JP2022081784A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine which can improve the reliability of data related to the number of game balls.SOLUTION: When a shooting condition is satisfied by satisfactions of all of a first condition being a shooting permission state in which shooting game balls is permitted, a second condition being a contact detection state in which a contact to a shooting handle is detected, a third condition being an operation detection state in which it is detected that an operation amount of the shooting handle is beyond a predetermined amount, and a fourth condition being a non-stop state in which an operation for stopping shooting game balls is not detected, a shooting sequence is carried out. A specific condition being at least one of the first condition, the second condition, the third condition, and the fourth condition is not satisfied and the shooting condition is then not satisfied, an air-shooting sequence is carried out. A shooting prohibition state in which the first condition is not satisfied includes a state in which power supply from the exterior is blocked. The air-shooting sequence is not restarted after a power activation, and a control related to a game can be restarted from the number of game balls interrupted in the middle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

Conventionally, in a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine, a gaming ball supplied from a supply mechanism is launched by a launching mechanism, and when a gaming ball flowing down a gaming area enters a winning opening, a prize ball is paid out. (For example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2018-57751

By the way, in a gaming machine that internally circulates gaming balls, it is necessary to store the number of gaming balls as data. However, in such a gaming machine, a situation may occur in which the gaming ball is not launched even though the number of gaming balls stored as data is subtracted in relation to the operation of the launching mechanism or the supply mechanism. Conceivable. In such a situation, the number of game balls stored as data and the game situation may be inconsistent, and the reliability of the data regarding the number of game balls may decrease.

The gaming machine that solves the above-mentioned problems can store the number of gaming balls as data, and is capable of launching the gaming balls in the gaming machine configured to enable the game based on the data. A stop operation means capable of stopping the launch of the game ball, a launch mechanism for launching the game ball, a supply mechanism for supplying the game ball to the launch mechanism, and a control means for performing predetermined control. The number of game balls stored as the data is subtracted in relation to at least one of the launch operation by the launch mechanism and the supply operation by the supply mechanism, and the launch of the game balls is permitted. The first condition, which is a firing allowable state, the second condition, which is a contact detection state in which contact with the firing operating means is detected, and the operation amount of the firing operating means is detected to exceed a predetermined amount. When all of the third condition, which is the operation detection state, and the fourth condition, which is the non-stop state in which the operation to stop the launch of the game ball is not detected, are satisfied and the launch condition is satisfied. , The normal control for performing the supply operation by the supply mechanism and the launch operation by the launch mechanism is performed, and at least one of the first condition, the second condition, the third condition, and the fourth condition is performed. When one specific condition is not satisfied and the firing condition is not satisfied, a special control is performed to perform the firing operation by the firing mechanism in a state where the supply operation by the supply mechanism is restricted. In the launch prohibited state in which the first condition is not satisfied, there is a state in which the power supply from the outside is cut off, and during the period when the special control is being performed, the special control is in the middle due to the cutoff of the power supply from the outside. When it is terminated, the special control terminated in the middle is not restarted after the power supply from the outside is started, but from the number of game balls whose update was terminated in the middle due to the interruption of the power supply from the outside. The gist is that control related to the game can be resumed.

Regarding the gaming machine, the control means includes a main control unit, a frame control unit that at least controls the supply mechanism, and a launch control unit that controls the launch mechanism, and power supply from the outside is cut off. Then, the main control unit is in a signal output state instructing to stop firing, the frame control unit is in a signal output state instructing firing disapproval, and the power supply from the outside as the firing prohibition state is cut off. It is preferable that the frame control unit is in a signal output state instructing that firing is not permitted.

With respect to the gaming machine, even when the power supply from the outside is cut off during at least one of the period during which the normal control is performed and the period during which the special control is performed, the launch mechanism is still available. It is preferable that at least one firing operation is possible after the power supply from the outside is cut off.

The gaming machine is provided with a backup power source capable of supplying electric power in a state where the electric power supply from the outside is cut off, and the launch mechanism performs a launch operation at predetermined time intervals when the normal control is performed, and the backup is performed. It is preferable that the power supply can supply electric power to the launching mechanism from the time when the electric power supply from the outside is cut off until at least the predetermined time elapses.

According to the present invention, the reliability of data regarding the number of game balls can be improved.

Front view of a pachinko machine and a card unit. Enlarged view of the operation panel of the card unit. Front view of the game board of a pachinko machine. An enlarged view of a counting switch, a counting lamp, and a game ball number display device of a pachinko gaming machine. The schematic diagram which shows the collection passage of a pachinko gaming machine. The schematic diagram which shows the supply device of a pachinko gaming machine. The schematic diagram which shows the supply device of a pachinko gaming machine. The schematic diagram which shows the launching apparatus of a pachinko machine. Block diagram of a pachinko machine. Block diagram of a pachinko machine. An explanatory diagram showing an error that can be detected by a pachinko machine. A timing chart for explaining the firing operation in the firing sequence. A timing chart to explain the supply operation in the firing sequence. A timing chart for explaining special controls (special sequences). A timing chart to explain the blank shot sequence. A timing chart to explain the blank shot sequence. A timing chart to explain the blank shot sequence. A timing chart to explain the blank shot sequence. A timing chart for explaining the blank shot sequence in the second embodiment. A timing chart for explaining the blank shot sequence in the second embodiment.

(First Embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 1, in the island facility (game island), the pachinko gaming machine 10 which is an example of a gaming machine and the card unit 100 which is an example of a management device are installed so as to be alternately arranged. That is, the card unit 100 is attached to the pachinko gaming machine 10. In one example of the present embodiment, one card unit 100 is connected to one pachinko gaming machine 10, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of card units 100 are connected to one pachinko gaming machine 10. May be configured, or one card unit 100 may be connected to a plurality of pachinko gaming machines 10.

The card unit 100 will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the card unit 100 includes a card insertion unit 101 for inserting a management card, which is an example of a storage medium. The management card can at least store the remaining amount of cash and the number of game balls possessed by the player (hereinafter referred to as the number of balls possessed) as data as an example of the value that enables the game. The management card may be able to store the personal information of the player as data. The management card may be configured to store a prepaid balance (prepaid balance) instead of the cash balance.

The card unit 100 includes a bill insertion unit 102 into which bills can be inserted as an example of cash. In the card unit 100, when a bill is inserted into the bill insertion unit 102, it is added to the balance stored in the inserted management card or the initialized management card. The card unit 100 may be configured so that coins can be inserted as an example of cash.

The card unit 100 includes an operation panel 104. The operation panel 104 includes a ball lending button 104a, a payout button 104b, a return button 104c, a ball holding number display unit 104d, and a balance display unit 104e. The ball lending button 104a is operated when increasing the number of gaming balls managed by the pachinko gaming machine 10 based on the remaining amount stored in the management card. The payout button 104b is operated to increase the number of gaming balls managed by the pachinko gaming machine 10 based on the number of balls held in the management card. The return button 104c is operated when receiving the return of the management card inserted in the card unit 100. Information (Arabic numeral as an example) that can specify the number of balls held in the management card is displayed on the ball holding number display unit 104d. The balance display unit 104e displays information (Arabic numerals as an example) that can identify the balance stored in the management card.

The card unit 100 includes a card unit control board 105 (hereinafter referred to as a CU control board). The CU control board 105 includes a CPU 105a, a ROM 105b, and a RAM 105c. The CPU 105a performs a predetermined process by executing the card unit control program. The ROM 105b stores the card unit control program. The RAM 105c stores various information that is rewritten during the operation of the card unit 100. For example, the information stored in the RAM 105c is a flag, a counter, a timer, and the like. The card unit 100 includes a communication terminal 105d that is bidirectionally connected to the pachinko gaming machine 10.

The CU control board 105 is connected to the card insertion unit 101. The CPU 105a is configured to be able to rewrite the stored contents of the management card inserted in the card insertion unit 101. The CU control board 105 is connected to the bill insertion unit 102. The CPU 105a is configured to be able to input a bill signal to be output when a bill is inserted into the bill insertion unit 102. The banknote signal is a signal capable of specifying the amount of banknotes inserted into the banknote insertion unit 102 (hereinafter, referred to as a cash insertion amount).

The CU control board 105 is connected to the operation panel 104. The CPU 105a is configured to be able to input a ball lending signal to be output when the ball lending button 104a is operated. The CU control board 105 is configured to be able to input a payout signal to be output when the payout button 104b is operated. The CPU 105a is configured to be able to input a return signal to be output when the return button 104c is operated. The CPU 105a is configured to be able to control the display content of the ball holding number display unit 104d. The CPU 105a is configured to be able to control the display content of the balance display unit 104e.

The CU control board 105 is connected to the pachinko gaming machine 10 via the communication terminal 105d. The CPU 105a is configured to be able to input various control signals (control information) output by the pachinko gaming machine 10. The CPU 105a is configured to be able to output various control signals (control information) to the pachinko gaming machine 10. The card unit 100 outputs a connection signal from the communication terminal 105d to the pachinko gaming machine 10. The connection signal may be a command or a telegram generated by the CU control board 105 (CPU105a), or may be a signal generated by an output circuit (for example, a power supply circuit) different from the CPU 105a.

The card unit 100 includes an external communication terminal (not shown) for connecting to an external device. As an example, the external device is a hall computer installed in the amusement park. The external device is a management computer that can communicate with the server equipment installed in the data center outside the amusement center via the network. In this case, it is preferable that the management computer and the card unit 100 are connected so as to be able to communicate with each other.

The processing performed by the card unit 100 will be described.
When the management card is inserted into the card insertion unit 101, the CPU 105a reads out the remaining amount stored in the management card and the number of balls held, and stores them in the RAM 105c. Then, when the management card is inserted, the CPU 105a performs the process described below.

When the banknote signal is input from the banknote insertion unit 102, the CPU 105a adds the cash input amount identifiable from the banknote signal to the balance. When the ball lending signal is input from the ball lending button 104a when the remaining amount is not 0, the CPU 105a subtracts the remaining amount by a specified amount and provides grant information capable of specifying the granting of the number of game balls corresponding to the specified amount. Output to the pachinko gaming machine 10. When the balance is 0, the CPU 105a does not transmit the grant information even if the ball lending signal is input.

When the payout signal is input from the payout button 104b when the number of balls held is 0 or more, the CPU 105a subtracts the number of balls held by a specified number and provides pachinko game information that can specify the granting of the specified number of game balls. Output to machine 10. When the number of balls held is 0, the CPU 105a does not transmit the grant information even if a payout signal is input. In this way, the grant information can specify the number of grant balls. When the CPU 105a receives the counting information from the pachinko gaming machine 10, the CPU 105a has the number of game balls that can be specified from the counting information and adds it to the number of balls. As will be described in detail later, the counting information is control information output when the player finishes the game on the pachinko gaming machine 10, and can specify the number of game balls whose management is transferred to the card unit 100. ..

The CPU 105a controls the ball holding number display unit 104d, and updates the display content so as to display information that can specify the number of balls held at that time. That is, the CPU 105a displays the number of balls held in real time on the number of balls held display unit 104d. The CPU 105a controls the balance display unit 104e, and updates the display content so as to display information that can specify the balance at that time. That is, the CPU 105a causes the balance display unit 104e to display the balance in real time.

When the return signal is input from the return button 104c, the CPU 105a stores the remaining amount and the number of balls held in the RAM 105c in the management card, and initializes the remaining amount and the number of balls held in the RAM 105c. The CPU 105a controls the card insertion unit 101 so that the management card is ejected from the card insertion unit 101.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 10, which is an example of a gaming machine, has a specified number of gaming balls enclosed inside the machine as a gaming medium, and is an enclosed type in which the specified number of gaming balls are circulated inside the machine. It is configured as a gaming machine (so-called managed gaming machine). The gaming ball used in the pachinko gaming machine 10 is a non-magnetic material such as stainless steel, but is not limited to this, and may be a magnetic material. The pachinko gaming machine 10 does not include a portion (upper plate and lower plate) for storing the gaming ball. That is, the pachinko gaming machine 10 has a structure in which the player cannot touch the gaming ball.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes the number of game balls lent to the player (hereinafter referred to as the number of rented balls), the number of game balls acquired by the player (hereinafter referred to as the number of acquired balls), and the player fires. The number of gaming balls possessed by the player (hereinafter referred to as the number of gaming balls) is electromagnetically managed based on the number of gaming balls (hereinafter referred to as the number of launched balls). The above-mentioned number of balls is the number of game balls managed by the card unit 100, and is different from the number of game balls managed by the pachinko gaming machine 10. As described above, the pachinko gaming machine 10 as a managed gaming machine can store the number of gaming balls as data, and is configured to enable the game based on the data.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a frame body 11. The frame body 11 includes an outer frame 11a for fixing the machine body to the island equipment, a mounting frame 11b for mounting various game parts, and a protective frame 11c. The mounting frame 11b is supported so as to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame 11a. The protective frame 11c is supported so as to be openable and closable with respect to the mounting frame 11b. The protective frame 11c has a protective glass (not shown) that protects the gaming parts mounted on the mounting frame 11b. The protective frame 11c is a so-called front frame or a glass frame. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a locking device (not shown) that locks the frames 11b and 11c. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured so that the frames 11b and 11c cannot be opened with respect to the outer frame 11a unless the pachinko gaming machine 10 is unlocked using a key compatible with the locking device.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a staging voice device 12 using a speaker as an example. The staging sound device 12 is arranged on the front side of the mounting frame 11b. The effect voice device 12 can execute an effect of outputting a predetermined voice (hereinafter referred to as a voice effect) and a notification for outputting a predetermined voice (hereinafter referred to as a voice notification). For example, the predetermined voice is a musical piece, a sound effect, or the like. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a notification voice device 13 using a speaker as an example. The notification voice device 13 can execute voice notification. In an example of this embodiment, the audio devices 12 and 13 are arranged on the mounting frame 11b.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a staging light emitting device 14. The effect light emitting device 14 can execute an effect (hereinafter referred to as a light emission effect) by turning on, blinking, and turning off a light emitting body (not shown) using an LED or the like as an example. The staging light emitting device 14 can execute notification (hereinafter referred to as notification light emission) by turning on, blinking, and turning off the light emitting body (not shown). In an example of this embodiment, the staging light emitting device 14 is arranged on the mounting frame 11b. Not limited to this, the staging light emitting device 14 may be arranged on the game board 20 described later.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a firing handle 15 which is an example of a launching operation means capable of launching a gaming ball. The firing handle 15 is arranged on the front side of the mounting frame 11b. As will be described in detail later, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured to drive the launching device 50 so as to launch the gaming ball with a firing intensity corresponding to the operation of the firing handle 15. The launching device 50 constitutes an example of a launching mechanism for launching a game ball. The firing handle 15 includes a handle lever 15a supported so that it can be rotated, a touch sensor D01, a firing stop switch D02, and a handle volume D03.

The touch sensor D01 is connected to an energizing ring 15b arranged so as to surround the side surface of the firing handle 15. The touch sensor D01 outputs a touch signal when the player grips the firing handle 15 and the player's fingers touch the energizing ring 15b. The touch signal is turned on when the player's fingers are touching the energizing ring 15b, and turned off when the player's fingers are not touching the energizing ring 15b. The touch sensor D01 is an example of a means for detecting that the player is touching the firing handle 15.

The launch stop switch D02 outputs a stop signal when the launch stop button 15c protruding toward the side of the launch handle 15 is pushed. The stop signal is turned on when the firing stop button 15c is operated, and turned off when the firing stop button 15c is not operated. The launch stop button 15c is an example of a stop operation means capable of stopping the launch of the game ball. When the handle lever 15a is rotated, the handle volume D03 outputs a volume signal having a voltage corresponding to the rotation operation amount. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a staging operation device 16 as an example of means that the player can operate for staging. The effect operation device 16 may be a button type capable of pressing operation, a touch sensor type that also serves as a display device, or a lever type.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a gaming ball number display device 17 that displays information that can identify the number of gaming balls managed internally. In one example of the present embodiment, the game ball number display device 17 has a configuration in which a plurality of (for example, 6) 7-segments are arranged, and can display a plurality of (for example, 6 digits) numbers. The game ball number display device 17 can execute a predetermined information notification (hereinafter referred to as a notification display) by displaying a predetermined character. The game ball number display device 17 is an example of a number notification means, a number display means, and a notification means for notifying the number of game balls stored as data.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a counting switch 18. The counting switch 18 is operated when the player ends the game in the pachinko gaming machine 10. As will be described in detail later, when the counting switch 18 is in a predetermined counting allowable state, a counting operation using the counting switch 18 is permitted. The counting switch 18 outputs a counting signal when the pushing operation is performed. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a counting lamp 18a, which is an example of means for notifying whether or not the counting is allowed. In an example of the present embodiment, the effect operation device 16, the game ball number display device 17, the counting switch 18, and the counting lamp 18a are arranged together at a position that can be operated by the player on the front side of the mounting frame 11b. There is.

As shown in FIG. 3, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a gaming board 20. The game board 20 is assembled to the mounting frame 11b. On the front surface of the game board 20, a game area 20a having a substantially circular shape is defined in front view. A display window 20b is formed in the substantially center of the game area 20a. On the left side of the game area 20a, a launch passage 20c for guiding the game ball launched by the launching device 50 to the game area 20a is formed. The game area 20a and the launch passage 20c are covered with a protective glass (not shown) of the protective frame 11c.

The game board 20 includes a main display device group 21 that constitutes an example of means for displaying various information. As will be described in detail later, the main display device group 21 is a display device controlled by the main control board 60. The main display device group 21 includes a first special symbol display device 21a, a second special symbol display device 21b, a first hold display device 21c, a second hold display device 21d, a normal symbol display device 21e, and a normal hold display device 21f. Is included at least. In one example of the present embodiment, the plurality of display devices constituting the main display device group 21 are collectively arranged in a portion visible to the player, but the present invention is not limited to this, and some or all of the display devices are different. It may be arranged in.

The first special symbol display device 21a can execute a first special symbol variation game (hereinafter referred to as a first special game) in which a predetermined symbol is variablely displayed and finally the special symbol is stopped and displayed. The second special symbol display device 21b can execute a second special symbol variation game (hereinafter referred to as a second special game) in which a predetermined symbol is variablely displayed and finally the special symbol is stopped and displayed. The special symbol is a symbol for notifying the result of the internal lottery (the winning lottery of the special symbol). Hereinafter, the first special game and the second special game are collectively referred to as a "special game". The special symbol includes at least a jackpot symbol as a jackpot display result and a missed symbol as a missed display result. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when a big hit is won in a special symbol winning lottery, the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed in the special game, and the big hit game is given after the special game of the big hit is completed. The jackpot game will be described later.

The first hold display device 21c determines the number of times (hereinafter, referred to as the first hold number) of the first special game whose execution is held due to the hold condition being satisfied but the start condition not being satisfied yet. Display identifiable information. The second hold display device 21d determines the number of times (hereinafter, referred to as the second hold number) of the second special game whose execution is held due to the hold condition being satisfied but the start condition not being satisfied yet. Display identifiable information.

