, the specific area passing process is terminated, and if it is determined that the specific area entry flag is not on, the process proceeds to step S540-5.

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

(Step S540-7)
The main CPU 300a sets a specific area entry command in the transmission buffer to notify the sub-control board 330 that the gaming ball has validly entered the specific area 140b, and ends the specific area passing process.

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

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

Figure 33 is a diagram illustrating the special game management phase. As already explained, in this embodiment, a special game triggered by a game ball entering the first start gate 120 or the second start gate 122, and a regular game triggered by a game ball passing through the gate 124, proceed simultaneously in parallel. Processing related to special games is executed in stages and repeatedly, and the main control board 300 manages each process related to these special games using the special game management phase.

As shown in Figure 33, the main ROM 300b stores multiple special game control modules for controlling the execution of special games, and each of these special game control modules is associated with a special game management phase. Specifically, when the special game management phase is "00H", a module for executing "special symbol change waiting processing" is called, when the special game management phase is "01H", a module for executing "special symbol change in progress processing" is called, when the special game management phase is "02H", a module for executing "special symbol stop symbol display processing" is called, when the special game management phase is "03H" or "07H", a module for executing "large prize opening pre-processing" is called, when the special game management phase is "04H" or "08H", a module for executing "large prize opening opening control processing" is called, when the special game management phase is "05H" or "09H", a module for executing "large prize opening closure valid processing" is called, and when the special game management phase is "06H" or "0AH", a module for executing "large prize opening end wait processing" is called. Here, two values are set for each of the phases indicating "large prize opening pre-processing," "large prize opening control processing," "large prize opening closure valid processing," and "large prize opening end wait processing." "03H," "04H," "05H," and "06H" are values related to small prize games, while "07H," "08H," "09H," and "0AH" are values related to big prize games.

Figure 34 is a flowchart explaining the special game management process (step S600) on the main control board 300.

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

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

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

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

Figure 35 is a flowchart explaining the special symbol change waiting process on the main control board 300. This special symbol change waiting process is executed when the special game management phase is "00H".

(Step S610-1)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the counter value of the special symbol 2 reserved ball counter, that is, the special 2 reserved number (X2), is equal to or greater than 1. As a result, if it is determined that the special 2 reserved number (X2) is equal to or greater than 1, the process proceeds to step S610-7, and if it is determined that the special 2 reserved number (X2) is not equal to or greater than 1, the process proceeds to step S610-3.

(Step S610-3)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the counter value of the special symbol 1 reserved ball counter, that is, the special 1 reserved number (X1), is equal to or greater than 1. As a result, if it is determined that the special 1 reserved number (X1) is equal to or greater than 1, the process proceeds to step S610-7, and if it is determined that the special 1 reserved number (X1) is not equal to or greater than 1, the process proceeds to step S610-5.

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

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

(Step S610-9)
The main CPU 300a loads the jackpot determination random number and reservation type transferred to the 0th storage section, selects the corresponding jackpot determination random number judgment table, draws a lottery for a big role, and executes a special symbol win judgment process to store the lottery result.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Figure 36 is a flowchart explaining the special symbol variable number determination process on the main control board 300.

(Step S612-1)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the result of the major role lottery in step S610-9 is a big win or a small win. If it is determined to be a big win or a small win, the process proceeds to step S612-3, and if it is determined to be neither a big win nor a small win (a miss), the process proceeds to step S612-5.

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

(Step S612-5)
If the hold type of the read hold is special 2 hold, the main CPU 300a checks the counter value of the special pattern 2 hold ball number counter, and if the hold type of the read hold is special 1 hold, the main CPU 300a checks the counter value of the special pattern 1 hold ball number counter.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Figure 37 is a flowchart explaining the special symbol change processing on the main control board 300. This special symbol change processing is executed when the special game management phase is "01H".

(Step S620-1)
The main CPU 300a executes a process to update the special symbol variation base counter. The counter value of the special symbol variation base counter is set so that it completes one cycle in a predetermined cycle (for example, 100 ms). Specifically, if the counter value of the special symbol variation base counter is "0", a predetermined counter value (for example, 25) is set, and if the counter value is "1" or greater, the counter value is updated to a value obtained by subtracting "1" from the current counter value.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Figure 38 is a flowchart explaining the special symbol stop symbol display process on the main control board 300. This special symbol stop symbol display process is executed when the special game management phase is "02H".

(Step S630-1)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the timer value of the special game timer set in step S620-21 is 0. If it determines that the timer value of the special game timer is not 0, the main CPU 300a ends the special symbol stop symbol display process, and if it determines that the timer value of the special game timer is 0, the process proceeds to step S631.

(Step S631)
The main CPU 300a executes a number cut management process, and then ends the special symbol stop symbol display process. This number cut management process will be described later.

(Step S630-3)
The main CPU 300a sets a game state confirmation designation command at the time of special symbol determination, which indicates the game state when the special symbol is determined, in a transmission buffer.

(Step S630-5)
The main CPU 300a sets a count command in the transmission buffer to transmit the values of various counters (special 1 fluctuation count, special 2 fluctuation count, normal fluctuation count) updated in the count cut management process of step S631 to the sub-control board 330.

(Step S630-7)
The main CPU 300a checks the result of the big role lottery.

(Step S630-9)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the result of the major role lottery is a big win or a small win. If it is determined to be a big win or a small win, the process proceeds to step S630-19, and if it is determined not to be a big win or a small win, the process proceeds to step S630-11.

(Step S630-11)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the stopped special symbol is a specific losing symbol, that is, a special symbol X. As a result, if it is determined that it is a special symbol X, the process proceeds to step S630-13, and if it is determined that it is not a special symbol X, the process proceeds to step S630-17.

(Step S630-13)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the game state at the time of winning the special symbol X is the second time-shortened game state. If it is determined that the game state is the second time-shortened game state, the process proceeds to step S630-15. If it is determined that the game state is not the second time-shortened game state, the process proceeds to step S630-17.

(Step S630-15)
The main CPU 300a sets the game state to the first time-saving game state. Also, here, a normal variation count cut-off counter that counts the remaining number of normal variations, a special 1 variation count cut-off counter that counts the remaining number of special 1 variations, and a special 2 variation count cut-off counter that counts the remaining number of special 2 variations are set to "100", "100", and "1", respectively.

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

(Step S630-19)
The main CPU 300a sets data in a special electric accessory operation RAM set table according to the type of the determined special symbol.

(Step S630-21)
The main CPU 300a performs a process for setting the maximum number of special electric device activations. Specifically, by referencing the data set in step S630-19, the maximum number of special electric device activations counter is set to a predetermined number (the counter value corresponding to the type of special symbol = the number of rounds). This maximum number of special electric device activations counter indicates the number of rounds ("10" or "1") that can be executed in the upcoming major prize game or small prize game. Meanwhile, the main RAM 300c is provided with a continuous special electric device activation counter, and the current number of rounds is managed by adding "1" to the counter value of the continuous special electric device activation counter at the start of each round of play. Here, a process for resetting (updating to "0") the counter value of the continuous special electric device activation counter is also executed upon the start of the major prize game or small prize game.