The normal symbol display device 21e can execute a normal game in which a predetermined symbol is variablely displayed and finally the normal symbol is stopped and displayed. The ordinary symbol is a symbol for notifying the result of the internal lottery (the winning lottery of the ordinary symbol). There are at least a normal hit symbol and a normal miss symbol in the normal symbol. In the present embodiment, when the winning lottery of the ordinary symbol is won, the ordinary winning symbol is stopped and displayed in the ordinary game, and the ordinary winning game is given after the end of the ordinary game. The normal hold display device 21f displays information that can specify the number of times the normal game whose execution is held is pending because the hold condition is satisfied but the start condition is not yet satisfied. The main display device group 21 may include a right-handed display device that displays information for instructing right-handed hitting, which will be described later, and a round display device that notifies the upper limit number of round games, which will be described later.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes an effect display device 19 having an image display area capable of displaying an image. The effect display device 19 is assembled to the game board 20 so that the image display area 19a can be visually recognized via the display window 20b. For example, the effect display device 19 is a liquid crystal display device. The effect display device 19 can execute an effect of displaying a predetermined image (hereinafter referred to as a display effect). For example, a predetermined image is an image such as an effect pattern, a character, a landscape, a character (character string), a number, and a symbol. In the following description, when these characters and the like are simply indicated as "displayed", it means that these characters and the like are displayed as an image. The effect display device 19 can execute the notification display in a mode of displaying a predetermined image.

The staging sound device 12, the staging light emitting device 14, and the staging display device 19 are all staging devices capable of executing a predetermined staging, and constitute a staging device group ES composed of a plurality of staging devices. As described above, since the staging voice device 12, the staging light emitting device 14, and the staging display device 19 can all execute predetermined notifications, the staging device group ES can be grasped as a staging device group. be. The staging device (notification device) included in the staging device group ES is not limited to the staging sound device 12, the staging light emitting device 14, and the staging display device 19, and a part of these staging devices is omitted. You may. The staging device group ES may include, in addition to these staging devices, or in place of one or a plurality of arbitrarily selectable staging devices, a staging movable device that executes a movable staging, and an staging vibration device that performs a vibrating staging. You may prepare.

For example, the display effect in the effect display device 19 includes an effect symbol variation game (hereinafter referred to as an effect game) using a plurality of rows of effect symbols (decorative symbols). In the effect game, a plurality of rows of effect symbols are displayed in a variable manner, and finally a combination of effect symbols (hereinafter referred to as a symbol combination) is stopped and displayed. The staging pattern (decorative pattern) is a pattern with decorations such as characters and patterns, and is a pattern for diversifying the display effect. For example, the effect game of the present embodiment is performed by variablely displaying (scrolling) the effect symbols of the left symbol row, the middle symbol row, and the right symbol row in predetermined directions. The staging game may include a reach staging performed by forming a reach.

The staging game starts with the special game and ends with the special game. In the staging game, the symbol combination corresponding to the special symbol that is stopped and displayed in the special game is stopped and displayed. When the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed in the special game, the jackpot symbol combination is stopped and displayed in the staging game. When the missed symbol is stopped and displayed in the special game, the missed symbol combination is stopped and displayed in the staging game. In the following description, the special game and the staging game executed together with the special game are collectively referred to as a “variable game”.

In the game area 20a, a plurality of winning openings (entry openings) into which game balls can enter are formed. The winning openings include at least a first starting opening 23, a second starting opening 24, a large winning opening 25, and a normal winning opening 27. The first start opening 23 is a winning opening for inserting a game ball when the conditions for granting the prize balls and the conditions for holding the first special game are satisfied. The first starting port 23 is located below the effect display device 19 and is always open so that a game ball can be inserted. The game board 20 includes a first start sensor D11 that detects a game ball that has entered the first start port 23 (see FIG. 10).

The second start opening 24 is a winning opening for inserting a game ball when the conditions for granting the prize ball and the holding condition for the second special game are satisfied. The second starting port 24 is to the right of the first starting port 23. The second starting port 24 is provided with a normal opening / closing piece 24a, for example, having a door shape, and when a normal hit game is not given, the game ball cannot or is difficult to enter. It is closed like this. When the normal hit game is given, the second starting port 24 is opened so that the game ball can be entered or can be easily entered. The game board 20 is provided with a normal solenoid SL1 as a means for opening the second starting port 24 (see FIG. 10). Further, the game board 20 includes a second start sensor D12 that detects a game ball that has entered the second start port 24 (see FIG. 10). The ordinary opening / closing piece 24a is a so-called "ordinary electric accessory".

The large prize opening 25 is a winning opening for inserting a game ball when the conditions for granting the prize ball are satisfied. The large winning opening 25 is located at the lower right of the effect display device 19. The big winning opening 25 is provided with a special opening / closing piece 25a, for example, having a door shape, so that the game ball cannot or is difficult to enter when the big hit game is not given. It is closed. When the big hit game is given, the big winning opening 25 is opened so that the game ball can be put in or can be easily put in. The game board 20 is provided with a special solenoid SL2 as a means for opening the large winning opening 25 (see FIG. 10). Further, the game board 20 includes a count sensor D13 that detects a game ball that has entered the large winning opening 25 (see FIG. 10).

The ordinary prize opening 27 is a winning opening for inserting a game ball when the conditions for granting the prize ball are satisfied. The ordinary winning openings 27 are located at the lower left of the effect display device 19 and at the lower right of the effect display device 19, respectively. The normal winning opening 27 is always open so that a game ball can be inserted. The game board 20 includes a normal sensor D14 that detects a game ball that has entered the normal winning opening 27 (see FIG. 10).

A gate 28 is arranged in the game area 20a. The gate 28 is a right region of the game region 20a, and is above the second starting opening 24 and the large winning opening 25. The gate 28 has a gate opening 28a that is always open so that a game ball can enter the gate 28. A gate sensor D15 for detecting a game ball entering and passing through is provided at the gate opening 28a (see FIG. 10). The gate 28 is an entrance for entering a game ball when the start condition of a normal game is satisfied. At the gate 28, even if a game ball enters, the condition for granting a prize ball is not satisfied. At the lowermost part of the game area 20a, a game ball that has not entered any of the first start port 23, the second start port 24, the large winning opening 25, and the normal winning opening 27 is discharged from the game area 20a. Out port 29 is formed. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes an out sensor (not shown) that detects a gaming ball that has entered the out port 29. The out port 29 can also be grasped as a discharge port or a return port from the game area 20a.

Further, the mounting frame 11b includes a radio wave sensor D16 that detects a radio wave exceeding a predetermined intensity as an abnormal radio wave (see FIG. 9). The radio wave sensor D16 outputs a radio wave detection signal when it detects an abnormal radio wave. The game board 20 may be provided with a radio wave sensor in addition to the radio wave sensor D16 on the mounting frame 11b, and may be configured so that the game board 20 can detect an abnormal radio wave. As described above, the pachinko gaming machine 10 does not use a magnetic game ball, but uses a non-magnetic game ball. Therefore, the mounting frame 11b does not include a magnetic sensor that detects magnetism exceeding a predetermined strength as abnormal magnetism. Not limited to this, the pachinko gaming machine 10 may be provided with a magnetic sensor on one or both of the mounting frame 11b and the gaming board 20 so that the approach of the magnet can be detected.

The mounting frame 11b includes a first door opening switch D17 that detects that the protective frame 11c is open with respect to the mounting frame 11b (see FIG. 9). The first door opening switch D17 outputs a first door opening signal when it detects the opening of the protective frame 11c. The mounting frame 11b includes a second door opening switch D18 that detects that the mounting frame 11b is open with respect to the outer frame 11a (see FIG. 9). The second door opening switch D18 outputs a second door opening signal when it detects the opening of the mounting frame 11b.

The player adjusts the firing intensity of the game ball by operating the firing handle 15, and hits the game ball into the left area on the left side of the display window 20b and the right area on the right side of the display window 20b. .. For example, when the game ball is launched with the firing intensity adjusted to be stronger (hereinafter referred to as right-handed), the game ball is easily guided down to the right region, and the second starting port 24, the large winning opening 25, and the normal. There is a possibility of entering the winning opening 27 or the gate 28. Since it is necessary to launch the game ball vigorously in order to reach the right region, right-handed striking is performed by adjusting the firing intensity to the maximum strength or a strength slightly weaker than the maximum strength. On the other hand, when the game ball is launched by adjusting the firing intensity to be weak (hereinafter referred to as left-handed), the game ball is easily guided down to the left region, and the first starting port 23 or the normal winning opening 27 There is a possibility of entering the ball. Since it is not necessary to fire the game ball as vigorously as when hitting the left side, adjust the strength so that the fired game ball does not reach the right area. In the present embodiment, a flow path of the game ball is formed by a game component such as a game nail so that the game ball cannot enter the first starting port 23 when hitting to the right. The game component may be arranged so as to restrict entry into the first starting port 23 when hitting to the right, and it is more difficult to enter the ball into the first starting opening 23 than when hitting to the left. It may be arranged so as to.

The left region in the present embodiment is a region located on the left side of the center line CL that bisects the game region 20a to the left and right when the game board 20 is viewed from the front. The right region in the present embodiment is a region located on the right side of the center line CL when the game board 20 is viewed from the front. The game ball launched by the operation of the launch handle 15 is guided to the launch passage 20c on the left side of the game area 20a and reaches the game area 20a. Therefore, the left region is also a region closer to the launch passage 20c, and the right region is also a region away from the launch passage 20c. The game ball that is guided down the left area passes through the left side of the effect display device 19 located at the center of the game area 20a in the front view, and heads toward the out port 29 located at the lowermost part of the game area 20a. On the other hand, the game ball that is guided down in the right area passes through the right side of the effect display device 19 located at the center of the game area 20a in the front view, and heads for the out port 29.

As shown in FIG. 5, the pachinko gaming machine 10 has a collection passage 30 for collecting game balls, a maintenance device 35 for performing predetermined maintenance on the game balls, and one game ball for which maintenance has been performed. It has a supply device 40 for supplying so as to cut out, and a launching device 50 for launching a game ball supplied from the supply device. The supply device 40 constitutes an example of a supply mechanism that supplies a game ball to the launch device 50, which is an example of the launch mechanism. The pachinko gaming machine 10 has the above-mentioned launch passage 20c and a foul passage 20f for collecting a foul ball. The foul ball is a game ball that has been launched by the launching device 50 but has not reached the game area 20a. In an example of this embodiment, the supply device 40 and the launch device 50 are arranged below the game area 20a. Not limited to this, the supply device 40 and the launch device 50 are the game area 2.
It may be arranged in the upper left portion of 0a.

The collection passage 30 includes an individual winning passage 31a connected to the first starting opening 23, the second starting opening 24, the large winning opening 25, and the normal winning opening 27, and a prize ball merging portion 31b where a plurality of individual winning passages 31a join. It also has a winning passage 31 connected to the prize ball confluence portion 31b.

The collection passage 30 has a non-winning passage 32 connected to the out port 29. The collection passage 30 has a winning passage 31, a non-winning passage 32, and a confluence 33 where the foul passage 20f joins. The collection passage 30 has a supply passage 34 connecting the merging portion 33 and the maintenance device 35. The game ball that has reached the game area 20a flows down the game area 20a. When the game ball enters any of the first starting opening 23, the second starting opening 24, the large winning opening 25, the normal winning opening 27, and the out opening 29, the game ball circulates in the winning passage 31 or the non-winning passage 32. It merges at the merging section 33 and reaches the maintenance device 35 through the supply passage 34. The exit area of the supply passage 34 is large enough for one game ball to pass through. Therefore, the game balls are arranged in a row by passing through the supply passage 34.

The maintenance device 35 is a device that performs polishing as an example of predetermined maintenance. The maintenance device 35 includes a polishing belt (not shown) arranged so as to come into contact with the game ball. When the game ball passes through the maintenance device 35, it comes into contact with the polishing belt and is polished. In an example of this embodiment, the maintenance device 35 is configured as a unit in which a polishing belt and a mechanism for driving the polishing belt are integrated. The maintenance device 35 is assembled to the mounting frame 11b so that it can be replaced as a unit when the replacement time comes, such as when the use of the polishing belt is completed. As an example, the maintenance device 35 is arranged at a position accessible from the back side of the mounting frame 11b when the mounting frame 11b is opened. The game balls that have been maintained by the maintenance device 35 are supplied to the supply device 40 in a state of being lined up in a row.

The maintenance device 35 includes a magnet (not shown) at a position close to the ball passage inside the maintenance device 35. A release lever (not shown) is connected to this magnet. By moving the release lever to a close position, the magnet is close to the ball passage, while by moving it to the release position, the magnet is moved from the ball passage. Separate. When the release lever is in a close position and the magnet is close to the ball passage, if a game ball made of a magnetic material (such as an iron ball) is present in the ball passage, the game ball can be captured by magnetic force. In this case, the game ball following the captured game ball is hindered by the captured game ball, and the supply of the game ball to the supply device 40 is blocked. Then, when the release lever is displaced to the release position, the magnet is separated from the ball passage, and the capture of the game ball is released.

The maintenance device 35 includes a ball passage ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 that detects a game ball passing through the ball passage inside the maintenance device 35 on the upstream side of the magnet in the traveling direction of the game ball (see FIG. 9). The ball passage ball jam monitoring sensor D27 is provided adjacent to the ball passage inside the maintenance device 35, and when it detects a game ball passing through the ball passage, it outputs a ball jam detection signal. The ball jam detection signal is turned on when a game ball passing through the ball passage is detected, and turned off when it is not detected. In the state where the ball jam detection signal is continuously on, there is a high possibility that a game ball (iron ball or the like) made of a magnetic material is captured by the magnet.

The supply device 40 and the launch device 50 are adjacent to each other so as to be lined up in a predetermined direction (for example, in the front-rear direction). Details of the supply device 40 and the launch device 50 will be described later. The game balls supplied one by one from the supply device 40 flow into the launch device 50. The launch passage 20c connects the launching device 50 and the game area 20a. The launch passage 20c is formed on the front surface side of the game board 20 so as to extend in the vertical direction along the left edge portion of the game area 20a. The game ball launched by the launching device 50 passes through the launch passage 20c and is guided to the game area 20a.

The foul passage 20f is a passage connecting a portion in the middle of the launch passage 20c and any portion of the recovery passage 30. The game ball that has flowed into the foul passage 20f from the launch passage 20c is returned to the collection passage 30 and is supplied again from the supply passage 34 to the supply device 40. The game ball launched by the launching device 50 flows into the launch passage 20c and is guided to reach the game area 20a. Here, the launching device 50 may stall due to insufficient firing intensity, and may flow back (fall) in the launch passage 20c without reaching the gaming area 20a.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a foul sensor D21 that detects a game ball (foul ball) passing through the foul passage 20f. The foul sensor D21 is provided adjacent to the foul passage 20f, and outputs a foul signal when it detects a game ball passing through the foul passage 20f. The foul signal is turned on when the game ball passing through the foul passage 20f is detected, and turned off when the game ball passing through the foul passage 20f is not detected.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a winning passage count sensor D25 that detects a game ball passing through the winning passage 31. The winning passage count sensor D25 is provided adjacent to the winning passage 31, and when it detects a game ball passing through the winning passage 31, it outputs a winning passage signal. The winning passage signal is turned on when the game ball passing through the winning passage 31 is detected, and turned off when the game ball passing through the winning passage 31 is not detected.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a non-winning passage count sensor D26 that detects a game ball passing through the non-winning passage 32. The non-winning passage count sensor D26 is provided adjacent to the non-winning passage 32, and when it detects a game ball passing through the non-winning passage 32, it outputs a non-winning passage signal. The non-winning passage signal is turned on when the game ball passing through the non-winning passage 32 is detected, and turned off when the game ball passing through the non-winning passage 32 is not detected.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 has a discharge port (not shown) for discharging the game ball from the supply passage 34 to the outside of the machine, an opening / closing piece (not shown) for opening / closing the discharge port, and an opening / closing operation for opening / closing the opening / closing piece. It is equipped with an open / close lever (not shown) that is operated in. In the present embodiment, the opening / closing lever is operated to displace the opening / closing piece to open the discharge port, and the game ball can be discharged to the outside of the machine from the opening port. When the opening / closing lever is not operated, the discharge port is closed by the opening / closing piece.

The supply device 40 will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the supply device 40 includes a receiving unit 41 that receives game balls from the maintenance device 35, and a movable piece 42 that operates so as to cut out the game balls received by the receiving unit 41 one by one. It has a supply solenoid 43 for driving the movable piece 42, and a supply unit 44 for guiding the cut out game ball to the launching device 50. The supply device 40 includes a supply inlet sensor D22 and a supply outlet sensor D23.

The receiving section 41 is formed with a receiving passage 41a in which the game balls leaked from the maintenance device 35 can proceed in a line. The supply unit 44 is formed with a supply passage 44a for advancing the game balls cut out from the row of the game balls K by the movable piece 42 to the launching device 50. The movable piece 42 is arranged at a boundary portion between the receiving passage 41a and the supply passage 44a.

The movable piece 42 has a holding portion 42a capable of holding (accommodating) one game ball K, and a rotating shaft 42b. The movable piece 42 is an example of a locking portion capable of locking a game ball. The movable piece 42 is displaceably supported with the rotation shaft 42b as the center of rotation between the stop position 42P1 and the supply position 42P2 rotated below the stop position 42P1. The stop position 42P1 is a position that allows the inflow of the game ball K from the receiving passage 41a to the holding portion 42a and restricts the outflow of the game ball K from the holding portion 42a to the supply passage 44a. The supply position 42P2 is a position that restricts the inflow of the game ball K from the receiving passage 41a to the holding portion 42a and allows the outflow of the game ball K from the holding portion 42a to the supply passage 44a.

When the movable piece 42 is displaced from the stop position 42P1 to the supply position 42P2, the game ball K in the receiving passage 41a is dammed by the movable piece 42, while the game ball K held by the holding portion 42a is discharged to the supply passage 44a. .. When the movable piece 42 is displaced from the supply position 42P2 to the stop position 42P1, the game ball K in the receiving passage 41a flows into the holding portion 42a, while the game ball K does not flow out from the holding portion 42a to the supply passage 44a. The supply solenoid 43 is turned on by energization, and the movable piece 42 is displaced to the stop position 42P1. The movable piece 42 is held at the stop position 42P1 when the supply solenoid 43 is in the ON state. On the other hand, the supply solenoid 43 is turned off when the energization is released, and the movable piece 42 is displaced to the supply position 42P2 by gravity. The movable piece 42 is held at the supply position 42P2 by the supply solenoid 43 being in the off state. The supply solenoid 43 is an example of a supply actuator that releases the lock by the movable piece 42 and drives the game ball to be supplied to the launching device 50.

The supply inlet sensor D22 is provided adjacent to the reception passage 41a, and outputs a supply inlet signal when the game ball K passing through the reception passage 41a is detected. The supply inlet signal is turned on when the game ball K passing through the receiving passage 41a is detected, and turned off when it is not detected. The supply outlet sensor D23 is provided adjacent to the supply passage 44a, and outputs a supply outlet signal when the game ball K passing through the supply passage 44a is detected. The supply outlet signal is turned on when the game ball K passing through the supply passage 44a is detected, and turned off when the game ball K passing through the supply passage 44a is not detected.

The launching device 50 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 8, the launching device 50 is arranged below the game board 20 in front view. The launching device 50 drives the launching unit 51 that receives the game ball K supplied from the supply device 40, the launching hammer 52 that launches the game ball K in the launching unit 51, and the launching hammer 52 so as to hit the game ball. It has a firing solenoid 53. The launching device 50 has a receiving portion 55 for receiving a foul ball (game ball K) flowing back (falling) from the launch passage 20c, and a foul passage portion 56 forming the foul passage 20f.