(Step S630-23)
The main CPU 300a refers to the data set in step S630-19 and saves a predetermined opening time as a timer value in the special game timer.

(Step S630-25)
The main CPU 300a sets in the transmission buffer an opening designation command for transmitting the start of a major win game or a minor win game to the sub-control board 330. This opening designation command is provided for each opening time, and here, the opening designation command corresponding to the opening time saved in step S630-23 is set in the transmission buffer.

(Step S630-27)
The main CPU 300a updates the special game management phase to "03H" (for a small win) or "07H" (for a big win), and ends the special symbol stop symbol display process. This starts the small win game or the big win game.

Figure 39 is a flowchart explaining the cutoff management process on the main control board 300.

(Step S631-1)
The main CPU 300a loads a time-shortening state flag for identifying whether the gaming state is a non-time-shortening gaming state or a time-shortening gaming state (first time-shortening gaming state, second time-shortening gaming state), and determines whether the current gaming state is a time-shortening gaming state. If it is determined that the current gaming state is a time-shortening gaming state, the main CPU 300a proceeds to step S631-3, and if it is determined that the current gaming state is not a time-shortening gaming state, the number-cut management process is terminated.

(Step S631-3)
The main CPU 300a decrements the target number of times counter by "1." Specifically, when a special symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 160, the main CPU 300a decrements the special 1 variation number of times counter, and when a special symbol is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 162, the main CPU 300a decrements the special 2 variation number of times counter.

(Step S631-5)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the counter value updated in step S631-3 has become 0. If it is determined that the counter value has become 0, the process proceeds to step S631-7, and if it is determined that the counter value has not become 0, the cut-off count management process ends.

(Step S631-7)
The main CPU 300a sets the time-shortening state flag to set the gaming state to the non-time-shortening gaming state. Note that at this time, each of the number-cut counters is reset.

(Step S631-9)
The main CPU 300a sets a game state change designation command indicating the game state when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the transmission buffer, and ends the number-stop management process. In other words, when the game state is changed from the time-shortened game state to the non-time-shortened game state in the number-stop management process, the game state change designation command is transmitted to the sub-control board 330.

Figure 40 is a flowchart explaining the pre-opening process of the large prize opening on the main control board 300. This pre-opening process of the large prize opening is executed when the special game management phase is "03H" (small win) or "07H" (large win).

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

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

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

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

(Step S640-7)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the special game management phase is 03H, i.e., whether a small win game is in progress. If it is determined that the special game management phase is 03H, the process proceeds to step S640-9. If it is determined that the special game management phase is not 03H, the process proceeds to step S640-13.

(Step S640-9)
The main CPU 300a determines whether it is the start of the first round of play based on the counter value of the special electric device continuous operation number counter. If it is determined that it is the start of the first round of play, the process proceeds to step S640-11, and if it is determined that it is not the start of the first round of play, the process proceeds to step S640-17.

(Step S640-11)
The main CPU 300a turns on the valid period flag, thereby validating the entry of the gaming ball into the specific area 140b upon the start of the small win game.

(Step S640-13)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the second round of play has started based on the counter value of the special electric device continuous operation counter. If it determines that the second round of play has started, the process proceeds to step S640-15. If it determines that the second round of play has not started, the process proceeds to step S640-17.

(Step S640-15)
The main CPU 300a resets the gaming state to the normal gaming state, which is the initial state.

(Step S640-17)
The main CPU 300a updates the special game management phase to a value obtained by adding 01H to the current value ("04H" or "08H"), and ends the pre-opening process for the large prize opening.

Figure 41 is a flowchart explaining the special prize opening/closing switching process on the main control board 300.

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

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

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

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

(Step S641-9)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the first large prize opening solenoid 126c or the second large prize opening solenoid 128c is in the energization start state, i.e., whether control processing to start energization of the first large prize opening solenoid 126c or the second large prize opening solenoid 128c has been performed in the above step S641-5. If it is determined that the first large prize opening solenoid 126c or the second large prize opening solenoid 128c is in the energization start state, the main CPU 300a proceeds to step S641-11, and if it is determined that the first large prize opening solenoid 126c or the second large prize opening solenoid 128c is not in the energization start state, the main CPU 300a ends the large prize opening open/close switching processing.

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

Figure 42 is a flowchart explaining the special prize opening control process on the main control board 300. This special prize opening control process is executed when the special game management phase is "04H" or "08H".

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

(Step S650-3)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the counter value of the special electric accessory opening/closing switching counter is the upper limit of the number of times the special electric accessory is opened/closed. If it is determined that the counter value is the upper limit, the process proceeds to step S650-7, and if it is determined that the counter value is not the upper limit, the process proceeds to step S641.

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

(Step S650-5)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the counter value of the special prize opening ball counter updated in step S500-9 has reached a specified number, that is, whether the same number of game balls as the maximum number of wins in one round have entered the first special prize opening 126 or the second special prize opening 128. If it is determined that the specified number has not been reached, the main CPU 300a terminates the special prize opening opening control process, and if it is determined that the specified number has been reached, the process proceeds to step S650-7.

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

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

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

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

Figure 43 is a flowchart explaining the special prize opening closure activation process on the main control board 300. This special prize opening closure activation process is executed when the special game management phase is "05H" or "09H".

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

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

(Step S660-5)
The main CPU 300a updates the special game management phase to "07H." Note that if the special game management phase is "03H," that is, during control of the small win game, the number of rounds of the small win game is "1," so the determination in step S660-3 above is always YES, and the process does not proceed to this step.

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

(Step S660-9)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the special game management phase is 05H, i.e., whether a small win game is in progress. If it is determined that the special game management phase is 05H, the process proceeds to step S660-11. If it is determined that the special game management phase is not 05H, the process proceeds to step S660-21.

(Step S660-11)
The main CPU 300a determines whether all of the game balls that entered the second large prize opening 128 have been dispensed. Here, it is determined that dispensing has been completed when the value obtained by subtracting the total number of game balls that entered the specific area 140b and the non-specific area 140c from the number of game balls that entered the second large prize opening 128 becomes 0. If it is determined that dispensing has been completed, the process proceeds to step S660-13, and if it is determined that dispensing has not been completed, the large prize opening closure validating process is terminated. Note that if the determination result that dispensing has not been completed is continuously derived over a certain period of time, error processing is performed.

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

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

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

(Step S660-19)
The main CPU 300a sets 07H in the special game management phase and ends the big prize opening closure validity processing.

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

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

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

Figure 44 is a flowchart explaining the special prize slot end wait process on the main control board 300. This special prize slot end wait process is executed when the special game management phase is "06H" or "0AH".

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

(Step S670-3)
The main CPU 300a executes a state setting process to set the game state after the end of a big win game in which a big win symbol is displayed as a special symbol, or a big win game in which a game ball enters the specific area 140b during a small win game. Specifically, the main CPU 300a references the game state setting table (FIG. 15) and sets the game state after the end of the big win game, the number of normal symbol changes, the number of special 1 changes, and the number of special 2 changes based on the type of special symbol that triggered the execution of the big win game or the small win game, and the game state at the time of winning. Note that if a game ball does not enter the specific area 140b during a small win game, i.e., if the special game management phase is "06H," the game state is not set in step S670-3.

In addition, this also involves processing to set the variable state after the end of the big win game based on the big win symbol that triggered the execution of the big win game or the small win symbol that triggered the execution of the small win game, and the currently set value.

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

(Step S670-7)
The main CPU 300a sets in the transmission buffer the number of times designation commands corresponding to the number of normal changes, the number of special 1 changes, and the number of special 2 changes set in step S670-3 above.

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

Figure 45 is a diagram explaining the normal game management phase. As already explained, in this embodiment, processing related to normal games is executed stepwise and repeatedly, and the main control board 300 manages each process related to such normal games using the normal game management phase.

As shown in Figure 45, the main ROM 300b stores multiple normal game control modules for controlling the execution of normal games, and each of these normal game control modules is associated with a normal game management phase. Specifically, if the normal game management phase is "00H", a module for executing "normal symbol change waiting processing" is called; if the normal game management phase is "01H", a module for executing "normal symbol change in progress processing" is called; if the normal game management phase is "02H", a module for executing "normal symbol stop pattern display processing" is called; if the normal game management phase is "03H", a module for executing "normal electric device prize opening pre-processing" is called; if the normal game management phase is "04H", a module for executing "normal electric device prize opening control processing" is called; if the normal game management phase is "05H", a module for executing "normal electric device prize opening closure enable processing" is called; and if the normal game management phase is "06H", a module for executing "normal electric device prize opening end wait processing" is called.

Figure 46 is a flowchart explaining the normal game management process (step S700) on the main control board 300.

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

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

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

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

Figure 47 is a flowchart explaining the normal symbol change waiting process on the main control board 300. This normal symbol change waiting process is executed when the normal game management phase is "00H".

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

(Step S710-3)
The main CPU 300a transfers the regular symbol reserves (regular symbol hit determination random numbers, regular symbol determination random numbers, regular symbol variation pattern determination random numbers) stored in the first to fourth memory sections of the regular symbol reserve memory area in blocks to the memory section with the next smaller ordinal number. Specifically, the regular symbol reserves stored in the second to fourth memory sections are transferred to the first to third memory sections. In addition, the main RAM 300c is provided with a zeroth memory section to be processed, and the regular symbol reserve stored in the first memory section is transferred to the zeroth memory section. In addition, in this regular symbol memory area shift process, the counter value of the regular symbol reserve ball count counter is decremented by "1," and a regular symbol reserve decrement command indicating that the regular symbol reserve has been decremented by "1" is set in the transmission buffer.

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

(Step S710-7)
The main CPU 300a performs a normal symbol determination process based on the result of the normal symbol lottery in step S710-5. Here, if the result of the normal symbol lottery is a win, the normal symbol determination random number judgment table corresponding to the current game state is referenced, and the type of normal symbol is determined based on the normal symbol determination random number transferred to the 0th memory unit. Also, if the result of the normal symbol lottery is a loss, a predetermined loss symbol is determined. Then, the normal symbol stop symbol number corresponding to the determined type of normal symbol is saved.

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Step S710-21)
The main CPU 300a loads the time-shortened state flag and determines whether the current game state is the time-shortened game state. If it determines that the current game state is the time-shortened game state, the process proceeds to step S710-23. If it determines that the current game state is not the time-shortened game state, the process proceeds to step S710-33.

(Step S710-23)
The main CPU 300a decrements the counter value of the normal fluctuation cut-off counter.

(Step S710-25)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the counter value updated in step S710-23 is 0. If it is determined that the counter value is 0, the process proceeds to step S710-27, and if it is determined that the counter value is not 0, the process proceeds to step S710-33.

(Step S710-27)
The main CPU 300a sets the time-saving state flag to set the game state to the non-time-saving game state. As a result, after the game state is set to the time-saving game state, if the number of times that normal game execution is started reaches a predetermined normal game variation number, the game state will be changed to the non-time-saving game state. In addition, here, the special 1 variation number cut-off counter and the special 2 variation number cut-off counter are reset.

(Step S710-29)
The main CPU 300a sets a game state change designation command indicating the game state at the start of the normal symbol change in the transmission buffer. That is, when the game state is changed from the time-shortened game state to the non-time-shortened game state during the normal symbol change waiting process, the game state change designation command is transmitted to the sub-control board 330.

(Step S710-31)
The main CPU 300a stores the current game state as a reference game state in the main RAM 300c.

(Step S710-33)
The main CPU 300a updates the normal game management phase to "01H" and ends the normal pattern change waiting process.

In this embodiment, since the normal symbol type is set when the normal symbol change wait process starts, the normal symbol change count counter is updated (step S710-23) when the normal symbol starts changing, followed by a transition to a non-time-saving game state (step S710-27). However, by providing game state transition control based on the number of normal symbol changes as a miss process in the normal symbol stop symbol display process described below, or by providing it in the normal electric device winning slot end wait process, the time-saving game state can be maintained even while the normal symbol is changing when the normal symbol change count counter reaches 0. This configuration also makes it possible to set the operating mode of the normal electric device to suit the current situation when the normal symbol stops and the game state changes due to the change in the special symbol or the progress of the special game.

Figure 48 is a flowchart explaining the normal symbol fluctuation processing on the main control board 300. This normal symbol fluctuation processing is executed when the normal game management phase is "01H".

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

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

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

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

(Step S720-9)
The main CPU 300a saves the normal symbol stop symbol number (counter value) determined in step S710-7 in the normal symbol display symbol counter. As a result, the normal symbol is displayed in a stopped state on the normal symbol display 168.

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

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

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

Figure 49 is a flowchart explaining the normal symbol stop symbol display process on the main control board 300. This normal symbol stop symbol display process is executed when the normal game management phase is "02H".

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

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

(Step S730-5)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the result of the regular drawing is a win. If it is determined to be a win, the process proceeds to step S730-9. If it is determined to be a loss, the process proceeds to step S730-7.

(Step S730-7)
The main CPU 300a updates the normal game management phase to "00H" and ends the normal symbol stop symbol display process. This ends the normal game management process based on the normal symbol reservation of 1, and if a normal symbol reservation is stored, processing will be performed to start the variable display of the normal symbol based on the next reservation.

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

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

Figure 50 is a flowchart explaining the pre-opening processing of the normal electric device prize opening on the main control board 300. This pre-opening processing of the normal electric device prize opening is executed when the normal game management phase is "03H".

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

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

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

Figure 51 is a flowchart explaining the normal electric prize opening/closing switching process on the main control board 300.

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

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

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

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

(Step S741-9)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the normal electric role solenoid 122c is in the energization start state, that is, whether the control process to start energizing the normal electric role solenoid 122c has been performed in the above step S741-5. As a result, if it is determined that it is in the energization start state, it moves the process to step S741-11, and if it is determined that it is not in the energization start state, it ends the normal electric role winning opening opening switching process.