The launching portion 51 is formed with a launching position 51a for holding the game ball K. The game ball K flows down the supply passage 44a and is held at the launch position 51a. The firing hammer 52 has a rotation shaft 52a at the base end portion and a ball striking portion 52b at the tip end portion. The firing hammer 52 can be displaced around the rotation shaft 52a between the hitting position 52P1 for hitting the game ball K by the hitting portion 52b and the retracting position 52P2 rotated downward from the hitting position 52P1. It is supported. The firing hammer 52 is an example of a batter portion that hits a game ball.

The firing solenoid 53 is turned on by energization, and the firing hammer 52 is displaced to the hitting position 52P1. As shown by the arrow Y1, when the firing hammer 52 is displaced to the hitting position 52P1, the hitting portion 52b is struck against the game ball K at the firing position, and the game ball K is launched toward the launch passage 20c. The game ball K launched with sufficient strength passes through the launch passage 20c and reaches the game area 20a. When the energization of the firing solenoid 53 is released, the firing hammer 52 is displaced to the retracted position 52P2 by gravity. The firing hammer 52 is held at the retracted position 52P2 by the firing solenoid 53 being in the off state. The firing solenoid 53 is an example of a firing actuator that drives the firing hammer 52 to hit a game ball. The firing actuator may be a motor.

The receiving portion 55 forms a receiving space 55a that opens below the launch passage 20c. The lower end of the receiving portion 55 is connected to a passage member forming the foul passage 20f. That is, the lower end of the receiving space 55a is connected to the foul passage 20f. As shown by arrows Y2 and Y3, the foul ball flows into the receiving space 55a from the launch passage 20c, passes through the foul passage 20f, and is returned to the supply device 40. Further, as described above, the foul sensor D21 is provided adjacent to the foul passage 20f.

Next, the jackpot game will be described.
In the jackpot game, first, a predetermined effect is performed over a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as an opening time). For example, the predetermined effect is an opening effect that can recognize the start of the jackpot game. In the big hit game, after the opening time has elapsed, a round game in which the big winning opening 25 is opened is performed up to a predetermined upper limit number of times. One round game is terminated when the predetermined number of game balls to be entered or the time condition in which the predetermined upper limit time elapses is satisfied. In the round game, the large winning opening 25 is opened in a predetermined opening mode (opening pattern). In each round game, a round effect is performed. In the jackpot game, when the final round game is completed, a predetermined effect is performed for a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as an ending time). For example, the predetermined effect is an ending effect that can recognize the end of the jackpot game. The jackpot game ends with the passage of the ending time.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a probability variation function (hereinafter referred to as a probability variation function).
The probability fluctuation function is a function for changing the probability of winning a big hit (hereinafter referred to as a big hit probability) in a big hit lottery. That is, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a low probability state in which the probability variation function does not operate and a high probability state in which the probability variation function operates, as states in which the jackpot probability may differ. The high probability state has a higher jackpot probability than the low probability state. In the high probability state, the jackpot probability is higher than in the low probability state, which is extremely advantageous for the player. The high probability state is a so-called "probability fluctuation state (probability change state)".

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a ball entry assist function.
The ball entry assist function is a function for changing the ball entry rate to the second start opening 24 by assisting the winning of the second start opening 24. That is, the pachinko gaming machine 10 has a low ball entry rate state in which the ball entry assist function does not operate and a high ball entry rate state in which the ball entry assist function operates, as states in which the ball entry rate to the second starting port 24 may differ. And prepare. In the high ball entry rate state, the probability that the game ball enters the second starting port 24 is higher than in the low ball entry rate state. In the high ball entry rate state, the probability that the game ball will enter the second starting port 24 increases, and the game ball can easily enter the second starting port 24, which is advantageous for the player (entry). It becomes a ball easy state). The high ball entry rate state is the so-called "electric support state", and the low ball entry rate state is the so-called "non-electric support state".

For example, the high ball entry rate state can be realized by performing one of the three controls described below, or by performing a combination of a plurality of controls. The first control is a control for shortening the fluctuation time of the normal symbol, which shortens the fluctuation time of the normal game as compared with the case of the low ball entry rate state. The second control is the probability fluctuation control of the normal symbol that changes the probability of winning the normal hit lottery (normal hit probability) to a higher probability than in the low ball entry rate state. The third control is an opening time extension control in which the total opening time of the second starting port 24 in one normal hit game is made longer than in the low ball entry rate state. The opening time extension control is a control that increases the number of times the second starting port 24 is opened in one normal hit game more than in the low ball entry rate state, and one opening of the second starting port 24 in the normal hit game. It is preferable that the time is at least one of the controls that make the time longer than that in the low ball entry rate state. The high ball entry rate state may be realized by combining the fourth control described below. The fourth control is a control for shortening the fluctuation time of the special symbol, which shortens the fluctuation time of the special game (for example, the average fluctuation time) as compared with the case of the low ball entry rate state. When the fluctuation time shortening control of the special symbol is performed, the high ball entry rate state is the fluctuation time shortening state of the special symbol (time reduction state), and the low ball entry rate state is the non-variation time reduction state of the special symbol (non-time reduction state). ).

In the pachinko gaming machine 10, a gaming state is created by a combination of whether or not the probability change function is activated and whether or not the ball entry assist function is activated. In the following description, a gaming state with a low probability state and a low ball entry rate state is referred to as a "low probability low ball entry rate state", and a gaming state with a high probability state and a low ball entry rate state is referred to as a "high probability state". "Low ball entry rate state" is shown. In addition, the gaming state with a low probability state and a high ball entry rate state is referred to as a "low probability high ball entry rate state", and the gaming state with a high probability state and a high ball entry rate state is referred to as a "high probability high ball entry rate state". "Rate state" is shown.

The electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 9, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a main control board 60 and an effect control board 70 on the back side of the machine. The main control board 60 is an example of the main control unit. The main control board 60 and the staging control board 70 are connected so that control information (control commands, etc.) can be output in one direction from the main control board 60 to the staging control board 70. The main control board 60 executes a predetermined process and outputs control information to the staging control board 70. The staging control board 70 executes a predetermined process based on the control information input from the main control board 60.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a frame control board 80 and a launch control board 90 on the back side of the machine. The frame control board 80 and the launch control board 90 form an example of control means for performing predetermined control. The frame control board 80 is an example of a supply control unit and a frame control unit that at least controls the supply device 40, and the launch control board 90 is an example of a launch control unit that controls the launch device 50. The main control board 60 and the frame control board 80 are connected so that control information (such as a message) can be output in both directions. The frame control board 80 and the launch control board 90 are connected so as to be able to output control information in both directions. The frame control board 80 of the pachinko gaming machine 10 and the CU control board 105 of the card unit 100 can output control information (messages, etc.) in both directions via the connection terminal board 98 provided in the pachinko gaming machine 10. It is connected so as to be.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a power supply unit 99 on the back side of the machine. The power supply unit 99 receives power supply from the outside, converts an input voltage into a predetermined voltage, and supplies the power supply to the staging control board 70 and the frame control board 80. The electric power supplied to the frame control board 80 is further supplied to the main control board 60 and the emission control board 90. The power supply unit 99 supplies electric power to the supply solenoid 43, the firing solenoid 53, various sensors, and a switch. The power supply unit 99 includes a main switch 99a. The pachinko gaming machine 10 can be powered on by starting power supply to the power supply unit 99 with the main switch 99a turned on, or by turning on the main switch 99a with power supplied. It is configured in.

The main control board 60 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 10, the main control board 60 includes a CPU 61, a ROM 62, a RAM 63, and a random number generation circuit 64. The CPU 61 executes a process related to the progress of the game by executing the main control program. The ROM 62 stores a main control program, determination values used for various determinations and lottery, a table, and the like. The ROM 62 stores a plurality of types of fluctuation patterns. The fluctuation pattern is information that can specify the fluctuation time from the start to the end of the special game. The variation pattern is information that can specify the variation content (effect content) of the effect game performed during the execution of the special game. The fluctuation pattern includes a jackpot fluctuation pattern and a missed fluctuation pattern. In the effect game based on the jackpot fluctuation pattern, the variation content is such that the jackpot symbol combination is finally stopped and displayed after the reach effect. The effect game based on the out-of-order variation pattern has a variation content in which the out-of-order symbol combination is finally stopped and displayed after or without the reach effect.

The RAM 63 stores various information that is rewritten according to the processing result of the CPU 61. For example, the information stored in the RAM 63 is a flag, a counter, a timer, and the like. The RAM 63 is an example of a storage means capable of storing information. The random number generation circuit 64 generates a hardware random number. The main control board 60 may be configured to be able to generate software random numbers by random number generation processing by the CPU 61.

The main control board 60 is connected to a first start sensor D11, a second start sensor D12, a count sensor D13, a normal sensor D14, and a gate sensor D15. The CPU 61 can input a detection signal that each sensor D11 to D15 detects and outputs a game ball. The main control board 60 is connected to each display device 21a to 21f. The CPU 61 can control the display contents of the display devices 21a to 21f. The main control board 60 is connected to each solenoid SL1 and SL2. By controlling the operation of each solenoid SL1 and SL2, the CPU 61 can control the opening mode of the second starting port 24 and the large winning opening 25.

The staging control board 70 will be described.
The staging control board 70 includes a CPU 71, a ROM 72, and a RAM 73. The CPU 71 performs processing related to the effect by executing the sub-control program. The ROM 72 stores a sub-control program, a determination value used for a predetermined lottery, and the like. The ROM 72 stores the display effect data used for the display effect, the light emission effect data used for the light emission effect, and the audio effect data used for the audio effect. The RAM 73 stores various information that is rewritten during the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10. For example, the information stored in the RAM 73 is a flag, a counter, a timer, and the like. The staging control board 70 is configured to be able to generate software random numbers by random number generation processing by the CPU 71. The staging control board 70 may include a random number generation circuit and may be capable of generating hardware random numbers.

The effect control board 70 is connected to the effect display device 19. The CPU 71 can control the display content in the image display area 19a of the effect display device 19. The staging control board 70 is connected to the staging audio device 12. The CPU 71 can control the output content of the staging audio device 12. The staging control board 70 is connected to the staging light emitting device 14. The CPU 71 can control the light emitting mode of the staging light emitting device 14.

The frame control board 80 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 9, the frame control board 80 includes a CPU 81, a ROM 82, a RAM 83, a performance display monitor 84, a ball removal switch 85, an error release switch 86, a game ball clear switch 87, a RAM clear switch 88, a backup power supply 89, and a backup. A circuit 89a and a launch permission circuit 89b are provided. By executing the frame control program, the CPU 81 performs processing related to the operation of the mounted parts of the mounted frame 11b. The ROM 82 stores a frame control program and the like. The RAM 83 stores various information that is rewritten during the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10. For example, the information stored in the RAM 83 is a flag, a counter, a timer, and the like.

The performance display monitor 84 displays the base value. The base value is a value indicating the ratio (ratio) of the total number of prize balls in the normal game to the total number of effective balls in the normal game. The normal game is a game when the ball is in a low probability and low ball entry rate state and the big hit game is not performed. The effective ball is a game ball that has reached the game area 20a among the game balls launched from the launching device 50. The base value is calculated by the formula of "total number of prize balls won during normal game ÷ total number of effective balls during normal game x 100" on the premise that the game is not a big hit. The performance display monitor 84 is an example of a base display means capable of displaying information regarding the base of a game ball.

The ball removal switch 85 is a switch operated when a ball removal state is generated so that the game ball enclosed inside the pachinko gaming machine 10 can be discharged to the outside of the machine. The ball removal switch 85 outputs a ball removal signal when the pushing operation is performed. The ball pulling signal is turned on when the ball pulling switch 85 is pushed in, and turned off when the ball pulling operation is not pushed. The ball removal signal is output to the CPU 81.

The error release switch 86 is a switch that is operated when an error state is released after the cause of the error is released when a predetermined error occurs. The error release switch 86 outputs an error release signal when the push operation is performed. The error release signal is turned on when the error release switch 86 is pushed in, and turned off when the error release switch 86 is not pushed. The error release signal is output to the CPU 81.

The game ball clear switch 87 is a switch operated when the number of game balls stored as data in the RAM 83 (hereinafter referred to as game ball number information) is initialized to 0. The game ball clear switch 87 outputs a game ball clear signal when the pushing operation is performed. The game ball clear signal is turned on when the game ball clear switch 87 is pushed in, and turned off when the game ball clear switch 87 is not pushed. The game ball clear signal is output to the CPU 81.

The RAM clear switch 88 is a switch operated when the main information stored in the RAM 63 and the information stored in the RAM 83 are initialized (hereinafter referred to as RAM clear). The RAM clear switch 88 outputs a RAM clear signal when the push operation is performed. The RAM clear signal is turned on when the RAM clear switch 88 is pushed in, and turned off when the RAM clear switch 88 is not pushed. The RAM clear signal is output to the CPU 81 and also to the main control board 60 (CPU 61).

The backup power supply 89 supplies backup power to the main control board 60 (RAM 63) in addition to the RAM 83 even when the power supply from the outside is cut off. By receiving the backup power from the backup power supply 89, the RAMs 63 and 83 can retain the stored contents of the RAMs 63 and 83 when the power is turned off even after the power is turned off. That is, the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment is equipped with a backup function. Not limited to this, one or both of the RAMs 63 and 83 are non-volatile memories that can retain the stored contents even when the power supply is stopped, so that they can be stored even after the power is turned off. It may be possible to retain the existing information.

As an example, the backup power supply 89 may be a power storage device that stores power when power is supplied from the outside. The backup power supply 89 has at least a predetermined time (hereinafter, a predetermined time) required for the launch control board 90 (launch control circuit 91) and the launch solenoid 53 to complete a predetermined operation even when the power supply from the outside is cut off. , Supply time TA) elapses, and backup power is supplied to these. The supply time TA is related to the electric power capacity stored for supplying to the launch control board 90 and the launch solenoid 53, and may be the time required to release the power, and is the time specified by a predetermined circuit. There may be.

By receiving the backup power supply from the backup power supply 89, the launch control board 90 (launch control circuit 91) and the launch solenoid 53 can execute a predetermined operation even after the power supply from the outside is cut off. As will be described in detail later, the launching device 50 is external in at least one of a period during which a normal firing operation (launching sequence) is performed and a period during which a special firing operation (blanking sequence) is performed. Even when the power supply from the outside is cut off, it is configured to enable at least one firing operation after the power supply from the outside is cut off.

The information that can be stored in the RAM 63 and is to be backed up includes the main information. The main information is information regarding the progress of the game. As an example, the main information includes information on the jackpot state (including the number of round games), information on the game state, information on the number of holds, information on normal symbols and special symbols, and information on the error state.

The information that can be stored in the RAM 83 and is to be backed up includes game ball number information, game information, and performance information. The game ball number information is information that can specify the game ball number. The game information is information notified from the main control board 60 according to the progress of the game. As an example, in the game information, the start opening prize occurs, the normal winning occurs, the big winning opening prize occurs in the big hit game, the gate passes, the special symbol is confirmed (the end of the variable game), the big hit occurs, and the current There is information that can identify the game status. The performance information is the base value and the information related to the calculation of the base value. The information related to the calculation of the base value includes the total number of prize balls won during the normal game and the total number of effective balls during the normal game.

When the power supply voltage supplied from the power supply unit 99 drops below the specified voltage, the backup circuit 89a outputs a power supply cutoff detection signal to the CPU 81 and outputs the power supply cutoff detection signal to the CPU 61 of the main control board 60. The launch permission circuit 89b is a circuit for outputting to the launch control board 90 a signal (hereinafter referred to as a launch permission signal) that can be specified to be in a launch permission state that allows the launch of the game ball. The output conditions of the launch permission signal will be described later.

The frame control board 80 is connected to the counting switch 18. The CPU 81 is configured to be able to input a counting signal output by the counting switch 18. The frame control board 80 includes a radio wave sensor D16, a first door opening switch D17, a second door opening switch D18, a foul sensor D21, a supply inlet sensor D22, a supply outlet sensor D23, a winning passage count sensor D25, and a non-winning passage count sensor D26. , And the ball passage ball jam monitoring sensor D27. The CPU 81 detects radio signals output by these sensors and switches, a first door open signal, a second door open signal, a foul signal, a supply inlet signal, a supply outlet signal, a winning passage signal, a non-winning passage signal, and a ball jam detection. It is configured to be able to input signals. Of these signals, the frame control board 80 outputs the first door opening signal and the second door opening signal to the main control board 60.

The frame control board 80 is connected to the notification voice device 13. The CPU 81 can control the output content of the notification voice device 13. The frame control board 80 is connected to the game ball number display device 17. The CPU 81 is configured to be able to control the display content of the game ball number display device 17.

The frame control board 80 is connected to the maintenance device 35. The CPU 81 is configured to be able to control the maintenance operation of the maintenance device 35. The frame control board 80 is connected to the supply solenoid 43. The CPU 81 can displace the movable piece 42 by controlling the energization of the supply solenoid 43. That is, the CPU 81 is configured to be able to control the supply operation of the game ball by the supply device 40.

As described above, the frame control board 80 is connected to the card unit 100. The CPU 81 is configured to be able to receive various messages transmitted by the CU control board 105. The connection signal output by the card unit 100 is input from the connection terminal board 98 to the firing permission circuit 89b without passing through the CPU 81. As will be described in detail later, the launch stop signal output by the main control board 60 and the error signal output by the CPU 81 are also input to the launch permission circuit 89b.

The launch control board 90 includes a launch control circuit 91 for controlling the operation of the launch device 50. The firing control circuit 91 outputs a drive signal to the firing solenoid 53 based on a control signal input from the frame control board 80 and a signal input from a sensor or a switch.

The launch control board 90 is connected to the touch sensor D01, the launch stop switch D02, and the handle volume D03. The firing control circuit 91 is configured to be capable of inputting a touch signal, a stop signal, and a volume signal output by these switches and sensors. The launch control board 90 is connected to the launch solenoid 53. When the firing control circuit 91 outputs a drive signal to the firing solenoid 53, the firing solenoid 53 is driven and the firing hammer 52 is displaced to the hitting position 52P1. That is, the launch control board 90 is configured to be able to control the launch operation of the game ball by the launch device 50.

The emission control circuit 91 includes an operation determination unit, a pulse clock generation unit, a timing pulse generation unit, a holding circuit, and a solenoid drive unit. The operation determination unit operates when the firing permission signal from the frame control board 80 is on, the stop signal from the firing stop switch D02 is off, and the touch signal from the touch sensor D01 is on. When the possible condition is satisfied, the operation signal is output to the timing pulse generation unit. In the operation determination unit, the firing permission signal from the frame control board 80 is on, the stop signal from the firing stop switch D02 is off, and the touch signal from the touch sensor D01 is on. If the operable condition is not satisfied because a part or all of the above is not satisfied, the operation signal is not output to the timing pulse generation unit.

When the operation signal is input, the timing pulse generation unit synthesizes the operation signal and the pulse signal input from the pulse clock generation unit, and outputs the emission timing pulse to the solenoid drive unit. Each time the firing timing pulse is input, the solenoid driving unit supplies (outputs) a driving current of a voltage corresponding to the volume signal (voltage) input from the handle volume D03 to the firing solenoid 53. As a result, the launch solenoid 53 is driven with a strength corresponding to the rotation operation amount of the handle lever 15a, and the game ball is launched. As will be described in detail later, the emission control circuit 91 outputs a subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 80 at a predetermined timing. When the drive current is output when the operable condition is satisfied, the holding circuit holds the voltage (voltage value) of the volume signal at that time. The firing control circuit 91 (solenoid drive unit) supplies a driving current of a voltage corresponding to the voltage value held (stored) in the holding circuit to the firing solenoid 53 instead of the voltage value of the volume signal in the blank shot sequence described later. do.