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

Figure 52 is a flowchart explaining the normal electric feature winning slot opening control process on the main control board 300. This normal electric feature winning slot opening control process is executed when the normal game management phase is "04H".

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Figure 53 is a flowchart explaining the normal electric device prize opening closure enable process on the main control board 300. This normal electric device prize opening closure enable process is executed when the normal game management phase is "05H".

(Step S760-1)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the timer value of the normal game timer saved in step S750-9 is 0. If it determines that the timer value of the normal game timer is not 0, it ends the normal electric device winning port closure validity process, and if it determines that the timer value of the normal game timer is 0, it proceeds to step S760-3.

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

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

Figure 54 is a flowchart explaining the normal electric device prize slot end wait process on the main control board 300. This normal electric device prize slot end wait process is executed when the normal game management phase is "06H".

(Step S770-1)
The main CPU 300a determines whether the timer value of the normal game timer saved in step S760-3 is 0. If it determines that the timer value of the normal game timer is not 0, it ends the normal electric device winning port end wait process, and if it determines that the timer value of the normal game timer is 0, it proceeds to step S770-3.

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

Next, we will explain an example of the effects that are executed during the above-mentioned gameplay when the second time-saving gameplay state is set.

Figure 55 is a diagram illustrating an example of an effect when the second time-shortened play state is set. When special symbol Z2 is won in the non-time-shortened play state, or when special symbol Z4 is won in the first time-shortened play state, a variable effect is executed while the symbols are being displayed in a variable manner on the first special symbol display device 160 or the second special symbol display device 162. In this variable effect, nine types of effect symbols 210, each bearing the numbers 1 to 9, are displayed in a variable manner on the main effect display section 200a. Then, as shown in Figure 55(a), the effect symbol 210 bearing the number "7" is finally displayed stationary.

After that, when a big win game or a small win game is executed, a right-hit notification effect is executed, as shown in Figure 55 (b). The right-hit notification effect is an effect that encourages the game ball to flow down into the second game area 116b and enter the second large prize opening 128. In the case of a small win game, when the game ball enters the specific area 140b and a type 2 jackpot is won, a round effect is executed, and in the case of a big win game, a round effect is executed from a substantially similar effect display. During the round effect, the current number of rounds played is displayed in the upper right corner of the main effect display section 200a, as shown in Figure 55 (c).

In addition, during the round performance, the main performance display unit 200a executes an acquisition number notification display, which displays the number of game balls (denominator) that can be acquired in small wins and big wins, and the number of game balls acquired so far (numerator). This acquisition number notification display cumulatively displays the number of game balls that can be acquired during consecutive wins after the first win, and the number of game balls acquired during those consecutive wins. Furthermore, if special symbol Z2 is won in the non-time-saving game mode, or if special symbol Z4 is won in the first time-saving game mode, during the ending period after all rounds have ended, the main performance display unit 200a displays "Limit Break Chance," as shown in FIG. 55(d). Note that the acquisition number notification display is not limited to the embodiment described herein, and as a modified example, it may be configured to display the number of game balls that can be acquired during the period spanning a series of jackpots acquired during the stock release period described below, and the number of game balls acquired during that period.

When the ending period ends, the game state is set to the second time-saving game state. During small win and big win games, the player hits the right button, and as described above, if the game is played properly, at least one special 1 reserve will be obtained during one big win game. In addition, if the special symbol Z2 is won, especially in a non-time-saving game state, there is a high possibility that one or more special 1 reserves will be stored.

On the other hand, if you transition directly from the non-time-saving play state to the second time-saving play state, or if you transition from the non-time-saving play state to the second time-saving play state via the first time-saving play state, the special 2 reserve is not stored. Therefore, after playing a major role, when the second time-saving play state is set, a major role lottery based on the special 1 reserve is executed, and the special 1 variation begins. The period during which the special 1 variation occurs is the stock period described above.

Figure 56 is a diagram illustrating an example of a stock effect. The stock effect is executed when the special 1 variation begins in the second time-saving game state. In the stock effect, as shown in Figure 56(a), "STOCK TIME START" is displayed on the main effect display unit 200a. In addition, "120" is displayed in the upper right corner of the main effect display unit 200a, indicating the remaining time of the stock period. Note that in this embodiment, "STOCK TIME START" is displayed after the transition to the second time-saving game state, but it may also be configured to display the same as a demo effect of the end of the major role game that will result in the transition to the second time-saving game state, and to be able to notify the result of the regular pattern lottery immediately after the transition to the second time-saving game state.

After that, as shown in Figure 56 (b), the remaining time of the stock period is displayed while being subtracted as time passes. Although not shown, during the stock effect, a predetermined background image is displayed on the main effect display unit 200a. Also, as mentioned above, the stock period is a period during which the aim is to win as many normal symbols L as possible within 120 seconds. Therefore, the stock effect may include effects that suggest the results of the normal symbol lottery, such as displaying the effect symbol 210 in a variable or static manner.

As the time remaining in the stock period decreases (for example, 10 seconds remaining), the darkened area gradually expands from around the effect display area, reducing the visibility of the variable effect that occurs in conjunction with the variable display of the normal symbol. Even if a variable effect of the normal symbol is being executed when the time remaining in the stock period reaches 0, the result of the normal symbol lottery is not announced and the game moves to the stock release period described below. However, even if the remaining time is low, if a variable that results in a winning normal symbol L as the symbol type switches to a stopped display before the start of the stock release period, the game ball may be launched toward the second starting port 122 to ensure the visibility of the instruction effect that encourages the acquisition of stocks, and the darkening display may be prevented from starting or temporarily canceled.

Then, if the normal symbol L is won and the game ball enters the second starting hole 122, acquiring a special 2 hold, a stock acquisition effect is executed. Here, as the stock acquisition effect, "1500 GET" or "V acquired" (not shown) is displayed on the main effect display section 200a, indicating that one right to a small win or big win game has been acquired. Note that this stock acquisition effect ends after a predetermined time has elapsed.

Furthermore, if a special 2 reserve is acquired, a stock acquisition effect will be executed in the same manner as above. Here, the stock acquisition effect will be displayed as "3000 GET" or "V x 2 acquired" (not shown) on the main effect display unit 200a. In this way, the display content of the stock acquisition effect will differ depending on the number of special 2 reserves acquired during one stock period. Here, the total number of game balls that can be acquired in small win games and big win games based on all special 2 reserves acquired during one stock period is displayed.

However, the content of the stock acquisition effect is not limited to this. For example, a hold icon corresponding to a special 2 hold may be displayed on the main effect display unit 200a. In this case, the hold icon indicates the number of special 2 holds, i.e., the number of small wins and big wins that can be played.

Figure 57 is a diagram illustrating an example of a stock release effect. When the special 1 variation ends, the stock period ends. If one or more special 2 reserves are stored at the end of the stock period, the stock release period begins following the stock period. The stock release period begins with the start of the first special 2 variation after the end of the special 1 variation. The stock release effect is executed at the start of the stock release period. Here, in the stock release effect, three effect patterns 210 with the number "7" written on them are displayed stopped, as shown in Figure 57(a).