Further, the holding circuit holds the voltage (voltage value) of the volume signal. The holding circuit constitutes an example of information holding means for holding information. The voltage value that can be held by the holding circuit is an example of the manipulated variable information generated according to the manipulated variable of the firing handle 15 (handle lever 15a).

The process executed by the frame control board 80 (CPU81) will be described.
The frame side power cutoff process will be described.
When the power supply cutoff detection signal output by the backup circuit 89a is input when the power supply voltage drops below the specified voltage, the CPU 81 executes the power supply cutoff process. In the power cutoff process, the CPU 81 calculates the checksum value of the RAM 83 and stores the calculated checksum value in the RAM 83. Further, the CPU 81 stores information (hereinafter, referred to as a backup flag) that can identify that the power cutoff process has been normally executed in the RAM 83. After that, the CPU 81 waits until the power is completely turned off. Various information stored in the RAM 83 when the power is turned off is retained even after the power is turned off by the backup function described above.

The frame side power-on process will be described.
When the supply voltage to the frame control board 80 reaches the voltage required for the operation of the CPU 81 and is started by turning on the power, the CPU 81 determines whether or not the backed up information is normal. Specifically, the CPU 81 determines whether or not the backup flag is stored in the RAM 83. Further, the CPU 81 calculates the checksum value of the RAM 83, and determines whether or not the calculated checksum value matches the checksum value calculated by the power cutoff process. The CPU 81 determines that it is normal when the backup flag is stored and the checksum values match, while it determines that it is abnormal when it does not. When it is determined that the backed up information is abnormal, the CPU 81 initializes the game ball number information and the game information stored in the RAM 83. At this time, the CPU 81 does not initialize the performance information. After that, the CPU 81 shifts to the communication check process described later.

When it is determined that the backed up information is normal, the CPU 81 determines whether or not the game ball clear switch 87 is operated based on whether or not the game ball clear signal is in the ON state. The CPU 81 initializes the game ball number information stored in the RAM 83 when the game ball clear switch 87 is operated. At this time, the CPU 81 does not initialize the game information and the performance information. The CPU 81 does not initialize the game ball number information when the game ball clear switch 87 is not operated.

The CPU 81 determines whether or not the RAM clear switch 88 is operated based on whether or not the RAM clear signal is in the ON state. The CPU 81 initializes the game information stored in the RAM 83 when the RAM clear switch 88 is operated. At this time, the CPU 81 does not initialize the game ball number information and the performance information. The CPU 81 does not initialize the game information when the RAM clear switch 88 is not operated. In the present embodiment, the performance information is either a situation where the game ball number information is initialized according to the operation of the game ball clear switch 87 or a situation where the game information is initialized according to the operation of the RAM clear switch 88. Even if it is not initialized. After that, the CPU 81 shifts to the communication check process.

In the communication check process, the CPU 81 determines whether or not the startup information has been received from the main control board 60. In an example of this embodiment, the startup information is gaming machine installation information. As an example, the gaming machine installation information is information that can identify the type of the gaming machine, the ID number of the CPU 61, the manufacturer of the CPU 61, and the like. When the CPU 81 normally receives the startup information, the CPU 81 transmits the response information to the main control board 60. After that, the CPU 81 ends the communication check process, returns based on the initialized or backed up game ball number information, the game information, and the performance information, and executes the frame-side normal process described later.

The CPU 81 stores in the RAM 83 a flag that can identify the occurrence of a communication line disconnection error if the startup information is not received until a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes) elapses after the startup accompanying the power-on. That is, the CPU 81 sets a communication line disconnection error. After that, the CPU 81 waits until the startup information is received. When the CPU 81 normally receives the startup information from the main control board 60 while setting the communication line disconnection error, the CPU 81 cancels the communication line disconnection error setting. After that, the CPU 81 ends the communication check process, returns based on the initialized or backed up game ball number information, the game information, and the performance information, and executes the frame-side normal process described later. Not limited to this, the CPU 81 may set a communication line disconnection error when the reception of the startup information and the transmission of the response information are not successful a plurality of times (for example, three times). In this case, as the start-up information received a plurality of times, the first time may be the game machine installation information, and the second and subsequent times may be information different from the game machine installation information (as an example, the game machine information).

The frame side normal processing of the frame control board 80 will be described.
Among the frame-side normal processes, the game information storage process will be described.
The game information generation process is a process of storing the game information input from the main control board 60 in the RAM 83. When the CPU 81 receives the game information that can specify the game state, the CPU 81 stores the game information in the RAM 83. By referring to the game information stored in the RAM 83, the CPU 81 can specify whether or not a big hit game is in progress, whether or not it is in a high probability state, and whether or not it is in a high ball entry rate state. .. In addition, when various game information is input, the CPU 81 generates information that can identify the input game information and stores it in the RAM 83. When the CPU 81 receives the game information, the CPU 81 transmits a part or all of the received game information to an external device (hall computer or the like).

Among the frame-side normal processes, the performance information generation process will be described.
The performance information generation process is a process of calculating a base value as performance information. The CPU 81 refers to the game state flag, and determines whether or not the game state is not during the big hit game and the current game state is the low probability low ball entry rate state (that is, whether or not it is during the normal game). In the case of a normal game, the CPU 81 has game information that can specify the occurrence of a start opening prize (hereinafter referred to as start opening winning information) or game information that can specify the occurrence of a normal winning (hereinafter, normal winning information). (Indicated) is received, the total number of prize balls won during normal games is added. The total number of prize balls won is stored in the RAM 83 as one of the performance information. When the winning passage signal or the non-winning passage signal is input, the CPU 81 adds the total number of effective balls during the normal game. The total number of effective balls is stored in the RAM 83 as one of the performance information. The CPU 81 calculates the base value by the calculation formula of "total number of prize balls won during normal game / total number of effective balls during normal game x 100". The CPU 81 may count the total number of winning prize balls and the total number of effective balls by dividing it into 1 minute units, and calculate the base value every 1 minute. The CPU 81 may count the total number of winning prize balls by dividing each time when the total number of effective balls reaches a specified number, and perform the calculation of the base value every time the total number of effective balls reaches the specified number. As an example, the specified number may be 60,000 balls, or may be the maximum number (for example, 100 balls) that can be fired per minute by the launching device 50. The CPU 81 controls the performance display monitor 84 so as to display information that can specify the calculated base value.

The CPU 81 may be configured to calculate the accessory ratio and the continuous accessory ratio as performance information and display them on the performance display monitor 84. The bonus ratio is the ratio of the total number of prize balls won by operating the electric bonus to the total number of prize balls won through all the gaming states. The total number of prize balls won by operating the electric accessory is the total number of prize balls acquired by winning the prize in the second starting port 24 by the normal hit game (normal electric accessory operation), and the large hit game (special electric accessory operation). It is the sum of the total number of prize balls won by winning the prize in the prize opening 25. The continuous bonus ratio is the ratio of the total number of prize balls won by the continuous bonus operation to the total number of prize balls won through all the gaming states. The total number of prize balls won by continuous bonus operation is the total number of prize balls won by winning a prize in the big prize opening 25 by the big hit game.

Among the frame-side normal processes, the game ball number information generation process will be described.
The game ball number information generation process is a process for generating (managing) the game ball number. When the CPU 81 receives the winning prize ball number information from the main control board 60, the CPU 81 adds the winning prize ball number that can be specified from the winning prize ball number information to the game ball number. The prize ball number information is control information output by the main control board 60 when the conditions for granting prize balls are satisfied in connection with winning a prize in a predetermined prize opening, and the number of prize balls set in the prize opening is specified. It is configured to be possible. When the CPU 81 receives the grant information from the card unit 100, the CPU 81 adds the number of grant balls shown in the grant information to the number of game balls. When the CPU 81 detects that one game ball has been supplied to the launching device 50 based on the supply inlet signal output by the supply inlet sensor D22, the CPU 81 subtracts the number of game balls. As an example, the CPU 81 detects that one game ball is supplied when the supply inlet signal transitions from the off state to the on state to the off state, and when the supply inlet signal is turned on. As a result, it can be said that the number of game balls managed electromagnetically is converted into an actual game ball.

Not limited to this, the CPU 81 may subtract the number of game balls by driving the launch solenoid 53, and when a sensor is provided in the launch passage 20c and the sensor detects the game balls launched from the launch device 50, the game is played. It may be configured to subtract the number of balls. In the present embodiment, the number of game balls is subtracted as an example of the number of game balls stored as data in relation to at least one of the launch operation by the launch device 50 and the supply operation by the supply device 40. It can be said that. When the number of game balls stored as data becomes "0", which is an example of the number of games balls less than a predetermined number, the CPU 81 outputs a game ball number zero signal to the firing permission circuit 89b.

When the CPU 81 inputs a counting signal from the counting switch 18 when the counting is possible, the CPU 81 transmits counting information capable of specifying the number of counting balls to the card unit 100. The CPU 81 subtracts the number of counting balls that can be specified from the counting information from the number of game balls. The CPU 81 may output the counting information after subtracting the number of game balls, or may output the counting information and then subtract the number of game balls. As an example, the countable state is a state in which the required power is supplied and the number of game balls is not zero. The CPU 81 controls a light emitter built in the counting lamp 18a so that the counting lamp 18a lights up when the counting lamp is in a countable state. In one example of the present embodiment, the management of the number of game balls is transferred to the card unit 100 by transmitting the counting information to the card unit 100.

Then, the CPU 81 controls the game ball number display device 17 so as to display information that can specify the added or subtracted updated game ball number. In one example of the present embodiment, the CPU 81 displays a means for adding the number of game balls stored as data, a means for subtracting the number of game balls stored as data, and the number of game balls stored as data. It can be grasped as a means to make it. As will be described in detail later, the game ball number display device 17 is also used as a device capable of displaying information that can identify the error state set (detected) on the frame control board 80.

The error setting process in the frame side normal process will be described.
As shown in FIG. 11, the error setting process is a process for detecting the occurrence of an error state and setting the error state. In an example of this embodiment, the error states that can be detected by the frame control board 80 (CPU81) include a first door opening error, a second door opening error, a radio wave error, and an iron ball, in addition to the communication line disconnection error described above. There are at least detection errors, supply inlet sensor errors, over-circulation sphere errors, and under-circulation spheres errors.

When the first door opening signal is input from the first door opening switch D17, the CPU 81 stores a flag in the RAM 83 capable of identifying the occurrence of the first door opening error state. That is, the CPU 81 sets the first door opening error in which the protection frame 11c is in the open state. When the CPU 81 stops inputting the first door opening signal, the CPU 81 cancels the setting of the first door opening error. When the second door opening signal is input from the second door opening switch D18, the CPU 81 stores a flag in the RAM 83 capable of identifying the occurrence of the second door opening error state. That is, the CPU 81 sets a second door opening error in which the mounting frame 11b is in the open state. When the CPU 81 stops inputting the second door opening signal, the CPU 81 cancels the setting of the second door opening error.

When the radio wave detection signal is input from the radio wave sensor D16, the CPU 81 stores in the RAM 83 a flag that can identify the occurrence of a radio wave error state. That is, the CPU 81 sets a radio wave error. The radio wave error state is a state in which there is a high possibility that fraud (goto act) using radio waves has been performed. When the radio wave error is set, the CPU 81 does not cancel the radio wave error until the power is turned off. If the radio wave error state is resolved after the power is turned on, the radio wave error is not set, and if the radio wave error state is detected again, the radio wave error is set even after the power is turned on.

The CPU 81 is based on the ball jam detection signal output by the ball passage monitoring sensor D27.
When it is detected that a ball clogging has occurred in the ball passage, a flag that can identify the occurrence of an iron ball detection error state is stored in the RAM 83. That is, the CPU 81 sets an iron ball detection error. As an example, the CPU 81 sets an iron ball detection error when a specified time elapses without turning off the ball jam detection signal after the ball jam detection signal is turned on. As described above, in the state where the ball jam detection signal is continuously on, it is highly possible that the magnetic game ball such as an iron ball is captured by the magnet provided in the ball passage. When the ball jam detection signal is turned off, the CPU 81 cancels the iron ball detection error setting. As described above, if a magnetic game ball is supplemented, the ball clogging in the ball passage can be cleared by operating the release lever (not shown) at the release position.

When the CPU 81 detects that one game ball has been supplied to the launching device 50 based on the supply inlet signal output by the supply inlet sensor D22, the CPU 81 subtracts the number of circulating balls stored in the RAM 83. As the number of circulating balls, the specified number enclosed in the pachinko gaming machine 10 is used as the initial number of balls. As an example, the CPU 81 detects that one game ball has been supplied when the supply inlet signal transitions from the on state to the off state to the on state.

Not limited to this, the CPU 81 may subtract the number of game balls by driving the launch solenoid 53, and when a sensor is provided in the launch passage 20c and the sensor detects the game balls launched from the launch device 50, the game is played. It may be configured to subtract the number of balls. In the present embodiment, the number of circulating balls is subtracted as an example of the number of game balls stored as data in relation to at least one of the launching motion by the launching device 50 and the feeding motion by the feeding device 40. It can be said that.

When the CPU 81 detects that one game ball has returned to the supply device 40 based on the winning passage signal output by the winning passage count sensor D25 and the non-winning passage signal output by the non-winning passage count sensor D26, the RAM 83 Add the number of circulating spheres stored in. As an example, the CPU 81 detects that one game ball has returned when the winning passage signal or the non-winning passage signal transitions from the on state to the off state to the on state. That is, the pachinko gaming machine 10 has a configuration in which the number of gaming balls stored as data is added when the gaming balls used for the game are detected.

When the CPU 81 detects that one game ball has returned to the supply device 40 based on the foul signal output by the foul sensor D, the CPU 81 adds the number of circulating balls stored in the RAM 83. As an example, the CPU 81 detects that one game ball has returned when the foul signal transitions from the on state to the off state to the on state. That is, when the pachinko gaming machine 10 detects a gaming ball (foul ball) that has not reached the gaming area 20a even if the launching operation is performed by the launching device 50, the number of gaming balls stored as data is added. It is a configuration to be done.

When the CPU 81 detects that the ball is clogged at the inlet (reception passage 41a) of the supply device 40 based on the supply inlet signal output by the supply inlet sensor D22, the CPU 81 can identify the occurrence of the supply inlet sensor error state. Flags are stored in the RAM 83. That is, the CPU 81 sets the supply inlet sensor error. As an example, the CPU 81 sets a supply inlet sensor error when a predetermined time ta elapses without turning off the supply inlet signal after the supply inlet signal is turned on with the drive of the supply solenoid 43. The details of the driving of the supply solenoid 43 and the detection mode of the game ball by the supply inlet sensor will be described later. When the error release switch 86 is operated, the CPU 81 cancels the setting of the supply inlet sensor error. Even if the setting of the supply inlet sensor error is canceled, if the ball clogging in the receiving passage 41a is not resolved, the supply inlet sensor error is reset after the lapse of a predetermined time.

When the number of circulating balls becomes equal to or higher than the number of first circulating balls, which is larger than the initial number of circulating balls, the CPU 81 stores a flag in the RAM 83 capable of identifying the occurrence of an error of excessive number of circulating balls. That is, the CPU 81 sets an error with an excessive number of circulating balls. When the number of circulating balls becomes less than the first number of circulating balls, the CPU 81 cancels the setting of the error of excessive number of circulating balls. When the number of circulating spheres is less than the second number of circulating spheres, which is less than the initial number of spheres, the CPU 81 stores a flag in the RAM 83 capable of identifying the occurrence of an error of undercirculating spheres. That is, the CPU 81 sets the error that the number of circulating balls is too small. When the number of circulating balls becomes equal to or greater than the number of second circulating balls, the CPU 81 cancels the setting of the error of insufficient number of circulating balls.

The error notification processing among the frame-side normal processing will be described.
While setting an error, the CPU 81 controls the display content of the game ball number display device 17 so as to display an error code which is an example of information capable of identifying the error being set. The error code is information unique to each error. For example, as shown in the "Error Code" column in the figure, [E02] for a communication line disconnection error, [E03] for a supply inlet sensor error, [E21] for a first door open error, and a second door. In the open error, an error code is set for each such as [E22]. The CPU 81 alternately switches between displaying an error code and displaying the number of game balls at predetermined time intervals. Further, when a plurality of errors are set, the CPU 81 displays the plurality of errors and the number of game balls in order for each predetermined time. Not limited to this, the CPU 81 may be configured to display an error code and not display the number of game balls. When the error being set is canceled, the CPU 81 controls the game ball number display device 17 so as to end the display of the error code corresponding to the canceled error. In an example of this embodiment, all the errors that can be detected by the frame control board 80 are the display targets of the error codes in the game ball number display device 17. The game ball number display device 17 is also used as a means for notifying an error.

The CPU 81 controls the display content of the performance display monitor 84 so as to display an error code that enables the identification of the error being set. That is, the error code is displayed on both the game ball number display device 17 and the performance display monitor 84. The CPU 81 alternately switches between displaying an error code and displaying a base value (performance information) at predetermined time intervals. Further, when a plurality of errors are set, the CPU 81 displays the plurality of error codes and the base value in order for each predetermined time. Not limited to this, the CPU 81 may be configured to display an error code and not to display a base value. Further, the CPU 81 may be configured to display the number of game balls in addition to the base value and the error code on the performance display monitor 84. In this case, the CPU 81 may display these three types of information in order while switching at predetermined time intervals. The CPU 81 controls the performance display monitor 84 so as to end the display of the error code when the error being set is cleared. In an example of this embodiment, all the errors that can be detected by the frame control board 80 are the display targets of the error codes on the performance display monitor 84. The performance display monitor 84 of the present embodiment is also used as a means for notifying an error. The CPU 81 starts the display of the error code on the performance display monitor 84 and the display of the error code on the game ball number display device 17 at the same or substantially the same timing.

The CPU 81 controls the notification voice device 13 so as to output the notification voice in a voice pattern that enables the identification of an error being set. That is, the CPU 81 causes the CPU 81 to perform voice notification (hereinafter referred to as error voice notification) for notifying the error being set. In one example of the present embodiment, the CPU 81 targets a radio wave error, an iron ball detection error, a supply inlet sensor error, a circulating ball number excessive error, and a circulating ball number too small error as notification targets, and when these errors are being set. Make an error voice notification. The CPU 81 does not target the communication line disconnection error, the first door opening error, and the second door opening error, and does not perform error voice notification for notifying these errors. The voice pattern of the error voice notification has different contents for each type of error, and is contents that can specify the outline of the error being set. As an example, in the case of a radio wave error, it is a voice that reads out the character string "Error code E31 has occurred, please call a staff member".

The CPU 81 controls to regulate the launch of the game ball while setting a predetermined error (as an example, a supply inlet sensor error) among a plurality of types of errors. When a supply inlet sensor error has occurred, the CPU 81 outputs a predetermined signal (error signal) to the launch permission circuit 89b. Here, the firing permission circuit 89b inputs a connection signal from the card unit 100, does not input a firing stop signal from the main control board 60, and inputs a game ball number zero signal and an error signal from the CPU 81. When not, a launch permission signal is generated and output to the launch control board 90. That is, the launch permission signal is turned on. As described above, the output condition of the launch permission signal in the launch permission circuit 89b is that the connection signal is input from the card unit 100, the launch stop signal is not input from the main control board 60, and the error signal is input from the CPU 81. And, it is established by not inputting the game ball number zero signal. The fact that the connection signal is input from the card unit 100 indicates that the card unit 100 and the pachinko gaming machine 10 are normally connected. The fact that no error signal is input from the CPU 81 indicates that an error that needs to prohibit the firing of the game ball has not occurred on the frame control board 80. The fact that the zero number of game balls signal is not input from the CPU 81 indicates that the number of game balls is not zero.

Next, various processes performed by the main control board 60 (CPU 61) will be described.
The main power cutoff process will be described.
When the CPU 61 inputs the power supply cutoff detection signal from the frame control board 80 (backup circuit 89a), the CPU 61 executes the power supply cutoff process. In the power cutoff process, the CPU 61 outputs a firing stop signal to the frame control board 80. The CPU 61 calculates the checksum value of the RAM 63 and stores the calculated checksum value in the RAM 63. Further, the CPU 61 stores information (hereinafter, referred to as a backup flag) that can identify that the power cutoff process has been normally executed in the RAM 63. After that, the CPU 61 waits until the power is completely turned off. Various information stored in the RAM 63 when the power is turned off is retained even after the power is turned off by the backup function described above.

The main power-on process will be described.
When the supply voltage to the main control board 60 reaches the voltage required for the operation of the CPU 61 as the power is turned on, the CPU 61 prohibits the timer interrupt process. Subsequently, the CPU 61 transmits the startup information to the frame control board 80. When a predetermined time (108 ms as an example) elapses without receiving the response information after transmitting the start-up information, the CPU 61 transmits the start-up information to the frame control board 80. After that, when the CPU 61 does not receive the response information from the frame control board 80, the CPU 61 transmits the start-up information to the frame control board 80 every time a predetermined time elapses. It should be noted that the startup information in the case of transmitting a plurality of times may be the same information or may be different information so that the number of transmissions can be specified. When the number of times of transmission of start-up information reaches a specified number of times (10 times as an example), the CPU 61 detects a communication line disconnection and stores information that can identify the occurrence of a communication line disconnection error in the RAM 63. That is, the CPU 61 sets a communication line disconnection error. When the communication line disconnection error is set, the CPU 61 outputs control information (hereinafter, referred to as a communication line disconnection error command) capable of identifying the occurrence of the communication line disconnection error to the staging control board 70. After that, the CPU 61 waits until the power is turned off. In the present embodiment, the time required for the frame control board 80 to detect the communication line disconnection error (3 minutes as an example) is the time required for the main control board 60 to detect the communication line disconnection error (1080 ms as an example). Longer than.

Upon receiving the response information to the startup information, the CPU 61 determines that the communication line is normal. When the communication line is normal, the CPU 61 determines whether or not the backed up information is normal. Specifically, the CPU 61 determines whether or not the backup flag is stored in the RAM 63. Further, the CPU 61 calculates the checksum value of the RAM 63, and determines whether or not the calculated checksum value matches the checksum value calculated by the power cutoff process. The CPU 61 determines that it is normal when the backup flag is stored and the checksum values match, while it determines that it is abnormal when it does not.

If it is determined that the backed up information is abnormal, the CPU 61 initializes the main information stored in the RAM 63. The CPU 61 outputs a control command (hereinafter referred to as an initialization command) that can identify that various information has been initialized to the staging control board 70. After that, the CPU 61 ends the main power-on process.

When it is determined that the backed up information is normal, the CPU 61 determines whether or not the RAM clear signal is input from the frame control board 80 (RAM clear switch 87). When the RAM clear signal is input, the CPU 61 initializes the main information stored in the RAM 63. The CPU 61 outputs an initialization command to the staging control board 70. On the other hand, when the RAM clear signal is not input, the CPU 61 outputs a control command (hereinafter, referred to as a power recovery command) that can be specified to recover based on the backed up main information to the staging control board 70.

Then, when the CPU 61 finishes the main power-on process, the CPU 61 permits the timer interrupt process. That is, the CPU 61 can execute a process for advancing the game (hereinafter referred to as a main normal process). If the main information is initialized, the main normal process is executed based on the initialized main information. That is, the CPU 61 is based on a state in which the first special hold number and the second special hold number are both zero, neither the first special game nor the second special game is being executed, and the jackpot game is not given. Then, various processes included in the main normal process are executed. If the main information has not been initialized, the main normal processing is executed based on the backed up main information. That is, the CPU 61 causes the special game to be executed if either the first special game or the second special game is executed because the first special hold number and the second special hold number are the hold numbers when the power is turned off. Return to the process, and if the jackpot game is being granted, the process returns to the process of granting the jackpot game.

The CPU 61 executes a special symbol input process, a special symbol start process, and the like as timer interrupt processes performed every predetermined control cycle (for example, 4 ms). The special symbol input process and the special symbol start process are both main normal processes.

The special symbol input process will be described.
The CPU 61 determines whether or not the game ball has entered the first starting port 23 based on whether or not the detection signal is input from the first starting sensor D11. When the game ball enters the first starting port 23, the CPU 61 determines whether or not the first holding number stored in the RAM 63 is less than the upper limit number (4 in the present embodiment). If the number of first hold is less than the upper limit, the CPU 61 adds 1 to the number of first hold and updates it. Subsequently, the CPU 61 controls the first hold display device 21c so as to display information that can specify the first hold number after the update. In the present embodiment, the hold condition of the first special game is satisfied when the game ball is detected by the first start sensor D11 when the first hold number is less than the upper limit number.

Next, the CPU 61 acquires a random number generated by the random number generation circuit 64, and stores the random number information based on the acquired random number in the RAM 63. For example, the random number is a winning random number used for a winning lottery of a special symbol, a winning symbol random number used for determining a winning symbol, a variable pattern random number used for determining a variable pattern, and the like. The CPU 61 stores the random number information so that the random number information for the first special game can be specified and the storage order of the random number information can be specified. The random number information may be the acquired random number itself, or may be information obtained by processing the random number by a predetermined method. By storing the random number information used for the first special game in the RAM 63, the pachinko gaming machine 10 can suspend the execution until the start condition of the first special game is satisfied.

The CPU 61 stores the random number information for the first special game in the RAM 63, the game ball has not entered the first starting port 23, and the first holding number is not less than the upper limit number, the second Based on whether or not the detection signal is input from the start sensor D12, it is determined whether or not the game ball has entered the second start port 24. When the game ball has entered the second starting port 24, the CPU 61 determines whether or not the number of second holdings stored in the RAM 63 is less than the upper limit number (4 in the present embodiment). If the number of second hold is less than the upper limit, the CPU 61 adds 1 to the number of second hold and updates it. The CPU 61 controls the second hold display device 21d so as to display information that can specify the second hold number after addition. In the present embodiment, the hold condition of the second special game is satisfied when the game ball is detected by the second start sensor D12 when the second hold number is less than the upper limit number.

Next, the CPU 61 acquires a random number generated in the main control board 60, and stores the random number information based on the acquired random number in the RAM 63. The CPU 61 stores the random number information so that the random number information used for the second special game can be specified and the storage order of the random number information can be specified. By storing the random number information used for the second special game in the RAM 63, the pachinko gaming machine 10 can suspend the execution until the start condition of the second special game is satisfied. When the random number information for the second special game is stored in the RAM 63, when the game ball has not entered the second starting port 24, and when the number of second holdings is not less than the upper limit, the CPU 61 has a special symbol. End the input process.

The special symbol start processing will be described.
First, the CPU 61 determines whether or not the start condition of the special game is satisfied. The CPU 61 makes an affirmative determination when the jackpot game is not in progress and the special game is not being executed, while a negative determination is made when the jackpot game is in progress or the special game is being executed. If the start condition of the special game is not satisfied, the CPU 61 ends the special symbol start process. When the start condition of the special game is satisfied, the CPU 61 determines whether or not the second hold number is larger than zero. When the second hold number is zero, the CPU 61 determines whether or not the first hold number is larger than zero. When the first reserved number is zero, the CPU 61 ends the special symbol start processing.

When the first hold number is larger than zero, the CPU 61 performs a process of executing the first special game. Specifically, the CPU 61 updates by subtracting 1 from the first hold number. The CPU 61 controls the first hold display device 21c so as to display information that can specify the first hold number after subtraction. Next, the CPU 61 acquires the first stored random number information from the RAM 63 among the random number information for the first special game. Subsequently, the CPU 61 performs a big hit lottery (big hit determination) as a winning lottery for a special symbol, using the winning random number specified from the acquired random number information, to determine whether or not to win the big hit. The CPU 61 performs a big hit lottery with a big hit probability according to the current probability state (whether or not the probability change function is activated).

If the jackpot is won, the CPU 61 performs the jackpot variation process. In the jackpot variation process, the CPU 61 performs a jackpot symbol lottery using a hit symbol random number that can be specified from random number information, and determines a jackpot symbol to be stopped and displayed in the first special game. The CPU 61 performs a variation pattern determination lottery using a variation pattern random number that can be specified from random number information, and determines a variation pattern from a plurality of jackpot variation patterns. After that, the CPU 61 ends the special symbol start process.

If the jackpot is not won, the CPU 61 performs the out-of-order variation processing. In the out-of-order variation processing, the CPU 61 determines the out-of-order symbol to be stopped and displayed in the first special game. C
The PU 61 performs a variation pattern determination lottery using a variation pattern random number that can be specified from random number information, and determines a variation pattern from a plurality of outlier variation patterns. After that, the CPU 61 ends the special symbol start process.

When the second hold number is larger than zero, the CPU 61 performs a process for executing the second special game. Regarding the process for executing the second special game, regarding the process for executing the first special game, the "first special game" is set to the "second special game" and the "first hold number" is set to the "second hold". Since it is a process that has been replaced with "number", detailed description thereof will be omitted. That is, the CPU 61 finishes the special symbol start process after performing any variation process based on the subtraction of the second reserved number, the jackpot lottery, and the result of the jackpot lottery.

The CPU 61 outputs a fluctuation start command and a special symbol command to the staging control board 70 in the jackpot fluctuation processing and the deviation fluctuation processing. The fluctuation start command is a control command that can specify the fluctuation pattern determined in each fluctuation processing and the start of the fluctuation game. The special symbol command is a control command that can specify a special symbol (big hit symbol or missed symbol) determined in each variation processing. The variation start command and the special symbol command are different control commands when the variation processing of the first special game is executed and when the variation processing of the second special game is executed.

When the special symbol start process is completed, the CPU 61 causes the first special game or the second special game to be executed by a process different from the special symbol start process. Specifically, when the first special game is executed, the CPU 61 controls the first special symbol display device 21a so as to start the variable display of a predetermined symbol. The CPU 61 measures the fluctuation time defined in the fluctuation pattern. The CPU 61 controls the first special symbol display device 21a so as to stop and display the special symbol determined in the special symbol start process when the fluctuation time defined for the variation pattern elapses. Further, when the fluctuation time defined in the fluctuation pattern elapses, the CPU 61 outputs a control command (hereinafter, referred to as a fluctuation end command) capable of specifying the end of the fluctuation game to the staging control board 70.

On the other hand, when the second special game is executed, the CPU 61 controls the second special symbol display device 21b so as to start the variable display of a predetermined symbol. The CPU 61 measures the fluctuation time defined in the fluctuation pattern. The CPU 61 controls the second special symbol display device 21b so as to stop and display the special symbol determined in the special symbol start process when the fluctuation time defined in the fluctuation pattern elapses. Further, the CPU 61 outputs a variation end command to the staging control board 70 when the variation time defined in the variation pattern elapses. As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the CPU 61 executes the special symbol input processing and the special symbol start processing, and the pachinko gaming machine 10 performs a winning lottery when the game ball enters the starting port, and the result of the winning lottery. It is configured to be able to execute a symbol variation game based on.

The jackpot game process will be described.
The jackpot game process is a process for granting a jackpot game. When the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed in the special game, the CPU 61 executes the jackpot game process after the jackpot special game ends. The CPU 61 specifies the type of jackpot game based on the jackpot symbol (that is, the type of jackpot) determined in the special symbol start processing. The CPU 61 imparts a specified type of jackpot game.

First, the CPU 61 outputs a control command (hereinafter, referred to as an opening command) that can specify the start of the opening time to the staging control board 70. When the opening time has elapsed, the CPU 61 performs a process for executing the round game. That is, the CPU 61 controls the special solenoid SL2 using the specified open control data for the big hit game, and opens the big winning opening 25. The CPU 61 controls the special solenoid SL2 so that the large winning opening 25 is closed when the number of game balls detected by the count sensor D13 reaches the above-mentioned upper limit number or the above-mentioned upper limit time elapses. End the round game. The CPU 61 repeats the process for executing such a round game until the upper limit number of round games specified in the jackpot game is completed. Each time the round game is started, the CPU 61 outputs a control command (hereinafter, referred to as a round command) capable of specifying the start of the round game to the staging control board 70. When the final round game is completed, the CPU 61 outputs a control command (hereinafter, referred to as an ending start command) capable of specifying the start of the ending time to the staging control board 70. When the ending time elapses, the CPU 61 ends the jackpot game. The CPU 61 outputs a control command (hereinafter referred to as an ending end command) capable of specifying the passage of the ending time to the staging control board 70.

The state transition process will be described.
When the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol among the jackpot symbols is completed, the CPU 61 sets the high accuracy flag in the RAM 63. That is, the CPU 61 controls to a high probability state. The CPU 61 does not erase the probability change flag after the end of the big hit game based on the first big hit symbol until the next big hit game is given. On the other hand, the CPU 61 does not set the high accuracy flag in the RAM 63 when the jackpot game based on the second jackpot symbol different from the first jackpot symbol is completed. That is, the CPU 61 controls to a low probability state. The CPU 61 erases the high accuracy flag when the big hit game is started and the high accuracy flag is set. That is, the CPU 61 controls to a low probability state during the big hit game.

When the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol or the second jackpot symbol is completed, the CPU 61 sets the operation flag in the RAM 63. That is, the CPU 61 controls to a high ball entry rate state. The CPU 61 updates the value of the execution counter stored in the RAM 63 each time the special game is started after the big hit game based on the second big hit symbol is completed, so that the number of times the special game is executed after the big hit game is completed. To count. When the special game in which the number of times the special game is executed after the end of the big hit game has reached the number of operations is completed, the CPU 61 erases the operation flag stored in the RAM 63. That is, the CPU 61 controls to a low ball entry rate state when the special game of the number of operations is completed after the jackpot game based on the second jackpot symbol is completed. The CPU 61 does not erase the operation flag after the end of the big hit game based on the first big hit symbol until the next big hit game is given. The CPU 61 erases the operation flag when the operation flag is set in the case of starting the big hit game. That is, the CPU 61 controls to a low ball entry rate state during the big hit game.

The error setting process in the main normal process will be described.
As shown in FIG. 11, the error setting process is a process for detecting the occurrence of an error state and setting the error state. In one example of the present embodiment, the error states that can be detected by the main control board 60 (CPU 61) include at least a first door opening error and a second door opening error in addition to the above-mentioned communication line disconnection error. The error state that can be detected by the main control board 60 (CPU 61) may include a radio wave error and a magnetic error.

When the first door opening signal is input from the frame control board 80 (first door opening switch D17), the CPU 61 stores in the RAM 83 a flag that can identify the occurrence of the first door opening error state. That is, the CPU 61 sets the first door opening error in which the protection frame 11c is in the open state. When the first door opening error is set, the CPU 61 outputs control information (hereinafter, referred to as a first door opening error occurrence command) that can identify the occurrence of the first door opening error to the staging control board 70. When the CPU 61 stops inputting the first door opening signal, the CPU 61 cancels the setting of the first door opening error. When the setting of the first door opening error is canceled, the CPU 61 outputs control information (hereinafter, referred to as a first door opening error elimination command) that can specify the elimination of the first door opening error to the staging control board 70.

When the second door opening signal is input from the frame control board 80 (second door opening switch D18), the CPU 61 stores in the RAM 83 a flag that can identify the occurrence of the second door opening error state. That is, the CPU 61 sets a second door opening error in which the mounting frame 11b is in the open state. When the second door opening error is set, the CPU 61 outputs control information (hereinafter, referred to as a second door opening error occurrence command) that can identify the occurrence of the second door opening error to the staging control board 70. When the CPU 61 stops inputting the second door opening signal, the CPU 61 cancels the setting of the second door opening error. When the setting of the second door opening error is canceled, the CPU 61 outputs control information (hereinafter, referred to as a second door opening error elimination command) that can specify the elimination of the second door opening error to the staging control board 70.

The CPU 61 controls to regulate the launch of the game ball while setting a predetermined error (for example, a first door opening error) among a plurality of types of errors. When the first door opening error has occurred, the CPU 61 outputs a firing stop signal to the frame control board 80 (launch permission circuit 89b). That is, the launch stop signal is turned on. As described above, when the launch permission circuit 89b inputs the launch stop signal, the launch permission signal for the launch control board 90 is turned off and its output is stopped. As described above, the output condition of the launch permission signal is satisfied by the launch permission state in which the launch of the game ball is permitted. That is, the output condition of the launch permission signal is not satisfied when the launch is prohibited.

In the firing allowable state, the card unit 100 and the pachinko gaming machine 10 are normally connected, no specific error (for example, the first door opening error) has occurred on the main control board 60, and the frame. A specific error (for example, a supply inlet sensor error) has not occurred on the control board 80. In the firing prohibited state, the card unit 100 and the pachinko gaming machine 10 are not normally connected, a specific error has occurred on the main control board 60, and a specific error has occurred on the frame control board 80. It is a state in which one or more of what is occurring is occurring. In one example of the present embodiment, even if the same door opening error occurs, the second door opening error does not correspond to the above-mentioned specific error, and depending on its occurrence, the firing prohibition state is not established.

The firing prohibition state in which the first condition is not satisfied includes a state in which the power supply from the outside is cut off. That is, when the power supply from the outside is cut off, the main control board 60 (CPU61) is in the signal output state (for example, the firing stop signal is turned on) instructing the firing stop, and the frame control board 80 (CPU81) is in the frame control board 80 (CPU81). It becomes a signal output state (the launch permission signal is turned off) instructing the launch disapproval. The "state in which the power supply from the outside is cut off" as the firing prohibited state is a state in which the frame control board 80 is in a signal output state instructing that firing is not permitted.

The firing prohibition state in which the first condition is not satisfied includes a state in which the number of game balls specified from the data is less than a predetermined number (as an example, the number of game balls = 0). When the number of game balls specified from the data is less than a predetermined number, the frame control board 80 is in a signal output state (launch permission signal is turned off) instructing firing disapproval. The state in which the number of game balls specified from the data as the firing prohibited state is less than a predetermined number is a state in which the frame control board 80 is in a signal output state instructing firing disapproval. As described above, in the present embodiment, it can be said that there are a plurality of types of firing prohibited states in which the first condition is not satisfied.