Although a detailed explanation will be omitted, the fluctuation time of the special 2 fluctuation during the stock release period (first time-saving game state or second time-saving game state) is, for example, approximately 0.5 to 1 second. Therefore, when the stock release period begins, the performance symbol 210 is displayed for only a short time, after which the small win game and the big role game begin immediately. During the stock release period, as shown in Figures 57(b) and (c), the round performance is executed, the current number of rounds played is displayed, and the number of winning balls notification performance is executed. At this time, the number of game balls that can be acquired and the number of game balls that have been acquired, which are displayed in the number of winning balls notification performance, correspond to the cumulative number of small win games and big role games since the first win.

If a Special 2 reserve is still stored when the big win game ends, as shown in Figure 57(d), three effect symbols 210 with the number "7" written on them will be displayed again as the next Special 2 variation begins. After that, during the small win game and the big win game, the number of winnings notification effect will be executed again as shown in Figure 57(e). In this case, since this is the third consecutive win including the first win, the number of winning balls displayed is "4500."

In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 57(a) and (d), a large "7" symbol is displayed as a variation effect for a variation that results in a small win or a big win during the Special 2 variation. However, in order to emphasize that the series of small wins (big wins) released during the stock release period are continuous and that many prize balls have been obtained during that period, the "7" symbol can be displayed in small size, and depending on the number of Special 2 reserves stocked, a "Limit Break Bonus V x 2" can be displayed (an example when there are two stocks at the timing of Figure 57(a)), or a character can appear and say something suggesting continuation, such as "It's not over yet" (an example of the timing of Figure 57(d)). When configured in this way, a continuous background effect (animation display) can be produced across multiple big win games (small win games) during the stock release period. Furthermore, when the background effect is displayed across major role effects corresponding to multiple jackpots, there is a risk that one background effect will loop multiple times, so the background effect may be configured to be changeable by the player operating the effect button 208, etc., and it is also preferable that the background effect be changeable even in situations such as when special 2 is changing during the stock release period.

As described above, during the stock release period, the special 2 reserves acquired during the stock period are released consecutively, and up to four small wins and big wins are played consecutively, as if they were one big win. Furthermore, during the stock release effect, the same winning number notification effect is played as during the initial win that triggered the transition to the stock period.

In other words, in this embodiment, when a specific winning symbol (special symbol Z2, Z4) is displayed, the state after the winning game (big role game) is set to a specific state (second time-saving game state) in which the game ball is more likely to enter the second starting area (second starting hole 122) than in the normal state (non-time-saving game state). Furthermore, when an end condition is met in the specific state, the state is changed from the specific state to a predetermined state (first time-saving game state) in which the game ball is more likely to enter the second starting area than in the normal state.

After the specific state is set, the first change process (special 1 change) is executed before the second change process (special 2 change), and if second information (special 2 reserve) that determines the winning symbol (special symbols Z3, Z4) is acquired during the first change process, at least some of the same effects (winning number notification effects and background effects) will be executed between the winning game executed immediately before the specific state is set and the winning game executed after the winning symbol is determined based on the second information.

The above configuration gives the player the impression that an additional round of play has been added after the first win.

Next, we will explain the processing on the sub-control board 330 to execute the stock effects and stock release effects described above. Note that, below, we will omit explanations of processing unrelated to the stock effects and stock release effects.

(Sub-CPU initialization process of the sub-control board 330)
FIG. 58 is a flowchart illustrating the sub-CPU initialization process (S1000) of the sub-control board 330.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Figure 60 is a flowchart illustrating the variable command reception process, which is executed when a variable command is received, during the command analysis process. As described above, the variable command is set in the main control board 300 in steps S612-13 and S612-17 of Figure 36, and then transmitted to the sub-control board 330 by the sub-command transmission process of step S100-65.

(Step S1210-1)
When the variation command is received, the sub-CPU 330a first analyzes and stores the received variation pattern command.

(Step S1210-3)
The sub-CPU 330a acquires the effect random number (0 to 249) updated in the above step S1000-3, and determines and stores the execution pattern of the variable effect in the second half based on the acquired effect random number and the analysis result in the above step S1220-1.

(Step S1210-5)
The sub-CPU 330a analyzes and stores the received variation mode command.

(Step S1210-7)
The sub-CPU 330a acquires the effect random number (0 to 249) updated in the above step S1000-3, and determines and stores the execution pattern of the first half of the variable effect based on the acquired effect random number and the analysis result in the above step S1220-5.

(Step S1210-9)
The sub-CPU 330a acquires the performance random number (0 to 249) updated in step S1000-3 for each preview performance, and based on the acquired performance random number and the analysis results in steps S1220-1 and S1220-5, it refers to each preview performance decision table to determine whether or not to execute each preview performance and the execution pattern, and stores the information.

(Step S1210-11)
The sub-CPU 330a determines whether execution of the stock effect has been determined in each of the above steps. If it is determined that execution of the stock effect has been determined, the process proceeds to step S1210-13. If it is determined that execution of the stock effect has not been determined, the process proceeds to step S1210-15.

(Step S1210-13)
The sub-CPU 330a turns on the stock flag.

(Step S1210-15)
The sub-CPU 330a determines whether a big win or a small win has been won based on the special 2 reservation. As a result, if it is determined that a big win or a small win has been won based on the special 2 reservation, the process proceeds to step S1210-17, and if it is determined that a big win or a small win has not been won based on the special 2 reservation, the process proceeds to step S1210-21.

(Step S1210-17)
The sub-CPU 330a determines whether the stock flag is on. If it is determined that the stock flag is on, the process proceeds to step S1210-19, and if it is determined that the stock flag is not on, the process proceeds to step S1210-21.

(Step S1210-19)
The sub-CPU 330a performs a stock release effect execution process for executing a stock release effect.

(Step S1220-21)
The sub-CPU 330a sets the time data in the time table based on the decisions made in each of the above steps, and then ends the variable command reception process. Based on the time table set here, in step S1100-7, the process of displaying the variable effect image on the main effect display unit 200a, the sound output process, the lighting control process for the effect lighting device 204, and other effect execution control processes are performed.

Figure 61 is a flowchart illustrating the prefetch command reception process, which is executed when a prefetch command is received, during the command analysis process. As described above, the prefetch command is set in the main control board 300 in step S535-17, and then transmitted to the sub-control board 330 by the sub-command transmission process in step S100-65.

(Step S1220-1)
The sub-CPU 330a analyzes the received read-ahead designation command and determines whether it has received a read-ahead designation command related to special 2 reservation. If it determines that it has received a read-ahead designation command related to special 2 reservation, it moves the process to step S1220-3, and if it determines that it has not received a read-ahead designation command related to special 2 reservation (it has received a read-ahead designation command related to special 1 reservation), it ends the read-ahead designation command reception process.

(Step S1220-3)
The sub-CPU 330a determines whether the stock flag is on. If it is determined that the stock flag is on, the process proceeds to step S1220-5, but if it is determined that the stock flag is not on, the pre-read designation command reception process ends.

(Step S1220-5)
The sub-CPU 330a performs a stock acquisition effect execution process to execute a stock acquisition effect, and ends the pre-read designation command reception process.

Figure 62 is a flowchart illustrating the opening designation command reception process, which is executed when an opening designation command is received, during the command analysis process. As described above, the opening designation command is set in the main control board 300 in step S630-25, and then transmitted to the sub-control board 330 by the sub-command transmission process in step S100-65.

(Step S1230-1)
The sub-CPU 330a checks the number of consecutive wins. The number of consecutive wins is counted based on commands that can determine whether a big win or a small win has been won, such as a variable command or a special symbol designation command received from the main control board 300, and the game status when the command is received.

(Step S1230-3)
The sub-CPU 330a determines and executes the effects during the small win game and the big win game based on the confirmed consecutive win number, and then ends the opening command reception process. Here, the number of game balls acquired during the consecutive win game and the number of game balls that can be acquired, which are displayed in the background image during the round game and the acquisition number notification effect, are determined.

While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. It is clear that a person skilled in the art could conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

In the above embodiment, an example of when the present invention is applied to a Type 1/Type 2 mixed gaming machine is described, but the gameplay of the gaming machine to which the present invention can be applied is not limited to this. For example, it goes without saying that the present invention can also be applied to Type 1 gaming machines and Type 2 mixed gaming machines. Therefore, in the above embodiment, so-called big wins and small wins are provided, but it is also possible that a big win is not provided as a winning type in the major role lottery, and only a small win is provided. Also, a small win may be won based on a special 1 reservation.

The game progress conditions in the non-time-shortened game state, first time-shortened game state, and second time-shortened game state shown in the above examples are merely examples, and the game progress conditions are not limited to these. For example, the above examples describe a case where the second time-shortened game state is more advantageous to the player than the first time-shortened game state. However, the degree of advantage to the player may be equal between the first time-shortened game state and the second time-shortened game state. Also, for example, a low-probability game state in which the probability of winning a major prize in the lottery is low, and a high-probability game state in which the probability of winning a prize is higher than in the low-probability game state may be provided, with the non-time-shortened game state being the low-probability game state and the first and second time-shortened game states being the high-probability game states.

In addition, in the above example, when special symbol Z2 is won, a transition from the non-time-shortened game state to the second time-shortened game state occurs, but special symbol Z2 is not required. In other words, the second time-shortened game state can only be reached via the first time-shortened game state, and the system may be configured so that a transition from the non-time-shortened game state to the second time-shortened game state is not possible.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the first start port 120B is provided in the second play area 116b, but the first start port 120B is not required. For example, when transitioning to the second time-saving play state, if the special 1 reserve is not stored, it may be possible to execute an effect that encourages left-handed play.

In addition, in the above example, the game transitions from the time-saving game state to the non-time-saving game state at the start of the normal game fluctuation, but the game transition may also occur from the time-saving game state to the non-time-saving game state at the end of the normal game fluctuation.

It goes without saying that the board configuration and gameplay in the above embodiment are merely examples and can be modified as appropriate. In any event, the present invention includes a game board 108 provided with a first starting area (first starting hole 120) and a second starting area (second starting hole 122); acquisition means for acquiring first information (special 1 reserve) based on the entry of a gaming ball into the first starting area and acquiring second information (special 2 reserve) based on the entry of a gaming ball into the second starting area; first variation means for executing a first variation process (special 1 variation) including a process for determining one of a plurality of symbols (special symbols) based on the first information and a process for displaying the determined symbol on the first display unit (first special symbol display 160) after a predetermined variation time has elapsed; and a process for determining one of a plurality of symbols based on the second information and a process for displaying the determined symbol on the second display unit (second special symbol display 162) after a predetermined variation time has elapsed. The system may include a second variation means that executes a second variation process (special 2 variation) in priority to the first variation process; a winning game control means that executes a winning game (small winning game, big role game) in which a large prize opening on the game board is opened based on the display of a winning symbol (big win or small winning symbol) on the first or second display unit; a state setting means that, when a specific winning symbol (special symbol Z2, Z4) is displayed, can set the state after the winning game to a specific state (second time-shortened game state) in which the game ball is more likely to enter the second starting area than in the normal state (non-time-shortened game state); and a state change means that, when an end condition (time-shortened end condition) is established in the specific state, changes the state from the specific state to a predetermined state (first time-shortened game state) in which the game ball is more likely to enter the second starting area than in the normal state.

Thus, in the above example, the fluctuation time of Special 1 fluctuation in the second time-shortened game state is fixed, but the fluctuation time of Special 1 fluctuation may be variable. In this case, the number of normal fluctuations performed during the second time-shortened game state varies depending on the determined fluctuation time of Special 1 fluctuation, so the expected value of obtaining Special 2 reserve can be varied depending on the fluctuation time of Special 1 fluctuation.

Furthermore, the content of the effects in the above embodiment is merely an example. In the above embodiment, if special symbol Z2 is won in the non-time-saving play state, or if special symbol Z4 is won in the first time-saving play state, an acquired number notification effect is executed during the big win game, and then, even during the stock release period, a similar acquired number notification effect is executed during the big win game. In other words, in the above embodiment, an acquired number notification effect is executed as an effect with common content during the big win game based on the stopped display of the special symbol that triggered the start of the stock period, and during the big win game based on the special 2 reserve acquired during the stock period.

However, the common effects that are executed during both the big win game based on the stop display of the special symbol that triggered the start of the stock period and the big win game based on the special 2 reserve acquired during the stock period are not limited to this. For example, a common background image may be displayed, or the same background music may be played, during both of the big win games. Furthermore, the lighting pattern of a specified lamp may be the same.

In any case, after the specific state (second time-saving game state) is set, the first variable process is executed before the second variable process, and if second information determining a winning symbol is acquired during the first variable process, it is sufficient to execute an effect that is at least partially common between the winning game executed immediately before the specific state is set and the winning symbol determined and executed based on the second information, and the specific content of this effect is not particularly limited.

In another variation, in the case of a game state that is set after a big win or small win is won in the big win lottery and a big win game is played, if the game state at the time the big win lottery that resulted in the big win or small win was a time-saving game state, the setting of the time-saving game state after the big win game can be configured to differ depending on the trigger that caused the transition to the time-saving game state.

Here, "which trigger triggered the transition to the time-saving game state" does not refer to the type of special symbol, but rather to whether the time-saving game state transition occurs after a major win (time-saving game state A, referred to as "A time-saving"), the time-saving game state transition occurs when the major win lottery is lost a predetermined number of times (or a small win that does not transition to the major win game) in the normal state (time-saving game state B, referred to as "B time-saving" and not implemented in this embodiment), or the time-saving game state transition occurs when a specific losing symbol (time-saving symbol) is won (time-saving game state C, referred to as "C time-saving"). Therefore, for example, the type of time-saving game state transition occurs after a major win is not determined by whether the player is in time-saving game state A1, which is set when the player wins the jackpot symbol, special symbol A, or time-saving game state A2, which is set when the player wins the jackpot symbol, special symbol B. Furthermore, the type of time-saving game state after a major win is not changed depending on whether the player is in time-saving game state C1, which is entered when a specific losing symbol X1 is won, or time-saving game state C2, which is entered when a specific losing symbol X2 is won.