Various processes executed by the staging control board 70 (CPU 71) will be described.
The staging power recovery process will be described.
When the initialization command is input, the CPU 71 controls a part or all of the staging devices constituting the staging device group ES, and executes RAM clear notification (initialization notification). As an example, the RAM clear notification is executed in a mode in which a voice that can identify the execution of the RAM clear, such as a voice that reads out the character string of "RAM clear", is output from the effect voice device 12. As an example, the RAM clear notification is executed in a mode in which the effect light emitting device 14 emits light with a light emission pattern dedicated to RAM clear. As an example, the RAM clear notification is executed in such a manner that an image that can identify the execution of the RAM clear, such as a character string of "RAM clear", is displayed on the effect display device 19. The CPU 71 controls the effect device group ES so as to end the RAM clear notification when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the RAM clear notification. Further, when the initialization command is input, the CPU 71 controls the effect display device 19 so as to display a combination of a predetermined background image and a predetermined effect symbol.

When the power recovery command is input, the CPU 71 controls a part or all of the effect devices constituting the effect device group ES, and causes the power recovery notification to be executed. As an example, the power recovery notification is executed in a mode in which a voice that can identify the execution of RAM clear, such as a voice that reads out the character string "power is being restored", is output from the staging voice device 12. As an example, the power recovery notification is executed in a mode in which the effect light emitting device 14 emits light with a light emission pattern dedicated to power recovery. As an example, the power recovery notification is executed in such a manner that an image that can identify the execution of RAM clear, such as a character string of "power recovery is in progress", is displayed on the effect display device 19. The CPU 71 controls the staging device group ES so as to end the power recovery notification when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the power recovery notification. Not limited to this, the CPU 71 may be configured not to execute the power recovery notification. Further, when the power recovery command is input, the CPU 71 controls the effect display device 19 so as to display a predetermined background image and a combination of effect symbols different from the combination of the predetermined effect symbols.

The error notification process will be described.
When the CPU 71 inputs the first door opening error generation command or the second door opening error generation command, the CPU 71 controls a part or all of the effecting devices constituting the effecting device group ES, and causes the door opening error notification to be executed. As an example, the door opening error notification is an embodiment in which the effect voice device 12 outputs a voice that can specify the opening of at least one of the mounting frame 11b and the protection frame 11c, such as a voice that reads out the character string "door is open". Is executed at. As an example, the door opening error notification is executed in a mode in which the staging light emitting device 14 emits light with a light emitting pattern dedicated to the door opening error. As an example, the door opening error notification is executed in such a manner that an image capable of specifying the opening of at least one of the mounting frame 11b and the protective frame 11c, such as the character string "door is open", is displayed on the effect display device 19. Will be done. In the CPU 71, all the door opening errors were resolved by inputting one or both of the first door opening error resolution command and the second door opening error resolution command (both the mounting frame 11b and the protection frame 11c were closed. If it is specified, the effect device group ES is controlled so as to end the door opening error notification.

When the communication line disconnection error command is input, the CPU 71 controls a part or all of the staging devices constituting the staging device group ES, and causes the communication line disconnection error notification to be executed. As an example, the communication line disconnection error notification is in a mode of outputting a voice that can identify the occurrence of the communication line disconnection error, such as a voice that reads out the character string "a communication line disconnection error has occurred", from the staging voice device 12. Will be executed. As an example, the communication line disconnection error notification is executed in a mode in which the effect light emitting device 14 emits light with a light emission pattern dedicated to the communication line disconnection error. As an example, the communication line disconnection error notification is executed in such a manner that an image capable of identifying the occurrence of the communication line disconnection error, such as a character string of "communication line disconnection error!", Is displayed on the effect display device 19. The setting of the communication line disconnection error on the main control board 60 is not canceled until the power is disconnected. That is, when the notification of the communication line disconnection error is started, the CPU 71 controls the staging device group ES so that the communication line disconnection error notification is continued until the power is cut off.

In one example of the present embodiment, the time required for the frame control board 80 to detect the communication line disconnection error is longer than the time required for the main control board 60 to detect the communication line disconnection error. That is, in the present embodiment, the timing at which the error code display on the game ball number display device 17 and the performance display monitor 84 is started is different from the timing at which the notification by the staging device group ES is started. More preferably, the error notification by the game ball number display device 17 and the performance display monitor 84 is executed before the error notification by the staging device group ES.

The jackpot production process will be described.
The jackpot effect processing is a process for executing an effect during a jackpot game (hereinafter referred to as a jackpot effect). Upon receiving the opening command, the CPU 71 controls the effect device group ES to execute the opening effect. Upon receiving the round command, the CPU 71 controls the effect device group ES to execute the round effect. Upon receiving the ending start command, the CPU 71 controls the staging device group ES to execute the ending staging. Upon receiving the ending end command, the CPU 71 controls the effect device group ES so as to end the ending effect.

The production game processing will be described.
The staging game process is a process for executing the staging game as one of the display staging related to the special game while the special game is being executed. Upon receiving the fluctuation start command and the special symbol command, the CPU 71 controls the effect device group ES including the effect display device 19 so as to execute the effect game. Specifically, when the CPU 71 receives the variation start command, the CPU 71 selects an effect pattern (effect content) of the effect game based on the variation pattern that can be specified from the command. Further, when the CPU 71 receives the special symbol command, the CPU 71 determines the symbol combination to be stopped and displayed in the effect game based on the special symbol that can be specified from the command. When the jackpot symbol can be specified from the special symbol command, the CPU 71 determines the jackpot symbol combination. When the out-of-design symbol can be specified from the special symbol command, the CPU 71 determines the out-of-symbol symbol combination. In addition, when the reach effect is executed, the CPU 71 determines a combination of symbols that are out of reach including the reach.

Then, the CPU 71 controls the effect display device 19 so as to start the variation display of the effect symbol in each symbol string triggered by the input of the variation start command. That is, the CPU 71 starts the production game. Further, when the CPU 71 executes a predetermined effect in connection with the effect game, the CPU 71 controls the effect device group ES including the effect display device 19 so as to execute the effect. When a predetermined timing arrives after the effect game is started, the CPU 71 temporarily stops and displays the symbol combination, and promptly stops and displays the symbol combination when the variable end command is input. It should be noted that the CPU 71 may stop and display the symbol combination with the elapse of the fluctuation time defined in the fluctuation pattern, regardless of the fluctuation end command. In this case, the variable end command may be omitted.

The operation when launching a game ball will be described.
In one example of the present embodiment, the launch and supply of the game ball are performed by the combination of the control of the supply device 40 by the frame control board 80 (CPU 81) and the control of the launch device 50 by the launch control board 90 (launch control circuit 91). It will be realized. Hereinafter, a series of operations (hereinafter referred to as a firing sequence) executed by the firing control circuit 91 for firing the game ball and processing of the frame control board 80 will be described in detail. The firing sequence can be executed when the firing conditions are satisfied, and is an example of normal control (normal firing operation) in which the firing operation by the launching device 50 and the supply operation by the supply device 40 are performed.

The operation of the launch control board 90 (launch control circuit 91) will be described.
As shown in FIG. 12, in the situation where the stop signal is off, the firing permission signal of the frame control board 80 is turned on at the time point Ta1, and the touch signal is turned on at the time point Ta2, so that the firing solenoid is turned on. The operable condition of 53 is satisfied. Subsequently, at the time point Ta3, the input of the volume signal starts in response to the operation of the handle lever 15a, and when the voltage of the volume signal (indicated as the dial voltage in the figure) exceeds the threshold value at the time point Ta4, the game ball The firing conditions are met. In addition, "blank shot" shown in the figure indicates a situation in which the launching device 50 launches but the game ball is not launched, and "launching" indicates a situation in which the launching device 50 launches and the game ball is launched. Show the situation.

The launch condition of the game ball is satisfied when all of the first condition, the second condition, the third condition, and the fourth condition are satisfied. The first condition is satisfied by being in a firing allowable state in which the firing of the game ball is permitted. The second condition is satisfied that the touch signal is turned on and the contact with the firing handle 15 is detected. The third condition is satisfied by the operation detection state in which it is detected that the operation amount of the firing handle 15 (handle lever 15a) exceeds a predetermined amount when the voltage of the volume signal exceeds the threshold value. Is done. The fourth condition is satisfied by the fact that the stop signal is in the off state and the operation of stopping the firing of the game ball is not detected in the non-stop state. In the example of the present embodiment, among these four conditions, the first condition, the second condition, and the third condition are examples of specific conditions.

At the time point Ta5 when the predetermined time t1 elapses after the firing condition is satisfied, the firing control circuit 91 supplies a drive current to the firing solenoid 53 according to the firing timing pulse. As a result, the firing solenoid 53 is driven. The voltage of the drive current at this time becomes a voltage corresponding to the voltage of the volume signal at the time point Ta5. That is, the firing control circuit 91 sets the firing intensity with reference to the voltage of the volume signal. The holding circuit of the firing control circuit 91 newly holds (updates) the voltage value of the volume signal at this time. As an example, the specified time t1 is 37.5 ms, and the output time t2 of the drive signal is 16 ms. The firing control circuit 91 outputs a subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 80 for a specified time t3 (37.5 ms as an example) from the time point Ta5 at which the drive current is output.

Since the firing condition is satisfied at the time point Ta6 when the specified time t4 (562.5 ms as an example) has elapsed since the drive current was output to the firing solenoid 53, the firing control circuit 91 has a specified time t1 from the time point Ta6. At the time point Ta7, the drive current is supplied to the firing solenoid 53. The launch control board 90 (launch control circuit 91) outputs a subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 80 from the time point Ta7 when the drive current is supplied for a specified time t3.

Then, at the time point Ta8 before the lapse of the specified time t4, it is assumed that the firing stop button 15c is pushed and the stop signal is changed to the on state. That is, the fourth condition is not satisfied. After that, at the time point Ta9 when the specified time t4 has elapsed since the drive current was supplied to the firing solenoid 53, the firing condition is not satisfied. In this case, the launch control circuit 91 supplies the drive current to the launch solenoid 53 at the time point Ta10 when the predetermined time t1 has elapsed from the time point Ta9. The voltage of the drive current at this time becomes a voltage corresponding to the voltage of the volume signal at the time point Ta10. That is, the intensity of the firing operation by the launching device 50 is set with reference to the operation amount of the launching handle 15. Further, the holding circuit of the firing control circuit 91 newly holds the voltage value of the volume signal at this time. On the other hand, the launch control circuit 91 does not output the subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 80 at the time point Ta10 (indicated by a broken line in the figure).

After that, if the stop signal remains on, the firing conditions are not satisfied at Ta11 and Ta13 when the specified time t4 has elapsed from the previous supply of the drive current. Therefore, the launch control circuit 91 supplies the drive current at the time points Ta12 and Ta14 where the specified time t1 elapses from the time point Ta11 and Ta13, respectively, but does not output the subtraction reference signal (indicated by the broken line in the figure). The voltage of the drive current at this time is a voltage corresponding to the voltage of the volume signal at the time points Ta12 and Ta14. The holding circuit of the firing control circuit 91 newly holds the voltage value of the volume signal at each of the time points Ta12 and Ta14. That is, the holding circuit stores the voltage of the latest volume signal for each firing operation in the firing sequence. With such a configuration, the firing solenoid 53 is driven every firing cycle t5. Then, it is determined whether or not the firing condition is satisfied at the timing before the predetermined time t1 with respect to the firing cycle t5. The timing before the specified time t1 with reference to the drive timing of the firing solenoid 53 (launching cycle t5) is the determination timing for determining whether or not the firing condition is satisfied. The firing cycle t5 is equal to the sum of the specified time t1 and the specified time t4. As an example, the firing cycle t5 is 600 ms.

The control of the frame control board 80 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 13, at the time point Tb1, when the subtraction reference signal transitions to the ON state in response to the drive of the firing solenoid 53, the CPU 81 of the frame control board 80 causes the supply outlet signal at the time point Tb2 when the specified time t2a elapses. Determines if is in the on state. The timing at which the specified time t2a elapses with reference to the drive timing (launch cycle t5) of the firing solenoid 53 is the determination timing for determining whether or not the supply condition is satisfied. Here, since the supply outlet signal is in the off state, the CPU 81 determines that the supply condition is satisfied, supplies a drive current to the supply solenoid 43 for a specified time t6 (75 ms as an example), and causes the supply solenoid 43 to operate. It is driven and the movable piece 42 is displaced to the stop position 42P1. That is, the movable piece 42 is held at the stop position 42P1 for a specified time t6. As a result, the game ball in the receiving passage 41a flows into the holding portion 42a of the movable piece 42. In the present embodiment, the specified time t2a is a time (16 ms as an example) equal to the output time t2 which is the drive time of the firing solenoid 53. Therefore, the supply solenoid 43 is driven at the timing when the driving of the firing solenoid 53 (launching hammer 52) is completed.

At the time point Tb3, the supply inlet signal from the supply inlet sensor D22 transitions from the off state to the on state, and then transitions from the on state to the off state. When the supply inlet signal changes from the off state to the on state, the CPU 81 of the frame control board 80 detects the supply of the game balls and subtracts the number of game balls stored in the RAM 83. In the game ball number display device 17, the number of game balls being displayed is reduced by 1 at the time point Tb3.

When the specified time t6 elapses, the CPU 81 stops the supply of the drive current to the supply solenoid 43, ends the drive of the supply solenoid 43, and displaces the movable piece 42 to the supply position 42P2. As a result, the game ball held by the holding portion 42a of the movable piece 42 is discharged to the supply passage 44a. The game ball released into the supply passage 44a flows down the supply passage 44a, is detected by the supply outlet sensor D23 at the time point Tb4, and the supply outlet signal transitions from an off state to an on state to an off state.

When the subtraction reference signal transitions to the ON state with the drive of the firing solenoid 53 at the time Tb5 when the firing cycle t5 elapses from the time Tb1 when the subtraction reference signal transitions to the ON state, the CPU 81 elapses the specified time t2a. At the time point Tb6, the supply solenoid 43 (movable piece 42) is driven. Then, at the time point Tb7, the CPU 81 subtracts the number of game balls based on the transition of the supply inlet signal from the supply inlet sensor D22, and causes the game ball number display device 17 to display the number of game balls after the subtraction. After that, at the time point Tb8, the game ball is detected by the supply outlet sensor D23.

As described above, when the firing condition is satisfied, the firing control board 90 (launch control circuit 91) outputs a subtraction reference signal as an example of the supply signal in response to the driving of the firing solenoid 53. The frame control board 80 causes the supply device 40 (supply solenoid 43) to perform a supply operation based on the subtraction reference signal. The output time of the subtraction reference signal (37.5 ms as an example) and the drive time of the firing solenoid 53 (16 ms as an example) have different lengths. Further, the output time of the subtraction reference signal (37.5 ms as an example) and the drive time of the supply solenoid 43 (75 ms as an example) are different in length.

The operation when the ball clogging is detected by the supply outlet sensor D23 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 14, it is assumed that the subtraction reference signal transitions to the ON state with the drive of the firing solenoid 53 at the time point Tc1. The CPU 81 determines whether or not the supply condition is satisfied at the time point Tc2 when the specified time t2a elapses from the time point Tc1 when the subtraction reference signal transitions to the ON state. Here, since the supply condition is satisfied because the supply restriction flag is not stored in the RAM 83 and the supply outlet signal is in the off state, the CPU 81 drives the supply solenoid 43. The supply regulation flag is information that can identify that a ball clogging in the supply passage 44a (hereinafter, referred to as a ball clogging in the supply passage) has occurred. At the time point Tc3, the CPU 81 subtracts the number of game balls based on the transition of the supply inlet signal from the supply inlet sensor D22, and causes the game ball number display device 17 to display the number of game balls after the subtraction.

It is assumed that the game ball is detected by the supply outlet sensor D23 at the time point Tc4, and the supply outlet signal transitions to the ON state. Then, it is assumed that the game ball is clogged in the supply passage 44a for some reason and does not transition from the on state to the off state. In an example of the present embodiment, the supply passage 44a is a passage connecting a portion having a movable piece 42 (holding portion 42a) and a firing position 51a, and has a linear or substantially linear shape having no bent portion. It is a passage of. That is, the supply passage 44a is configured so that ball clogging is unlikely to occur, and even if ball clogging occurs, it can be relatively easily eliminated by vibration or the like driven by the firing solenoid 53.

After that, at the time point Tc5, it is assumed that the subtraction reference signal transitions to the ON state with the drive of the firing solenoid 53, and the predetermined time t2a has elapsed and the determination timing has arrived. Although the supply restriction flag is not set, the CPU 81 determines that the supply condition is not satisfied because the supply outlet signal from the supply outlet sensor D23 is in the ON state, and starts special control. In such a situation, it is highly possible that the supply passage ball is clogged when the supply solenoid 43 is to be driven. The CPU 81 stores the supply restriction flag in the RAM 83. While the supply regulation flag is being set, the CPU 81 does not supply the drive current to the supply solenoid 43 and does not drive the supply solenoid 43 even if the subtraction reference signal is input. The CPU 81 does not subtract the number of game balls, and the number of game balls displayed on the game ball number display device 17 does not change. The same operation is performed for the time points Tc7 and Tc8 where the firing cycle t5 elapses from the time point Tc5.

It is assumed that at the time point Tc9, the ball clogging in the supply passage 44a is resolved and the supply outlet signal shifts to the off state. The CPU 81 inputs a subtraction reference signal at the time point Tc10, and when the determination timing arrives at the time point Tc11 when the specified time t2a elapses, it determines whether or not the supply condition is satisfied. Here, since the supply regulation flag is set and the supply outlet signal is in the off state, the CPU 81 adds 1 to the number of times the supply condition is satisfied stored in the RAM 83, while driving the supply solenoid 43. No current is supplied and the supply solenoid 43 is not driven.

The CPU 81 inputs a subtraction reference signal at the time point Tc12, and when the determination timing arrives at the time point Tc13 when the specified time t2a elapses, it determines whether or not the supply condition is satisfied. Here, since the supply regulation flag is set and the supply outlet signal is in the off state, the CPU 81 adds 1 to the number of times the supply condition is satisfied stored in the RAM 83, while driving the supply solenoid 43. No current is supplied and the supply solenoid 43 is not driven. When the number of times the supply condition is satisfied reaches a predetermined number of times (twice as an example), the CPU 81 erases the supply restriction flag stored in the RAM 83. That is, the CPU 81 ends the special control. When the supply outlet signal is on at the determination timing while the supply restriction flag is being set, the CPU 81 does not add to the number of fulfillment of the supply condition stored in the RAM 83 if the number of fulfillment is 0, and is 1 or more. If so, the number of establishments is reset to 0.

The CPU 81 inputs a subtraction reference signal at the time point Tc14, and when the determination timing arrives at the time point Tc15 when the specified time t2a elapses, it determines whether or not the supply condition is satisfied. Here, since the supply regulation flag is not set and the supply outlet signal is in the off state, the CPU 81 drives the supply solenoid 43. Then, at the time point Tc16, the CPU 81 subtracts the number of game balls based on the transition of the supply inlet signal from the supply inlet sensor D22, and causes the game ball number display device 17 to display the number of game balls after the subtraction. At the time point Tc17, the game ball flowing down the supply passage 44a is detected by the supply outlet sensor D23, and the supply outlet signal is normally turned on. The voltage of the drive current supplied to the firing solenoid 53 at the time points Tc1, Tc5, Tc7, Tc10, Tc12, and Tc14 is a voltage corresponding to the voltage of the volume signal at the time point. That is, the intensity of the firing operation by the launching device 50 is set with reference to the operation amount of the launching handle 15. The holding circuit of the firing control circuit 91 newly holds the voltage value of the volume signal input at each time point.