For example, as in the modified example shown in Figure 63, the first time-shortened game state set after a big win game based on winning special symbols Z1 and Z3 is called first time-shortened game state A (shown as first time-shortened A in the figure), and the first time-shortened game state to which the game transitions after a specific losing symbol (time-shortened symbol, special symbol X) is stopped and displayed in a special 1 variation in the second time-shortened game state is called first time-shortened game state C (shown as first time-shortened C in the figure).The game state set after a big win game can be configured to differ depending on which of the first time-shortened game states is set.

Specifically, for special pattern Z3, which can be won in the big role lottery based on special 2 reserve, the game state set is different depending on whether it is won in first time-shortened game state A or first time-shortened game state C. Here, as shown in Figure 63, if special pattern Z3 is won in first time-shortened game state A, the game state is set to first time-shortened game state A after the big role is played. On the other hand, if special pattern Z3 is won in first time-shortened game state C, the game state is set to second time-shortened game state after the big role is played, just like special pattern Z4. In this modified example, the time-shortened game state after a major winning combination is different between the first time-shortened game state A and the first time-shortened game state C only for the special symbol Z3; for other special symbols, the first time-shortened game state A and the first time-shortened game state C are the same game state, so although explanation is omitted in Figure 63, the type of time-shortened game state after a major winning combination may also be different for other special symbols, just like the special symbol Z3.

With the above configuration, in the first time-saving game state A, which transitions from the normal state, where gameplay is primarily focused on special 1 variations, to the first time-saving game state A after winning special symbol Z1 and playing a major role, or the first time-saving game state A, which transitions after winning special symbol Z3 and playing a major role, even if special symbol Z3 is won, the first time-saving game state A is established again. Meanwhile, in the first time-saving game state C, which transitions when special symbol 2 reserve is not acquired during the stock period and the specific losing symbol for special 1 is displayed in a stopped state, whether special symbol Z3 or special symbol Z4 is won, the second time-saving game state (stock period) can be entered after playing a major role. If normal symbol L is won and special symbol 2 reserve is acquired during the 100 normal symbol variations period after the stock period, the stock period is confirmed, providing innovative and highly entertaining gameplay.

In addition, although not included in this embodiment, a time-saving game state B may be provided that occurs when the result of the big prize game in the big prize lottery is not obtained a predetermined number of times in a row in the normal state. For example, in the time-saving game state B that occurs in this way, by setting the end condition to 10,000 normal symbol fluctuations, it is possible to essentially make it possible to win one big prize, while by controlling the game to transition to the first time-saving game state whether the special symbol Z3 or the special symbol Z4 is won, it is possible to reduce the gambling nature of the time-saving game state B that occurs as a rescue function that makes it easier to win one big prize, and to prevent addiction.

Furthermore, as a further modification of this embodiment, the major role lottery based on the Special 1 reserve may be configured to have other specific losses (time-saving symbols), and an example of how other specific losses are provided for the Special 1 variation is to provide two or more types of specific losses. In the following modification, an example will be explained in which two types of specific loss symbols are provided as specific losses.

The two types of specific misses provided for Special 1 Variation are "Special Symbol X" and "Special Symbol Y." As mentioned above, "Special Symbol X" is controlled to award the first time-shortened game state C, while "Special Symbol Y" is controlled to award the third time-shortened game state C, which is a special time-shortened game state.

Here, the third time-saving game state C is a time-saving game state in which, when the normal lottery is won, the opening time of the second starting hole 122 is set slightly longer (for example, 4 ms, which is one interruption) compared to the non-time-saving game state, and the opening extension function is activated, and the recommended actual shooting position for the player as the position from which to fire the game ball is set to the left side of the game area 116 (this game state may be referred to as a "slight time-saving").

In the third time-shortened game state C, the launch position recommended to the player is the same as in the non-time-shortened game state of this embodiment. Therefore, when controlled in the third time-shortened game state C, the execution content of the effects can be displayed in a manner substantially similar to that of the non-time-shortened game state, so that the player does not perceive this as a relatively disadvantageous situation.

In this way, in a further variant, if the type of time-saving game state after a big win is selected by referring to the game state at the time of a jackpot, as in the variant described above, the game state based on a specific miss (time-saving symbol) will transition to the same time-saving game state A (A time-saving) for the first time-saving game state C based on the stopped display of "special symbol X" and the third time-saving game state C based on the stopped display of "special symbol Y."

When controlled in this manner, in the first time-shortened game state C based on the stopped display of "special symbol X" and the third time-shortened game state C based on the stopped display of "special symbol Y," if the benefits (such as the termination conditions of the time-shortened game state A to be granted) when a jackpot is won are similar for the player in the first time-shortened game state C, in which the recommended launch position is on the right side of the game area 116 and is provided as an advantageous state for the player, and the third time-shortened game state C, in which the recommended launch position is on the left side of the game area 116 and is provided as an unfavorable state for the player, it is believed that the interest that can be granted as part of gameplay is insufficient. For example, if a jackpot is won in the first time-shortened game state C, which is an advantageous state for the player, it is believed that more interesting gameplay can be provided by configuring the system to control the time-shortened game state to be more advantageous than if a jackpot were won in the third time-shortened game state C.

For this reason, the first time-saving game state C and the third time-saving game state C may be configured so that the number of jackpots (number of small jackpots) is different as a condition for ending the time-saving game state other than the number of times the special symbol changes or the number of times the normal symbol changes in the normal symbol lottery (or the number of times the normal electric device operates).

For example, in the first time-shortened game state C, by setting a condition to end with one jackpot (small jackpot), the game will transition to the normal game state when the fluctuation of the special symbols that result in a jackpot or small jackpot has ended, and by regarding the big prize game (small prize game) as having been played in the normal game state, it will be treated as if a jackpot (small prize) has been won in the non-time-shortened game state and a big prize game has been played, while in the third time-shortened game state C, the number of jackpots (small prizes) will be set to two (or zero, with zero being treated the same as infinite in processing), so that when the fluctuation of the special symbols that result in a jackpot or small prize has ended, the game will not transition to the normal game state, and it will be treated as if a jackpot (small prize) has been won in the time-shortened game state C and a big prize game has been played, thereby allowing different control to be adopted for setting the time-shortened game state A (A time-shortened) when a jackpot is won in different time-shortened game states C triggered by the stopped display of a specific losing symbol (time-shortened pattern). Furthermore, when the number of jackpots (number of small jackpots) is set as the condition for ending the time-saving game state, it may be configured so that the number of times is counted for only certain jackpot (small jackpot) patterns, rather than for all jackpot (small jackpot) patterns.