As described above, in the example of the present embodiment, when a predetermined special error occurs during the execution of the firing sequence, the launching operation by the launching device 50 is performed while the supply operation by the feeding device 40 is restricted. Control (special sequence) is performed. While the special control by the CPU 81 is being executed, the launch control board 90 controls the intensity of the launch operation by the launch device 50 with reference to the operation amount of the launch handle 15. In the present embodiment, this special error is a ball jam error in the supply device 40 (supply passage 44a).

Then, in the special control (special sequence), even if the supply outlet signal is turned off and the supply passage ball clogging is cleared, the supply outlet signal is continuously turned off a predetermined number of times (twice as an example). ) Will not be canceled unless it is judged. The CPU 81 does not display the error code on the performance display monitor 84 and the game ball number display device 17 even if the supply passage ball is clogged, but is not limited to this, and the error code is displayed. You may. The CPU 81 may be configured to display an error code when it is determined that the supply outlet signal is in the off state two or more times a specific number of times while the supply restriction flag is being set.

The firing control board 90 drives the firing solenoid 53 when the firing conditions are not satisfied because the specific conditions (first condition, second condition, and third condition) are not satisfied during the execution of the firing sequence described above. It is configured not to output the subtraction reference signal while making it. That is, the launch control circuit 91 executes a series of operations for making a blank shot (hereinafter, referred to as a blank shot sequence). Hereinafter, an example of the blank shot sequence will be described.

As shown in FIG. 15, the launch control circuit 91 supplies a drive current to the launch solenoid 53 based on the establishment of the launch condition at the time point Te1, drives the launch solenoid 53, and outputs a subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 80. do. After inputting the subtraction reference signal, the frame control board 80 drives the supply solenoid 43 at the time point Te2 to move the game ball to the launch position 51a.

It is assumed that the touch signal is turned off (the second condition is not satisfied) at the time point Te3, and the firing condition of the game ball is no longer satisfied. In this case, since the firing condition is not satisfied at the time point Te4a, which is the determination timing, the firing control circuit 91 ends the firing sequence and starts the blank shot sequence. In the holding circuit of the firing control circuit 91, the voltage value of the volume signal at the previous time point Te1 is held. Then, at the time point Te4 when the firing cycle t5 elapses from the time point Te1, the firing control circuit 91 supplies the drive current to the firing solenoid 53, but does not output the subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 80. The voltage of the drive current at this time is a voltage value held in the holding circuit, that is, a voltage corresponding to the voltage of the volume signal at the time point Te1 when the previous firing operation is performed. Further, at the time point Te4, since the subtraction reference signal is not output, the supply solenoid 43 is not driven.

After that, the blank shot sequence is continued when the firing conditions are not satisfied at Te5a and Te6a when the determination timing arrives. In the blank shot sequence, the firing solenoid 53 is driven at the time points Te5 and Te6 when the firing cycle t5 elapses from the previous driving of the firing solenoid 53, but the subtraction reference signal is not output to the frame control board 80 at each time point. The voltage of the drive current at this time is a voltage corresponding to the voltage value held in the holding circuit. The blank shot sequence ends when the firing solenoid 53 is driven three times. That is, the firing solenoid 53 is not driven from the time point Te6 when the third firing solenoid 53 is driven as a blank shot sequence to the time point Te7 when the firing cycle t5 elapses.

In the present embodiment, the voltage of the drive current supplied to the firing solenoid 53 in the three blank shots at the time points Te4 to Te6 is the voltage of the volume signal input when the final firing operation in the firing sequence is performed. It is a voltage value corresponding to, and is a voltage value held by the holding circuit of the launch control circuit 91. In the blank shot sequence, the intensity of the firing operation is controlled based on the voltage value held by the holding circuit, not the voltage of the volume signal input at that time. In the blank shot sequence, the voltage value stored in the holding circuit is not updated even if the launching device 50 performs the launching operation.

As described above, in the blank shot sequence, a plurality of firing motions are performed, and the intensity of the first firing motion among the multiple firing motions in the blank hitting sequence is the last in the firing sequence immediately before the blank hitting sequence is performed. It has the same strength as the firing motion or almost the same strength. Further, the strength of the second and subsequent firing movements in the blank shot sequence is the same strength as or substantially the same strength as the last firing movement in the firing sequence immediately before the blank hitting sequence is performed.

In the blank shot sequence, the subtraction reference signal is not output to the frame control board 80, so that the supply operation of the game ball by the supply device 40 is restricted. In the blank shot sequence of the present embodiment, the firing solenoid 53 is driven up to three times, that is, the firing operation of the launching device 50 is performed up to three times. As described above, in the present embodiment, when the specific condition, which is at least one of the first condition, the second condition, the third condition, and the fourth condition is not satisfied and the firing condition is not satisfied, the supply is provided. A blank shot sequence is performed as an example of a special control (special firing operation) in which the firing operation by the launching device 50 is performed in a state where the supply operation by the device 40 is restricted.

Further, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, if at least one of the first door opening error and the supply inlet sensor error, which are examples of predetermined errors, occurs during the execution of the firing sequence, the firing is prohibited and the firing permission signal is turned off. Transition to. That is, since the first condition is not satisfied and the firing condition is not satisfied, the firing sequence ends and the process shifts to the blank shot sequence. On the other hand, even if another error such as a second door opening error occurs during the execution of the firing sequence, the firing permission signal remains on because the firing allowable state remains. That is, the firing sequence continues without termination based on the occurrence of these errors. Other errors that differ from the first door open error and the supply inlet sensor error are examples of the first error.

In FIG. 16, while the blank shot sequence is being executed under the same conditions as in FIG. 15, at the time point Te10, the touch signal transitions to the on state (the second condition is satisfied), and the launch condition of the game ball is satisfied. Show the situation. In this case, the firing control circuit 91 determines that the firing condition is satisfied at the time point Te11 (determination timing) when the specified time t4 has elapsed from the previous drive of the firing solenoid 53 at the time point Te4, and switches to the firing sequence. The firing control circuit 91 supplies a drive current to the firing solenoid 53 at the time point Te5 when the specified time t1 elapses from the time point Te11, and outputs a subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 80. The voltage of the drive current supplied to the firing solenoid 53 at the time point Te5 is a voltage corresponding to the voltage of the volume signal at the time point. The frame control board 80 drives the supply solenoid 43 based on the subtraction reference signal.

The firing control circuit 91 supplies a driving current to the firing solenoid 53 at the time point Te6 when the firing cycle t5 elapses from the previous driving of the firing solenoid 53 at the time point Te5, and outputs a subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 80. .. The frame control board 80 drives the supply solenoid 43 based on the subtraction reference signal. After that, the firing control circuit 91 repeatedly executes the firing sequence. As described above, even if the launch control circuit 91 of the present embodiment is executing the blank shot sequence, if it is determined at the determination timing that the launch condition of the game ball is satisfied, the next launch solenoid 53 of the launch solenoid 53 The drive is switched to the firing sequence.

As described above, when the blank shot sequence is performed because at least one of the second condition and the third condition is not satisfied while the first condition and the fourth condition are satisfied, the second condition is performed. , And when the firing condition is satisfied by satisfying the third condition, the blank shot sequence ends in the middle and the firing sequence is performed. Further, in the present embodiment, in the firing sequence, the intensity of the firing operation by the launching device 50 is controlled with reference to the operation amount of the firing handle 15 during the firing sequence. On the other hand, in the blank shot sequence, the intensity of the firing operation by the launching device 50 is controlled without referring to the operation amount of the firing handle 15 during the blank hitting sequence.

Here, tentatively, at least one of the first door opening error and the supply inlet sensor error occurs while the blank shot sequence is being executed based on the non-satisfaction of the second condition or the third condition, and the first condition is not satisfied. It shall be. In this case, although the launch control circuit 91 newly turns off the launch permission signal, there is no difference in the situation where the operable condition is not satisfied, and the launch control circuit 91 does not perform a new operation. Therefore, in the launch control circuit 91, even if the first condition is newly unsatisfied, the blank shot sequence being executed is not terminated and is continued. That is, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured to be continued without being terminated based on the occurrence of a specific error when the blank hitting sequence is being performed. The first door opening error and the supply inlet sensor error are examples of specific errors and second errors. In addition, specific errors include iron ball detection errors. As described above, the iron ball detection error is that a game ball having magnetism is detected.

In the launch control circuit 91, even if the number of game balls specified from the data is less than a predetermined number (for example, the number of game balls = 0) when the blank shot sequence is being performed, the blank shot sequence is continued. To. Specifically, the launch control circuit 91 does not satisfy the operable condition even if the number of game balls becomes 0 due to the output of the counting information by the operation of the counting switch 18 during the execution of the blank hitting sequence. It must be the situation, and no new action is taken. That is, the launch control circuit 91 continues the blank hitting sequence even if the number of game balls becomes 0 while the blank hitting sequence is being executed. In one example of the present embodiment, when the blank hitting sequence is being performed, the blank hitting sequence is continued even if the number of game balls specified from the data is less than a predetermined number.

In the firing control circuit 91, if the firing condition is satisfied while the blank shot sequence is being performed, the firing sequence shifts to the firing sequence immediately after the next determination timing. That is, when the blank shot sequence is performed due to the occurrence of an error different from the special error, when the error is resolved, the blank shot sequence ends and the firing sequence is restarted. As described above, in the special control (special sequence), even if the supply passage ball clogging is cleared, the supply solenoid 43 is not driven and the game ball is not fired unless the firing operation is completed at least twice. That is, it does not substantially shift to the firing sequence.

FIG. 17 shows a situation in which the power supply from the outside is cut off at the time point Te21 when the time point Te4 elapses during the execution of the blank shot sequence in the situation shown in FIG. 15 (indicated as power off in the figure). ..

In this case, at the time point Te21, the frame side power cutoff process and the main side power cutoff process are executed, and the stored contents of the RAMs 63 and 83 are retained. At the time point Te21, the launch stop signal is turned on, and the launch permission signal is turned off accordingly. As described above, the backup power supply 89 supplies backup power to the launch control board 90 and the launch device 50 (launch solenoid 53) for the supply time TA after the power supply from the outside is cut off. Here, the supply time TA is set to the same length as the firing cycle t5 or a slightly longer time. Therefore, the launch control circuit 91 performs a blank shot sequence until at least one firing operation by the launching device 50 is completed between the time point Te22 when the supply time TA elapses after the power supply is cut off at the time point Te21. You can continue. That is, the launch control circuit 91 supplies the drive power to the launch solenoid 53 and does not output the subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 80 at the time point Te5 when the power supply cutoff occurs and the time point Te21 has elapsed. After that, at the time point Te6, since the supply of backup power has already stopped, the drive current is not supplied to the firing solenoid 53 (indicated by the broken line in the figure).

It is assumed that the power supply from the outside is restarted at the time point Te23 (indicated as power-on in the figure). In this case, at the time point Te24 when the firing cycle t5 started from the power-on is reached, the firing control circuit 91 does not restart the blank shot sequence that ended in the middle due to the interruption of the power supply (indicated by the broken line in the figure). This is because the launch control circuit 91 is not configured to back up information indicating the progress of the running sequence. When the launch condition of the game ball is newly satisfied, the launch control circuit 91 executes the launch sequence of the game ball based on the establishment of the launch condition. Further, the main control board 60 and the frame control board 80 are restored based on various backed up information, and their respective normal processes are executed. That is, the frame control board 80 updates (adds and subtracts) the number of backed up game balls (number of game balls and number of circulating balls) based on various signals, and displays the number of game balls on the game ball number display device 17 or the like. You can resume the process of doing something. As described above, in the present embodiment, if the blank beating sequence is terminated in the middle due to the interruption of the power supply from the outside during the period in which the blank beating sequence is being performed, the blank beating sequence terminated in the middle is released. , It is not restarted after the power supply from the outside is started. On the other hand, the pachinko gaming machine 10 (frame control board 80) is configured to be able to resume control related to the game from the number of gaming balls whose update has been completed in the middle due to the interruption of the power supply from the outside.

FIG. 18 shows a situation in which the power supply from the outside is cut off at the time point Te31 when the time point Te1 elapses during the execution of the firing sequence in the situation shown in FIG. 15 (indicated as power off in the figure). In this case, at the time point Te31, the frame side power cutoff process and the main side power cutoff process are executed, and the stored contents of the RAMs 63 and 83 are retained. At the time point Te31, the firing stop signal output by the main control board 60 to the frame control board 80 is turned on, and the firing permission signal output by the frame control board 80 is turned off accordingly.

The backup power supply 89 supplies backup power to the launch control board 90 and the launch solenoid 53 for a supply time TA after the power supply from the outside is cut off. Here, the supply time TA is set to the same length as the firing cycle t5 or a slightly longer time. Therefore, the launch control circuit 91 shifts to the blank shot sequence after the power supply is cut off at the time point Te31 until the time point Te32 when the supply time TA elapses, and at least one firing operation by the launching device 50 is performed. Can be completed. That is, the launch control circuit 91 supplies the drive power to the launch solenoid 53 and does not output the subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 80 at the time point Te4 when the power supply cutoff occurs and the time point Te31 has elapsed. After that, at the time points Te5 and Te6, since the supply of backup power has already stopped, the drive current is not supplied to the firing solenoid 53 (indicated by the broken line in the figure).

After that, it is assumed that the power supply from the outside is restarted at the time point Te33 (indicated as power-on in the figure). In this case, as in the situation described with reference to FIG. 17, the launch control circuit 91 does not restart the blank shot sequence that ended in the middle due to the interruption of the power supply. When the launch condition of the game ball is newly satisfied, the launch control circuit 91 executes the launch sequence of the game ball based on the establishment of the launch condition. As described above, in the present embodiment, even when the power supply from the outside is cut off in at least one of the period in which the launch sequence is performed and the period in which the blank shot sequence is performed. The launcher 50 is capable of at least one launch operation after the external power supply is cut off.

With reference to FIG. 12, the relationship between the timing at which the firing condition is not satisfied and the timing at which the blank shot sequence is started will be described. Here, among the execution periods of the repeated firing sequence, the period from the time point Ta7 to the time point Ta10 will be described. In the following description, the period during which the specific conditions (first condition, second condition, and third condition) are not satisfied and the launch condition is not satisfied is referred to as "non-establishment period TN".

When the non-establishment period TN started after the lapse of the time point Ta6 ends before reaching the next determination timing (time point Ta9), the drive period (output time t2) of the firing solenoid 53 is set to the non-establishment period TN. When a part or all is included, the blank shot sequence is not started from the time point Ta10 when the firing cycle t5 comes after the time point Ta9. That is, the firing sequence continues. Further, if the non-establishment period TN started after the elapse of the determination timing (time point Ta9) ends before the time point Ta10 when the firing solenoid 53 is driven next arrives, the blank shot sequence from the time point Ta10. Does not start. That is, the firing sequence continues.

On the other hand, when the determination timing (time point Ta9) is included in the non-establishment period TN started after the lapse of the time point Ta6, when the non-establishment period TN includes the drive period (output time t2) of the firing solenoid 53, And when it is not included, the blank shot sequence is started from the time point Ta10 when the firing cycle t5 comes after the time point Ta9. That is, the firing sequence does not continue.

The effect of this embodiment will be described.
(1-1) According to the present embodiment, the game ball supply operation is performed when a specific condition, which is at least one of the first condition, the second condition, the third condition, and the fourth condition, is not satisfied. When the "launch condition" for performing the launch operation is not satisfied, the launch operation (so-called blank shot) is performed with the supply operation restricted. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation in which the game balls are not fired even though the number of game balls has been subtracted from the data. Therefore, the reliability of the data regarding the number of game balls can be improved.

(1-2) According to the present embodiment, even if the power supply from the outside is cut off, at least one of the firing operations as a blank shot sequence is possible by the backup power. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the occurrence of a situation in which the game balls are not fired even though the number of game balls has been subtracted from the data.

(1-3) According to the present embodiment, since the power can be supplied by the backup power supply 89, "blank shot" can be executed even if the power supply from the outside is cut off.
(1-4) According to the present embodiment, when there is an unlaunched game ball at the launch position 51a, the game ball is the last launch operation in the launch sequence by at least the first launch operation in the blank shot sequence. Fired at the same or approximately the same intensity. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the game ball from being fired at a strength not intended by the player.

(1-5) According to the present embodiment, when there is an unlaunched game ball at the launch position 51a, the game ball is the last launch operation in the launch sequence due to the second and subsequent launch operations in the blank shot sequence. Fired at the same or approximately the same intensity. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the game ball from being fired at a strength not intended by the player.

(1-6) According to the present embodiment, if the firing conditions are satisfied by satisfying the second condition and the third condition during the execution of the blank shot sequence, the firing of the game ball can be promptly resumed. Therefore, it is possible to make it difficult for the player to feel the stress of not firing the game ball.

(1-7) According to this embodiment, an error notification is performed on the performance display monitor 84. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a means for notifying the error separately from the performance display monitor 84, and the pachinko gaming machine 10 can be easily configured.

(1-8) According to the present embodiment, the error notification on the performance display monitor 84 on the back side of the machine and the error notification on the game ball number display device 17 on the front side of the machine have the same or substantially the same start timing. .. Therefore, regardless of whether the mounting frame 11b is in the open state or the closed state, the error notification can be grasped at the same timing.

(1-9) According to the present embodiment, the firing sequence is not interrupted even if an error different from the first door opening error and the supply inlet sensor error occurs, so that a blank shot sequence (blank shot) is required. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of such a situation.

(1-10) According to the present embodiment, even if a first door opening error and a supply inlet sensor error newly occur during the execution of the blank hitting sequence, the blank hitting sequence is not interrupted, so that the unlaunched game ball is released. Even if it exists, the game ball can be reliably fired. Therefore, the reliability of the data regarding the number of game balls can be further improved.

(1-11) According to the present embodiment, the game ball stored as data based on the detection of the game ball used for the game or the game ball that could not be used for the game (so-called foul ball). The number (number of circulating balls) is added. Therefore, the reliability of the data regarding the number of game balls can be further improved.

(1-12) According to the present embodiment, in the blank shot sequence, the voltage value held in the holding circuit of the firing control circuit 91 is used instead of the voltage of the volume signal generated according to the operation amount of the firing handle 15. Based on this, the intensity of the firing motion is controlled. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably suppress the firing of the game ball with the strength not intended by the player.

(1-13) According to the present embodiment, in controlling the intensity of the firing operation, the operation amount (voltage of the volume signal) of the firing handle 15 is not referred to in the blank shot sequence. Therefore, in the blank shot sequence, it is possible to launch the game ball with a strength different from the operation amount of the launch handle 15. That is, regardless of the amount of operation of the firing handle 15, the blank shot can be performed with a strength suitable for the situation at that time.

(1-14) According to the present embodiment, when a special error (for example, a ball jam error in the supply device 40) has occurred, the operation amount of the firing handle 15 (voltage of the volume signal) is referred to. A special sequence is used to hit the ball. Therefore, from the time when the special error is resolved, the game ball can be quickly launched with the strength corresponding to the operation amount of the launch handle 15.

(1-15) According to the present embodiment, according to the special sequence, it is possible to perform a blank shot in response to the occurrence of ball clogging in the supply device 40, and the amount of operation of the firing handle 15 immediately after the ball clogging is cleared. You can shoot a game ball with the strength according to.

(1-16) According to the present embodiment, when a predetermined error (for example, a supply inlet sensor error and a first door opening error) occurs, the firing condition is not satisfied, so that a predetermined error has occurred. Nevertheless, it is possible to prevent the game ball from being continuously fired. Even in such a situation, the reliability of the data regarding the number of game balls can be further improved because the so-called "blank shot" is performed.

(1-17) According to the present embodiment, when the power supply from the outside is cut off, the firing condition is not satisfied. Therefore, when the power supply from the outside is cut off, the firing of the game ball can be stopped promptly. Even in such a situation, the reliability of the data regarding the number of game balls can be further improved because the so-called "blank shot" is performed.

(1-18) According to the present embodiment, when the power supply from the outside is cut off, the main control board 60 is in the signal output state (the firing stop signal is on) instructing the firing stop, and the frame control board 80. Is in a signal output state (launch permission signal is off) instructing that launch is not permitted, and the launch condition is not satisfied. Therefore, since the launch of the game ball can be stopped in conjunction with the operation of the main control board 60 and the frame control board 80, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a discrepancy in the interlocking of the control boards.

(1-19) According to the present embodiment, even if a specific error occurs during the blank hitting sequence, the so-called "blank hitting" can be carried out without interrupting the blank hitting sequence. It is possible to further improve the reliability of the data regarding the number of.

(1-20) According to the present embodiment, the specific error is that a game ball having magnetism is detected. A game ball having magnetism can perform a goto action that affects its behavior by using a magnet, but it cannot be said that a launching motion or a feeding motion is impossible. In the present embodiment, it is possible to launch the game ball and so-called "blank shot" while making it an error that the game ball having magnetism is detected, and it is possible to balance the error detection and the interest of the player. ..

(1-21) According to the present embodiment, the game ball number display device 17 can notify the number of game balls (game ball number), and the game ball number display device 17 is a means for notifying an error. It is also used as. Therefore, the number of game balls and the error can be easily grasped by one means.

(1-22) According to the present embodiment, if the number of game balls specified from the data is less than the predetermined number, the firing condition is not satisfied. Therefore, when the number of game balls is less than the predetermined number, the game balls are fired. Can be stopped promptly. Even in such a situation, the reliability of the data regarding the number of game balls can be further improved because the so-called "blank shot" is performed.

(1-23) According to the present embodiment, when the number of game balls specified from the data is less than a predetermined number, the frame control board 80 indicates a signal output state (a state in which the launch permission signal is off) instructing the launch permission. And the firing condition is not satisfied. Therefore, since the launch of the game ball can be stopped in conjunction with the operation of the frame control board 80, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a discrepancy in the interlocking of the control boards.

(1-24) According to the present embodiment, since the number of game balls that can be specified from the data is displayed on the game ball number display device 17, the number of game balls specified from the data is less than a predetermined number. When the launching motion of the game ball is stopped, the coping method can be easily grasped.

(1-25) According to the present embodiment, even if the number of game balls specified from the data is less than a predetermined number when the blank hit sequence is being performed, the blank hit sequence is continued. Therefore, the reliability of the data regarding the number of game balls can be further improved.

(1-26) According to the present embodiment, since there are a plurality of types of firing prohibited states in which the first condition is not satisfied, the firing sequence can be terminated according to various situations. Further, in any situation, since the so-called "blank shot" is carried out, the reliability of the data regarding the number of game balls can be suitably improved.

(1-27) According to the present embodiment, when the blank shot sequence is being performed, the power supply from the outside is started even if the blank shot sequence is terminated in the middle due to the interruption of the power supply from the outside. Will not resume after a while. Therefore, even if the power supply from the outside is started, the so-called "blank shot" is not restarted, so that it is possible to suppress the hindrance of the control after the start of the power supply from the outside.

(1-28) According to the present embodiment, when the firing sequence or the blank shot sequence is being performed, the launching device 50 fires at least once even when the power supply from the outside is cut off. It is possible to operate. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, even when the power supply from the outside is cut off, it is possible to prevent the game ball from remaining without being fired.

(1-29) According to the present embodiment, the backup power source 89 can supply backup power until the firing cycle t5 in the firing sequence elapses. Therefore, even when the power supply from the outside is cut off, at least one firing operation can be executed.

(1-30) According to the present embodiment, when the third condition is no longer satisfied, the blank shot sequence is executed. In the blank shot sequence when the third condition is not satisfied, the firing solenoid 53 is driven with a voltage corresponding to (substantially corresponding to) the threshold value of the volume signal. That is, the game ball can be launched at the weakest firing intensity that the firing solenoid 53 can drive. Therefore, although almost all the game balls are foul balls, the game balls do not remain at the launch position 51a, and it is possible to suppress the occurrence of discrepancies in the number of game balls and the number of circulating balls.

(1-31) According to the present embodiment, the timing at which the error code display is started on the game ball number display device 17 and the performance display monitor 84 is different from the timing at which the error notification is started on the staging device group ES. Is. Therefore, as an error notification means, error notification can be started at an appropriate timing according to each arrangement position and notification intensity. It can be said that the notification by the staging device group ES has a high appealing power to perception, and the notification intensity is lower than that of a simple error code display.

(1-32) According to the present embodiment, the error notification by the game ball number display device 17 and the performance display monitor 84 is executed before the error notification by the staging device group ES. Therefore, it is possible to precede the error notification mainly for the administrator and then start the error notification that is easy for the player to understand.

(1-33) According to the present embodiment, even if the supply passage ball clogging is cleared during the execution of the special control, if the "blank shot" is not performed a predetermined number of times (twice as an example), the special control (1-33) Special sequence) does not end. Therefore, even though the game balls remain in the supply passage 44a and the launch position 51a, it is possible to suppress the supply of new game balls.

(Second Embodiment)
The pachinko gaming machine 10 of the first embodiment ends the blank hitting sequence in the middle from the time when it is determined that the firing condition is satisfied at the determination timing when the firing condition of the game ball is satisfied during the execution of the blank hitting sequence. And start the firing sequence. On the other hand, the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the second embodiment is different in that the firing sequence is started after the blank hitting sequence is completed. In the blank shot sequence of the present embodiment, the firing solenoid 53 is driven twice, that is, the firing operation of the launching device 50 is performed twice.

As shown in FIG. 19, when the firing condition of the game ball is not re-established during the execution of the blank hitting sequence, the launching device 50 is driven twice, as in the first embodiment. A detailed description will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 20, under the same situation as in FIG. 19, a situation in which the touch signal is changed to the on state at the time point Te10 while the blank shot sequence is being executed from the time point Te4, and the firing condition of the game ball is re-established. Is shown.

In this case, the firing control circuit 91 determines that the firing condition is satisfied at the time point Te11 (determination timing) when the specified time t4 elapses from the previous drive of the firing solenoid 53 at the time point Te4, but continues the blank shot sequence. do. That is, the launch control circuit 91 supplies the drive current to the launch solenoid 53 at the time point Te5 when the predetermined time t1 elapses from the time point Te11, but does not output the subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 80. Therefore, the frame control board 80 does not input the subtraction reference signal and does not drive the supply solenoid 43.

The firing control circuit 91 ends the blank shot sequence and shifts to the firing sequence at the time point Te6 where the firing cycle t5 elapses from the previous driving of the firing solenoid 53 at the time point Te5, and supplies the driving current to the firing solenoid 53. At the same time, the subtraction reference signal is output to the frame control board 80. The frame control board 80 drives the supply solenoid 43 based on the subtraction reference signal. After that, the firing control circuit 91 repeatedly executes the firing sequence. As described above, the launch control circuit 91 of the present embodiment fires until the blank shot sequence is completed even if it is determined at the determination timing that the launch condition of the game ball is satisfied during the blank shot sequence. Do not switch to the sequence.

The effect of this embodiment will be described.
(2-1) According to the present embodiment, even if the firing condition of the game ball is satisfied during the execution of the blank hitting sequence, the firing sequence is started after the blank hitting sequence is completed. That is, it is possible to reliably perform a predetermined number of blank shots. Therefore, the reliability of the data regarding the number of game balls can be further improved.

The above embodiment can be modified and implemented as follows. The above embodiment and the following modified examples can be implemented in combination with each other within a technically consistent range.
-In the present embodiment, the special error is not limited to the clogging of the supply passage ball, but one or more of the errors that can be detected (set) by the CPU 81 are regarded as special errors. It may be configured to execute a special control (special sequence).

In the present embodiment, the launch control circuit 91 outputs a subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 80 at the same timing as the supply of the drive current to the launch solenoid 53, but the drive to the launch solenoid 53 is not limited to this. The subtraction reference signal may be output to the frame control board 80 at the timing when the current supply ends. According to this modification, a program for counting the specified time t2a on the frame control board 80 is not required.

-In the present embodiment, the blank shot sequence is executed when the firing condition is not satisfied because the first condition, the second condition, or the third condition is not satisfied as a specific condition, but the present invention is limited to this. do not have. The blank shot sequence may be executed when the stop signal is turned on and the fourth condition is no longer satisfied. Further, the blank shot sequence may be configured not to be executed when the first condition is no longer satisfied, or may be configured not to be executed when the second condition is no longer satisfied, and the third condition is no longer satisfied. It may be a configuration that is not executed at times. That is, the specific condition can be defined as one or a plurality of conditions that can be arbitrarily selected from the first condition, the second condition, the third condition, and the fourth condition.

-In the present embodiment, the start timing of the error notification in the performance display monitor 84 and the error notification in the game ball number display device 17 are the same, but the start timing is not limited to this, and even if the start timing is different. good. For example, the game ball number display device 17 may be configured to start the error notification earlier than the performance display monitor 84. According to this configuration, it is possible to promptly make the player or the like grasp the error on the front side of the machine. For example, the performance display monitor 84 may be configured to start the error notification earlier than the game ball number display device 17. According to this configuration, when the administrator opens the mounting frame 11b to perform maintenance, the administrator can be made to grasp the error before the player or the like who visually recognizes the machine front side.

-In the present embodiment, the timing at which the error code display is started on the game ball number display device 17 and the performance display monitor 84 is different from the timing at which the error notification is started on the staging device group ES. However, the timing may be the same or substantially the same. Further, the timing at which the error code display is started on the game ball number display device 17 and the performance display monitor 84 may be earlier than the timing at which the error notification is started on the staging device group ES.

-In the present embodiment, one unit of the firing sequence is configured to drive the firing solenoid 53 and output the subtraction reference signal at the same time to drive the supply solenoid 43, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, one unit of the firing sequence may be configured to output the subtraction reference signal first, drive the supply solenoid 43, and end with the driving (that is, firing) of the firing solenoid 53. According to this modification, the firing sequence ends the firing motion of the game ball at the end. Therefore, for example, even if a power failure occurs during the execution of the firing sequence, if the firing sequence can be completed by the backup power, at least one firing operation can be ensured without newly executing the blank shot sequence. That is, even if the power supply from the outside is cut off, at least one of the firing operation as the firing sequence and the firing operation as the blank shot sequence may be configured.

-In the present embodiment, the blank striking sequence is configured not to refer to the voltage of the volume signal, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a part of the blank striking operations included in the blank striking sequence that can be arbitrarily selected. , Or all of them may be configured to supply a drive current according to the voltage of the volume signal at that time. For example, the voltage of the volume signal may be referred to for the second and subsequent firing operations in the blank shot sequence.

-In the present embodiment, in both the period during which the launch sequence is performed and the period during which the blank shot sequence is performed, the launch device 50 fires at least once after the power supply from the outside is cut off. Was configured to enable, but is not limited to this. For example, the backup power supply 89 generates backup power only in one of the period during which the firing sequence is performed and the period during which the blank shot sequence is performed, which can be arbitrarily selected, for the backup power source 90 and the firing solenoid 53. It may be configured to supply to.

-In the present embodiment, the launch control board 90 is provided with a launch control circuit 91 to realize a launch sequence and a blank shot sequence. Not limited to this, the launch control board 90 may include a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and may be configured to execute a launch sequence and a blank shot sequence by arithmetic processing by the CPU. Further, in this modification, the CPU of the launch control board 90 stores information that can identify the progress of the blank shot sequence in the RAM when the power supply from the outside is cut off, and the power supply from the outside is supplied. It may be configured to restart the blank shot sequence when it is reinserted.

-In the present embodiment, among the specified number of blank shot operations (5 times as an example) constituting the blank shot sequence, the firing condition is set before the predetermined specific number of blank shot operations (3 times as an example) are completed. If it is re-established, the configuration may be such that the firing sequence is started after the specified number of blank shot operations are completed. In this modification, if the specified number of blank shot operations are completed, the blank shot sequence may be terminated from the next firing operation in which the firing conditions are satisfied, and the firing sequence may be executed.

-In the present embodiment, as the pachinko gaming machine 10 equipped with the probability change function, a specification that gives a high probability state until the next big hit game, a specification that gives a high probability state until the fall lottery is won (so-called fall machine). Alternatively, a specification (so-called ST machine) that grants a high-probability state until the end of the specified number of variable games can be adopted. Further, as the pachinko gaming machine 10 equipped with the probability change function, a specification (so-called V probability change machine) that gives a high probability state on condition that the game ball passes through a specific area can be adopted. The pachinko gaming machine 10 may have specifications in which the specifications of the falling machine and the specifications of the V probability variable machine are mixed.

-In the present embodiment, as a winning lottery for a special symbol, a small winning lottery may be performed in addition to the big winning lottery. If a small hit is won in the winning lottery, a small hit game (winning game) will be awarded after the end of the special game. In the present embodiment, the number of times (frequency) of winning a small hit per unit time or the small hit game is given per unit time as compared with a normal game state (for example, a low probability low ball entry rate state). It may be configured to be controllable in a state where the number of times (frequency) to be performed is improved (so-called small hit RUSH).

-In the present embodiment, as the pachinko gaming machine 10, specifications classified into the second type, which is also called "wing thing" or "hikoki type", may be adopted. In this type of pachinko gaming machine, the opening / closing blade (opening / closing member) of the ball entry device (large winning opening) opens when the game ball enters the starting port, and the game ball that enters the ball entry device wins a special prize. A big hit game is generated by entering the ball in the mouth.

-In this embodiment, the CPU 61, ROM 62, RAM 63, and random number generation circuit 64 may be configured on one chip.
-In the present embodiment, the specific configuration of the game board 20 may be arbitrarily changed.

In the present embodiment, the staging control board 70 is used as a sub-general control board, a display control board that specially controls the staging display device 19 separately from the staging control board 70, and a light emitting control board that specially controls the staging light emitting device 14. A sound control board that specially controls the staging voice device 12 may be provided. A sub-board may include such a sub-controlled control board and a board that controls other effects. Further, in the embodiment, the CPU 61 and the CPU 71 may be mounted on a single substrate. Further, a display control board, a light emission control board, and a sound control board may be arbitrarily combined to form a single or a plurality of boards.

-In the present embodiment, it is configured as a gaming machine that circulates all of a predetermined amount of gaming media (as an example, a gaming ball), but the present invention is not limited to this, and a part or all of the gaming medium is a game that is outside the gaming machine. It may have a configuration that can be exchanged with a medium.

Next, the technical idea that can be grasped from the above embodiment and the modified example will be described.
(1) The control means includes a launch control unit that controls the launch mechanism and a supply control unit that controls the supply mechanism, and the launch mechanism includes a striking unit that strikes a game ball and the striking unit. The unit has a launch actuator that drives the game ball to hit, and when the launch condition is satisfied, the launch control unit outputs a supply signal in response to the drive of the launch actuator. It is preferable that the supply control unit causes the supply mechanism to perform a supply operation based on the supply signal, and the output time of the supply signal and the drive time of the firing actuator are different in length.

(2) The supply mechanism includes a locking portion that locks the game ball, and a supply actuator that releases the locking portion and drives the game ball to be supplied to the launch mechanism. It is preferable that the output time of the supply signal and the drive time of the supply actuator are different in length.

(3) When the special control is performed because the first condition and the fourth condition are satisfied, but the second condition and the third condition are not satisfied, the second condition is performed. When the firing condition is satisfied by satisfying the condition and the third condition, it is preferable that the special control is terminated in the middle and the normal control is performed.

(4) It is preferable that the base display means capable of displaying information about the base of the game ball is provided, and the base display means is also used as a means for notifying an error.

10 ... Pachinko game machine 15 ... Launch handle 15c ... Launch stop button 17 ... Game ball number display device 20 ... Game board 20a ... Game area 40 ... Supply device 42 ... Movable piece 43 ... Supply solenoid 50 ... Launch device 52 ... Launch hammer 53 … Launch solenoid 60… Main control board 63… RAM
80 ... Frame control board 83 ... RAM
84 ... Performance display monitor 89 ... Backup power supply 90 ... Launch control board 91 ... Launch control circuit D22 ... Supply inlet sensor D23 ... Supply outlet sensor

Claims (4)

In a gaming machine that can store the number of gaming balls as data and is configured to enable gaming based on the data.
A launching operation means that can launch a game ball,
A stop operation means that can stop the launch of the game ball,
A launch mechanism that launches a game ball,
A supply mechanism that supplies game balls to the launch mechanism,
With a control means for performing predetermined control,
The number of game balls stored as the data is subtracted in relation to at least one of the firing motion by the firing mechanism and the supply motion by the supply mechanism.
The first condition, which is a firing allowable state in which the game ball is allowed to be launched, the second condition, which is a contact detection state in which contact with the firing operating means is detected, and the operation amount of the firing operating means exceeds a predetermined amount. The firing condition is satisfied by satisfying all of the third condition, which is the operation detection state in which it is detected, and the fourth condition, which is the non-stop state in which the operation to stop the firing of the game ball is not detected. If it is established, normal control is performed to perform the supply operation by the supply mechanism and the launch operation by the launch mechanism.
When the specific condition, which is at least one of the first condition, the second condition, the third condition, and the fourth condition, is not satisfied and the firing condition is not satisfied, the supply by the supply mechanism is performed. With the movement restricted, special control is performed to perform the firing operation by the firing mechanism.
In the launch prohibited state in which the first condition is not satisfied, there is a state in which the power supply from the outside is cut off.
During the period during which the special control is being performed, if the special control is terminated in the middle due to the interruption of the power supply from the outside, the special control terminated in the middle is after the power supply from the outside is started. Is not restarted, but the game machine is characterized in that control related to the game can be restarted from the number of game balls whose update has been completed in the middle due to the interruption of the power supply from the outside. The control means includes a main control unit, a frame control unit that at least controls the supply mechanism, and a launch control unit that controls the launch mechanism.
When the power supply from the outside is cut off, the main control unit is in a signal output state instructing to stop firing, and the frame control unit is in a signal output state instructing firing disapproval.
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the state in which the power supply from the outside is cut off as the launch prohibited state is a state in which the frame control unit is in a signal output state instructing the launch disapproval. Even when the power supply from the outside is cut off during at least one of the period during which the normal control is performed and the period during which the special control is performed, the launch mechanism still receives power from the outside. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the firing operation is possible at least once after the supply is cut off. Equipped with a backup power supply that can supply power when the power supply from the outside is cut off
When the normal control is performed, the launch mechanism performs a launch operation at predetermined time intervals.
The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the backup power supply can supply electric power to the launching mechanism from the time when the electric power supply from the outside is cut off until at least the predetermined time elapses.

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