In a further variation, the termination conditions for time-shortened game state C, which are based on the number of jackpots (number of small jackpots) in the first time-shortened game state and the second time-shortened game state, may be set in reverse. While an example has been described in which two specific losing symbols (time-shortened symbols) are set, three or more specific losing symbols (time-shortened symbols) may be provided, and control may be provided to transition to a time-shortened game state C different from the example described above. Furthermore, time-shortened game state A (time-shortened A) may also be configured to have a time-shortened game state A' that can change the game state to a non-time-shortened game state when a jackpot occurs.

In this way, by varying the setting of time-saving game state A (time-saving A) after a big win based on the "trigger for the time-saving game state," or by setting whether the game state upon a jackpot as a time-saving end condition is considered to be a non-time-saving game state or a time-saving game state, there is increased freedom in setting the time-saving game state A (time-saving A) after a big win, making it possible to create more complex gameplay.

In any case, new gameplay is realized by combining the above-described embodiments and various modified examples to create a gaming machine having the following configuration.
A game board provided with a starting area (second starting hole 122);
A movable member (movable piece 122b) that changes the ease with which the game ball enters the starting area;
A determination means (S610-9, S610-11) for determining whether or not a game has been won based on the entry of the game ball into the starting area;
A winning game control means (S640 to S660) that executes a winning game (big prize game) in which a big prize opening provided on the game board is opened based on the result of the winning/losing judgment;
a state setting means (S670) for setting the state to one of a normal state (non-time-shortened game state) or a plurality of specific states (first time-shortened game state A, first time-shortened game state C, second time-shortened game state) in which the movable member is controlled so that the game ball can enter the starting area more easily than in the normal state;
Equipped with
The state setting means
When a winning game is executed due to the establishment of a first start condition (display of the special symbol Z3 in a predetermined game state) including the derivation of a predetermined winning judgment result (special symbol Z3), the state after the winning game is set to a specific state (first time-saving game state A),
When a preset second start condition (display of special symbol X during the second time-saving game state) is established, the state is changed to a specific state (first time-saving game state C) without going through a winning game.
In the specific state, the specific state is ended based on the fact that the number of times of a predetermined game (special game) (special 1 variation number) has reached a preset ending number (S631),
The number of times to end in a specific state (first time-shortened game state A, second time-shortened game state) after a winning game that is executed when the first start condition is established differs depending on whether the state when the first start condition is established is a specific state (first time-shortened game state A) that is set as a result of the execution of a winning game, or a specific state (first time-shortened game state C) that is set without going through a winning game.
A gaming machine characterized by:

In the modified example shown in Figure 63, only the number of special 1 variations differs between when special symbol Z3 is won in first time-saving game state A and when special symbol Z3 is won in first time-saving game state C. That is, in the modified example in Figure 63, the above-mentioned predetermined game is a special game, and the above-mentioned number of endings is the number of special 1 variations. However, when the predetermined game is a special game, the above-mentioned number of endings may be the number of special 2 variations, or the total number of variations obtained by adding together the number of special 1 variations and the number of special 2 variations, or the number of winnings of other specific losing symbols (time-saving symbols). The predetermined game may also be a normal game, in which case the number of endings may be different as long as the number of normal symbol variations is different.

Furthermore, in the modified example shown in FIG. 63, the game progress conditions may be completely the same in the first time-shortened game state A and the first time-shortened game state C, or different game progress conditions may be included. For example, some or all of the winning probability of the regular symbol lottery, the winning ratio of winning symbols, the regular symbol fluctuation time, the opening/closing control pattern of the second start port 122, and the special symbol fluctuation time may be different in the first time-shortened game state A and the first time-shortened game state C.

In addition, in the modified example shown in Figure 63, if special symbol Z3 is won in first time-shortened gaming state C, the game is set to the second time-shortened gaming state after playing a major role, but it may also be set to first time-shortened gaming state A after playing a major role. In this case, as with the above, it is sufficient that at least one of the number of normal symbol fluctuations, number of special 1 fluctuations, number of special 2 fluctuations, and total number of fluctuations is different.

In other words, a gaming machine having the following configuration also realizes new gaming features.
A game board provided with a starting area (second starting hole 122);
A movable member (movable piece 122b) that changes the ease with which the game ball enters the starting area;
A determination means (S610-9, S610-11) for determining whether or not a game has been won based on the entry of the game ball into the starting area;
A winning game control means (S640 to S660) that executes a winning game (big prize game) in which a big prize opening provided on the game board is opened based on the result of the winning/losing judgment;
a state setting means (S670) for setting the state to one of a plurality of states including a normal state (non-time-shortened game state), a first specific state (first time-shortened game state A) in which the movable member is controlled so that the game ball can enter the starting area more easily than in the normal state, and a second specific state (first time-shortened game state C);
Equipped with
The state setting means
When a winning game is executed due to the establishment of a first start condition (display of the special symbol Z3 in a predetermined game state) including the derivation of a predetermined winning judgment result (special symbol Z3), the state after the winning game is set to a first specific state (first time-shortened game state A),
When a preset second start condition (display of special symbol X during the second time-saving game state) is established, the state is set to a second specific state (first time-saving game state C) without going through a winning game.
In the first specific state or the second specific state, the first specific state or the second specific state is ended based on the fact that the number of times (special 1 variation number) of a predetermined game (special game) has reached a preset ending number (S631),
The number of times to end the first specific state after the winning game executed when the first start condition is established varies depending on whether the state when the first start condition is established is the first specific state or the second specific state.
A gaming machine characterized by:

100 Gaming machine 108 Gaming board 122 Second start slot 128 Second big winning slot 300 Main control board 300a Main CPU
300b main ROM
300c main RAM

Claims (1)

a game board having a starting area;
A movable member that changes the ease with which the game ball enters the starting area;
A determination means for determining whether or not a game has been won based on the entry of the game ball into the starting area;
A winning game control means for executing a winning game in which a big prize opening provided on the game board is opened based on the result of the winning/losing judgment;
A state setting means for setting the movable member to one of a plurality of states including a normal state, a first specific state in which the movable member is controlled so that the game ball can enter the starting area more easily than in the normal state, and a second specific state;
Equipped with
The state setting means
When the winning game is executed due to the establishment of a first start condition including the fact that a first winning determination result is derived, the state after the winning game is set as the first specific state,
When a preset second start condition is established, the state is set to the second specific state without going through the winning game,
ending the first specific state or the second specific state based on the fact that the number of predetermined games has reached a preset number of endings in the first specific state or the second specific state;
The number of times to end the first specific state after the winning game executed when the first start condition is established varies depending on whether the state when the first start condition is established is the first specific state or the second specific state,
When a second hit determination result is derived in the first specific state, the first specific state can be set after a predetermined state;
The predetermined state has a higher expected value that a winning determination result will be derived by the winning/losing determination and the winning game will be executed than the first specific state and the second specific state,
the expected value of prize balls that can be acquired from the determination result of the second win in the first specific state to the setting of the first specific state via the predetermined state is higher than the expected value of prize balls that can be acquired from the determination result of the first win in the first specific state to the setting of the first specific state after the winning game;
A gaming machine characterized by: